Natalia A. Davis
Natalia Davis is a seasoned clinical research professional with nearly two decades of experience supporting and monitoring clinical trials across the United States. Currently serving as a Senior Clinical Research Associate at ICON plc, she specializes in oncology and rare-disease studies, overseeing regulatory compliance, source-data verification, informed consent review, drug accountability, and audit readiness for clinical trial sites. Known for her analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and strong relationships with investigators and research teams, Natalia plays a vital role in ensuring studies are conducted ethically, accurately, and in compliance with ICH/GCP standards. Her work regularly takes her to clinical sites throughout the East Coast, where she combines technical expertise with a collaborative, people-centered approach.
Natalia’s path into clinical research began after earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While initially exploring engineering opportunities, she discovered clinical research through a college project and quickly found a passion for the field. Over the years, she progressed from research coordination into increasingly advanced CRA roles, including positions with Syneos Health and Confidence Pharmaceutical Research before joining ICON plc. She earned her Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) credential through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals in 2019 and continues to maintain the certification through ongoing education and professional development. Her attention to detail, commitment to quality, and deep understanding of clinical operations have made her a trusted partner within the research community.
In addition to her work in clinical research, Natalia is also the founder of Fraser Ashley Capital LLC, a multifamily real estate investment company focused primarily on East Coast markets including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she values kindness, loyalty, giving back to others, and maintaining healthy personal boundaries and mental well-being. One of the most transformative experiences of her life came in 2014, when she spent a year traveling to 11 countries through the World Race missions program, serving communities around the world and gaining a deeper understanding of service, resilience, and human connection. Whether working in research, real estate, or community outreach, Natalia brings compassion, integrity, and curiosity into everything she does.
• Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison- Master's
• University of Wisconsin-Madison- Bachelor's
• Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
• World Race year-long missions program (2014) - 11 countries in 11 months
• Mission trips with church
• Planning to participate in house-building mission trip
What do you attribute your success to?
Something that I've learned, especially in the last year when working on difficult projects, is maintaining my boundaries and my mental health, because without those, you are a little puddle on the floor. One of the things I've learned is to set boundaries - it's okay to say no. And really, be kind, because everybody, maybe they're just having a bad day. I think relationships are also a huge part of my success. Even though a lot of the work that we do is individual on our own, you still have to be able to communicate to your sites, and you're the liaison between your site and the project team. Being able to explain what you're seeing out on the field, being able to tell the doctors what they need to know and how they could possibly do things differently or better, and making sure that you're kind - these are the people you're working with for the life of the study. Having a good relationship with them, building a good relationship with your study coordinator, will help you get a lot of things done. When you have a good relationship with your study coordinator, those last-minute things that you hate asking for, they will get them done.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For young women trying to break into clinical research, I would say try to get into one of the starter programs - for example, MedPace has a program that will train you to be a CRA. There are programs that will train you to do this job. The other route is to work as a research coordinator, a clinical research coordinator, learn from that side and move your way up. But it's all about making connections - making those connections of people that you might meet or reach out via LinkedIn just to get more information on what they do and show interest, so that you have some connections when it's time to start that career. Most CRAs start as research coordinators, but there are some companies that offer a CRA entry program where they actually train you on how to become a CRA. And maybe this should have been my advice - have a good relationship with your study coordinator. Those last-minute things that you hate asking for, they will get them done.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say that trying to get into a CRA program or become a CRA is not the easiest. Making those networking connections is really important - connecting with people that you might meet or reaching out via LinkedIn just to get more information on what they do and showing interest, so that you have some connections when it's time to start that career. It's all about making connections and building relationships in this field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness is one of the most important values to me. I think it's essential to be kind because everybody might just be having a bad day. Giving back is also important to me, whatever that looks like - whether it's donating our time or just helping your neighbor. And loyalty is something that I feel has somehow gotten lost, but it's very important to me.