Alumni Spotlight: Katrina Moyna ’12

Clarke: Where has life taken you since your time at Clarke? 

Katrina: While at Clarke for my Biology degree, I presented on Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” in my Environmental Sociology class. After graduation, I got to put the book’s conclusions, such as the importance of free play in nature, into practice while working at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette, Iowa. In 2015, I got to participate in the U.S. State Department’s US-Russia Peer-to-Peer Dialogue Program: the Russia-USA Wetland Center Exchange Program, a people-to-people program designed to exchange ideas about environmental education between wetland centers. However, I couldn’t finish the grant due to the onset of my chronic illness. 

Clarke: Can you share how you persevere when things get challenging? 

Katrina: I dealt with a chronic illness for seven years, until 2022. During this time, I leaned more on my faith. My parents stepped in big time and I was able to rely on family to get through this challenging time. We are very close and I have been fortunate to celebrate some milestones with them in the last few years. My sisters each got married in 2022, and I’m an aunt to a nephew and a niece, and a niece is due in November. I also have a godchild located in Washington State, who we got to visit this summer. 

And while my health made me pause on some of my research, I am still proud of the work I’ve done elsewhere, like for the Elkader Public Library. I am also a board member for the Clayton County Energy District and I spent the summer working as a Seasonal Naturalist for Clayton County Conservation.  

My goal moving forward is to become a Pharmacy Technician. My motivation is looking forward to all the people I will be able to help. 

Clarke: As you reflect on your journey, what is some advice you might have for current students, or those considering Clarke? 

Katrina: Try new things and experiences! This is the time to get involved, make new friends, and find out your interests. Also, for those considering Clarke, the professors, coaches, and staff are the most friendly, helpful human beings you could ever ask for. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Katrina! Do you know a member of the Clarke alumni community we should highlight? Submit your nominations for a future Alumni Spotlight by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu.              

Interview edited for length and clarity.