Staff Spotlight: Marcie Belisle

Questions & Answers

How long have you been affiliated with NC State?

I began working at NC State in the department of Chemistry in August of 1998.

What made you decide to pursue this profession? What got you initially interested in this field?

I always enjoyed science courses, but when I started college, I didn’t know what I wanted to study.  In my 4th semester, I took a beginning chemistry course and loved it.  I took as many courses as I could and then transferred to a 4 year school and later completed a Masters’ degree in chemistry. 

What is your favorite part about working in the Department of Chemistry?

I have always enjoyed working with the graduate students and the undergraduate stockroom assistants. 

Who is a mentor that sticks out in your mind or a person who helped you get to where you are today?

In addition to the professor who sparked my interest in chemistry, I was fortunate to have many great mentors throughout college.  One who stands out was my research advisor, Dr. Lefevre, who was a great role model as well.

What advice would you give to students today in getting started with their careers and finding their path?

I don’t think it is too unusual to not know what you want to do with the rest of your life at 17 or 18.  I would encourage those students to take all the courses they can to discover what interests them and what they can do with those interests.

What is your favorite place on NC State campus and why?

I love visiting JC Raulston Arboretum.  It’s a beautiful place to walk around and learn a bit about plants.

What’s your favorite restaurant to eat at when at work?

Probably the 1887 Bistro in Talley.

What are some of your hobbies/interests?

I enjoy working with animals in various capacities. I actively foster for Freedom Ride Rescue and am involved in several programs through Wake County and Friends of Wake County Animal Center. Currently, I am training with my dog to be a therapy team. With previous therapy dogs, we visited people in senior living centers and other settings.

Another hobby is playing recreational ice hockey with the North Carolina Trailblazers. I grew up playing in upstate NY, and have been playing with the Trailblazers for 20 years.

If money and covid-19 were not an issue, where would you like to spend your next vacation?

I’d like to see Bannf and western Canada. I’d also like to visit my friends in Scotland.

Marcie Belisle