Final answer:
Natalie's occupation is best described as a law enforcement officer. Her Ph.D. in criminology does not dictate her job role as her passion leads her to pursue hands-on work in protecting and serving the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natalie, after obtaining her Ph.D. in criminology, decides to work directly in the field as a police officer. Although her education would also prepare her for careers in research or teaching, her actual job aligns with the day-to-day responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
This means that among the options provided, the best description of Natalie's occupation is c) Law enforcement officer.
A forensic scientist, on the other hand, is someone who applies scientific expertise to aid legal investigations, often working in a laboratory setting and analyzing evidence such as DNA, blood samples, and other trace materials. The field has garnered more interest over the years because of popular media and advancements in molecular technology, but this is not the career path Natalie chose to pursue. Forensic science would require a strong foundation in subjects like chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Despite Natalie's advanced degree, which might make her qualified for more specialized roles within the police force or other areas of criminal justice, her active role as a police officer primarily entails duties such as patrolling, responding to incidents, and maintaining public safety, which align with the core responsibilities of law enforcement.