Employee Spotlight - Nicole Naylor

Nicole (Nico) Naylor is a second-year EPM student, who has been working as the EPM outreach and administration student assistant. Nico specializes in Conservation Management and Environmental Data Science, but strives to be a well-rounded interdisciplinary environmental professional with experience in managing outreach, event planning, and administration. They grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where they attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, studying biology, with minors in chemistry and art studio. After working in a series of laboratory-based jobs, Nico wanted to pivot their career into the environmental field. With aspirations in the interdisciplinary, from event planning as a Resident Assistant to their art studio minor, UC Davis has allowed Nico to gain additional skills in policy, outreach, event planning, science communication, and administrative coordination, through new positions like the Event Planner for EPM’s Social Committee, the 2025 Annual One Health Symposium Planning Committee, and their current position as an outreach assistant in EPM. Outside of those responsibilities, Nico enjoys spending time reading, painting, playing games, and enjoying a good movie. 

What made you apply for this role?

I was initially drawn to this role because it reminded me of my work in the EPM Social Committee! It felt like a way to contribute to EPM in a new sense, while continuing work I had already been inspired by. Additionally, I had a wonderful time in undergrad as a Resident Assistant, where I also helped with outreach and social media, so I was excited to experience that again. I hoped to serve as an additional spokesperson for my fellow students, showcasing their work online, showing off our wonderful events, and helping with the job search! 

What is one thing you’re hoping to accomplish (or skill to develop) during your time here?

I have already learned a lot, and seeing the behind-the-scenes of EPM has been enlightening. I have gained experience in working with editing website pages, which I had never done before. I have a new respect for the effort that goes into every update, as a lot of thought goes into editing, picking outreach materials, keeping things up to date, and more. I am looking forward to expanding on my social media skills, as I am currently dipping into the world of voice-over editing! 

What does a typical week look like for you in this role?

I begin each week by seeking out new jobs or internship opportunities for EPM, and posting those on our internal Slack channel and website job board. This goes hand-in-hand with event updates, letting students know what is coming up on campus. I also coordinate blog posts for the week, either reaching out to students or faculty for future posts, or editing the current material I have for posting to our social media. Of course, time is also spent brainstorming future ideas and meeting with Jessica Penrose and Jessica Chalfin each week to review our objectives and future goals!

What is something about this job that has surprised you so far?

I think I was surprised by how much goes down for each part of the job! Planning posts means a lot of outreach, time spent editing, making sure to curate posts depending on the social media they will be on, and administration needs of keeping communication constant and objectives clear! I have enjoyed it thoroughly, as I can tell it is improving upon my existing project management skills, and expanding some new ones for me as well. I appreciate all the efforts Jessica Penrose and Jessica Chalfin have put into these materials, and am happy I get to help lighten that load.

What is currently at the top of your reading list?

I am currently reading Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane, as a part of the EPM Book Club! This book covers the important topic of determining the inherent value of the environment, in this case: rivers, and explores what rivers mean to individuals, communities, and nations as a whole. I would highly recommend it, as it dives deep into the legal examples of what it means for humanity to view rivers as having rights, exploring the cloud-forests of Ecuador to the wild rivers of Canada.