Journey to Discovery

Overview

Meet Natalia, an inspiring third-year biology major at the University of Florida. Today, she embarks on another day of field research that not only propels her career forward but also fuels her deep passion for conservation. As a proud Latina, Natalia stands as a powerful advocate for women in STEM, bringing a vital perspective to the field.

Natalia madrid

"I think that as a Hispanic person in science, it's important that I do my part in serving as a role model,"

Natalia has embarked on an exciting research project with the University of Florida, where she has the incredible opportunity to study nematodes in Nebraska. This endeavor aims to uncover valuable insights about alkaline soil environments. Nematodes, as vital bioindicators, empower scientists to assess the health of ecosystems and understand the profound changes happening around our world.

Dr. Dorota Porazinska

Meet her her professor Dr. Dorota Porazinska , who has been in the field of nematology for 27 years, since she graduated with her PHD in 98’.

“I am an associate professor at the University of Florida in the Department of Entomology and Nematology.” , Dr. Dorota Porazinska

Collecting the Nematoads

Nematodes, often referred to as bioindicators, play a vital role in assessing the health and dynamics of ecosystems around the globe. Their presence and diversity provide valuable insights into environmental changes, allowing scientists to monitor ecological well-being and detect shifts in habitat conditions effectively.
“We are at the Lake Crescent National Wildlife Refuge, and we are here on an NSF grant that aims to discover new nematode species that reside in the alkaline lakes of the Sandhills.”

Dr. Dorota Porazinska , Professor at the University of Florida

"I think that as a Hispanic person in science, it's important that I do my part in serving as a role model,"

Natalia Madrid, Undergraduate Biology Major at the University of Florida

Natalia's studies at the University of Florida have empowered her to specialize in often overlooked areas of biology, igniting her passion for non-human life that encompasses the wonders of plants, animals, and microscopic organisms.

“Honestly, I, I didn't really have any expectations. I, I thought that this was going to be, like any field experience I've had a couple in the past”

Natalia Madrid, Undergraduate Biology Major at the University of Florida

"What do you hope is an outcome, maybe of this project or an outcome of, getting involved in projects like this?" she reflects. For Natalia, the answer lies in using her research to foster a better understanding of biodiversity and the implementation of effective conservation strategies. Through her work, she hopes to enhance public understanding and appreciation of ecological systems, which are often overlooked yet critical to our planet's health

Natalia embarked on a thrilling journey through the landscapes of the Nebraska Sandhills, venturing outside her comfort zone. This experience marked a big moment for her, as it was one of her first opportunities to immerse herself in the field while working on a groundbreaking nematode project.

The samples of high alkaline nematodes were successfully collected in Nebraska.