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Faculty Highlights: Christopher Loffredo, Ph.D. (Dept. of Oncology)

Background

Professor Loffredo is the Director of Global Oncology at the Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center. He also teaches courses in epidemiology and biostatistics as part of Georgetown’s graduate programs for epidemiology and tumor biology. Dr. Loffredo received his undergraduate in biology at Hartwick College, and earned a masters degree in zoology as well as a PhD in toxicology from the University of Maryland. 

Involvement in Research

Professor Loffredo works with scientists and Georgetown and Howard University to study disparities in cancer risk factors, such as diabetes and Hepatitis C, and how the interplay of these diseases impacts the rising epidemic of fatty liver disease in the US, which can develop into liver cancer. Together, the universities are able to study “the progression of these comorbidities and how they impact health.”

Inspiration

Initially, Dr. Loffredo thought he wanted to be a veterinarian. After working as a vet for a summer, however, he decided he was pulled more towards research. While pursuing zoology, he started thinking increasingly about the environment and human health, and thus moved to toxicology. Dr. Loffredo has been working in liver cancer research for many years, and since obesity has become a global epidemic, he has been inspired to expand his research to areas such as Egypt, Thailand, and Eswatini. On this international level, he has studied the impacts of Hep B and Hep C on the population, including the role of pesticides in farming and agriculture. 

Reflection

Dr. Loffredo is happy with the progress of his work, noting that “the rates of hepatitis B and C have fallen dramatically in Egypt in the last 10 years and it’s through government support.” In addition, the awareness of such viruses and screenings has improved. 

Advice for Students

Professor Loffredo recommends that students get involved in research firsthand as the best learning experience. Volunteering or working for professors who seem excited about their work by taking on smaller tasks, such as data collection and analysis, is a good way to get started. Specifically, for students who are interested in global health, it is vital to work globally, as it is impossible to understand the niche issues other countries face whilst being in America. Students can specifically learn a lot in new, global settings, as they have less preconceived instincts, and can listen and absorb information well.