Neeti Bathala
Neeti Bathala (neeti.bathala@alumni.duke.edu) is Visiting
Faculty in Environmental Science, Villanova University,
Villanova, PA, USA.
As a dedicated career academic, I have spent almost two decades
in higher education specializing in ecology and environmental sci-
ence with a focus on tropical and marine ecosystems. My passion
for teaching spans diverse student groups, from undergraduates
to postgraduates. I am currently in the role of Visiting Faculty in
Environmental Science at Villanova University.
Growing up near New Jersey’s coastline, the ocean’s constant
presence fueled my fascination and respect for its mysteries. This early connection shaped
my career focus on studying and safeguarding marine ecosystems and the environment.
My initial academic exposure to ocean sciences was when I spent a summer at the Duke
Marine Lab in Beaufort, North Carolina. This experience ignited my passion for ecology and
fieldwork, offering invaluable insights into the connection between land and sea and shaping
my dedication to ocean conservation. Continuing my academic journey, I engaged in con-
servation research in Costa Rica with the Organization for Tropical Studies. After complet-
ing my PhD in ecology at the University of Georgia, I expanded my expertise in marine eco-
systems through studies in Belize, the Galápagos Islands, and Hawai‘i.
Navigating the ecological sphere as an Indian American woman involved confronting
dual challenges stemming from both gender and race biases. There were pervasive assump-
tions casting doubt on my ability to excel in rigorous fieldwork. Initial networking limita-
tions were linked to the underrepresentation of Indian Americans in the environmental
field. It is gratifying to witness strides in the representation of diverse women, particularly
in ocean science. These experiences have inspired me to be a community-based educator,
reaching beyond academia to serve as a representation and role model. My objective is to
inspire and support individuals in pursuing their dreams through education, irrespective of
their age, ethnicity, or access.
Outside of the academic realm, I continue to be deeply committed to empowering women
in STEM. Inspired by students’ yearning for early exposure to science, I have authored
award-winning children’s books1 on citizen science and ocean species. My books consis-
tently showcase a young, diverse girl as a burgeoning scientist, broadening access to the won-
ders of our natural world for young learners. By nurturing STEM interest at a young age,
I aim to diversify graduate recruits and shape future environmental leaders and educators.
In ecology, we recognize that diversity in ecosystems fosters strength and resilience.
I uphold this principle in my professional pursuits, fortunate to have had mentors who
endorse it as well. My aim is to reciprocate this support for my students, fostering an envi-
ronment that values and embraces diversity. While strides toward inclusivity have been
made, challenges persist for underrepresented scholars. The changing landscape has
spurred intensified efforts for equitable opportunities. Community-based education and
service remain pivotal aspects shaping my work in addressing these challenges.
To aspiring oceanographers and diverse scholars: embrace your uniqueness, seek sup-
portive mentors, and persist in your journey. Your voice matters: believe in your abilities
and pursue your passions fully.
1 Moonlight Crab Count and Adventures Through the Garden Gate
Neeti Bathala diving with a curious sea
turtle in a bleached and damaged reef
offshore of Honolulu, Hawai‘i.