Titles and Education

1. Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiology (radiation oncology) (DipACVR)
2. Fellow Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (medical oncology) (FANZCVS) 
3. Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (small animal medicine) (MANZCVS)
4. Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
   
   

Research

My research is primarily targeted at advanced radiation delivery techniques in particular stereotactic radiation therapy and ways to improve its delivery. We have active projects examining the effects of SRT in dogs with osteosarcoma and nasal tumors. In particular we are interested in the impact SRT on the analgesic response and the immune system in dogs with osteosarcoma and the extent of side effects and outcome in dogs with nasal tumors. 

We are also performing CT imaging research of respiratory (breathing) motion in canine patients to allow more precise targeting of stereotactic radiation. 

Responsibilities

• Clinical instructor in Radiation Onocology
  • Primary case responsibility from consultation, examination, diagnostic testing, though to delivery of radiation therapy
  • Supervision of our three residents in radiation oncology during their clinical and research activities
  • Clinical research 

Clinical Interests

The management of small animal cancer with radiation and medical therapies. I am interested in exploiting the delivery of both forms of therapy to benefit the quality of life of my patients.

Graduate Training

Certification

• Fellow Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (medical oncology) - 2016
• Diplomate American College of Veterinary Radiology (radiation oncology) - 2014
• Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, Small Animal Internal Medicine (MANZCVS) - 2012

Training

• Radiation Oncology Residency, University of Wisconsin – Madison - 2012-2014              
• Medical Oncology Residency, Small Animal Specialist Hospital, Sydney - 2010-2012              
• Internship (Oncology/Medicine),Veterinary Specialist Centre, Sydney - 2008-2009
• Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons 1), University Medal, The University of Sydney - 2004-2008

Recent Publications

1. MacDiarmid JA, Langova V, Bailey D, Pattison ST, Pattison SL, Christensen N, Armstrong LR, Brahmbhatt VN, Smolarczyk K, Harrison MT, Costa M, Mugridge NB, Sedliarou I, Grimes NA, Kiss DL, Stillman B, Hann CL, Gallia GL, Graham RM, Brahmbhatt H. Targeted Doxorubicin Delivery to Brain Tumors via Minicells: Proof of Principle Using Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Tumors as a Model. PLoS One. 2016:6;11(4): epub.  
2. Barden JA, Gidley-Baird A, Chen Teh L, Rajasekariah G-H, Pedersen J, Christensen N, Spielman D, Ashley DM. Therapeutic Targeting of the Cancer-Specific Biomarker nfP2X7. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2016:7(3):432-440

3. Saenz DL, Yan Y, Christensen N, Henzler MA, Forrest LJ, Bayouth JE, Paliwal BR. Characterization of a 0.35T MR system for phantom image quality stability and in vivo assessment of motion quantification. J App Clin Med Phys. 2015:16(6):30-40. 

4. Brown PM, Christensen NI, Lanogova V. Long-term survival of a dog with biclonal multiple myeloma. Aust Vet Pract. 2014:44(2):621-625.

5. Christensen NI, Brain PH, Langova V, Flory AB. Vaginal discharge in a spayed dog with multiple distinct malignancies. Aust Vet J. 2013:91(7):287-91.

6. Christensen NI, Culvenor J, Langova V. Fluoroscopic stent placement for the relief of malignant urethral obstruction in a cat. Aust Vet J. 2010:88(12):478-82.

7. Christensen NI, Canfield P, Martin P, Krockenberger M, Spielman D, Bosward K. Cytopathological and histopathological diagnosis of canine splenic disorders. Aust Vet J. 2009:87(5):175-81.