Nathalie Rios

Growing up in rural Panama, Nathalie had curiosity and a passion for learning from a young age. Although her family faced a daily struggle to make a living, and the public schools in her area had limited resources, her enthusiasm for discovering the world around her never waned – and she always had a burning desire to overcome any obstacles that stood in the way of her education. A whole other world was opened for Nathalie the day she entered a science competition: not only did she discover a passion for questioning, but she also saw that it was important to share knowledge in a way that is understandable to everyone. Through art and science, Nathalie found her vocation – to promote inclusive science communication and encourage others in their passion for knowledge. 

Today, Nathalie is a proactive and dedicated biology student at the Azuero Regional University Center. Mirroring her own journey of self-discovery, her goal is to inspire young people to follow their dreams, overcome obstacles, and embrace the beauty of learning. Through her Sharing Science and Crean2 con Colores projects, she has encouraged children to explore the fascinating world of science and discover their potential. Sharing Science brings complex scientific concepts closer to home in an accessible and attractive way, awakening children's curiosity and interest, while Crean2 con Colores brings science and creativity to children in rural communities through interactions with scientific professionals. These initiatives are not only about transmitting knowledge: By decentralising science, Nathalie also shows young people that they can pursue science regardless of where they are from – and that the path to success is within their reach. 

Nathalie is also committed to research that addresses national problems in the scientific, environmental, technological and social fields. As a volunteer logistics coordinator with the Panama chapter of 500 Women Scientists, she also helps to promote gender equality, inclusion and equitable access to education and opportunities, focusing on the empowerment of women in STEM. 

With the Global Student Prize funds, Nathalie would aim to transform education in the central provinces of Panama where she grew up. To address the lack of environmental education in this region’s public schools, a significant portion of the funds would be used to enhance and expand her Crean2 con Colores project. This would offer students a comprehensive education that encompasses both scientific knowledge and appreciation for the natural environment. Additionally, Nathalie would allocate a portion of the funds to scholarships and training opportunities for talented students in STEM fields, ensuring that access to education and skill development is not dependent on geographic location or socioeconomic status.