Damon Runyon Researchers

In many cancer types, microbiota have emerged as influential components of the tumor environment. Dr. Dohlman [Meghan E. Raveis Fellow] studies cancer associated bacteria, fungi, and viruses to understand how microbial species colonize different tumors and their role in disease progression. The factors that drive microbial colonization of tumor tissues remain poorly understood, but uncovering these mechanisms could lead to new strategies for cancer diagnosis and treatment. To this end, Dr. Dohlman is developing computational tools for detecting microbiota in tumor tissues and studying the genomes of tumor-associated microbiota for clues about their potential role in cancer. In parallel, he is analyzing tumor genomic data to understand host features that in turn influence microbial colonization. Dr. Dohlman received his PhD from Duke University, Durham and his BA from Wesleyan University, Middletown.