SCEC taught me the importance of communication with peers and the public and forced me to come up with creative was to communicate facts and ideas, which has become the most valuable tool in my belt both professionally and personally.
Natalie Ballew first entered the UseIT program in 2009 and then loved the work so much that she decided to stay for the next year in 2010. The program was a great way to combine her interest in geology and filmmaking; she was able to use scientific thinking in a creative way to communicate to different groups of people about the importance of understanding earthquake science in potentially risky areas. The skills Natalie has learned while at SCEC of communication, team work, and collecting sound, fact-based information have stretched into her personal life and professional life. The work Natalie did with the Media Team in creating educational scientific videos is how she landed the job she is about to start in the Border Affairs division at TCEQ. Natalie is grateful to SCEC, UseIT, and Dr. Bob for creating the foundation for her to leap into the professional world.
