Dr Christian Pflueger has received his PhD from the University of Utah (2015), studying epigenetic changes during the maturation of germ cells. Dr Pflueger is an expert in epigenomic profiling, editing and analysis of bioinformatics data. His postdoctoral work focuses on understanding epigenetic mechanisms that drive transcriptional regulation in the laboratory of Prof. Lister, a leader in epigenetic research. To address the causality and impact of epigenetic changes of the chromatin landscape, Dr Pflueger is developing novel single cell screen and epigenetic tools to address this unmet need. Dr Pflueger led and published a key epigenetic editing tool (Pflueger et al. 2018, Genome Res) made available to the public and has since been requested more than 180 times (addgene) from laboratories around the globe. His expertise in applying epigenetic tools and epigenetic profiling techniques is perfectly complementary to study and analyse enhancements to the NRF2 pathway in NK cells. He will apply his expertise to elucidate the mechanism by which NK cells can be sensitised for cell death by targeting the KEAP1-NRF2.

Research Support- Since 2015, Dr Pflueger has been awarded over $540,000 in research funding, including a RAINE Foundation Priming Grant and a research grant from Cancer Council WA.

Contributions to the field of research- Dr Pflueger has published 9 peer-reviewed articles (2 as first author) in top genomics and epigenomics (Nat Genetics, Genome Research) journals. His post-doctoral is focused on understanding the causal role of epigenetic changes and the epigenetic tools he has developed have been requested over 180 time from international researchers (source addgene). His work was published in Genome Research and Dr Pflueger has been cited in total over 800 times.

Dr Pflueger is engaged in collaborations with many researchers including Telethon Kids Institute, Royal Perth Hospital and several universities across Australia. These collaborations have resulted in publications in Genome Research and several manuscripts in preparation. They have also involved in supervision of both PhD, masters and honours students.

Dr. Pflueger strongly engages with community outreach and fundraising for the Harry Perkins Institute, raising more than $5k over the last three years and being awarded the HPI academic staff recognition award (2019).

Dr Pflueger showcases outstanding leadership through student supervision, 3 Master’s students (1 completed), 3 PhD students (1 completed) and student volunteers (3 completed). Dr Pflueger currently lectures postgraduate students in cancer epigenomics (PATH3309) at UWA and has been involved in examining honours and masters’ theses and has lectured the Masters of Biotechnology course (SCIE 4001) in 2017 and 2020.

Dr Pflueger is a very active member of the scientific community, highlighted by his involvement as part of the student committee member (2016-2020), EMCR committee member (2015 - ongoing), member of the ASBMB (2018 – ongoing) and member of the Science on the Swan scientific meeting organising committee (2019-2021).