Hello, my name is Natalie Coates, and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh. I am currently studying engineering and plan to specialize in chemical engineering next semester, while also working toward a certificate in sustainability. I’m from about 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh and truly love the city.

Outside of academics, I’m involved in several organizations, including Swim Club, Ballet Club, SWE, SEMFS, AIChE, and the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, baking, and exploring new places.

This May, I will be spending two weeks in Greece. I had originally selected Cyprus for my Plus 3 program, but due to safety concerns, the location was changed. While I was initially disappointed, I am now very excited about the opportunity to visit Greece. I’ve long been interested in its rich culture and history, especially Greek mythology. I’m looking forward to exploring the country and learning from the companies we will visit. I hope to gain insight into how businesses operate internationally and how their practices and cultures compare to those in the United States.

This experience aligns with my future goals, as I hope to work with manufacturing plants and industries to help them operate efficiently and sustainably. It also supports my personal goal of traveling and experiencing as much of the world as possible, allowing me to explore new places and broaden my perspective.