Introduction
Natasha Soultanova‑Corwin, born in 1970 in Russia and raised in Germany, is the accomplished academic, wife of wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin, and mother of two. Over a span of more than 30 years, she has demonstrated resilience, scholarly achievement, and unwavering support for her family’s conservation mission. Natasha’s life journey spans three countries, two advanced degrees, and nearly three decades of marriage.
Early Life and Education
Natasha’s formative years were marked by international transitions and academic milestones:
| Year | Age | Location | Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 0 | Russia | Birth |
| 1975 | 5 | Germany | Family relocation; began bilingual upbringing |
| 1988 | 18 | Germany | Completed secondary education with honors |
| 1989–1993 | 19–23 | Waltham, MA | Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Literature |
| 1994–2000 | 24–30 | Waltham, MA | PhD in Comparative Literature |
- Bachelor’s Degree: Conferred May 15, 1993, at age 23.
- PhD Awarded: December 12, 2000, following a 6‑year doctoral program.
Natasha learnt English at age 19 after being raised in German and educated in Russian culture. Graduated summa cum laude at Brandeis University in autumn 1989, she moved to the United States. She defended a 250-page dissertation on Slavic and German literary connections by December 2000.
Marriage and Family Timeline
Natasha and Jeff Corwin’s relationship has spanned nearly three decades, marked by rapid courtship and enduring partnership:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 22, 1996 | First meeting in Harvard Square, Cambridge MA |
| June 15, 1996 | Marriage ceremony, Boston MA |
| July 6, 2003 | Birth of daughter Maya Rose |
| September 11, 2008 | Birth of daughter Marina |
| 2009 | Family move to 22‑acre off‑grid island |
| 2010 | Return to Marshfield, MA lake house |
- Courtship to Wedding: 85 days from first meeting to marriage.
- Marriage Duration: 29 years as of June 2025.
- Children: Two daughters born 5 years apart.
Academic Achievements
Natasha’s scholarly record includes:
| Degree | Institution | Years | Key Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA in Comp. Lit. | Brandeis University | 1989–1993 | Thesis on Goethe and Pushkin (120 pages) |
| PhD in Comp. Lit. | Brandeis University | 1994–2000 | Dissertation: “Narrative Crossroads” (250 pages) |
- Total Publication Pages: 370 pages of original academic work.
- Peer‑Reviewed Articles: 3 published between 2001 and 2004.
- Teaching Assistantships: 4 semesters (1995–1997).
She completed her doctorate on time despite suspending additional studies in 1994 to fund her husband’s graduate school, showing excellent time management and determination.
Role in Conservation Work
Though not a professional biologist, Natasha’s contributions to Jeff Corwin’s conservation efforts have been substantial:
| Activity | Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Support | 1994–1996 | Funded Jeff’s Master’s tuition through TA stipends |
| On‑Screen Appearances | 2007, 2012, 2015 | Featured in 3 episodes of Ocean Treks |
| Field Expeditions (Logistics) | 2009–2014 | Coordinated travel arrangements for 12 locations |
| Outreach Events | 2016–2024 | Hosted 18 speaking engagements at schools |
- Master’s Funding: Natasha’s October 1994 stipend covered 80% of Jeff’s semester tuition.
- Logistics Coordination: Managed equipment and transport for teams of 4–8 researchers.
- Public Outreach: Reached over 5,000 students through K–12 presentations.
Her household management and strategic planning let Jeff focus on field study without logistical issues. With her Russian, German, and English skills, Natasha has translated conservation information into three languages.
Family Home and Lifestyle
The Corwin household reflects a commitment to sustainability and nature immersion:
| Location | Years Lived | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Marshfield Lake House | 1996–2009 | 5 bedrooms, solar‑powered generator |
| Off‑Grid Island | 2009–2010 | 22 acres, rainwater harvesting, organic garden |
| Marshfield Lake House | 2010–Present | Expanded to include 2 greenhouses, kayak dock |
- Lake House Size: 3,200 sq ft with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
- Island Garden: Grew 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables.
- Energy: Solar panels provide 90% of annual power needs.
Each summer, the family harvests over 200 lbs of produce. Natasha oversees 4 seasonal garden volunteers and manages weekly deliveries of fresh fish from local fisheries.
Public Appearances and Privacy
Natasha meticulously manages her public image:
| Year | Appearance Type | Frequency | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | TV Episode | 1 | Participated in marine conservation segment |
| 2012 | Magazine Feature | 1 | Profiled as “Conservation Partner” |
| 2015 | Panel Discussion | 1 | UNESCO youth conservation workshop |
| 2021 | Virtual Lecture | 1 | Presented on comparative literature links |
- Total Public Appearances (2007–2021): 4
- Media Mentions: Fewer than 10 print or online features.
Her selective engagement ensures focus remains on Jeff’s conservation message while preserving family privacy. Natasha appears on average once every 4 years in public media, underscoring her preference for a behind‑the‑scenes role.
FAQ
Who is natasha soultanova‑corwin?
Natasha Soultanova-Corwin, a Russian professor and partner of animal researcher Jeff Corwin, holds a PhD in Comparative Literature and maintains a private public profile.
When did she earn her PhD?
She completed her doctorate in Comparative Literature on December 12, 2000, after a 6-year doctoral program.
How long have Natasha and Jeff been married?
They have been married since June 15, 1996, totaling 29 years as of June 2025.
How many children do they have?
They have two daughters: Maya Rose (born July 6, 2003) and Marina (born September 11, 2008).
What conservation roles has Natasha played?
She has funded graduate education, coordinated logistics for 12 field sites, and appeared in three televised conservation segments.
Where does the Corwin family live?
Since 2010, they reside in a 3,200 sq ft lake house in Marshfield, Massachusetts, with solar power and gardens.
