In this edition of our “Meet the Team” series, we’re excited to spotlight Natalie Senkowitz, Sales & Commercial Operations Manager. Natalie has spent eight years on the commercial side of clinical research. For Natalie, clinical research is personal. We sat down with Natalie to hear her story and to learn how she brings perspective to the work she does every day at Lightship.
Thanks for chatting with us, Natalie! Tell us, how long have you been with Lightship, and what brought you here?
I’ve been with Lightship for two years and have worked in the clinical research industry for eight years. I’ve spent my career on the commercial and business development side, and I was drawn to Lightship because of its innovative, flexible approach to clinical research. I loved the opportunity to join a company focused on meeting patients where they are and making clinical trial participation more accessible, while keeping the patient experience at the center of what we do.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role! I work across sales and commercial operations, so my days can include supporting business development efforts, managing our CRM, coordinating conference strategies and outreach, identifying prospective opportunities, and helping make sure our commercial team has the information it needs to be successful. I really enjoy being able to work both strategically and behind the scenes to help move things forward.
What excites you most about working in clinical research?
My connection to clinical research started before it became my career. When I was 19, my mom had the opportunity to participate in an IVF clinical trial, and because of that trial, my younger twin brothers, Cannon and Maddox, are here today. Knowing firsthand the impact clinical research had on my own family gave me a heart for this industry and a real appreciation for the difference research can make.
After eight years in clinical research, I still find it incredibly meaningful to know that behind the meetings, emails, pipelines, and deadlines are real patients and families hoping for better options. Being part of an industry that can have such a life-changing impact is something I’ll never take for granted.
How does your work contribute to Lightship’s mission of making research participation possible for all?
My role is further upstream from the participant experience, but I love knowing that the work our commercial team does helps create opportunities for Lightship to support more studies and ultimately reach more people. Whether I’m helping identify a potential partnership, supporting our business development team, or improving the processes behind our commercial efforts, there’s always a connection back to the bigger mission.
How do you see Lightship transforming the clinical trial experience for participants?
Lightship is helping make clinical research fit more naturally into participants’ lives, instead of always requiring participants to fit their lives around a trial. By bringing research closer to people, whether in clinic, at home, through Mobile Research Units, or virtually, and reducing the traditional barriers to participation, we have the opportunity to create a more participant-centered experience for everyone involved.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my family. My husband, Jack, and I have two kids, Maggie and Elijah, and you can usually find us cheering them on at their sporting events year-round. We love traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy running and finding a good local coffee shop. Something especially near and dear to our hearts is volunteering with children and adults in the special needs community through our church.
Thank you, Natalie, for sharing your story and the heart you bring to this work every day. Knowing that the commercial efforts you support connect back to real families looking for better options is what makes your role matter. We’re glad to have you on the team. Stay tuned for our next “Meet the Team” feature!