Fellow Highlight: Nathalie Larios Chavez

Meet Nathalie Larios Chavez

Nathalie Larios Chavez is a recent graduate from California State University, Bakersfield, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental resource management. This summer, she completed a research project at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory where she developed an understanding of underground hydrogen storage and hydrogen flow in porous rocks. She characterized rock properties and analyzed pore structures and chemistry of the rock surfaces. She also observed flow experiments to further understand the transport ability of the rock porous media.

Through her MLEF research experience, Nathalie gained practice in laboratory methods that can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable energy source. She also learned about the various policies and regulations that help mitigate emissions. This relates to her future hopes of pursuing a master’s in environmental policy and management. Nathalie hopes to be an advocate for more equitable, sustainable, and innovative practices for environmental protection and conservation, especially in terms of how environmental policy affects minority communities.

Nathalie’s various past opportunities have helped solidify her interest in environmental resource management, such as learning about the negative effects of human development on the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park and working at the Kern National Wildlife Refuge researching the endangered Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew and San Joaquin kit fox. Outside of her academic endeavors, Nathalie enjoys watching movies and TV, specifically The Office, 10 Things I Hate About You, and That 70’s Show.

Research project: Subsurface Science for Sustainable Energy: Analyzing Porous Media for Underground Storage