Christina Hartl

Christina's publications

​Education
October 2009 – August 2012
Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology
University of Heidelberg, Germany
Bachelor Thesis: “Microarray analysis of pancreatic cancer cell lines after cytokine treatment”
 
October 2012 – March 2015
Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology
University of Heidelberg, Germany
Master Thesis: “Identification and validation of positive immune-suppressive controls using high-throughput RNAi screening in melanoma”
 
Since June 2015
External PhD in Biochemistry
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA (University of Tübingen, Germany)
Doctoral Thesis: “Complementing standard-of-care treatment with immunotherapy to improve overall survival in ovarian cancer”

​Research Interests
I graduated from the University of Heidelberg in 2015 with a Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology. Over the course of my studies, I developed a strong interest in the field of tumor immunology. There is amazing potential in using the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and immunotherapy is in the process of revolutionizing cancer treatment. I am fortunate to have worked on many fascinating projects in this area:
investigating the immunology of the bispecific T cell antibody Blinatumomab, studying the impact of tumor heterogeneity on metastatic progression in breast cancer via lentiviral barcoding, and discovering novel immune-checkpoint molecules in melanoma using a RNAi screen. I particularly enjoy the clinical aspects of cancer research and find it very compelling to work on translational approaches to establish innovative therapies for patients.

After my graduation, I decided to move to the U.S. for my doctoral studies and joined the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the spring of 2015. Currently, I am working on a project investigating how chemotherapy treatment affects the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer. I am specifically interested in changes in the immune response and identifying upregulated immunosuppressive molecules. My goal is to target these potential regulators using immunotherapy, which has shown to work synergistically with standard-of-care chemotherapy to extend survival.

Interests Outside of Lab
Traveling, Cooking, Skiing, Hiking, Scuba diving