From the class of 2026, PUC alumna and Angwin native Natalia Marron is one of the School of Sciences’ newest staff members. As the executive assistant and lab supervisor, she supports all the departments and students under the School of Sciences. From biology and chemistry to math and data science, behavioral sciences, and kinesiology, she helps promote their departments, does daily check-ins with each one and their student workers to make sure everyone is set up for success.

Throughout her undergraduate years, Natalia worked for the nursing department and was the student office assistant for facilities. While pursuing her bachelor’s in social work, she also finished her internship at Duffy’s Rehab in Calistoga, where she was a counselor for clients who dealt with drug and alcohol issues and conducted assessments. 

While Natalia was on the hunt for a job after graduation, the decision to accept this position came unexpectedly fast. With the hope of one day owning her own therapy practice, she saw this job with the School of Sciences as an opportunity to gain more administrative experience. After her interview, Natalia had a good feeling about accepting the job, especially with the team feeling like a family, which is what she was looking for in a workplace. 

“PUC has always been my home,” said Natalia. “I think like many, I always had dreams of moving away, living somewhere else, and entering a different chapter of life as soon as I graduated. However, after a lot of prayer, it has definitely felt like God was asking me to stay near this campus for the foreseeable future. PUC has a special place in my heart, and I think all of us want to see this school succeed in every department.”

What are you most looking forward to with your department this upcoming school year?

I’m excited to hit the ground running. This will be a new role for me, and I know a lot of growth is going to happen. So, I am so excited to be a part of the SoS team, be more involved with the students, get to know everyone on a more personal level, and be part of a space where we have exceptional people doing exceptional things. I am also super excited for the lab that involves baby chicks. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences?  

Growing up, I was a total science girly. For almost my whole life I wanted to go to medical school to become an ER physician. I have always loved anything involving anatomy, dissections, creepy crawlies, and biology was always my favorite subject throughout elementary and high school. I struggled a lot with deciding on what degree I wanted to do in college, and I tried different careers such as biomedical technology and nursing. Eventually I found my way to the behavioral sciences and fell in love with it. 

What truly inspired me to pursue social work was my love and passion for mental health and recognizing how many people need someone in their corner. I love how social work pairs the psychology of people and understanding of human behavior with also advocating for real solutions to real problems for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. My internship really solidified that the behavioral sciences is my home, and I love that it can be applied everywhere.   

What specific area of science or research are you most passionate about?  

I have recently been interested in health psychology and how our mental and social health, as well as biological factors, affect the human body in terms of physical health, predisposition to illness, and recovery time. I think there has been a stigma around mental health, and it feels like in recent decades we have made large strides towards breaking down barriers and stereotypes of mental illness and disorders, and I think research and areas of study such as health psychology prove just how important mental health is, and how social factors heavily influence wellbeing.  

What would students be surprised to find out about you? 

Something surprising about me is that I am a big baker and cook. In another life, I would own a little breakfast- brunch spot and have my own bakery. I’ll stay up till midnight because all of a sudden I feel that is the appropriate time to make bread. My specialty is making birthday cakes, and while they don’t look as clean-cut as what you see on Pinterest, they definitely taste Pinterest-worthy.  

What have you enjoyed about living in the Napa Valley? 

I think my favorite part of living in the valley is the mountains. Nothing beats the view, especially as the sun is setting, and you see the silhouette of the peaks and the pine trees. I love the simplicity of life here and being able to open your window at night and hear only the crickets and the occasional car. I feel a lot of peace living here, and you definitely learn to appreciate the little things.

What are your favorite restaurants or cafés in the Napa Valley? 

As an Angwin native, I have my local favorites since I’ve been here my whole life. Believe it or not, the sandwiches you get at the Sunshine Market Deli in Saint Helena are so good and a lot cheaper than Giugnie’s (I said what I said). Perry’s Deli in Middletown also has some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen is amazing for Nepalese/Indian, and Gillwood’s Cafe is my go-to breakfast spot. 

If you want a quick coffee and pastry, Model Bakery is a classic, but Oakville Grocery is definitely overlooked and is worth trying. If you’re willing to make the drive, Brother’s Cafe in Santa Rosa has insanely good breakfast burritos, and Falafel Hut on 4^th Street has some of the best Mediterranean food around. El Taco Feliz in Calistoga is my favorite taco truck. The list goes on and on. As you can tell, I’m a foodie.

Where is your dream vacation? 

My dream vacation would probably have to be a tropical beach getaway, somewhere like Belize, Costa Rica, or Panama. I love to snorkel and swim, but most of all I love the clear blue waters that we don’t get here in Northern California. So, a vacation where I can just sit on the beach all day and have fresh fruit would be my perfect way to relax.  

What are your favorite self-care routines?  

Self-care for me looks like ordering some DoorDash or getting takeout, going home, putting a face mask on, and watching a movie, preferably a franchise that has multiple movies like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. I am naturally a bit of a couch potato, and I love just sitting on my couch with a bunch of fuzzy blankets. 

However, never underestimate the power of unplugging and simply being present. Talking with a good friend or a partner, or allowing yourself to be in your own thoughts is another big self-care routine of mine. It helps me tune in with myself and feel like I’m connecting to those around me.   

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings, you can find me…  

In the kitchen, cooking something huge for breakfast, or going out to breakfast with my husband before a day of shopping or going on an adventure.