Barbara Karakyriakou

Dartmouth MCB PhD program

I am currently pursuing my doctorate in Cancer Biology, mentored by Dr. Brock Christensen. I graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in the field of Biology and minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. For two academic years, I held special student status in the Department of Biostatistics at Harvard, where I pursued graduate studies.

Following my graduation from Harvard, I joined the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center as a research associate specializing in epigenetics. During this time, I studied the role of the chromatin regulators CBP/p300 in multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, and I developed a strong interest in epigenetic modifications associated with tumor progression in several types of human cancers. In Dr. Brock Christensen’s lab, I am looking to expand my knowledge and deepen my understanding of cancer epigenetics by studying DNA methylation dysregulation, which has been associated with cancer development.

When not in the lab, I enjoy going to the movies, theater, modern art museums, and car racing events. I also like cooking, especially traditional Greek dishes using recipes from my paternal grandmother, after whom I was named.