Natalie Walsh brings diverse expertise to SPHERE

With a proven track record of navigating diverse industries and a commitment to translational research, Natalie is poised to make a significant contribution to SPHERE.

In the realm of healthcare advancement, versatility and depth of experience are highly prized attributes. Natalie Walsh embodies these qualities, bringing a wealth of expertise spanning research, healthcare, and design to her new role as SPHERE's Clinical Trials and Data Research Support Officer. With a proven track record of navigating diverse industries and a commitment to translational research, Natalie is poised to make a significant contribution to SPHERE.

Natalie started her career as an orthoptist at the Children's Hospital in Westmead before pursuing a PhD at Sydney University, focusing on environmental and genetic factors impacting photoreceptor degeneration. Following this, she undertook a post-doctoral position at the University of California, Berkeley, where her research centred on gene therapy interventions for diabetic retinopathy.

Returning to Sydney, Natalie transitioned to oncology research at Sydney Eye Hospital before pivoting towards a degree in design, specialising in healthcare architecture. During her tenure at a prominent healthcare architecture firm, Natalie contributed to both local and international projects which included various phases of the Westmead Hospital Redevelopment, the Black Dog Institute and a Children's Hospital in Qatar.

Natalie moved back to research in 2020, joining the clinical trials team at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre at St Vincent's Hospital. During her tenure as a Clinical Trials Coordinator, Natalie worked across Phase 1-3 commercial and investigator led trials. This experience provided her with extensive insights into the practical application of clinical trials, along with a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities involved.

Her recent appointment as SPHERE's Clinical Trials and Data Research Support Officer is a testament to Natalie’s passion for translational research.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to SPHERE’s work in breaking break down silos and fostering collaboration across diverse disciplines,” she said.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Natalie’s personal life is just as diverse as her career has been. She is a keen hiker and recently completed the demanding Routeburn Track in NZ over four-days through snow and rain. Natalie is also a trained classical pianist, but lately prefers learning and playing contemporary music with the aim to entice others to sing along.

Natalie Walsh's multifaceted background, coupled with her dedication to advancing translational research, positions her as a valuable asset to SPHERE and we’re excited to be working with her.