Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum (1975-2022) was a brilliant biodiversity scientist whose research infused the fields of paleobotany, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics. While her contributions in all realms were deep, Nathalie made a particularly indelible impact within the field of cycad biology. It is no exaggeration to state that she fundamentally shaped the way we think about cycads and their evolutionary trajectory.
Nathalie took deserved pride in her academic achievements, but an even deeper satisfaction came from her work as a mentor and advocate. Nathalie was keenly aware of the many ways in which science remains an exclusive domain. With warmth, courage, and wit, she challenged assumptions, broke barriers and enhanced opportunity and inclusion in botany. In keeping with this, Nathalie was an amazing mentor and science educator. In honor of everything Nathalie contributed and championed, Montgomery Botanical Center – in collaboration with Nathalie’s family, friends, and colleagues –established the Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum Cycad Conservation Fund.
The Conservation Fund will provide support to practitioners working to accelerate cycad conservation action via the collaborative framework of the Global Conservation Consortium for Cycads. Funding priority will be given to underrepresented, early career scientists and community practitioners working in centers of cycad diversity. Through the generous support of an anonymous donor, a $50,000 matching gift has been made available to launch the Fund.
Dr. Nathalie Natalingum at Montgomery Botanical Center.
Please join our effort to accelerate cycad conservation action and consider contributing to the
Dr. Nathalie Nagalingum Cycad Conservation Fund.
The impact of your contribution will be doubled through the matching gift—your $20 gift means $40 for the Fund, your $100 will increase the fund by $200, and so on.
Let’s meet the donor’s challenge to raise $100,000!
Nathalie Nagalingum Cycad Conservation Fund
In order to make an offline donation we ask that you please follow these instructions:
- Make a check payable to “Montgomery Botanical Center“
- On the memo line of the check, please indicate that the check is a donation to the Nathalie Nagalingum Plant Conservation Fund.
- Fill out this online form, or print and complete the printable PDF form located here.
- Please mail your check and printed form to:
Montgomery Botanical Center
11901 Old Cutler Rd
Coral Gables, FL 33156
All contributions will be gratefully acknowledged and are tax deductible.