Natalie was selected from a large number of high quality
applicants to pursue the role of working with Antarctica New
Zealand's environmental team on the Crater Hill windfarm in
Antarctica, and as an ambassador for the continent.
Natalie grew up on a dairy farm in the Waikato and thrived on
farm life. At six years old she went on her first over night tramp
and has continued to experience New Zealand's wilderness ever
since. Amongst skiing, canoeing, tramping and diving, Natalie has
also had the opportunity to sail on board a 10-day Spirit of New
Zealand voyage during the summer of 2003. She was also a member of
the 11-strong New Zealand contingent to partake in the 3rd APEC
Youth Science Festival held in Beijing, China in 2004.
Natalie has recently completed her Master of Science in Earth
Sciences and Geochemistry gaining first class honours in her post
graduate studies. Over the years Natalie has won a number of awards
and scholarships including the Royal Society of New Zealand, James
Duncan Science Scholarship at the 2002 Genesis Energy National
Science and Technology Fair, the David Johnston Memorial Trust
scholarship, Alumni Association Masters Scholarship, University of
Waikato Masters Research Scholarship, Science and Engineering
Masters Fees Award, and awards at both student and national
conferences throughout 2007 and 2008, including the student award
for the Geochemistry division of the National Geosciences
Conference (2008).
Natalie has worked as an environmental monitoring technician in
both council (Auckland Regional Council) and consultancy (SKM)
settings and is currently the Senior Tutor within the Earth and
Ocean Sciences Department at the University of Waikato. She fosters
a real passion for the Antarctic environment and is excited by the
prospect of being the 2009 Antarctic Youth Ambassador; a role which
she believes will not only fulfil her dream of going to Antarctica,
but give her the opportunity to share her experience with others
and ignite a similar passion for Antarctica within young New
Zealanders. "When I return from the ice I will be able to use my
ambassador role to talk to people about my experience and new-found
knowledge, and hopefully it will encourage and inspire a passion
for Antarctica" Natalie said.