Graduate Student Spotlights
The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies showcases our graduate students' remarkabe achievements, creative endeavors, research, service, and experiences. Each spotlight offers a look at their academic journey, projects, and contributions to App State and their field. We celebrate our talented graduate students and their passion for their studies and contributions to the larger community.
Grad Student Profile:
Natalee Jamerson
Natalee is a second year dual degree student in the Industrial Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management and the Applied Data Analytics programs. During her second year working professionally for her sorority as a Leadership Consultant, Natalee began reflecting on what she loved about her current work and what she wanted out of her future. She reconnected with one of her undergraduate professors who introduced her to the field of industrial organizational psychology. She selected the program at App State because of the program name recognition and the avenue to future job opportunities. Natalee has most enjoyed her applied data analytics classes and her internship with NASA.
On campus Natalee is involved as a graduate assistant in Fraternity and Sorority Life, a Graduate Ambassador, and as GSGA president. Reflecting on her time in GSGA, Natalee values the opportunities she’s had to gain professional connections, learn more about campus committees, and meet new people. As an out of state student, she’s found the best part of GSGA to be meeting incredible people across graduate programs and working alongside them to create GSGA events. Natalee shared “Every day I'm amazed at the immense collective power of our graduate students here at App and I'm so thankful I've had this opportunity to work with a few of them.”
Natalee’s favorite spot on campus is the Campus Activities Office. If she ever needs a brain break, you can find her in the office losing a Mario Cart Race on the Nintendo Switch. After graduation, Natalee will be moving to Northern Virginia to begin working as a Change Manager with the Navy Federal Credit Union.
Grad Student Profile:
Jonathan Culpepper
Jonathan is a Raleigh native and is pursuing his Master of Science in Technology with a concentration in Sustainable Building Design & Construction. His interest in the environment developed during his childhood as he participated in camping and canoeing in Ashe County, NC. During his undergraduate education at Appalachian State, Jonathan participated in the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge through the U.S. Department of Energy which developed his interest in pursuing graduate education focused on sustainable design. He values the hands on experience which is prioritized in his program.
Jonathan's research addresses the complex nature of carbon emission reduction of concrete construction. Cement, an ingredient in concrete, contributes 8% of global carbon admissions. Jonathan looks at ratios of replacement up to 25%, a combination of 15% fly ash and 10% biochar. In January of 2025, Jonathan presented this research during App State's 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition and was awarded first place. His success came from several weeks of content development and practice. He credits his girlfriend with helping him prepare to meet the three minute time limit.
After graduation, Jonathan plans to work with Terracon, a civil engineering firm. He will serve as a building enclosure consultant assisting architects, engineers, and builders. Jonathan is excited to work through his passion of building durable, resilient, and high performing structures.