My name is Dr. Natali Valdez, and I am an author, researcher, and educator. I specialize in applying critical qualitative methods to understand complex problems in medicine, science, and technology. My research focuses on issues of racism, power, and equity.
Experience
I am currently a Presidential Visiting Fellow at Yale University. I also hold a faculty appointment in the department of Anthropology at Purdue University.
For over a decade I have researched the design and implementation of evidence based medicine and its sociopolitical impacts on vulnerable communities. My book, Weighing the Future, was awarded the 2023 Eileen Basker Memorial Prize, which recognizes books that make “courageous and significant contributions in gender and health.” It was also a finalist for the Ludwik Fleck Prize in science and technology studies.
I have extensive experience working on reproductive healthcare, epigenetics, chronic illnesses like diabetes and obesity, and the use of Big Data in shaping health policy. My work aims to improve the equitable integration and application of emerging medicine, science, and technology. Across my research projects, I focus on building sustainable and reciprocal research relations. I have worked with research teams in the United Kingdom, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Australia.
Teaching and mentoring are very important aspects of my work. As a child of Mexican immigrants, my passion is to make higher education accessible, inspiring, and a tool for social change. I am committed to public facing work and have collaborated with a group of scholars through the Nutrire CoLab. You can find our podcast here. I also participate in many invited panels and talks regarding my research feel free to reach out to me.
Email me at natali.valdez@yale.edu or follow me on:
Natali Valdez 