Merrill Christensen
Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, & Food Science
Office: S235 ESC
Office Phone: 801-422-5255
Email: merrill_christensen@byu.edu
Education
Ph.D., 1982, Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism. Visiting Assistant Professor, 1987-1988, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, teaching oncology and molecular biology.
Research Interests
The identification of genes whose expression is regulated by dietary intake of 1) natural products (phytochemicals), and 2) the essential trace element selenium (Se), and the molecular mechanisms by which these dietary constituents act as cancer chemopreventive agents.
Student Involvement/Requirements
I will train no more than six undergraduates in my lab at one time. I begin taking undergraduates in their sophomore or junior year. These students must be currently enrolled or have completed the following courses in order to be considered for work in my lab: Chem 105, 106, 107 series.
Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in the Zool 371, 372, 373 series are more attractive candidates for the work. Underclassmen are preferred as a one to two year commitment is required. The work is publication oriented and undergraduates do appear on publications. I will take undergraduates with me to out-of-state meetings in order to present their findings and seek publication. Student will work in teams with other undergraduates and with myself, though occasionally they will work with grad students as well. Funding is provided by various sources, including Widsoe fellowships and mentoring environment grants from BYU.
Publications
Wycherly, B.J., Moak, M.A., Christensen, M.J., "High Dietary Intake of Sodium Selenite Induces Oxidative DNA Damage in Rat Liver," Nutrition and Cancer, 48, 78-83 (2004).
