Natalia Jimenez-Truque

Natalia Jimenez-Truque, PhD, MS, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics/Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). She is affiliated with the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and is mentored by Dr. Clarence Buddy Creech. Her doctoral thesis focused on a longitudinal study of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in college sports participants, a project that established her expertise in infectious disease epidemiology.

Education: Dr. Jimenez-Truque earned her PhD in Epidemiology from Vanderbilt University in 2013, becoming the first graduate of the university's Epidemiology PhD program. She also holds a Master of Science degree.

Research Interests: Her work emphasizes understanding microbial transmission dynamics, particularly MRSA, and its implications in community and clinical settings. She investigates infection control strategies, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and the epidemiology of healthcare-associated and community-acquired infections. Her research bridges clinical practice and public health, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as collegiate athletes.

Scientific Achievements: While no specific awards or grants are noted here, her pioneering thesis highlights her contributions to MRSA research. She maintains an active role in mentoring and advancing translational research in infectious diseases.

Labs/Teams: Though not explicitly detailed, her affiliation with VUMC suggests involvement in interdisciplinary teams focused on pediatric infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship.