Natalie is a third-year student at UC Santa Barbara pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Legal Humanities. She is especially interested in the intersection of environmental science, policy, and justice. At UCSB, Natalie conducts research on marine pollution in the San Pedro Basin, assessing the spatial distribution of DDT contaminants. She also participates in native habitat restoration with the UC Natural Reserve System to help our coastal ecosystems thrive.
Natalie is passionate about connecting people with nature through science communication and art. As a Fire in Focus Intern at ForestWatch, she creates social media content to address misconceptions about wildfire in chaparral ecosystems. Through this work, she aims to foster safer communities and a better appreciation of California’s shrublands. She loves Los Padres National Forest, where she often hikes, camps, and paints its beautiful landscapes. In her free time, she also enjoys tidepooling, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Frankie.