The EHE Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Kristianne (“Kristi”) Oristian, PhD, as our new Director of Research & Engagement. In this role, Kristi will work closely with Executive Director Denise Robinson, who previously led both organizational and research strategy, to advance the Foundation’s mission and strengthen our growing impact in the global EHE community.

Kristi joins the Foundation with a deep commitment to sarcoma research and patient advocacy. Originally from Maryland and now based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area, she brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of scientific discovery and community engagement. Kristi earned her BS in Biochemistry from Elon University and her PhD in Pharmacology and Cancer Biology from Duke University, where her work centered on fusion-driven sarcomas, the Hippo signaling pathway, and preclinical model systems.

Her scientific expertise is matched by her passion for the people affected by rare cancers. Kristi has been an active voice in the sarcoma community, advocating for approaches that recognize both the shared challenges of rare diseases and the unique needs of each patient. She is a firm believer in collaborative science and in ensuring that research is not only rigorous but also accessible and meaningful to the patients it aims to serve.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kristi to the EHE Foundation. Her depth of scientific expertise, her collaborative spirit, and her commitment to the sarcoma community align perfectly with our mission. Kristi brings a rare combination of experience and heart, and I’m excited to work alongside her as we accelerate research and strengthen engagement across the EHE community.”

— Denise Robinson, Executive Director

In her new role, Kristi will help execute the Foundation’s strategic research and engagement priorities—cultivating partnerships, supporting emerging science, elevating patient needs, and driving progress toward better outcomes for all who face EHE.

Outside the lab and office, Kristi is known for her love of the outdoors and all things furry. When she’s not working, you can often find her camping, fishing, cooking, or cuddling a critter alongside her husband and stepson.

We are thrilled to welcome Kristi to the EHE Foundation and look forward to the expertise, energy, and compassion she will bring to our work.