Natalie Chazal
In 2023, Chazal completed her Master's of Biological and Agricultural Systems Analysis degree. Her advisor was Natalie Nelson, and her research focused on leveraging bacterial water quality data from regulatory shellfish sanitation programs to do both a historical water quality trend test across the coast of North Carolina and develop predictive models to inform short-term bacterial water quality across the coast of Florida.
Life in BAE
“I absolutely loved my experience in BAE at NC State. One of the standout aspects was the interconnectedness of the BAE community with various organizations and communities, providing abundant opportunities for learning and collaboration. Through my research, I had the privilege of learning from experts at institutions like the NC State Climate Office, NOAA, NCDEQ, and the National Weather Service. The skills I cultivated in Dr. Nelson’s lab have been instrumental in opening doors for me in these next steps of my academic journey. Beyond academia, BAE was such a tight knit community with so many opportunities for engagement. From Diwali potlucks and NC State farm tours to career fairs, there was always something going on to bring us together. BAE not only equipped me with the necessary professional skills but also nurtured a sense of belonging and support that has been so important in shaping my academic and personal growth.”
“Your journey at NC State is not just about earning a degree, it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and growth that will enrich your experience in the present and serve you well in the future.”Chazal
Career Path
“My journey began with undergraduate majors in animal science and zoology at NC State, where I developed a keen interest in utilizing geospatial analytics to delve into the realms of ecology and marine sciences, particularly in the context of resource management and conservation. Working with Dr. Natalie Nelson during my master’s journey proved to be invaluable. Beyond honing technical coding and modeling skills, I had the opportunity to translate my research into tangible outcomes for water quality management in North Carolina. Moreover, I grew confident in my abilities as a public speaker through numerous conference presentations, cultivated a robust support network, and gained experience in the full process of taking a project from analysis to publication in a supportive environment. As I had worked through my master’s degree, I knew I wanted to continue along this trajectory and pursue a Ph.D. Despite the wealth of experiences I gained in BAE, my passions led me to pivot towards a focus on animal ecology, which led me to pursue a Ph.D. program in Wildlife Science at Oregon State University. Here, I am fortunate to be part of the Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab within the Marine Mammal Institute. Currently, my research revolves around characterizing zooplankton prey availability through recreational echosounder data and investigating skin disease and scarring of Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales through photographic analysis. My time at NCSU has undeniably prepared me exceptionally well for this next chapter of my academic journey.”
To Current BAE Students
“Embrace the abundance of resources and opportunities available to you at NC State! Attend seminars, workshops, talks, and actively engage in fieldwork and extracurriculars alongside your peers. The connections you forge and the knowledge you gain from these experiences can be invaluable for your future career. Personal and professional growth often stems from unexpected encounters and diverse perspectives! Moreover, don’t underestimate the power of fostering your own curiosity and exploration during your time at NC State. Take the initiative to delve into subjects that pique your interest, whether they align directly with your research or not. These moments of exploration can lead to new passions, insights, and ultimately, shape your career trajectory in ways you may not anticipate. Your journey at NC State is not just about earning a degree, it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous learning and growth that will enrich your experience in the present and serve you well in the future.”