Natalie joined the OU E-TEAM as a senior research associate in February 2024. She is a first-generation college graduate, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, with a second major in African American Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She went on to earn two master’s degrees from UCLA – an M.A. in African Studies, and an M.P.H. in Community Health Sciences. Throughout her graduate studies, she spent time in both Kenya and Tanzania supporting health-related research and evaluation projects, and still retains some proficiency in Kiswahili. In addition to her full-time role with E-TEAM, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in Sociology at OU.

Prior to joining the E-TEAM she worked in undergraduate academic advising at both UCLA and OU. She has taught several courses at OU, including Gateway to College Learning, Career Planning for Arts & Sciences Students, and Introduction to Sociology. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for over 11 years and is a proud cat mom to a sassy tabby (Bubby) and handsome tuxedo (Lee Roy). In her free time, she enjoys watching MMA, cooking, and exploring new restaurants.