Mentor: Hui Shen, Ph.D.

Research Focus: Identifying non-genetic determinants of stem-like phenotypes in high grade serous ovarian cancer

Experience: Natasha has diverse scientific and professional experience spanning academic research and industry. As a lab technician at Michigan Technological University, she studied RNA variants in Alaskan wildflowers. At Grand Valley State University, she investigated dysregulation in SIN/MOR signaling pathways using S. pombe as a model for cancer. Natasha also worked in industry as a microbiology technician at Founders Brewing Co. As part of her Ph.D. studies, she has presented her cancer research nationally and internationally to audiences including federal policymakers, clinicians, people with cancer and fellow researchers, advocating for NIH funding and communicating the impact of cancer research.

Undergraduate Institution: Grand Valley State University

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan