PEOPLE

Our Team at the Dieli-Conwright Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Christina M. Dieli-Conwright, PHD, MPH, FACSM, CSCS

Dr. Dieli-Conwright is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber-Cancer Institute. She holds a secondary faculty appointment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the department of Nutrition.

Dr. Dieli-Conwright received a BS in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obsipo, a MS in Kinesiology from California State University Northridge, a MPH from the USC, and a PhD in Biokinesiology from USC. After completing her PhD, Dr. Dieli-Conwright completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cancer Etiology at the Beckman Research Institute at the City of Hope National Medical Center.

Prior to joining the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Dieli-Conwright was the Director of the Integrative Center for Oncology Research in Exercise and Assistant Professor of Biokinesiology and Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Research Scientist

Rebekah Wilson, PhD

Rebekah Wilson received a BS and MS from the University of Otago specializing in exercise science and exercise prescription, with a particular focus on cancer patients. She continued her studies at Edith Cowan University where she completed her PhD in exercise oncology, examining exercise and nutrition-based weight loss programs for prostate cancer patients. In addition to her research interest of exercise oncology, Rebekah has also been involved in the running of exercise clinics aiming to develop fundamental movement skills for children with movement difficulties.

Instructor

Dong-Woo (Derek) Kang, PhD, ACSM-CEP, ACSM-CET

Dong-Woo (Derek) Kang received a BS and a MSc in Sport and Leisure Studies specializing in Exercise Medicine and Rehabilitation from Yonsei University in South Korea, and a PhD in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation from the University of Alberta with a concentration in Exercise Oncology. His PhD thesis focused on the roles of exercise in prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance. He is a certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Cancer Exercise Trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Laboratory Manager

Mary Norris, MSc, ACSM-EP, ACSM-CET

Mary Norris has a BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from California State University, San Bernardino and a MSc in Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alberta where she specialized in exercise and cancer populations. Her thesis focused on muscular strength through resistance training in prostate cancer survivors. She is a certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine as well as a certified Cancer Exercise Trainer.

Jordan Lane, MSc

Jordan earned a BSc in Exercise Physiology from The College at Brockport and a MSc in Sports Medicine with a focus on research from the University of Pittsburgh. Her master’s thesis examined changes in postural stability among fatigued athletes and military personnel. Before joining the team at Dana-Farber, Jordan worked in exercise oncology research, supporting breast cancer survivors and lung cancer patients in Buffalo, NY.

Clinical Research Coordinators

Danny Nguyen

Danny is a recent graduate from Tufts University with a BA in Spanish Language and Culture. As a research coordinator at the Dieli-Conwright Lab, he plans to study and explore how the use of exercise-based interventions can lead to positive health outcomes for cancer patients and survivors. Danny is pursuing a career in medicine and is very interested in the role that exercise plays within Oncology.

Michelle Perez

Michelle obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Mount Holyoke College, a historically women’s college in South Hadley, Massachusetts. She pursued a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, where she uncovered her passion for medicine and clinical research. Michelle is enthusiastic about facilitating patient-centered care through novel approaches of personalized exercise interventions among individuals diagnosed with cancer. She wishes to further develop evidence-based exercise interventions and translate these findings into practical strategies for healthcare professionals to implement. Michelle hopes to foster collaboration and seeks to empower cancer patients, enhance their overall well-being, and contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and survivorship care. Michelle is driven to pursue a career in medicine in hopes of making a transformative impact on underrepresented populations.

Jocelyn Greer

Jocelyn recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College, where they created a specialized major and received a BA in Exercise Psychology. By supplementing their Mount Holyoke Psychology course load with Kinesiology classes at UMass Amherst, Jocelyn found their passion. They aspire to improve emotional and physical wellbeing for individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities through exercise. Their goals also include advocating for increased accessibility of physical activity and actively combating weight stigma within the exercise community.

Meghana Palaniappan

Meg received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Political Science minor from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. She has been passionate about research in cancer biology since she was little. In college, she volunteered and worked at various hospitals to assist patients as they navigate the struggles of their different illnesses. Through those experiences, Meg became determined to pursue a career in medicine and patient care with hopes of aiding individuals, specifically children, in the fight back against cancer.

Jacqueline McDonald

Jackie earned her B.S in Kinesiology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Following her graduation, she worked as a Rehabilitation Aide at a physical therapy clinic for 2 years. Here she discovered her love for working with people and utilizing exercise as a form of medicine. As a research coordinator she is looking forward to exploring this topic more among different populations and helping people along the way.

Research Fellows

Paola Gonzalo-Encabo, PhD

Paola Gonzalo-Encabo received a BS in Sport Science, a master’s degree in Physical Education and a postgraduate course in Personal Training, specializing in Exercise Science and Health from the University of Alcala in Spain. She completed a PhD in Sport Science at the University of Alcala with a research stay in the department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research at Alberta Health Services in Canada, with a concentration in Cancer Primary Prevention. Her PhD thesis focused on the effects of exercise for the primary prevention of breast cancer and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. She is very interested in continuing her academic career implementing exercise clinical trials across the cancer continuum, particularly in breast cancer survivors with obesity.

Salvatore Ficarra, PhD

Salvatore Ficarra received his BS in Sports Science in 2018 and his MS in Adapted Physical Activity in 2020 from the University of Palermo in Italy with a thesis focused on the effects of exercise among breast cancer patients and survivors. He pursued his research interests in exercise oncology obtaining a PhD in Health Promotion and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Palermo in 2023, during which he has been hosted in Professor Dieli-Conwright’s lab. He has joined the lab as a post-doctoral research fellow hoping to spread the access to exercise interventions for cancer populations even further.

Anderson Vulczak, PhD

Anderson Vulczak received a BS in Physical Education and a master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He completed a Ph.D. in Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing - PAHO / WHO Collaborating Center for Nursing Research Development, in partnership with the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ribeirao Preto - Sao Paulo – Brazil. His Ph.D. thesis focused on the effects of exercise on energy tumor metabolism, using high-resolution respirometry technology in mitochondrial and cell research. He is interested in implementing clinical trials in exercise oncology to support the role of physical exercise as a form of treatment for cancer patients.

Liz Cox, PhD

Liz Cox received her PhD in experimental psychology from the University of Toronto. Her thesis focused on exercise as intervention to improve cognition and brain function in pediatric brain tumor survivors. She is very interested in continuing her academic career investigating the efficacy of exercise to improve cognition and the brain across the cancer continuum, and increasing access to exercise interventions for cancer survivors in the community.

Doctoral Students

Cami Christopher, MPH

Cami Christopher received her BS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Science and minor in Statistics from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, concentrating in Chronic and Noncommunicable Diseases from Boston University.

She is a PhD student in Nutritional Epidemiology at Harvard University. Her research interests focus on the intersection of physical activity and nutrition within the levels of cancer prevention, treatment, and survival.

Amber Normann, MS

Amber Normann received a BS in Molecular & Cell Biology from the University of California, Merced and a MS in Kinesiology, option in Exercise Science from California State University, Long Beach. Her thesis focused on the impacts of aerobic exercise and light therapy on cognitive biomarkers in older adults. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the Boston University in Human Physiology.

MPH Students

Brett Ranieri

Brett received a BA in Biology and Dance from Bates College and is currently pursuing his MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Boston University. He is excited to work in a research setting for the first time and gain exposure to clinical trial work. He is looking forward to applying his graduate studies and collaborating with a team doing unique and meaningful cancer research. Upon completion of his MPH, Brett hopes to continue working in clinical trial research and further his education in the fields of public health and medicine.

Alessandra Grossman

Alessandra received a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience from Colby College and is currently pursuing her MPH in Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is excited to learn more about exercise oncology and to contribute to the meaningful work being done in the lab. Upon completing her MPH, she hopes to pursue a career researching the use of exercise and diet interventions to prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases.

Sarah Rosenthal

Sarah received a BS in Biology and Society with a minor in nutrition and exercise and is currently pursuing her MPH in Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is excited to learn more about medical oncology, to be a part of the lab, and to contribute to meaningful research. Upon completing her MPH, she hopes to pursue further education to better understand, prevent, and treat chronic diseases through lifestyle interventions.

Qianyan Zheng

Qianyan Zheng received a BS in Public Health-Global Health with a concentration in Nutritional Sciences from University of Washington. She is a first-year MS student in Epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health. Her research interest is in healthy aging and the interaction between nutrition and aging. Therefore, she hopes to learn more about how exercise can help prevent and manage cancer among older adults and gain experience in clinical trials. She plans to pursue a PhD in related fields.

Noah Chigier

Noah Chigier holds a BS in Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Science from Acadia University and is currently pursuing his MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics concentrating in Chronic and Noncommunicable Diseases at Boston University. As a Certified Personal Trainer and Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Noah is excited to expand his practical skillset and knowledge of cancer-related exercise training, and to get involved with innovative cancer research. Upon completion of his MPH, Noah plans to pursue a Doctor of Medicine with the aim of continuing to help people live long, healthy, and happy lives.

Research Assistants

Chuan Lu

Chuan (Angel) Lu graduated with double medical doctor degrees (Western and Oriental medicine) in Chang Gung Medical school from Taiwan and received a master's degree in quantitative Methods at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, during which she developed her passion in promoting patient's quality care and health resilience with non-pharmacologic implementation in fields of Geriatrics, Chronic disease, and Oncology. She hopes to establish her skillsets engaging in clinical research on the road to become a physician scientist.

Minh Anh Tran

Minh Tran is a recent graduate from MCPHS University, Boston with a BS in Health Sciences, and a minor in Health Psychology in May 2023. She is currently working towards her Master of PA Studies degree. Minh is inspired to be a clinician–researcher in which she hopes to practice as a PA-C in neurology and pursue her research interest within the medical oncology field.

Ranokhon Makhmudjonova

Rano is a third-year student at MCPHS studying for a BS in Medical and Molecular Biology. She has always been interested in medicine, and through her academic journey, she has become more passionate about cancer biology. She is on track to graduate in May 2025, and with a focus on oncology, she plans to apply to medical school and pursue a career in surgery with a research emphasis.

Shoko Nagai

Shoko, a graduate of Keio University School of Medicine in Japan, has worked as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Japan. With a focus on gynecologic oncology, she has experience in clinical research on hereditary cancer and fertility-sparing treatments for endometrial cancer. She holds certifications as a board of OB/GYN, board of cancer treatment, and hereditary tumors. During her student years, she engaged in Public Health activities in the D.R. Congo, fostering a broad perspective and awareness of issues in obstetrics and gynecology both domestically and internationally. Her primary interest lies in gynecologic oncology.

Carmenmari Zaballa

Carmenmari received a BS in Nutrition and is currently pursuing her MPH in Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is excited to learn more about exercise oncology, to be part of the lab, and to contribute to meaningful research. Upon completing her MPH, she hopes to pursue a career in public health using lifestyle interventions to prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Noah Dunne

Noah received a BA in Biology from Boston University in August 2023. Excited to begin his foray into the world of clinical research, Noah set out to find a lab that combines two of his interests- exercise physiology and clinical lab work. He plans to eventually return to school to obtain his master’s degree in exercise physiology, pharmacology, research, or a related field.

Vanshi Bangia

Vanshi is a dentist from India and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Boston University School of Public Health. With a fervent interest in addressing health disparities, she eagerly anticipates delving into the realm of exercise oncology, immersing herself in research initiatives, and contributing to impactful projects. Vanshi carries a profound understanding of the devastating impact of cancer on individuals and communities, drawn from her firsthand experience treating oral cancer patients. She aims to gain admission to dental school, where she can further her mission of promoting oral health and combating cancer.

Brunhilda Nkengfack

Brunhilda holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Cameroon, and where she practiced as a Clinician before moving to the US. She recently completed her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, specializing in Nutritional Epidemiology. Her primary research interest lies in exploring the intricate relationship between dietary patterns and lifestyle factors in the prevention, treatment, and management of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa. Brunhilda aspires to specialize in Medical Oncology.

Kira Gabriel

Kira is a current junior at Harvard College studying chemistry. As a lifelong athlete, she has developed an appreciation for exercise and a keen interest in investigating the impacts of physical activity, broadening her studies outside of the chemistry realm. Kira aspires to deepen her learning about the benefits of exercise interventions while contributing positively to the growing field of exercise oncology through her work at Dana-Farber. She ultimately plans to further her studies through entering the field of sports surgery as an orthopedic surgeon.

Darryl Tjogas

Darryl received a BS in Human Physiology from Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Boston University in 2023. During that time, he had his first exposure to research concerning exercise science through his work in the Dieli-Conwright Lab as a Research Intern and Research Assistant. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Boston University’s Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and is intended to complete his master’s thesis and graduate in May 2025. Darryl is focused on expanding his knowledge of medicine in every aspect. He plans to do so at Dana Farber through the recruitment of patients, exercise intervention training, and data management. Upon earning his Master’s, he intends to apply to medical school.

Aleia Hayes

Aleia Hayes is currently an undergraduate student at Simmons University working to receive their B.S. in Exercise Science for May 2025. They fell in love with the field of exercise physiology after finishing a cumulative two-year capstone on the link between exercise and chronic disease prevention at Middlesex Community College, where they earned their A.S. in general studies. In the future, they hope to pursue higher education and a career in biomedical research.

Megan Ryder

Megan Ryder is currently pursuing a part-time Master’s in Public Health, concentrating in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. She works as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Boston University CTE Center, where she is involved with the imminent brain donation pager line. Additionally, she is completing her practicum for her MPH with the Dieli-Conwright Lab as a student intern exercise trainer and a member of the data management team. Prior to her time in Boston, she graduated with a B.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State University, where her interest in rehabilitation medicine evolved to include socio-environmental epidemiology.

Exercise Trainers

Sydney Iannantuono

Cherardi Neira Viscue

Sydney Iannantuono is a current senior at Simmons University studying for a BS in Exercise Science with double minors in Nutrition and Psychology. She plans on pursuing Physician’s Assistant school after she graduates in May 2023. As a PA, she plans to focus on Oncology or Emergency Medicine.

Cherardi Neira Viscue is an Exercise and Health Science Specialist who graduated with a BS from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Cherardi plans to become a nurse and continue her work on addressing health disparities. She aims to combine her research background with clinical practice to impact public health and support underserved populations.

Maia Corrado

Maia is currently a senior at Simmons University studying for a BS in Neurobiology. After graduating in May 2024, Maia plans to get her master's in physician's assistant studies. She has a broad spectrum of interest across the medical field, but she is particularly interested in applying her neuroscience background to the oncology field.

Ruthanne Brown

Ruthanne Brown is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and has a BS in Civil Engineering from Tufts University. She is a breast cancer survivor and while going through chemotherapy and radiation, she followed a regular fitness routine to improve her mental and physical well-being. After her cancer experience, she focused on strength training, running, bicycling and swimming, and began working as a women's personal trainer. Ruthanne hopes to inspire and help other individuals find their strength to move forward after a cancer diagnosis.

Leslie Dinan St. Amant

Leslie St. Amant is an ACSM/ACS CET; ACSM CPT, Livestrong Trainer/Director, grief coach and pilates instructor with several year's experience in the exercise oncology field. Leslie attended The College of William & Mary (BA Psychology/BA Spanish) while most interested in Kinesiology as a collegiate gymnast. Personal training using various exercise modalities, Leslie’s goal is to improve the lives of those living with cancer. While working at the Dieli-Conwright lab, she hopes to continue this goal surrounded by dedicated individuals who share this passion.

Kayla Robbins

Kayla is a current senior at Simmons University, completing a BS in Exercise Science and minors in Psychology and Biology. She plans to purse Physician’s Assistant school upon graduating in May 2023. She hopes to work as a PA in Oncology or Orthopedics.

Samantha Sterghos

Jessica Presutti

Jessica Presutti graduated with a BS in Exercise Science from Elon University in 2023. She is passionate about pursuing a career in the healthcare/medical field. At Dana-Farber, Jessica applies her expertise and past experiences to make valuable contributions while continuously exploring the benefits of exercise-based interventions within oncology.

Dieli-Conwright Lab Alumni

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