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Natalie J. Thornburg, Ph.D., is a microbiologist and immunologist currently serving as the Chief of the Laboratory Branch in the Coronaviruses and Other Respiratory Viruses Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She earned her Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004 and a B.S. in biology with a biotechnology focus from Virginia Tech, graduating magna cum laude in 1999. 

At the CDC, Thornburg oversees several teams with approximately 70 scientists. Their efforts focus on detection of emerging respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV genetic surveillance, publishing the COVID-19 data tracker, Nowcast, on a biweekly basis and generating data required to support policy decisions regarding respiratory virus vaccine recommendations. She has co-authored over 130 peer-reviewed publications, garnering over 22,000 citations, and her expertise in respiratory virology and immunology is recognized internationally. 

Before joining the CDC, Thornburg held academic positions at Emory University and Vanderbilt University, focusing on vaccine research and human immunity to influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2022 Walter R. Dowdle Award for Achievement in Public Health Science and the 2021 NCIRD Laboratory Champion Award. In addition to her scientific achievements, she is a mentor to dozens of scientists and a trusted advisor on public health policy for respiratory viruses, working with agencies like the WHO and ACIP on COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, leadership and collaboration.