Kate is an Assistant Professor of Urology and practicing urologic oncologist. She received her AB from Dartmouth College and MD and PhD degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her dissertation research was performed in the laboratory of W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD and focused on the genetics and epigenetic of kidney cancer. She completed urology residency and a Society of Urologic Oncology fellowship at the University of North Carolina. She performed her fellowship research in the laboratory of William Kim, MD in Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC.  Outside of work, Kate enjoys walking in the woods with her husband and two young daughters, gardening, and running.

A Tar Heel born and bred, Matt completed his bachelor’s in biology and chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill. In addition to managing several labs at Lineberger, his research studies the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of cancer and immunotherapies to combat them, and he has co-authored 20 peer-reviewed publications. He volunteers with various genetic and biological education and outreach initiatives in the U.S., and he also has extensive involvement with disease advocacy organizations worldwide. In his spare time, Matt enjoys home improvement projects, woodworking, traveling, real estate, and spending time with his Jack Russell dog, Cooper, and Maine Coon cat, Dory.

Kanisha Kar joined the Gessner Lab as a postdoctoral fellow in March 2025, bringing with her a strong vision to outsmart cancer by tackling intratumoral heterogeneity. She earned her doctorate in cancer biology from CNCI, Kolkata, India, in Nov 2024, where her research focused on assessing the therapeutic potential of inorganic small molecules in breast cancer. Kanisha is currently developing preclinical models using human tissue samples, patient-derived organoids, and cell lines to advance research in genitourinary cancers and work toward more effective treatment options for patients. Outside the lab, Kanisha enjoys expressing her creativity through home decor, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and spending quality time exploring new places with her family.

Caroline Dickey joined the Gessner lab in July 2024. Currently an undergraduate student at UNC, Caroline is studying Neuroscience with plans to pursue a career in medicine and research. While not in the lab, Caroline enjoys working at UNC Hematology Oncology as Chief Medical Scribe, cooking, and playing piano.

Dhiren Akkina joined the Gessner lab in summer 2025. He is an undergraduate student at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Biology and Neuroscience on the pre-med track. Dhiren is interested in exploring the intersections of translational research and clinical medicine, with long-term goals of pursuing a career in surgery. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and hanging out with friends.

Courtney joined the Gessner Lab in July 2025. She is an undergraduate student at North Carolina State University, majoring in Psychology and Biological Sciences with a concentration in Human Biology. She is currently on the pre-med track, with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine. On her time off, Courtney enjoys running, baking, and reading.