Ian Davis, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
ABOUT IAN
Ian Davis is interested in the application of integrated genome-wide approaches to identify the epigenetic and chromatin biology consequences of genetic alterations in human cancers. Primary foci of the lab include Ewing sarcoma in which we explore the mechanism through which the necessary chromosomal translocation-derived fusion oncoprotein EWSR1-FLI1 regulates chromatin states and target genes. Because of our expertise in epigenomics, we also collaborate with labs across the campus studying other cancers and developmental disorders. Dr. Davis is also a pediatric hematologist-oncologist with a focus on children and young adults with bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
In his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and doing the NYT crossword puzzle.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, The V Foundation, 2023
Stuart H. Gold Distinguished Professor
Martin D. Abeloff V Scholar Award
Rita Allen Foundation Scholar
Email Ian Davis
Phone: (919) 966-5360
RESEARCH/CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR
Justin Sperlazza, M.D., Ph.D.
Justin completed his medical and doctoral training at Virginia Commonwealth University followed by pediatric residency and hematology/oncology fellowship at UNC. He is currently an Instructor in Pediatrics and Attending Physician in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. In his free time, he enjoys archery and barbecuing.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
Alex Belt, Ph.D.
Alex completed his doctoral studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. In his free time, he enjoys backwoods camping and playing video games.
McCauley Massie, M.D.
McCauley is a fellow in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. She received her medical training at Emory University followed by research at UT Southwestern and pediatric residency at UNC.
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Caroline Fraser
Caroline completed her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Georgia Tech. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing and playing with her dog, Cooper.
Kevin Field
Kevin completed his bachelor’s at the University of South Carolina and is currently pursuing his MD/PhD. In his free time, he enjoys running and cooking.
Sara Peterson
Sara holds bachelors and masters degrees in Bioengineering from Virginia Tech and UC San Diego respectively. She then worked as a Research Engineer at GE for 5 years developing 3D printed ceramic materials for jet engine and healthcare applications. Sara is a graduate student in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program focused on the development and application of single cell and single molecule computational approaches to study dysregulation in fusion driven cancers across the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome.
RESEARCH TECHNICIANS
Andrew McFadden
Andy has worked in the Davis labs since the lab opened in 2006! In his free time, he enjoys watching sports and playing with his 4 dogs.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Anna Jin
Anna is currently a junior at UNC studying Biology. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and traveling.