Dr. Natalia Rivera-Torres is the Associate Director of Pre-Clinical Development at the ChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute (GEI). Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of gene repair mechanisms in human cells and how these processes vary across different patient samples. Natalia is renowned for her work in elucidating the mechanisms of homology-directed repair in human cells, particularly through a process known as Single-Strand Template Repair (SSTR), also referred to as ExACT, which stands for EXcision And Corrective Therapy.

With extensive hands-on experience in various gene-editing systems, she has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications on targeted gene editing, covering topics from underlying mechanisms to therapeutic applications. She has been working with CRISPR/Cas systems for over a decade, with her current research focused on developing CRISPR-based gene editing strategies for solid tumors, initially targeting squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

In her current role, Natalia oversees the design, execution, and strategic direction of scientific research to advance drug candidates aimed at treating solid tumors using CRISPR-directed gene editing. She serves as the liaison between GEI and CorriXR Therapeutics, overseeing and advising on preclinical development.

Dr. Rivera-Torres earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras campus, a Master of Science in Biology from Delaware State University, and a Ph.D. in Medical and Molecular Sciences from the University of Delaware. She holds faculty appointments at both the University of Delaware and the Mayo Clinic.