Thank you to Patricia Autrey of Flex Realty in Prescott for her Gold sponsorship to GEM, as well as donating brisket for our 2nd Anniversary Bash on 3/31 and the use of her chafing dishes. Learn more about Patricia and Flex Realty here.

GEM is greatly appreciative for the community support we've received for this event and would like to thank all our gracious sponsors.

G.E.M. Environmental is excited to share another new addition to our monthly blog series - Science Stories. Each month, we interview a STEM scholar, student, or community member and ask them things like why they believe the STEM fields are important, how they got started in their field, to what they would do if they hit the jackpot. We hope that our new blog series will inspire, introduce a variety of fields, and create new conversations. 

Our guest this month is Natalie Madara-Yagla, Marine Biology student at Yavapai College. After she graduates, Natalie plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in Monterey, CA.

Why do you believe that the STEM fields are important?
I believe that the STEM fields are important because it is the future of how our country will flourish. It also shows and let's people know what is going on in the world.

How and why did you get involved in the STEM fields?
What sparked an interest in one of the STEM fields, biology, was when I went to Costa Rica. I got to go snorkeling and while that was happening the tour guides let me hold some animals. The animals were a baby octopus, a puffer fish, and also a star fish. As soon as I held them, I knew this was the thing for me.

Can you describe another aspect of your life or career that is influenced or enriched by the STEM fields that people would find surprising?
I used to go surveying with my mom, who is a wildlife biologist. I went bird and owl surveying (where you count how many birds and what kind), then record. It was a lot of fun and that experience started this journey of working in the STEM fields.

What inspires you in your current position/role?
What inspires me the most in my position is seeing that the animals and the ocean need help. That inspires me to want to help so that the other generations can enjoy what we are enjoying at this moment.

What work experiences (past or present) have been the most educational for you, and why?
The most educational work experience for me was working on the surveys with my mom because it allowed me to see what she did as a job. It also let me explore some of the STEM careers (even though it is one job out of a million they have).

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
My favorite hobby is to draw. I can basically do every medium, but I mostly do pencil, watercolor, and acrylic. It lets me relax and have fun at the same time. I also like to hike and shoot.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
The funniest thing that has happened to me lately was that I had to go to physical therapy and my friend and I just brought out bikes from spring break. We decided it would be so fun to go riding since we just got them. We started to go and we were dying with exhaustion going up all the hills. We did not realize how many hills there were! So let's just say it's been 2 or 3 weeks since we've rode the bikes since.

You won $10 million in the lotto. What would you do?
If I won that much money I would buy myself an aquarium. I would love for that to happen so I can see all the animals and help them out.

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Thanks for sharing, Natalie, and wish you the best of luck on your Marine Biology adventures.

Check back next month for more Science Stories. Want to be featured? Contact us.

Curious about what raffle prizes we'll be giving away at our 2nd Anniversary Bash next week? Read the complete list below. Remember, you can get FREE raffle tickets if you make an online charitable donation to GEM in any amount at azgives.org/gemenvironmental. You can also purchase tickets at the event. You won't want to miss it!

-Shampoo, cut, and style at Penelope's Salon Boutique
-Massage certificate from LH Wellness in Chino Valley
-Massage certificate from Rhonda Hamilton Massage Therapy in Chino Valley
-Gift certificates for Nick's Feed Your Face x2
-Gift certificates for Jason's Deli x2
-Handmade cards for any occasion or holiday
-Armorall car wash bucket
-Arizona Diamond Backs Bobble Heads and 2 game tickets!
-A travel and luggage set
-3 month membership to Anytime Fitness
-Ruger Merchandise Promotional Bucket
-Tactical accessory kit for gun enthusiasts x2
-Watter's Garden Supply planter box and gift certificate.
-Gourmia Healthy Frozen Treat Maker
-Milwaukee battery operated Sawzall
-Mr. Heater portable propane heater
-Peet Dryer electronic footwear dryer
-MAC portable folding hammock

Many of these items were donated courtesy of ACE Hardware of Prescott Valley totaling to over $350. GEM appreciates all the support we’ve received from local business and would like to give a special shout out to ACE for their wonderful contribution and joining our Gold sponsor list.

Our second series of lectures is underway at Yavapai College as part of our Field Experience Program. This program offers hands-on science education for underserved college students by providing engaging activities, including field trips where students apply their knowledge, broaden perspectives on conservation, and gain insight into managing public lands.

Scroll down to learn more about our latest lecturers and the exciting topics covered in Dr. Boyd's Geology 102 and 110 courses.

Annette Sunda (Geology 102):  Annette is a Graduate Student in Computer Science at Regis University. She is also a former GEM scholarship recipient. You can read her Scholarship Success Story here.

Annette's lecture started with her experience in various internships which led her to her current research. She spoke about sediment transport along southern California beaches and how that is correlated to beach shape and beach shape is correlated to biodiversity richness along the beach. A brief history of research related to sediment transport on Mars was given, as well as a quick bit of background on what analogs are and why she uses them.

Annette also shared her current research project and encouraged the group to apply for any internship opportunities they can find.

Sarah Robinson (Geology 110): Sarah is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at NAU and the  Education and Outreach Program Manager for the EarthScope National Office.

Sarah discussed her current research in geophysics and how it allows us to use seismic data to image deep inside the Earth, similar to a CAT scan of our bodies. This data can provide insights into earthquake and volcanic hazards and help us understand more about plate tectonics. Sarah's research has aided in providing a better understanding of seismic hazards and the earthquake cycle, as well as understanding a special type of subduction zone known as "flat-slab subduction".

The next series of lecturers is scheduled for April, followed by a field trip to Drake Cement Mine this summer.

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In case you missed it, we are holding a fundraiser to support this program on Sunday, March 31st in Prescott. Details can be found here. We hope you can make it.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of native and exotic animals, has graciously donated the following for our 2nd Anniversary Celebration raffle on March 31st:

• A full year of free regular admission for up to 5 people (that's an $85 value!)
• Reduced admission for special events (WildLights, Boo at the Zoo, etc.)
• 10% Gift Shop discount on all items except special sales and food
• 10% OFF venue and event rentals here at the zoo. Click here for more information .
  
• One year of our Wild Impressions newsletter, an update on all things happening at the sanctuary, mailed or emailed to your home on a quarterly basis.
• Discounts at many other zoos and aquariums around the country (click here to see list of other facilities with reciprocal agreements).

From all of us at G.E.M. Environmental, thank you Heritage Park Zoo for your generous donation. We are extremely excited to give this incredible prize package away to one lucky winner.