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Office of Global Engagement

Global Alumni Spotlight: Alumna Returns Home Equipped with New Skills to Advance Her Career

January 19, 2022

Technologists (Ts) Dr. Judith Gisip, class of 2015, obtained her doctorate in Forest Biomaterials from the College of Natural Resources. Dr. Gisip first heard of NC State from a professor of hers: “I was inspired by my late lecturer who attended NC State. He was teaching a course in my class when I was taking a diploma in 1997. He said, ‘go to the US, it’s a beautiful country’. Since that moment, I have been very committed to my dream.”

Journey to NC State

When she completed her bachelor’s degree in Furniture Technology at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, she was committed to attending university in the United States even keeping a small map of the U.S. in her purse to memorize all the states. After receiving a scholarship from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the Malaysian Public Service Department she attended Purdue University for her master’s degree in wood science and technology. She took this knowledge and returned to Malaysia to work as a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Since Judith knew she also wanted to earn her Ph.D. she applied for the coveted staff scholarship from her institution and was awarded the funding to pursue this advanced degree. She joined NC State in 2009 where she was also offered a research assistantship under the Wood Machining and Tooling Research Program (WMTRP) in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. While not an easy journey, Dr. Judith Gisip is extremely proud of what she was able to accomplish while at NC State.

Judith Gisip - Class Trip to Uniboard

“It was quite challenging to finish my doctoral degree as a mother and wife. Although it took me 6 years to complete my Ph.D., it was all worth it. I presented my research findings at the 22nd International Wood Machining Seminar in Quebec City, Canada in June 2015. It felt like a celebratory trip for me after successfully obtaining my doctoral degree.”

America in Her Eyes

While photography was a natural passion for her, she also practiced modeling by serving as a student model appearing in places such as the Technician, the campus directory, NC State’s university website, and even appearing in the 125 Years: Tradition and Transformation promo video. Judith recalls that “I really enjoyed the experience and I was proud of myself for doing something that I had never done before.”

Reflecting Back

Dr. Judith Gisip’s time at NC State has allowed her to continue to grow within her career as a Senior Lecturer in the Eco-Technology Program at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). With benefits such as the state-of-the-art equipment used to gain hands-on experience and the exposure to technological advancement, Dr. Gisip is extremely grateful for her time at NC State. From pumpkin carving activities at ES King Village to hosting an exhibition booth showcasing Malaysian culture at the 25th International Festival of Raleigh, she continues to keep each of these memories close to her heart.