{"id":79,"date":"2021-06-09T17:47:39","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T17:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/?page_id=79"},"modified":"2025-04-03T01:28:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T01:28:04","slug":"research-team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/about-us\/research-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Research Team"},"content":{"rendered":"

Principal Investigator<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

Brock C. Christensen, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Professor of Epidemiology and of Molecular and Systems Biology<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Co-Director, Cancer Population\u00a0Sciences Research Program | NCCC<\/a><\/i><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Christensen received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin Madison in Medical Microbiology & Immunology and French, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Biological Sciences in Public Health. He trained as a postdoctoral research associate in molecular epidemiology of cancer at Brown University in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Dr. Christensen joined the faculty at Dartmouth in 2011.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research Associate<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

Sayan Bakshi, Ph.D.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Research Associate 2025 \u2014 Present<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

University of Alabama at Birmingham, PhD, 2024<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

During my doctoral studies in the Graduate Biomedical Sciences program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I developed and implemented multi-omics pipelines, specifically integrating bulk RNA sequencing and DNA methylation arrays, to analyze various etiologies of heart failure, including ischemic heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and diabetes-associated heart failure. My research interest includes investigating the transcriptomic reprogramming and epigenomic alterations associated with human disease. For this reason, I chose to join the Christensen lab to further explore these areas of interest. Currently, I am working towards developing computational pipelines for DNA methylation cytometry and the validation of novel therapeutic targets in pediatric gliomas. Outside of research, I enjoy playing board games, analyzing film and television shows, and keeping up with the latest tech developments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Graduate Students<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

Hanxu Lu, M.S.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) PhD Candidate, 2020 \u2014 Present<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, M.S., 2018-2020<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

During my master\u2019s training, I studied the role of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI) in mediating prostate cancer cell responses to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Currently, I am focused on investigating the impact of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states on immune cell infiltration in breast cancer, utilizing multi-omics approaches such as DNA methylation and single-cell RNA sequencing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Irma Valsac, B.S.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) PhD Candidate, 2021 \u2014 <\/span><\/strong><\/em>Present
\nDartmouth Innovation Fellow
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, B.S.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Irma is currently being trained in molecular epidemiology, epigenetics, and statistics under the mentorship of Dr. Brock Christensen. Irma is passionate about disease prevention and screening, with a specific focus on endometrial and ovarian cancer, and other understudied gynecological diseases such as endometriosis. Using an epigenome-wide approach to determine where alterations are occurring early in disease, Irma uses an innovative approach to develop cell reference deconvolution libraries specific to the gynecologic environment and aims to establish foundational biological knowledge that can be used to develop clinically relevant biomarkers, aimed at improving public health through the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with endometrial and ovarian cancer, and improved screening and diagnosis of endometriosis. Irma\u2019s work also focuses heavily on the use of non-invasive biospecimens for gynecologic disease, and studies menstrual effluent in relation to women\u2019s health and disease. Outside of research, Irma enjoys CrossFit, making art, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Barbara Karakyriakou, ALB.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) PhD Candidate, 2022 \u2014 <\/span><\/strong><\/em>Present<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Harvard University, ALB, 2019 | GSASP, 2020 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Barbara joined the Dartmouth MCB PhD program with a background in epigenetics research as a former research associate at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. There, she focused on chromatin regulators CBP\/p300 in multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, cultivating a strong interest in epigenetic modifications linked to tumor progression. Currently, in Dr. Brock Christensen's lab, Barbara investigates DNA methylation alterations in cancer, with a particular focus on cell type-specific changes associated with tumor angiogenesis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alos Diallo, M.S.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (QBS) PhD Candidate, 2022 \u2014 Present<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Harvard University, M.S., 2021<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I performed my undergraduate research at UMASS Lowell under Dr. Brian Bettencourt, where I built software to analyze HSP-70 expression in <\/span>Drosophila melanogaster<\/span><\/i>. I later worked with Dr. Marian Walhout at UMASS Medical School, developing statistical tools to model protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in <\/span>C. elegans<\/span><\/i>. In addition to statistical modeling, I also developed image processing tools used in the lab.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For my master\u2019s thesis, I studied under Dr. Arlene Sharpe in the Department of Immunology at Harvard Medical School, building deep learning models to investigate the effects of PD-1 knockouts on MC38 cells in mice. I also collaborated with several labs in the Department of Immunology on the development of bioinformatics tools.<\/span><\/p>\n

I am currently a PhD candidate in Dr. Brock Christensen\u2019s and Dr. Joshua Levy\u2019s labs, studying the interactions between CD8+ T-cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer patients. My work involves analyzing matched DNA methylation, single-cell RNA-sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics data. Additionally, I am collaborating with the US Department of Veterans Affairs on deep learning models to identify patients at risk of suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pauline Mochama, M.S.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (QBS) PhD Candidate, 2023 \u2014 Present
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em>Geisel School of Medicine MD\/PhD program, 2021 \u2014 Present<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

South Dakota State University, M.S. 2018<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I am an MD\/PhD student currently in the PhD phase of my training. I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to Minnesota in my mid-teens. After graduating from Minnesota State University- Mankato with a Biology degree, I worked and volunteered in various positions in science and healthcare before joining South Dakota State University where I obtained my master\u2019s degree in Microbiology studying plant pathogenic fungi. My desire to combine research with clinical care led me to pursue an MD\/PhD dual degree at Dartmouth. I am excited to be learning about the fascinating field of epigenetics and molecular epidemiology during my PhD training. In future, I hope to be a physician-scientist working to enhance cancer patient care through precision oncology and therapeutics.<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marietta<\/span> Montivero, B.S.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (QBS) PhD Candidate, 2023 \u2014 Present
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

During my studies, I developed a strong interest in dermatological conditions, particularly skin aging and skin cancer. To further explore these interests, I joined the Christensen Lab, where my current research investigates the mechanisms behind UV-induced skin aging using advanced techniques such as epigenetic clocks and spatial transcriptomics. <\/span>I'm interested in utilizing computational methods to better understand the epigenetic changes associated with skin diseases, as well as the environmental and biological factors driving these changes. My goal is to improve our understanding of how epigenetic processes influence disease progression, treatment responses, and overall skin health.
\n<\/span><\/div>\n

Research Assistants<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

Jeffrey<\/span> Hage, B.A.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Research Assistant, 2024 \u2014 Present<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

University of Colorado Boulder<\/i>, B.A., 2024<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I earned my B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Colorado, where I characterized the interactions of morpholino-modified siRNAs and the Argonaute-2 protein to support the development of clinical siRNA treatments. I then joined Dartmouth\u2019s Epidemiology and Molecular and Systems Biology departments with the goal of using high dimensionality data to construct models of cancer behavior and treatment response. Currently, I use epigenetic data to predict clinical outcomes both within specific cancer types and across cancers, aiming to identify generalizable and clinically relevant patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fiyinfoluwa<\/span> Kolawole, B.A.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Research Assistant, 2024 \u2014 Present<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Middlebury College, B.A., 2024<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I joined Dartmouth's Department of Epidemiology as a Research Assistant after earning my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Middlebury College. My work focuses on integrating molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to decipher epigenetic influences on health and disease. Currently, in my role, I explore how epigenetic patterns, particularly in cancer, contribute to our understanding of disease mechanisms.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Lab Alumni<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lucas A. Salas, M.D. MSc M.P.H. Ph.D.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Postdoctoral Researcher, Christensen Laboratory 2015-2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sarah (Minkyung) Lee, B.S., Ph.D.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Baruch College, City University of New York, B.S. 2018<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Biology, Christensen Laboratory, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Postdoctoral Fellow, Labcorp<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ji-Qing Chen, M.S., Ph.D.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

National Taiwan University, 2009-13<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Biology, Christensen Laboratory, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Data Scientist, Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Youdinghan \"David\" Chen, M.S., Ph.D.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pacific Lutheran University, 2011-14,\u00a0University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2014-15<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Christensen Laboratory, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Senior Data Scientist, Mastercard<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Curtis Petersen, MPH, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Dartmouth Institute, MPH 2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. The Dartmouth Institute, jointly mentored by Brock Christensen &\u00a0John Batsis, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Chief Data Officer, Ucardia<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Meghan Muse, B.A., Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dartmouth College, BA, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Brock Christensen, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Postdoctoral Fellow, Geisel School of Medicine<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Joshua J. Levy, B.A., Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

University of California, Berkeley, 2017<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Brock\u00a0Christensen, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n

Current:\u00a0Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Dermatology, Geisel School of Medicine<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Allegra Scarpa, B.A.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dartmouth College, 2021<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Pre-doctoral Research Associate, Adimab LLC<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Owen M. Wilkins, MBiol., Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

University of Bath, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D., Program in Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Bioinformatics Research Scientist, NCCC and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sara N. Lundgren, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

B.A. University of Chicago, 2014<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, jointly mentored by Brock Christensen and Anne Hoen, 2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Helsinki, Finland<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexander Titus, Ph.D.<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

B.A. Biology, B.S. Biochemistry, University of Puget Sound, 2011<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Brock Christensen, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Vice President of Strategy, Colossal Biosciences<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Kevin C. Johnson, Ph.D.<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n

University of Massachusetts \u2013 Amherst, 2011<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Program in Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 2011-2016<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Postdoctoral Associate, Verhaak laboratory, The Jackson Laboratory<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dylan O'Sullivan<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dartmouth College Class of 2015,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Ph.D. in Epidemiology Queen\u2019s University, Kingston, Ontario<\/span><\/p>\n

Current: Postdoctoral\u00a0Fellow at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute at the University of Calgary<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Principal Investigator Brock C. Christensen, Ph.D. Professor of Epidemiology and of Molecular and Systems Biology Co-Director, Cancer Population\u00a0Sciences Research Program | NCCC Dr. Christensen received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin Madison in Medical Microbiology & Immunology and French, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Biological Sciences in [\u2026] <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":224,"featured_media":0,"parent":90,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-79","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","author-224"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/79","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/224"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79"}],"version-history":[{"count":79,"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/79\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":437,"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/79\/revisions\/437"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/90"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/geiselmed.dartmouth.edu\/christensenlab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}