Christian Gagnon, PhD is a biological anthropologist specializing in evolutionary genomics, functional genetics, and human physiology. His work focuses on understanding how genetic variation shapes adaptive traits, particularly in response to environmental challenges such as temperature and energy balance. His research integrates molecular biology, comparative genomics, and cell-based experimental systems to investigate the evolutionary mechanisms underlying human and primate diversity.
Christian earned his PhD in Biological Anthropology from Boston University, where his dissertation examined the evolution and regulation of UCP1-mediated non-shivering thermogenesis across primates. He also pioneered the development of in vitro, chemically induced brown adipocyte models derived from savanna monkey fibroblasts to experimentally test how naturally occurring genetic variation influences thermogenic capacity. He has conducted postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, where he developed innovative approaches combining single-cell transcriptomics and comparative primate models to study gene-by-environment interactions.
In addition to his research, Christian is an experienced educator who has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses, including human evolution, evolutionary psychology, and human biology. He is committed to active, inclusive teaching that emphasizes hands-on learning and data-driven inquiry. He has also contributed to science education and outreach through work with the Wildlife Conservation Society, engaging diverse audiences in evolutionary and ecological science.
Currently, Christian serves as a Laboratory Coordinator in the Department of Anthropology & Archaeology at Boston University, where he supports research infrastructure, laboratory operations, and the development of new experimental capabilities. His long-term interests lie at the intersection of evolutionary biology, functional genomics, and translational research, with a focus on applying evolutionary insights to better understand human health and adaptation.