Hello!

I'm Natalie, a Biochemist and Science Communicator

About Me

Welcome to my portfolio! I’m Natalie, a graduating senior at UC Santa Barbara majoring in Biochemistry–Molecular Biology with a minor in Professional Writing. This portfolio was created as the capstone project for my writing minor, bringing together my passion for science and my commitment to clear, impactful communication. Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in scientific research both at UCSB and abroad, experiences that have shaped not only my academic interests but also my approach to sharing complex ideas. My goal is to bridge the gap between academia and the public - whether that means breaking down cutting-edge research, exploring ethical dilemmas in medicine, or reflecting on the realities of academic life. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of my favorite pieces from my time at UCSB, each highlighting my growth and versatility as a writer. Thank you for visiting!

Public Engagement

The Invisible Engine SCRIPT

The written version of my Invisible Engine speech, designed for those who prefer to read rather than listen. It delivers the same message: why fundamental research matters, and why everyone should care.

14th March 2025

Trust, Truth, and Transparency - Vaccine Hesitancy in America

An article that explains the roots of vaccine hesitancy in accessible terms and makes a compelling case for vaccination. Written to inform the general public and persuade skeptics through evidence and empathy.

14th March 2025

Beyond the Lone Genius: The True Story of Kary Mullis and PCR

Part biography, part commentary, this piece examines the life of Kary Mullis, inventor of PCR, and challenges the myth of the solitary scientific genius. It asks us to reconsider who we celebrate in science and why. A personal favorite!

Publish, Perish, or Plagiarize - The Epidemic of Research Fraud

An essay exploring the growing crisis of research fraud in academia. I investigate the pressures driving misconduct and discuss what needs to change to restore trust in scientific research.

Technical Writing

Oops I Did it Again: Integrative Pathways of Injury, Proliferation, and Cell Death in Polycystic Kidney Disease and Relations to Oncogenesis

A comprehensive literature review completed during my capstone internship in the Weimbs Lab. This piece synthesizes current research on injury pathways in polycystic kidney disease and serves as a capstone to two years of lab work.

Strategic Investment - Expanding Private Research Funding in Biomedicine

The second genre of my capstone project - a green paper encouraging private industry to invest in their own research and development. Written in response to reduced government funding, it argues for the long-term benefits of corporate R&D.

13th December 2024

Silencing TULP3 to Inhibit CDCA Pathway: A New Therapy for Polycystic Kidney Disease

A sample research proposal outlining a hypothetical new treatment for polycystic kidney disease. This piece demonstrates my ability to design and communicate scientific projects from the ground up. Please admit me to grad school.

2nd August 2024

Ciliary Inhibition in Caenorhabditis elegans Using Colchicine and Lithium Chloride

Baby's first full-length research paper, exploring the roles of Hedgehog and Wnt signaling in C. elegans. This project marked my introduction to academic research writing and laid the foundation for my later work.

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