CV
Education
| 2020-2024 | Emory University B.S. Environmental Sciences: Ecology & Conservation; Statistics Minor |
Research Interests
Biogeography, spatial ecology, conservation biology, and GIS
Anthropogenic shifts in habitat suitability and organism/assemblage distribution
Forest, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems; ecological restoration
Ecology and conservation of amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and rare plants
Field-based, experiential, and community-engaged learning in ecology
Research Experience
| Jul. 2024-present | NSF Rare Plant RaMP Trainee, Atlanta Botanical Garden Advisors: Dr. Lauren Eserman-Campbell, Amanda Carmichael Phylogenomics to inform species delimitation in the Sarracenia rubra complex |
| 2022-2024 | Undergraduate Honors Researcher, Emory University Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Keogh Habitat use and community ecology in the newly-described Talladega seal salamander (Desmognathus cheaha) |
| May-Aug 2023 | Hollings Scholar, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/UW SAFS Advisors: Drs. Craig Norrie, Paul McElhany, & Shallin Busch Physiological responses of diploid and triploid farmed Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) to climate stressors. |
| 2021-2022 | Undergraduate Researcher, Saikawa Laboratory, Emory University Advisor: Dr. Eri Saikawa Soil and stream sediment contamination in the metro-Atlanta area |
| 2021-2022 | Undergraduate Researcher, Dept. of ENVS, Emory University Advisor: Dr. John Wegner Salamander diversity in university forests and updates to the Emory Forest Management Plan |
Presentations
(* - upcoming)
| 2024 | Chang, N., A. Carmichael, & L. Eserman-Campbell. Investigating genetic diversity and species delimitation across the Sarracenia rubra species complex to inform ex situ conservation and reintroductions. Southeastern Partners in Plant Conservation (SePPCon). Atlanta, GA. Poster presentation. Chang, N., I. Chen, I. Roeske, Y. Covey, K. Coles, M. Chen, C.K. Maki, W. Hutchinson, J. Wegner, & C. Keogh. Community through place: Peer-to-peer mentoring to advance student-led ecological science, practice, and action at Emory University. Ecological Society of America. Long Beach, CA. Oral presentation. Chang, N., W. Hutchinson, & C. Keogh. Microhabitat utilization of the Talladega Seal Salamander (Desmognathus cheaha) and spatial niche partitioning with a co-occurring congener. Ecological Society of America. Long Beach, CA. Poster presentation. Chang, N., W. Hutchinson, & C. Keogh. Patterns in habitat use of the newly-described Talladega seal salamander (Desmognathus cheaha). Southeastern Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. Nauvoo, AL. Speed Talk. Winner, Best Student/Early Career Speed Talk. Chang, N., K. Jackson, P. McElhany, S. Busch, & C. Norrie. Physiological responses of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) of different ploidy groups to spatial variation in environmental conditions. Ocean Sciences Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Poster presentation. Chang, N., W. Hutchinson, & C. Keogh. Patterns in habitat use of the newly-described Talladega seal salamander (Desmognathus cheaha). Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA. Poster presentation. |
| 2023 | Chang, N., K. Jackson, P. McElhany, S. Busch, & C. Norrie. Spatial variation in the physiological responses of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) across ploidy groups. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Science & Education Symposium. Silver Spring, MD. Oral presentation. |
| 2022 | Chang, N., E. Saikawa, T.R. Bowen, L. Fawkes, & F. Sams. Analysis of heavy metals and metalloids in metallurgical slags and stream sediments from the metro-Atlanta area. Emory University Undergraduate Research Summer Symposium. Atlanta, GA. Poster presentation. |
Grants & Funding
| 2024 | Chang, N. Broadening participation in herp conservation: funding for an undergraduate cohort to attend the 2024 Southeastern Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation meeting. Emory University Dept. of Env. Sciences James G. Lester Fund. $3,349. |
| 2023 | Chen, I., N. Chang, & C. Keogh. Okefenokee As Place: Weekend Field Trip to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Ecological Society of America SEEDS Chapter Grant. $970. Chang, N. & C. Keogh. Investigating habitat use and community dynamics of Desmognathus sp. Salamanders in an urban landscape. Emory University Department of Environmental Sciences James G. Lester Fund. $1,359.76 |
| 2021 | Chang, N., C.K. Maki, & J. Wegner. A survey of Agrilus planipennis in Emory University’s campus forests. Emory University Office of Sustainability Initiatives Incentives Fund. $1,050. Maki, C.K., N. Chang, & J. Wegner. Native Pollinator Garden and Campus Reforestation. Emory University Office of Sustainability Initiatives Incentives Fund. $2,200. |
| 2020 | Chang, N. & J. Horvath. Regreening Complex’s Green Roof. Emory University Office of Sustainability Initiatives Incentives Fund. $300. |
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistantships
| Jan-May 2023 | Field Botany (ENVS341). Emory University. |
| Aug-Dec 2022 | Intro to ENVS Field Studies (ENVS131). Emory University. |
Other Work Experience
| 2023-2024 | DEI Program Assistant, Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University. |
| 2021-2024 | Resident/Sophomore Advisor, Office of Residence Life, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. |
| Mar-Dec 2022 | Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator, Saikawa Laboratory, Emory University. |
| 2021-2022 | Intern, Office of Sustainability Initiatives, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. |
| Jun-Aug 2021 | Environmental Education Intern, Sensing Nature LLC, Seminole, FL (virtual). |
Service & Leadership
| 2022-2024 | Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, Dept. of Env. Sciences, Emory University |
| 2022-2024 | Peer Mentor, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Emory University |
| 2021-2024 | University Senate Committee on the Environment, Emory University
|
| 2020-2024 | Founder & Executive Board, Emory Ecological Society (ESA SEEDS Chapter) |
| 2022-2023 | University Climate Action & Resilience Task Force, Emory University |
| 2021-2023 | Forest Restoration Volunteer, Fernbank Museum of Natural History |
| 2021-2022 | Organizing Committee, Symposium on Biological Diversity, Emory University |
Honors & Awards
| 2024 | Boisfeuillet Jones Medal for Servant Leadership, Emory University Elizabeth Long Atwood Undergraduate Research Award, Emory University Libraries SEEDS Travel Award to ESA 2024, Ecological Society of America - SEEDS Program C. Woodbridge Hickox Award, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Emory University |
| 2023 | James G. Lester Scholarship, Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University ENVS Conference Travel Award, Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University |
| 2022 | Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) UNFCCC COP27 Delegate, Emory Climate Talks/Dept. of ENVS, Emory University Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Fellowship, Emory University Robert S. Hascall Sustainability Innovator Award, Office of Sustainability, Emory University GAEP Scholarship, Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals |
| 2021 | Eta Sigma Phi Honorary Society for Classical Studies Jeanne Gold Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, Emory University |
| 2020 | Kohler Co. Scholarship, Kohler Co. |
Additional Information
Field Skills: Plant identification; amphibian surveys; incremental soil sampling
Technical Skills: R, ArcGIS Pro, XRF spectrometry, spectrophotometry, titration, respirometry
Languages: Classical Latin (proficient), German (novice), Middle Egyptian (novice)
Interests: Ancient Mediterranean history, crosswords, camping, climbing, horticulture, aquaria