Natalia developed a strong interest in cancer biology as an undergrad at Austin College working with Dr. Lance Barton, researching the effect of sodium butyrate as a potential cancer therapeutic in triple negative breast cancer cells. After graduating, she joined the lab of Dr. Neelam Mukherjee as a post-baccalaureate student, exploring the immunological aspect of cancer research. She focused on enhancing immune cell trafficking to the tumor microenvironment using modulated chemokines. Now as a PhD student, Natalia is interested cancer immunology as well as the role of the host microbiome in regards to cancer.  Outside of the lab Natalia likes to play pickleball, crochet and hang out with her two cats Nala and Elliot.