New Faculty Spotlight: Natalia Malina, Ph.D.

Q: What is your area of specialty/research? 

A: I study the fate of organic contaminants in aquatic environments that pose risks to human and ecosystem health. My research advances our understanding of how parent compounds, introduced into the environment by human activities, transform into daughter compounds through microbial activity or sunlight exposure. I aim to establish the link between environmental drivers of transformation and the toxicological profiles of the resulting contaminant mixtures. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in science? 

A: As a child, I spent countless hours outdoors, playing by the river, climbing trees, and observing frogs. As I grew older, my curiosity deepened, leading me to learn more about environmental issues. This passion, combined with my love for chemistry, naturally guided me toward studying environmental chemistry. During my graduate studies, I realized that becoming a scientist was the most effective way for me to make a meaningful impact in addressing the environmental challenges we face today. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching? 

A: I love witnessing the transformation in students as they gain more knowledge throughout the course. It is particularly rewarding to see them build expertise in the subject and begin asking more challenging questions. 

Q: What attracted you to come work for Florida Atlantic University? 

A: I am enthusiastic about FAU because it is a growing university with a vibrant international community. I wanted to be part of this growth and contribute to its collaborative and supportive environment. I believe that FAU’s atmosphere will be instrumental in addressing global challenges and advancing important research. 

Q: How do you hope to make transformative change in your career? 

A: I aspire to make a transformative impact in my career by building a world-renowned research group. My approach involves tackling significant global challenges and training students to excel in high-quality research. My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical solutions, ensuring that my work not only advances knowledge but also leads to tangible improvements in public health and environmental sustainability.