Natalia Szklaruk
Spreading Knowledge to Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
Originally from Prospect Heights, Illinois, Natalia Szklaruk earned her master's degree from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2023. She now works as an aquatic invasive species educator at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. She shared her thoughts about how her education prepared her for a career in aquatic ecology and conservation.
Natalia Szklaruk works to fight the spread of aquatic invasive species in her job with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
Q: What did you study at Loyola?
I got my bachelor's degree at Loyola in 2021. I majored in environmental science with a concentration in public health and minored in environmental leadership. I graduated in 2023 with a master's degree in environmental science and sustainability. I did the research track in the graduate program and worked in Professor Reuben Keller's Aquatic Invasive Species Lab.
My thesis, titled "Aquatic Invasive Species in Northeast Illinois: Developing Sampling Methods and Determining the Physiological Effects of Poor Water Quality," includes two research projects. In one project, I assessed a standard sampling method to support the widespread monitoring of aquatic invasive species. In the other project, I examined how water quality in the Chicago Area Waterway System impacts the spread of invasive invertebrates, such as the red swamp crayfish, zebra mussels, bloody red shrimp, and invasive scud.
Q: Why did you choose the School of Environmental Sustainability for your graduate education?
A few factors played a role in my decision. The proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan was one factor. I've always been fascinated by aquatic ecology, and being so close to a Great Lake opened up many opportunities I was eager to explore. During my senior year of undergrad, I was fortunate enough to join Dr. Keller's lab. The research I helped conduct inspired me to pursue graduate school and continue that work. The support I received from Dr. Keller and his lab members was one of the biggest reasons I decided to continue with graduate school at Loyola.
Q: How has your career developed since graduating from Loyola?
After graduating, I landed a fantastic job with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG). I continue working in the field of aquatic invasive species by conducting, guiding, and applying research and outreach to help prevent their spread. In my role at IISG, I've learned about the importance of science communication and that scientific research, specifically in invasion biology, truly gains value when effectively communicated to and applied by the public.
Q: What do you do in your current job?
I wear a few different hats at IISG. As an aquatic invasive species educator, I engage in public discourse and outreach and translate science so that it is accessible and digestible to the public. I also serve as a senior scientific specialist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. I conduct qualitative research and analyze the behaviors associated with the spread of aquatic invasive species. Additionally, I facilitate the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative, supporting crayfish managers across the Great Lakes by organizing meetings, events, and research efforts.
Q: How did your experience in SES prepare you for the career you chose to pursue?
My experience in SES gave me the tools and confidence I needed to pursue a career that I'm passionate about. The hands-on learning, research opportunities, and supportive environment prepared me for success. Beyond the academics, the encouragement and support I received from my professors and peers really helped me grow.
Q: What are some of the highlights from your time at Loyola?
The best parts of graduate school at Loyola were the people I met along the way. The support and kindness I received from the community shaped me to be the person (and scientist) I am today.
Q: What do you find most interesting or meaningful about your current work?
Invasive species are almost always spread by human activity--directly or indirectly. It's a people-driven issue. It's a challenge we've created but one we can also solve. Understanding this helps put meaning to my work as a science communicator. The most exciting part of my job is engaging with the public (e.g., retailers, hobbyists, consumers, water recreational users, etc.) and having good conversations about conservation and invasive species prevention. Seeing how scientific research can influence public awareness and action, particularly in the realm of invasive species, is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What did you study at Loyola?
I got my bachelor's degree at Loyola in 2021. I majored in environmental science with a concentration in public health and minored in environmental leadership. I graduated in 2023 with a master's degree in environmental science and sustainability. I did the research track in the graduate program and worked in Professor Reuben Keller's Aquatic Invasive Species Lab.
My thesis, titled "Aquatic Invasive Species in Northeast Illinois: Developing Sampling Methods and Determining the Physiological Effects of Poor Water Quality," includes two research projects. In one project, I assessed a standard sampling method to support the widespread monitoring of aquatic invasive species. In the other project, I examined how water quality in the Chicago Area Waterway System impacts the spread of invasive invertebrates, such as the red swamp crayfish, zebra mussels, bloody red shrimp, and invasive scud.
Q: Why did you choose the School of Environmental Sustainability for your graduate education?
A few factors played a role in my decision. The proximity to Chicago and Lake Michigan was one factor. I've always been fascinated by aquatic ecology, and being so close to a Great Lake opened up many opportunities I was eager to explore. During my senior year of undergrad, I was fortunate enough to join Dr. Keller's lab. The research I helped conduct inspired me to pursue graduate school and continue that work. The support I received from Dr. Keller and his lab members was one of the biggest reasons I decided to continue with graduate school at Loyola.
Q: How has your career developed since graduating from Loyola?
After graduating, I landed a fantastic job with Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG). I continue working in the field of aquatic invasive species by conducting, guiding, and applying research and outreach to help prevent their spread. In my role at IISG, I've learned about the importance of science communication and that scientific research, specifically in invasion biology, truly gains value when effectively communicated to and applied by the public.
Q: What do you do in your current job?
I wear a few different hats at IISG. As an aquatic invasive species educator, I engage in public discourse and outreach and translate science so that it is accessible and digestible to the public. I also serve as a senior scientific specialist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. I conduct qualitative research and analyze the behaviors associated with the spread of aquatic invasive species. Additionally, I facilitate the Invasive Crayfish Collaborative, supporting crayfish managers across the Great Lakes by organizing meetings, events, and research efforts.
Q: How did your experience in SES prepare you for the career you chose to pursue?
My experience in SES gave me the tools and confidence I needed to pursue a career that I'm passionate about. The hands-on learning, research opportunities, and supportive environment prepared me for success. Beyond the academics, the encouragement and support I received from my professors and peers really helped me grow.
Q: What are some of the highlights from your time at Loyola?
The best parts of graduate school at Loyola were the people I met along the way. The support and kindness I received from the community shaped me to be the person (and scientist) I am today.
Q: What do you find most interesting or meaningful about your current work?
Invasive species are almost always spread by human activity--directly or indirectly. It's a people-driven issue. It's a challenge we've created but one we can also solve. Understanding this helps put meaning to my work as a science communicator. The most exciting part of my job is engaging with the public (e.g., retailers, hobbyists, consumers, water recreational users, etc.) and having good conversations about conservation and invasive species prevention. Seeing how scientific research can influence public awareness and action, particularly in the realm of invasive species, is incredibly rewarding.