10 Questions with Natalie Donato, Honors student and designer of the new Big Fish Lab shark license plate
What drew you to Oregon State University originally?
I enjoy working in labs and learning about marine ecosystems as well as spending time in and around them, and the programs to get into that space and get involved in research as an undergraduate at OSU stood out to me. I also spent time on the Oregon coast growing up, around the tidepools especially, and connections to the vibrant coastal life played a key role in my choice to go to OSU as well.
What is the most exciting or interesting thing you’ve learned as you’ve studied marine biology?
Finding out how intricate and interesting electroreception in marine animals is blew my mind; the fine scale at which they can detect electric fields in their environment is incredible. Electroreception in sharks, skates and rays especially has so many unique details; everything from their ability to detect the bioelectric fields of hidden animal at close range to the variation in the patterns of electroreceptor pores across species is so interesting to me!
What makes you passionate about higher education?
Teaching is a passion of mine, and higher education provides me with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experiences that I can translate into teaching. I especially enjoy sharing what I learn with the help of my artwork, and higher education provides incredible opportunities to get experience and knowledge that inspire my creative practices. I’m also very nerdy and would read even more in my spare time if I could – I genuinely enjoy learning about the intricacies and complexities of animals and ecosystems, especially in marine environments.
How does your love of art enhance your skills as a researcher?
The attention to detail, pattern recognition and graphic design skills that I honed through my love of creating artwork have helped me so much with everything from building research protocols to fieldwork to making figures. But the most helpful skill I have practiced through artwork is creativity. Thinking outside the box to make artwork and be creative is a physical skill and constantly incorporating it into my life through my artwork and hobbies has given me new angles to ask questions and tackle challenges in my research.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
You can take a breath; there’s plenty of time. Initially I wanted to finish my undergraduate degree in three years, stacking up classes and resume builders so I could move on to the next opportunity as soon as possible. As time went on though, I realized that I still had a lot to learn outside of classes. Unexpected experiences, guidance from mentors and looking inward for improvement all take time and support, which college provides. I would tell my younger self to make the most of the time I have here in this transition into the world and to enjoy the journey.
How did you get involved in designing the new license plate?
At the time I had yet to share much of my artwork, despite being an avid illustrator for a while. When the opportunity arose to make a diagram showcasing shark anatomy though, I drew a realistic blue shark that my mentor Dr. Taylor Chapple noticed. He then asked me to sketch a few designs for the license plate, and the rest is history.
What has been your favorite course in college?
Picking a favorite is difficult. There are a lot of great courses at OSU, but my top choice so far is Environmental Physiology. Connecting animal systems to their functions across a variety of species, especially through real-world research examples, makes the class very interesting and engaging. I also enjoy assisting with my research mentor’s course “Introduction to Sharks;” it’s hard to beat actually going into the field and tagging sharks.
Which shark is your favorite and why?
Tasselled wobbegongs. Their appearance lives up to the name, and both are reasons why they are my favorite shark. With their flat body shape and mottled coloration, they camouflage with the seafloor in reefs and lie waiting to ambush their prey from below, a unique hunting strategy compared to most sharks. They’re fascinating, and I highly recommend looking up a picture of them if you haven’t already done so.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I want to get a Ph.D. studying the sensory biology of marine animals, then teach and conduct research at a university level with a lab of my own. My interdisciplinary work is also a key part of my career, so I will continue using my artwork as a science communication tool and creative expression as well. Through that work, I hope that I can inspire students to follow a similar path of intertwining artistic and scientific careers and help carve space for creative pursuits in research settings.
What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?
I really enjoy wildlife photography. Getting out in nature and focusing on finding interesting wildlife has been my favorite way to relax and disconnect from my work. There are so many interesting birds around Oregon, one of my favorite photo subjects, and I can then enjoy the photographs and share them long after the experience. My favorite part is when some birds notice the camera – they’re often very curious and strike some great poses while investigating the shiny camera lens.
To read an interview with Donato by the College of Science, click here.
