Photo of Naturalist Martha Lopez-Salazar at the Gensburg-Markham Prairie.
Martha
Lopez-Salazar
Naturalist
Biology
Expertise
Natural Areas Management
Education

B.S. in Biology, Northeastern Illinois University

Background

Born in Celaya, Guanajuato, and raised in Chicago, I recently graduated with a bachelor's in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University. I always knew I wanted to major in biology but didn’t know what to do with the degree. Luckily a friend pointed me toward working with youth in nature for the Student Conservation Association. Later, I joined SCA’s All Women Crew and after four years spent a season leading restoration projects for the Chicago Park District. My current role is Naturalist for Gensburg-Markham Prairie, a 100-acre tallgrass prairie remnant that is an Illinois Nature Preserve and a National Natural Landmark. 

Additional Information

I am passionate about equitable access to nature. I hope to use my community engagement experience to bring more visitors to Gensburg-Markham Prairie from the surrounding communities and from across the city. I enjoy connecting with people and building bridges between communities of color and nature. I am very happy to have joined the Biology Department's team to preserve the prairie and include different groups of people in the process. 

Office Hours
Please email m-lopez32@neiu.edu or call (773) 442-5735 to arrange to meet or speak with Martha.