Kelli Pointer

Kelli Pointer serves as an Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, and is a Member of the Dartmouth Cancer Center. As a physician-scientist, she holds dual MD/PhD credentials from the University of Wisconsin's Medical Scientist Training Program and completed her Radiation Oncology residency at the University of Chicago.

Her academic journey includes:

• MD/PhD, Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Wisconsin
• Radiation Oncology Residency, University of Chicago (Holman Research Fellow)

Dr. Pointer's research centers on overcoming radiation resistance in glioblastoma—the most aggressive primary brain tumor—through translational approaches. Her laboratory investigates biomarkers and resistance pathways, with specific focus on radiation-induced mesenchymal transformation, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and the tumor-normal brain interface. This work integrates clinical data, mouse modeling, molecular techniques, and genomic analysis to bridge preclinical findings with clinical applications.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Holman Research Fellow

Actively mentoring students in Dartmouth's Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) program, Dr. Pointer leads a multidisciplinary research team developing strategies to improve radiation therapy efficacy. Her laboratory prioritizes clinically actionable discoveries that address the poor prognoses associated with current glioblastoma treatments involving radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.