Nathaly Santana

Academic Interests

Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering Certificate

Fun Fact

During my free time I enjoy doing gymnastics!

I'm from Oklahoma, and do you know what we are known for? If you guess tornadoes, you're right! Because there are so many tornadoes, lots of homes and buildings get destroyed as well. That's when my passion for building sustainable homes arose. Choosing me to want to major in civil engineering and also focus on the architecture of the building. I am really interested in doing research on advanced material science for structures that are against natural disasters. So that no more families lose their homes that they worked hard for, and it's cost-effective as well.

Outside my academic interests, I love to scrapbook, listen to music, hang out with friends, and make food. My favorite dish is tamales! I am a proud first-generation Mexican student, and I strive to empower many Latinas and minorities in engineering to remind them that they too can accomplish their dreams and break barriers. 

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

As an incoming SPIRE fellow, I'm excited to explore all the opportunities this amazing program offers, build a community with my peers who may have similar backgrounds, learn more about myself, and be supported with many resources and people throughout my time at Duke.