Natalie Sprague

Name: Natalie Sprague

Hometown: DuBois, PA

Anticipated graduation: Spring 2023

Major: Ocean Sciences & Coastal Studies with a concentration in Physical Oceanography

Minor: Mathematics, Computer Science

Internships/Research/Projects:

I was a fellow for the McNairy Library Research Fellowship program where I learned how to properly conduct research, present research, and collaborate with others in the research process. This is the program that helped me jumpstart my thesis. I am currently working on a thesis that investigates the state of dissolved oxygen in the Longhurst Provinces. I have presented my preliminary results at the Ocean Sciences Meeting Conference 2022, the 2022 NCUR conference, and Made in Millersville 2022. This project is projected to be completed in February 2023.

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

I have always had a passion for science, but I chose this major due to its interdisciplinary nature. Oceanography is a blend of math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more! My inspiration for my research came from reading scientific articles about the topic. Dissolved oxygen concentration in the ocean is a complex topic but still manageable for my skill level.

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

The highlight of my research was seeing my poster on the Ocean Science Meeting Conference website because it was a great achievement.

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

Research can be difficult, tedious, and it will challenge your problem-solving skills. Yet, it is the most rewarding thing, academically, that I have worked on.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):

My best advice is to use the resources on campus to be as successful as you can be and to never turn down an opportunity because you think you are not worthy.

Aspirations (upon graduation):

My goal is to attend graduate school to obtain a master's in Physical Oceanography after graduating from MU.