From Arctic Permafrost to a Future in Dentistry
Student Snapshot: Nat Godfrey ’28
Nat Godfrey ’28 is exploring the connections between science, service and her future in health care. A geoscience major with a biology minor on the pre-dental track, she has traveled to the Canadian Arctic to support permafrost research, built community through campus leadership and discovered how seemingly different fields can inform one another. After Dickinson, she hopes to attend dental school and become an endodontist.
Hometown:
Portsmouth, N.H.
High school:
Phillips Exeter Academy.
Major:
Geoscience, with a minor in biology.
On me Dickinson experience:
The best part about my Dickinson experience has been the connections and lessons I’ve learned from every class, not just the ones in my major. The wide variety of classes I’ve taken throughout my time here has opened interests I never knew I had, and getting close with each professor and classmates makes each semester so meaningful.
Best thing about my major:
The department and professors have been so supportive of my unique journey as a geoscience major on the pre-dental path. They encourage both my interests in geoscience and dentistry, pushing me to find connections between my two passions, like how erosion and weathering of rock mirror the wear on teeth!
On choosing Dickinson:
On Admitted Students Day, my mother and I were wandering around, I’m sure looking very lost, when two students independently came up to us and offered to help with directions. I knew the people at Dickinson were truly amazing and that this was a place where I would feel supported. I committed on the drive back!
About my research:
Over the summer, another student and I traveled to the Canadian Arctic with Dickinson alumni and Professor Ben Edwards. Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting such a remote, visually stunning location, we helped with the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring (CALM) program near Tanquary Fiord in Quttinirpaaq National Park. We explored permafrost landscapes and centuries-old Paleo-Eskimo, Dorset and Thule sites. I left with a deep appreciation for how much there is still to understand, for the people who have spent their lives studying and living in these environments, and for the opportunity to experience it all in person.
Post-Dickinson plans:
After graduating, I hope to attend dental school, with the ultimate goal of becoming an endodontist.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
I’ve learned that bad days are inevitable and mistakes are going to happen. You are going to feel upset and stay up too late, but what truly matters is how you pick yourself up and continue to lift up yourself and others around you!
Clubs and organizations:
Dickinson Dental Society (founder and president), Alpha Phi Omega (service chair and president), resident adviser, Philanthropy Fellow, Pre-Health Society and Club Volleyball.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dean’s List, Residence Life Director’s Choice Award, Residence Life Community Building Award, Alpha Lambda Delta and a Dickinson merit scholarship.
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Published October 19, 2026