Because we work at the intersection of metabolism, epigenetics and cancer biology, we are especially invested in fostering intellectual crossroads. This is why the CHROMETAB lab is committed to creating a diverse environment where individuals of all backgrounds, genders and ethnicities can bring different perspectives, approaches and life-stories to advance our goals.

If this rings true, send us a message. We are recruiting at all levels.

Juan Manuel Schvartzman, MB/BChir PhD

Juanma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a Principal Investigator at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is a physician-scientist seeking to understand the mechanisms by which cellular metabolism affects chromatin biology and how this impacts cell fate. As a medical oncologist, Juanma specializes in the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, focusing on cancers of the lower GI tract including colorectal cancer, anal squamous cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors.

Juanma completed medical training at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, a PhD with Robert Benezra at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and clinical residency in internal medicine at Montefiore Medical Center. He completed medical oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center working with Leonard Saltz and Diane Reidy-Lagunes and carried out post-doctoral work in metabolism and epigenetics in the laboratory of Craig Thompson, where he was a Hope Funds for Cancer Research Fellow.

Roshni de Souza, PhD

Roshni is a postdoctoral researcher in the Schvartzman Lab, where she is exploring the crosstalk between epigenetics and metabolism in cell fate and cancer.

Originally from India, Roshni grew up in Goa and Delhi. She did her undergraduate degree at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where she first developed an interest in epigenetics. She subsequently moved to London, UK, for a Master’s degree at Imperial College London. Her thesis work, with Prof. Niall Dillon and Dr Pierangela Sabbattini, focussed on chromatin remodelling in the activation of B-lymphocytes. As an ICL President’s Scholar, Roshni completed her PhD with Dr Véronique Azuara. There she investigated the interplay between metabolic and transcriptional networks in pluripotency and differentiation during early embryonic development.

Besides science and big city hopping, Roshni likes exploring food markets, playing board games, and hiking.

Contact at rd3098 at cumc.columbia.edu

Angeliki Gardikioti, MD

Angeliki, a postdoctoral scientist in the Schvartzman Lab, recently joined the team all the way from Germany. With a passion for research and a love of adventure, she moved to New York City to pursue research focusing on metabolism and epigenetic mechanisms related to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Originally from Greece, Angeliki earned her medical degree in 2021 from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She subsequently pursued an MSc program in medical research methodology with a focus on machine learning algorithms for analyzing clinical big data from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. During her graduate studies, she developed an interest in analyzing epigenetic regulation data. Angeliki aims to become a clinician-scientist after completing clinical training in the field of gastroenterology, utilizing both her clinical and research skills to improve patient outcomes.

In her free time, you can find her exploring New York’s diverse neighborhoods, trying new foods, and soaking up the vibrant cultural events.

Contact at ag4742 at cumc.columbia.edu

Megan Rabon, PhD Graduate Student

Megan is a graduate student in the Genetics & Development Program at Columbia University carrying out her doctoral work in the Schvartzman Lab. Megan grew up in Texas before moving to Clemson, South Carolina, where she completed her undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Genetics in 2023. At Clemson, she began researching in a canine genetics laboratory where she sought to understand the genetic basis of diseases specific to different breeds.

Outside of lab, you can often find Megan at the dog park with her dog, Cooper, going on runs in central park, or trying new restaurants.

Contact at mrp2230 at cumc.columbia.edu

Abby Sundquist, BS (2023), Technician

Former Lab Members