Middlebury Scholar Pursues Career in Biomedicine

For Posse Scholar Natalie Alvarez, a molecular biology and biochemistry major at Middlebury College, the path to a career in the life sciences is deeply personal. Growing up, she watched several family members battle cancer—and saw firsthand the cultural and linguistic barriers they faced while navigating the healthcare system.

Those early experiences continue to shape her ambitions today.

“By studying these fields,” Natalie says, “I hope to help people who feel misunderstood by the healthcare system by bringing a more holistic perspective—one that better represents my community.”

At Middlebury, Natalie pairs her academic pursuits with hands-on service. She volunteers at Porter Medical Center, where she assists with organizing medical equipment and interacts directly with patients—gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of healthcare.

Her commitment to research extends well beyond campus. During school breaks, Natalie works as an intern at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Compton, where she contributes to cutting-edge cancer research. Last summer, she studied the effectiveness of a chemotherapy drug influenced by lactic acid, deepening her understanding of how treatments can be optimized for better patient outcomes.

Now, she is contributing to a new project focused on finding a cure for acute myeloid leukemia. In this role, Natalie analyzes data and develops spreadsheets and visual reports that support ongoing research and funding efforts. She also played a key role in writing and editing a review paper on the lab’s findings, which has been accepted for publication in Metabolism and is scheduled for release this spring.

Natalie has also sought opportunities to share her work with the broader scientific community. With support from her mentor, Dr. Ke Wu, and her research team, she was selected by the American Society for Microbiology to present her colon cancer research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students last November.

Together, these experiences reflect not only Natalie’s academic excellence, but also her deep commitment to advancing equitable healthcare. As she continues her journey in biomedicine, she remains driven by a clear purpose: to bridge gaps in care and ensure that all patients feel seen, heard, and understood.