NATURE Study: Natural History of Serial CT

From October 2022 to July 2023, I served as a Project Lead for the NATURE study, a clinical research initiative analyzing serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) imaging in asymptomatic individuals with no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Conducted under supervision of Principal Investigators Jairo Aldana-Bitar, MD, and Ronald Karlsberg, MD, the study aimed to better understand the natural history and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) in healthy populations. The Cardiovascular Research Foundation of Southern California partner with the Lundquist Institute at Harbor UCLA for this Investigator-led project. This gave me experience in coordinating between sites, ensuring compliance with study protocols and facilitating effective collaboration among research teams. I oversaw the collection and analysis of longitudinal CCTA imaging data, identifying early-stage coronary plaque development and subclinical markers of CAD progression. The study integrated advanced AI-based imaging tools from Cleerly, Inc. to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility. The study provided critical insights into the timeline of coronary plaque development in healthy individuals and laid the groundwork for improving early detection and prevention strategies for CAD. This experience demonstrates my expertise in clinical research leadership, multi-institutional collaboration, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies in cardiovascular health.