Steven Pires Email & Phone Number

• Directs cotton sustainability research programs to deliver progress towards industry sustainability goals
• Manages a portfolio of research initiatives aimed at providing a deep understanding of key life cycle assessment methodologies and assumptions associated with the cotton supply chain
• Presents new research findings and emerging cotton sustainability initiatives at key industry conferences and event panels; represents Cotton Incorporated’s Sustainability Division in external public speaking engagements
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams including consumer and supply chain marketing divisions to develop strategic external sustainability messaging
• Develops and publishes original sustainability research in peer reviewed academic journals; positions Cotton Incorporated as a thought leader in the industry through interviews and article contributions

Cary, North Carolina

• Conducted sustainability research and supported Cotton Incorporated’s sustainability initiatives associated with all aspects of the cotton production supply chain
• Managed multiple sustainability research projects to deliver results related to sustainability outcomes and filling key industry data gaps
• Developed original sustainability research published in peer reviewed academic journals

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

• Research focus:
• Quantifying the global consumer ownership of cotton apparel and home textile stocks, evaluating the temporary climate mitigation benefits of biogenic carbon in these products using dynamic life cycle assessment (LCA)
• Addressing the limitations of current LCA methodologies in adequately representing the benefits of temporary biogenic carbon in products with longer lifespans, such as cotton textiles
• Calculating the radiative forcing benefits associated with temporary carbon stocks in cellulosic materials, providing valuable data for brands, retailers, and investors in setting and achieving climate targets
• Exploring the potential impact of a more accurate representation of cotton's global warming potential on consumer preferences and industry-wide adoption of more sustainable practices

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Developed proposals, cost estimates, and work plans for environmental assessment and remediation projects
• Managed multiple project sites with active groundwater treatment systems. Met all NPDES permit requirements associated with operating the treatment systems.
• Controlled project budgets and ensured successful project delivery from planning to execution
• Applied novel data visualization techniques and created conceptual site models used to streamline remedial strategy design (with Earth Volumetric Studio)

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Conducted environmental sampling for a variety of matrices (air, soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater) for both public and private clients
• Created work plans, executed project scope, and drafted technical reports for a variety of contamination assessment and remediation projects
• Team player who applied a broad technical skillset expanding across multiple environmental science and engineering disciplines

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Designed complex stream restoration solutions for imperiled streams
• Performed stream restoration monitoring to fulfill permit obligations associated with the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program requirements

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Helped establish an environmental consulting firm focused on promoting sustainability and specializing in providing life-cycle assessments of products and services to clients
• Wrote proposals, managed projects, and delivered client sustainability reports using LCA metrics
• www.trianglelca.com

• Evaluated the environmental performance of LEED certified residential homes using life-cycle assessment methodologies
• Created and launched a market feasibility study associated with expanding the renewable energy industry in the Southeastern US
• Researched the viability of using a variety of cellulosic materials for biofuel production
• Strengthened independent research and analytical problem solving skills while successfully completing Master’s thesis within the scheduled timeline

Saginaw, Michigan Area

• Enhanced riparian ecosystem function by implementing bioengineering focused stream bank stabilization strategies
• Performed macroinvertebrate water quality sampling while partnering with The Nature Conservancy
• Established a broad appreciation for wildlife and habitat conservation while assisting in wetland delineation and restoration projects

• Confirmed the leaching of nitrogen enriched groundwater from abandoned hog lagoons by quantifying and evaluating the stable isotopic nitrogen signatures of surrounding sample trees
• Presented the research results at the North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium and the Stewards of the Future: Research for Global Sustainability conference
• Performed soil extractions and sample preparations, prepared reagents and solutions, cleaned and decontaminated glassware, completed chemical inventory and safety protocols.

Master Of Science, Forest Biomaterials Science

B.S., Environmental Technology And Management

Activities and Societies: NCSU Cycling Team, Wolfpack Environmental Students Association LifeStraw Project Summa Cum Laude