Dr. Angela Christiano DC’87 Elected to National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Angela Christiano DC’87, Rhodebeck Professor of Dermatology and professor of genetics and development at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The NAS is a prestigious cohort of the nation’s top researchers in scientific disciplines. Election to the organization is one of the highest distinctions in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. Throughout her career, Dr. Christiano has contributed to scientific excellence by leading cutting-edge research on inherited skin and hair disorders.

“I could have never imagined that the scientific path that began for me in New Brunswick would lead to election into the National Academy of Sciences,” Dr. Christiano said. “I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to the Academy, and I hope I can be of service in their important advocacy work that serves science and society.”

In addition to her election to the NAS, Dr. Christiano will also move into a new role at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center as the Advisory Dean for Women and Diverse Faculty. Through this position, she will work to increase representation and equity within the academic and research spheres.  

“I hope my work in this role will be able to continue advancing these essential conversations and make real improvements for the next generation of scientists and physicians at Columbia,” she said.

For Dr. Christiano, Douglass played a large role in her success. The possibilities she had access to at the College propelled her to become a scientific trailblazer.

“As a Douglass Scholar, I was afforded many opportunities to explore my interests in science as an undergraduate, which led into my graduate studies in the labs at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School,” she said. “Those formative experiences influenced my thinking in ways I am still discovering.”

Making the Douglass Difference for current students at the College has long been one of Dr. Christiano’s passions. She has frequently hosted Douglass students in her laboratory for research experiences and has come back to campus several times to speak with students about her work. She also serves on the Douglass Advisory Board. In 2016, the College presented Dr. Christiano with its first Douglass Project Award.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to join the Douglass Advisory Board and work together with Dean Jackie Litt,” said Dr. Christiano. “Her leadership inspired me to take this next step in my own career and apply some of what I have learned to benefit a broader community.”

The College is very honored to work with Dr. Christiano and congratulates her on this incredible achievement!