2017-2018 Avatar: Natalie Ngong

Natalie Ngong; A Bio

Primary Interests

Biology (Ecology/ Animal Behavior)

Medicine

Research & Study Abroad Experiences

While I’ve attended The Gatton Academy, I have been part of the Genome class, which involves research on bacteriophages or viruses that infect bacteria. I have also been part of songbird research in Alaska (specifically studying the impact of the continuous sunlight on their circadian rhythm, and specifically their ability to rear their chicks)

I studied abroad in Costa Rica during The Gatton Academy’s Costa Rican Biodiversity class with 17 other students, this course was taught by Dr. Stone. This trip gave a diversity of experiences in Costa Rican biodiversity first by giving us the opportunity to work with endangered Leatherback Turtles, by helping to monitor their nesting habits on Playa Grande, then an opportunity to travel to Cloud Bridge, a cloud rainforest in the mountains where we had the ability to form small groups and develop research topics based on specific observations of specimen in the cloud forest.

Background

I attended DuPont Manual High school in Louisville, KY. While in Louisville, I did research on the impact of glutamine on the efficiency of cardiac stem cells. I swam competitively for 10 years and played soccer, as well as ran cross country. I volunteered as swim coach for a local summer team (the Hammerheads), and participated in World Quest, Design with a Purpose, and Speech & Debate. I developed my interest in science by participating in annual science fairs at my home school, and researching topics of interest at the University of Louisville.