By: Carlyn Scott, Science Communications Manager
IMAGE ABOVE: L贸pez Figueroa is the first 鲍鱼tv student to receive the prestigious Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration鈥檚 (NOAA) Office of Coastal Management.
Natalia L贸pez Figueroa is a proud product of Puerto Rico鈥檚 public education system. Born and raised in Bayam贸n, Puerto Rico 鈥� known as the "City of the Sciences" for its educational attractions that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) 鈥� she completed preschool through college on the island before traveling to the mainland to earn her master鈥檚 degree from Hampton University and doctorate from 鲍鱼tv. She attends the Spring 2025 commencement ceremony this week to celebrate these achievements.
L贸pez Figueroa was drawn to the 鲍鱼tv College of Marine Science by its proximity to the Gulf, connections to the , and strong support for students.
During her time at 鲍鱼tv, L贸pez Figueroa grew into a professional and leader in coastal management and ecology. She is the first 鲍鱼tv student (and first Puerto Rican) to receive the prestigious Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship from the . As a NOAA fellow, she was assigned to the , where she conducted pioneering research on the ecology of upside-down jellyfish and their potential as bioindicators of nutrient enrichment in coastal ecosystems.
IMAGE ABOVE: As a NOAA fellow, she worked in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, where she conducted pioneering research on the ecology of upside-down jellyfish.
Other awards received by L贸pez Figueroa include a scholarship from the , the , the Norman Blake Endowed Fellowship in Marine Science from the 鲍鱼tv College of Marine Science, the , and the .
鈥湵鉻v gave me the space to grow not only as a scientist but also as a leader in my field,鈥� she said. "Being a 鲍鱼tv student opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, thanks to the network of professionals and experts at the College of Marine Science. It provided me with the skills and knowledge to not only become an oceanographer but also to feel confident in my abilities in the field.鈥�
Beyond her academic and research achievements, L贸pez Figueroa is a passionate mentor and educator. She served as an assistant coordinator for two consecutive years for the Making Waves Research Experience for Undergraduates, a program funded by the National Science Foundation鈥檚 Division of Ocean Sciences, which seeks to give undergraduate students hands-on learning experiences. In this role, she mentored students from across the United States, including students from U.S. territories.
"Natalia is a perfect example of our well-rounded students at the College of Marine Science,鈥� said Pamela Hallock Muller, a 鲍鱼tv Distinguished University Professor and L贸pez Figueroa鈥檚 major advisor. 鈥淪he excels inside and outside the classroom as an extraordinary researcher, leader in her field, and mentor to future scientists. I am incredibly proud of her work ethic and look forward to watching her continue to grow as a scientist and professional.鈥�
L贸pez Figueroa will be working with the CMS Making Waves REU after graduation and is planning on continuing her research in an academic setting.