Bruce Sullenger, PhD
DTRI, Director

Dr. Sullenger began his scientific career at Indiana University where he obtained his bachelor of science in Biology. He went on to gain his PhD at Cornell University.

In 1991, he joined Thomas Cech's lab in Boulder, Colorado as a post-doctoral fellow. In his work with RNA ligands, Sullenger isolated an RNA molecule that bound to an autoantigenic epitope of the human insulin receptor.

After his work in Boulder, Sullenger moved to Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He currently serves as the Beard Professor of Experimental Surgery and is a Professor of Surgery. He also has appointments in the Department of Genetics and the University Program of Genetics.

Victoria Christian
DTRI, Chief Operating Officer

As COO of the DTRI, Vicki works with Bruce Sullenger, DTRI Director, to oversee the operations and strategic direction of DTRI as an institutional resource for translational researchers. In addition to leading the development of the DTRI technology cores and administering the pilot project program, Vicki serves as the executive manager of the MURDOCK study and liaison for interactions with the David H. Murdock Research Institute Core Laboratory, and as the executive liaison of the DTRI venture fund.

Christian’s background includes a broad range of experiences in clinical and translational research in both industry and academia. She began her career in healthcare at New York Hospital in 1975 as a pediatric recreational therapist. In 1990, she joined the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease (the precursor to the DCRI) and worked with Dr. Kerry Lee on a series of clinical trials in electrophysiology.

Christian has held senior level positions at PAREXEL International (a global CRO) and King Pharmaceuticals, and co-founded NITROX LLC, a Duke spin-off company. In January 2007, Christian was recruited back to Duke to assist with the start-up of DTRI and the CTSA grant. Her efforts have focused on the DTRI technology cores, including a variety of strategic initiatives and the recruitment of a talented and energetic team of project leaders. Christian also played an instrumental leadership role in the conceptualization and design of the MURDOCK study, which will be funded by a $35M gift from David H. Murdock and conducted with the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, N.C.