Faculty
and Staff

Christina Hendrickson, Ph.D.

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Biography

Education and Certifications

• Ph.D. Clinical Laboratory Sciences 
• Postdoctoral research fellow (2009- 2012) 
  The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy

Classes Taught

• BIOL 3273, Cancer Biology
• BIOL 2003, Human Anatomy/Physiology I
• BIOL 2041, Human Anatomy/Physiology I Laboratory
• SCI 1003, Methods of Scientific Inquiry (Online Section)
• BIOL 2103, Human Anatomy/Physiology II
• BIOL 2141, Human Anatomy/Physiology II Laboratory
• BIOL 2314, Introductory Microbiology (Lecture and Lab)
• BIOL 4991 and 4992, Research (Antibacterial Effects of Dandelion)
• Bio 2203, Cell Biology
• Bio 2314, Course Designer and Instructor- Hybrid Introductory Microbiology
• Bio 2314, Course Designer and instructor of Self-Paced Online Course, Introductory Microbiology
• Bio 2604L, Human Physiology lab in three formats of face to face, hybrid, and entirely online
• Bio 1211, General Biology Laboratory

Research
Investigating Anticancer and Antibacterial Effects of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) 
Recognizing the historical importance of dandelion in traditional medicine across various cultures, my research aims to bridge the gap between historical wisdom and modern scientific understanding. At the core of my research lies the unraveling of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer and antibacterial properties of dandelion. This journey began in 2019, driven by a commitment to uncover the therapeutic potential often overlooked in common perceptions of this resilient plant. As we explore the cellular details, the discovery of dandelion's significant effects on DNA repair genes and its ability to induce programmed cell death in cancer cells has added an extra layer of complexity and promise to our work.

This research is not limited to laboratory findings; it extends into the field of phytochemical analysis. Here, we aim to identify the key chemical constituents responsible for the observed cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects. This effort is based on the belief that understanding the combined actions of these compounds will not only advance the field of anticancer therapeutics but also contribute to the development of new pharmaceuticals addressing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Central to my philosophy is the involvement of undergraduate students in the research process. By including them in every aspect of the scientific journey, from reviewing literature to designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting at conferences, I aim to create a transformative learning environment. This collaborative approach enhances the students' academic growth and fosters a spirit of inquiry, problem-solving, and leadership essential for their future roles in scientific research.

As our research progresses, each discovery serves as a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary exploration and the untapped potential within the natural world. My philosophy, therefore, centers not only on investigating the details of dandelion's therapeutic properties but also on instilling a passion for scientific inquiry in the next generation of research. 

Published Work and Scholarly Activities

1. Stoutjesdyk. B, Vaughan. M, Hendrickson. C (2023), In Vitro Anti-Cancer Effects of Taraxacum Genus Extracts: A Review, Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science, Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 103: pp 140-152.

2. Hendrickson C.G., Euler C.W., Nguyen S. V., Rahman M., McCullor K. A., King C.J., Fischetti V.A., McShan W.M. (2015) Elimination of Chromosomal Island SpyCIM1 from Streptococcus pyogenes Strain SF370 Reverses the Mutator Phenotype and Alters Global Transcription. PLoS One 10: e0145884. PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4689407

Abstract Publication

1. Hendrickson. C, Vaughan. M (2023). Dandelion Seed Extract Inhibits HeLa Cell Proliferation by Inducing DNA Damage and Altering DNA Repair Genes Expression. END2Cancer Conference (pp. 98). OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. 

2. Nguyen. A, Nguyen, K, Cao. B, Dennis. M, Wella. M, Nail. J, Vaughan. M, Hendrickson. C.
(2023) The Healing Power of Dandelions: Exploring Anti-Cancer and Antibacterial Properties of Dandelion Seed Extract. Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 102: pp 30.
https://www.oklahomaacademyofscience.org/uploads/4/6/0/5/46053599/2023_program.pdf

3. Hendrickson, C.G, Vaughan, M.B, Seagraves, N.J, (2022) Dandelion Extract Alters Expression of Genes Regulating ATP Nucleotide Binding in Cervical Cancer Cells, Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 102: pp 146. 

4. Nguyen. A, Nguyen, K, Roja. S, Morris. L, Hendrickson. C.G. (2022) Investigating Antibacterial Effects of Aqueous Dandelion Extract. Proc. Okla. Acad. Sci. 102: pp 150. 

Oral Presentation

1. Nguyen. A, Nguyen, K, Cao. B, Dennis. M, Wella. M, Nail. J, Vaughan. M, Hendrickson. C.
(2023) The Healing Power of Dandelions: Exploring Anti-Cancer and Antibacterial Properties of Dandelion Seed Extract. Oral presentation, at fall technical meeting, Oklahoma Academy of Science, Chickasha, OK. 

2. Hendrickson, C.G, Vaughan, M.B, Seagraves, N.J, (2022) Dandelion Extract Alters Expression of Genes Regulating ATP Nucleotide Binding in Cervical Cancer Cells, Oral presentation at fall technical meeting, Oklahoma Academy of Science, Tulsa, OK. 

Award Winning Poster Presentations

1. Nguyen. A, Worley. A, Vaughan. M, Nail. J, Hendrickson. C (2023). Dandelion Seed Extract Inhibits HeLa Cell Proliferation by Inducing DNA Damage and Altering DNA Repair Genes Expression. Poster Presentation at END2Cancer Conference, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK.
*Secured first place in the undergraduate poster presentation. 

2. Bao. C, Nguyen. A, Nguyen. K, Wells. M, Worley. A, Hendrickson. C (2022) Exploring the Potential of Aqueous Dandelion Extract: A Comparative Study of Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties. Poster Presentation at Undergraduate Research Day, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK.
*Secured first place and grand prize in the undergraduate poster presentation. 

3. McBride. K, Ahsan. M, Vaughan. M.B, Hendrickson C.G. (2021) Anti-Cancer Effects of Dandelion’s Extract on Cervical Cancer Cells. Poster presentation at the 26th annual Oklahoma EPSCOR Research Day at the Capitol, Virtual event, Oklahoma City, OK. 
*Secured first place among Oklahoma regional and tribal universities. 

4. Agu C.C., Wiens B., DeCelle E., Vaughan M.B., and Hendrickson C.G. (2019) Anti-proliferation Effect of Dandelion’s Extract on HeLa Cells. Poster presentation at Fall Technical Meeting of Oklahoma Academy of Science at UCO, Edmond, OK.
*Secured outstanding undergraduate poster presentation.

Professional and Community Involvement

• Member of Oklahoma Academy of Science 
• Co-advisor of Tri Beta, Alpha Chapter, OCU