Natasia Preys Email and Phone Number

I develop lessons, teach and assist various levels of dance to children and adults to foster proper technique and an appreciation for creative movement.

I prepared, maintained, and striked sound and lighting equipment, instruments, extraneous materials, etc. for live music and dance performances. I assisted in any additional backstage duties necessary.

I fed and maintained juvenile cold water corals (Balanophyllia elegans), observing and analyzing the corals to determine how feeding impacts their growth. I developed research methods to evaluate how and why corals build skeleton.

I set up lighting equipment, flooring, and arranged backstage equipment to prepare the stage for numerous dance and performance art shows. I called sound and lighting cues and stage managed a variety of performances. Highlights included designing and programming lights for two complete shows, directing students in the additional technical elements.

I served as a student researcher for an Environmental Studies class, identifying electric vehicle and photovoltaic cell incentives for Northfield's Climate Action Plan. I collaborated with my team and a representative from the City of Northfield to coordinate and compile our recommendations. My team and I wrote a white paper policy brief and presented our findings to Northfield's Environmental Quality Commission.

I researched and compiled strategies for increased participation and partnership with people from diverse backgrounds and increased volunteer involvement from area colleges. I also completed a Nonprofit Microcredential intensive training program where I learned about many elements of nonprofit organizations (fundraising, programming, evaluation, Diversity Equity Inclusion efforts, strategic planning, etc.) through workshops and panels organized by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

I served food to the student population, maintaining a clean and sanitary workspace while engaging with students in an attentive and welcoming manner.

I inspected, measured, and documented data for 27 mangrove plants (Kandelia obovata) to determine the impact of soil type and water contamination level in seedlings, one, and two year old plants.

I raised awareness about local climate policies in Illinois's 6th and 14th districts, calling volunteers to action in support of climate change-acting Members of Congress. I studied relational organizing through training sessions and panels and produced an infographic detailing specific climate change effects in Illinois.

I supervised a group of 35 dancers, aged 12-15 through daily dance classes, activities, Russian language class, and meals. I worked with a team to ensure a safe, smoothly-run program, while cultivating an appreciation of classical ballet and Russian culture in partnership with the Russian American Foundation. I also lead and coordinated a group of 6 dancers on off-campus field trips.