5 Questions With Natalie Ferguson, Artist and Creative Marketing Specialist, American Gene Technologies International, Inc.
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
My name is Natalie Ferguson and I always knew I wanted to be an artist. Since I was little, I was drawing and creating sculptures. I played a few sports and really enjoyed topics like English literature and history, but art was always my direction and goal. I pursued animation at Virginia Tech with a minor in art history in 2022. My career path is just beginning and I’m excited to learn and see where it takes me. [Check out Natalie’s portfolio].
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
As a part of the Marketing and Communications team at American Gene Technologies (AGT), I spend most of my time translating ideas and messages into visual content. My hope is that images could reach a level of understanding and accessibility beyond scientific language so that more people can enjoy what AGT promotes.
3. What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
Currently there is a lot of talk about the future of biotechnology in this specific area. I have produced a few interviews for the series DNA Valley in which community leaders sit down with AGT and discuss the economic potential of this area growing into something like Silicon Valley through the gene and therapy boom. I look forward to seeing this come to life and how it has already affected this area for the better.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
OR what career advice would you shout from the rooftops now?
As I am still very much in my early career, I think my advice would be to aim high but plan low. By that I mean shoot for whatever you want, don’t limit or question your abilities due to the rejection emails in your inbox. However, prepare to face the situation, and understand you may have to adjust outside your comfort zone. That way, you can explore possibly unfamiliar career fields and networking methods, but you are still working toward your “shooting for the stars” goal.
5. FUN question. If you were a genre of music…
If I were a genre of music, I would be whatever you would consider Elliott Smith to be. He is a mix between folk, singer-songwriter, and Beatles-type rock sometimes, but mostly he’s very melancholy and calming. I learned guitar at 14, then the rest of the strings followed in late high school with bass and ukulele. I usually play music like Elliott Smith, just finger picking style and humming like vocals.
