Natalie grew up in San Diego, California.  As a kid she preferred animal documentaries over cartoons and excelled at sports.  Those proclivities evidently set the trajectory for her collegiate pursuits.  At California State University, Fresno, Natalie majored in biology, minored in chemistry, and eared a lacrosse scholarship.  Her passion for research, animals, and the environment led her to obtain a Master of Science in biology also at California State University, Fresno.  Some of Natalie’s hobbies include hiking, cooking (especially trying new recipes), fishing, and spending time with friends and family.