Epigenomic Research in Underserved Communities
Dr. Christian Dye’s work centers on understanding how socioenvironmental stressors such as economic inequality, cultural disruption, and environmental exposures contribute to chronic disease risk in Indigenous and minority populations. By applying advanced epigenomic and molecular omics approaches, his projects aim to identify the biological mechanisms that connect environment and disease outcomes, with a special emphasis on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Cardiometabolic Disease and Epigenomic Biomarkers
Dr. Dye investigates how DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility can serve as biomarkers for early cardiometabolic disease risk. His studies focus on Indigenous and underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The goal of this work is to develop predictive tools that enable earlier detection, prevention, and intervention.
Gene–Environment Interactions and Health Inequities
Using immunoepigenetic and molecular epidemiology methods, Dr. Dye explores how social and environmental stressors affect immune regulation. This includes examining the impacts of pollution, food insecurity, and chronic stress on biological pathways of disease. He aims to uncover how inequality becomes biologically embedded and to help shape community-driven health interventions.
Community-Based Intervention Studies
Building on his published pilot research on diabetes-specific social support programs, Dr. Dye is expanding efforts to understand how culturally grounded interventions influence both clinical outcomes and epigenetic profiles. These studies measure changes in immune function and epigenetic landscapes in response to community-led programs. The ultimate goal is to show the effectiveness of social support and lifestyle interventions at both the biological and community levels.
Epigenomics Core and Method Development
As Epigenomics Research Specialist at RCUH and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Dr. Dye contributes to the development and optimization of molecular assays. His responsibilities include DNA methylation profiling, histone modification mapping, transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses, as well as supervising laboratory personnel and refining protocols. He also ensures reproducibility and integrates epigenomic data with broader molecular and epidemiological datasets. This work supports the creation of a robust epigenomics core facility that serves a wide range of translational and community-based research projects.
Environmental and Disaster Exposure Studies
Dr. Dye also contributes to projects such as the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, which investigates long-term health outcomes following environmental disasters. By applying epigenomic analyses, he evaluates how exposures such as smoke, air pollution, and toxins influence immune regulation and cardiometabolic risk. These findings provide insights into community resilience and the health impacts of environmental crises.
Mentorship, Training, and Collaboration
Beyond his direct research, Dr. Dye supervises and mentors students, technicians, and junior researchers in advanced epigenomic techniques. He also fosters collaborations with institutions, community health programs, and broader research networks. His goal is to build scientific capacity while ensuring that research remains community-engaged and culturally grounded.