Dr. Kristian M. Hargadon

Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Virginia, 2007-2009

Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2007 

B.S., Hampden-Sydney College, 2001

Courses Taught at Hampden-Sydney College:

BIOL 110 – Principles of Biology

BIOL 151 – Principles of Biology Lab

BIOL 140 – Biology of Cancer (for non-majors)

BIOL 201 – Genetics (Lecture and Lab)

BIOL 201 (Course restructured in 2014) – Genetics and Cell Biology (Lecture and Lab)

BIOL 321 – Microbiology (Lecture and Lab)

BIOL 323 – Immunology (Lecture and Lab)

BIOL 324 – Virology (Lecture and Lab)

HONS 102/202 – Honors Seminar – A Biography of Cancer (offered as freshmen level [102] and upper level [202] sections)

INDS 185 – COVID 360:  A Multidisciplinary Look at the COVID-19 Pandemic

INTR 252 - Professional Shadowing in Health Science Careers (Experiential Learning)

Courses Taught at Other Institutions:

MICR 820 – Advanced Topics in Immunology (University of Virginia)

PATH 8300 - Cancer and the Immune System (University of Virginia - Guest Lecturer on "Dendritic Cells and Cancer for Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Fellow Seminar Course)

NAS 2 – Foundations of Life Sciences (Piedmont Virginia Community College)

NAS 185 – Microbiology Lecture (Piedmont Virginia Community College)

NAS 185L – Microbiology Lab (Piedmont Virginia Community College)

The Role of Genetic Factors in the Progression of Melanoma
The Research Fellow will analyze gene expression profiles of highly aggressive versus poorly tumorigenic melanomas in order to gain insight into tumor-promoting gene functions and identify the potential role of genetic factors in regulating cell signaling and biochemical pathways that promote tumor progression.  This work will provide the Fellow with pre-clinical experience in a relevant area of cancer research.

Committee Assignments:

2025: Committee for Faculty Appointments

2024-present: Honors Council

2023 - present: Promotion and Tenure Committee (Chair, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026)

2021: Committee for Faculty Appointments

2020 - 2023: Faculty Affairs Committee

2018 - present: Athletics Hall of Fame Selection Committee

2017 - 2020:  Promotion and Tenure Committee (Chair, 2019-2020)

2017:  Faculty Affairs Committee

2015 - present:  Clinical Coordinator - H-SC/Centra Pre-Health Rotational Shadowing Program

2014 - 2015:  Admissions & Financial Aid Committee

2011 - 2014:  Professional Development Committee (Chair 2013-2014)

2011 - 2013:  Academic Affairs Committee

2010-present:  Health Sciences Advisory Committee (co-chair in 2011-2012, chair 2012-present)

2010:  Installation Ceremony Committee for Inauguration of President Christopher Howard

2010:  Technical Services Librarian Search Committee

Other College/Professional/Community Service:

2024: Mentor for Council on Undergraduate Research Mentoring the Integration of Research in the Classroom (MIRIC) Program

2021 - 2022:  Virginia Academy of Science Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

2020:  COVID-19 Advisory Group for College’s Fall 2020 Reopening Planning

2017-2020:  Chair – Department of Biology

2017-present:  Chapter Advisor – Alpha Epsilon Delta – The Health Preprofessional Honor Society

2017:  Facilitator/Discussion Group Leader – Tigers Serve Freshmen Orientation Community Service Project at Prince Edward Country Middle School

2017:  The Big Event Community Service Project (Project Leader Pre-Health Society Group at STEPS Recycling Project)

2016-2018:  President, Phi Beta Kappa Eta of Virginia Chapter

2016:  ODK Cares for Kids Program Volunteer

2016:  Facilitator/Discussion Group Leader – Tigers Serve Freshmen Orientation Community Service Project at Prince Edward Farmville Youth Association

2016:  Workshop Leader - Math & Science Day with Prince Edward County Middle School

2016:  Judge for Fuqua Middle School Science Fair

2015:  Organized and hosted the 3^rd Annual Longwood University/Hampden-Sydney College Sigma Xi Research Day Symposium

2015:  Allen-Madison Scholar Selection Committee

2014:  The Big Event Community Service Project (Project Leader for trail clean up at Prince Edward County YMCA)

2013 - 2014:  Bortz Award Selection Committee

2013 - present:  Barry M. Goldwater Scholar On-campus Interviewing Committee

2013 - 2015:  Sophomore Vocational Reflection Project Discussion Leader

2013 - 2014:  Member of Learning Communities Action Team for Student Engagement Initiative

2013 - present:  Volunteer for “MAN UP with Admissions” Recruitment and Engagement Program

2013:  Organized and hosted the inaugural Longwood University/Hampden-Sydney College Sigma Xi Research Day Symposium

2013:  The Big Event Community Service Project (book drive at Prince Edward Elementary School)

2012:  Sigma Xi Team Mentor for Conrad Foundation’s Spirit of Innovation Challenge Competition for high school students

2011 - 2015:  Fulbright Scholarship On-campus Interviewing Committee

2011 - 2013:  Cool Science program with Prince Edward County Middle School students

2011 - 2013:  Faculty Advisor and Member of Executive Committee for Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Leadership Fraternity

2011:  Student Scholarship Information Meeting and Reception

2011:  Speaker at Hampden-Sydney College Substance Education Summit

2011:  The Big Event Community Service Project (beautification at Prince Edward County YMCA)

2010 - present:  Freshmen Advisor/Advisor to Upperclassmen Biology Majors/Advisor of Independent Study and Honors Projects in Biology and Chemistry

2010 - 2015:  Faculty Discussion Leader for Mock Honor Trial

2009 - present:  Open House/Honors Scholar Recruiting Events; Virginia Private Colleges Week recruiting; speaker at H-SC Parents Council and H-SC Alumni Council

2009 - present:  Reader/Grader for Rhetoric Proficiency Exam

2009:  Speaker to H-SC students/faculty at the 150^th Birthday Celebration of Charles Darwin’s publication On the Origin of Species

Peer-reviewed Journal Publications (* Undergraduate Student Co-Author)

1. Kristian M. Hargadon and Travis B. Goodloe III*. A highly sensitive tissue-specific qRT-PCR-based assay for detection of melanoma cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes. Current Protocols. 2025. 5;e70139.
2. Kristian M. Hargadon, Travis B. Goodloe III*, and Stephen L. Woodall II*. Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells is not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by CD8+ T Cells. Cancer Reports. 2025. 8;e70145.

3. Kristian M. Hargadon, Courtney M. Lappas, and Shahrzad Jalali. Editorial: Modulation of T-cell function and survival by the tumor microenvironment. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2023. 11:1271772.

4. Kristian M. Hargadon and Elijah W. Strong*. The FOXC2 transcription factor: a master regulator of chemoresistance in cancer. Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment. 2023. 22:15330338231155284.

5. Kristian M. Hargadon. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 2023. 80:40.

6. Kristian M. Hargadon. A Bioinformatic Approach to Enhance Undergraduate Student Understanding of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle. Journal of Cancer Education. 2023. 38:991-999. ***Received the 2022 R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prize for Best Manuscripts (2^nd Prize) from the American Association for Cancer Education.

7. Kristian M. Hargadon, Travis B. Goodloe III*, and Nathaniel D. Lloyd*. Oncogenic functions of the FOXC2 transcription factor: a hallmarks of cancer perspective. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews. Published Online Ahead-of-Print 6/14/22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-022-10045-3

8. Kristian M. Hargadon. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas as a Tool to Improve Undergraduate Student Understanding of Cancer Genetics and the Hallmarks of Cancer Progression. Journal of Cancer Education. 2022. 37:1357-1363. ***Received the 2021 R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prize for Best Manuscripts (3^rd Prize) from the American Association for Cancer Education.

9. Kristian M. Hargadon. A Call For Discovery: Re-envisioning The Cancer Genome Atlas as a Blueprint for a TCGA2.0 – The COVID-19 Genome Atlas. Clinical and Translational Discovery. 2021. 1:e7.

10. Kristian M. Hargadon. The Role of Interferons in Melanoma Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Mechanisms of Escape and Therapeutic Implications. British Journal of Dermatology. 2021. 185:1095-1104.

11. Kristian M. Hargadon. Educating Society about the Unseen, but not Unknown, Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19: A Step Toward Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy through a More Informed Public. Journal of Global Health Reports. 2021. 5:e2021075.

12. Kristian M. Hargadon, Balázs Győrffy, and Elijah W. Strong*. The Prognostic Significance of FOXC2 Gene Expression in Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of RNA-seq Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Cancer Genetics. 2021. 245-246:58-74.

13. Kristian M. Hargadon, Balázs Győrffy, and Taylor J. McGee*. Genomic and Transcriptional Changes in IFNg Pathway Genes are Putative Biomarkers of Response to Ipilimumab Immunotherapy in Melanoma Patients. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology. 2020. 16:1099-1103.

14. Kristian M. Hargadon. Tumor Microenvironmental Influences on Dendritic Cell and T Cell Function: A Focus on Clinically Relevant Immunologic and Metabolic Checkpoints. Clinical and Translational Medicine. 2020. 10:374-411.

15. Kristian M. Hargadon and Corey J. Williams*. RNA-seq Analysis of Wild-Type vs. FOXC2-Deficient Melanoma Cells Reveals a Role for the FOXC2 Transcription Factor in the Regulation of Multiple Oncogenic Pathways. Frontiers in Oncology. 2020. 10:267.

16. Kristian M. Hargadon, Balázs Győrffy, Elijah W. Strong*, Brian D. Tarnai*, Jefferson C. Thompson*, David Z. Bushhouse*, Coleman E. Johnson*, and Corey J. Williams*. The FOXC2 Transcription Factor Promotes Melanoma Outgrowth and Regulates Expression of Genes Associated With Drug Resistance and Interferon Responsiveness. Cancer Genomics & Proteomics. 2019. 16:491-503.

17. Kristian M. Hargadon, Coleman E. Johnson*, and Corey J. Williams*. Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy for Cancer: An Overview of FDA-approved Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. International Immunopharmacology. 2018. 62:29-39. Also featured in International Immunopharmacology’s Special Issue on "Cellular Therapeutics in the Context of Immunopharmacology."

18. Rachel M. Goodman, Kristian M. Hargadon, and E. Davis Carter*. Detection of Ranavirus in Eastern Fence Lizards and Eastern Box Turtles in Central Virginia. Northeastern Naturalist. 25:391-398.

19. Kristian M. Hargadon. Strategies to Improve the Efficacy of Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Melanoma. Frontiers in Immunology. 2017. 8:1594.

20. Kristian M. Hargadon. Dysregulation of TGFβ1 Activity in Cancer and Its Influence on the Quality of Anti-Tumor Immunity. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2016. 5:76 (1-22).

21. Kristian M. Hargadon. A Model System for the Study of Gene Expression in the Undergraduate Laboratory. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. 2016. 44:397-404.

22. Kristian M. Hargadon. The Extent to which Melanoma Alters Tissue-resident Dendritic Cell Function Correlates with Tumorigenicity. OncoImmunology. 2016. 5 (1):e1069462.

23. Kristian M. Hargadon, Jonathan Drake Bishop*, John Patrick Brandt*, Zachary Charles Hand*, Yonathan Tarekegne Ararso*, and Osric Anthony Forrest*. Melanoma-derived Factors Alter the Maturation and Activation of Differentiated Tissue-resident Dendritic Cells. Immunology and Cell Biology. 2016. 94:24-38. ***One of twelve articles selected by journal editors to be re-featured in Immunology and Cell Biology’s 2019 Virtual Issue on “Cancer Immunotherapy.”

24. Kristian M. Hargadon. Murine and Human Model Systems for the Study of Dendritic Cell Immunobiology. International Reviews of Immunology. 2016. 35:85-115.

25. Kristian M. Hargadon. Whole Genome Expression Microarray Analysis of Highly Versus Poorly Tumorigenic Murine Melanoma Cell Lines Provides Insights into Factors that Regulate Tumor Growth, Metastasis, and Immunogenicity. Frontiers in Immunology. 2015. 6:452.

26. Kristian M. Hargadon and Timothy N. J. Bullock. The Role of Tumor/Dendritic Cell Interactions in the Regulation of Anti-tumor Immunity: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Frontiers in Immunology. 2014. 5:178.

27. Kristian M. Hargadon. Tumor-altered Dendritic Cell Function: Implications for Anti-tumor Immunity. Frontiers in Immunology. 2013. 4:192.

28. Kristian M. Hargadon. Melanoma Immunotherapy: Overcoming Obstacles to Augment Anti-tumor Immune Responses. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 3, 2A:7-27.

29. Kristian M. Hargadon, Yonathan T. Ararso*, Osric A. Forrest*, and Chad M. Harte*. Melanoma-associated Suppression of the Dendritic Cell Lines DC2.4 and JAWSII. American Journal of Immunology. 8:179-190.

30. Kristian M. Hargadon, Osric A. Forrest*, and Pranay R. Reddy*. Suppression of the  Maturation and Activation of the Dendritic Cell Line DC2.4 by Melanoma-derived Factors. Cellular Immunology. 2012. 272:275-282. 

31. Kristian M. Hargadon, H. Zhou, R.A. Albrecht, H.A. Dodd*, A. Garcia-Sastre, and T.J. Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Expression and Hemagglutinin Subtype Influence the Infectivity of Type A Influenza Virus for Respiratory Dendritic Cells. Journal of Virology. 2011. 85:11955-11963.

32. A.R. Ferguson, L.A. Nichols, A.L. Zarling, E.D. Thompson*, C.C. Brinkman*, Kristian M. Hargadon, T.N. Bullock, and V.H. Engelhard. Strategies and challenges in eliciting immunity to melanoma. Immunological Reviews. 2008. 222:28-42.

33. Kristian M. Hargadon, C. C. Brinkman*, S. L. Sheasley-O'Neill, L. A. Nichols, T. N. J. Bullock and V. H. Engelhard. Incomplete Differentiation of Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells in Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes. Journal of Immunology. 2006. 177:6081-6090.

Book Chapters (* = undergraduate student co-author)

1.  Alireza Soleymanitabar, Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi, Kristian M. Hargadon, and Nima Rezaei. (2023) Immunotherapy for Cutaneous Melanoma. In: Rezaei N. (eds.) Handbook of Cancer and Immunology Book Series. Springer, Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80962-1_237-1.

2. Kristian M. Hargadon and James B. Wall*. (2022) Combinatorial Strategies for T Lymphocyte-based Cancer Immunotherapy. In: Rezaei N. (eds.) Handbook of Cancer and Immunology. Springer, Cham. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-80962-1_211-1

3. Kristian M. Hargadon, David Z. Bushhouse*, Coleman E. Johnson*, and Corey J. Williams*. (2021) Generation of Functional Gene Knockout Melanoma Cell Lines by CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing. In: Hargadon K.M. (ed.) Melanoma: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, Volume 2265. Springer Nature/Humana Press, New York, NY.

4. Kristian M. Hargadon and Coleman E. Johnson*. (2021) A Melanoma Cell/Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Adhesion Assay. In: Hargadon K.M. (ed.) Melanoma: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, Volume 2265. Springer Nature/Humana Press, New York, NY.

Edited Works

Book Projects:

1. Kristian M. Hargadon, Editor. (2021) Melanoma: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, Volume 2265. Springer Nature/Humana Press, New York, NY. ***Volume selected by Springer Nature Editors for the Publisher’s 2021 Research Highlights Feature (Cancer Research Category).

Journal Special Issues:

1. Shahrzad Jalali, Kristian M. Hargadon, and Courtney Lappas, Guest Associate Editors (2023) Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology Research Topic “Modulation of T-cell Function and Survival by the Tumor Microenvironment.”

2. Kristian M. Hargadon and Timothy N. J. Bullock, Guest Associate Editors (2014)  Frontiers in Immunology Research Topic "Tumor Cell/Dendritic Cell Interactions and the Influence of Tumors on Dendritic Cell-mediated Anti-Tumor Immune Responses and Dendritic Cell-Based Tumor Immunotherapies."

NOTE: 1^st Author: Presenting Author, * Undergraduate Mentee

1. Baylor F. Jenkins* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2025. The FOXC2 Transcription Factor Inhibitor MC-1-F2 Alters the Chemosensitivity of B16-F10 Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (Chicago, IL).
2. Matthew T. Miscikowski* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2024. Sequencing of a CRISPR-Cas9 Edited Melanoma Cell Line to Determine Deficiency of the FOXC2 Gene. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Undergraduate Scholarship.
3. Devanand M. Clark*, Patrick D. Conde*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2024. Generation of a FOXC2-Deficient Melanoma Cell Line Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (San Diego, CA).
4. Davie M. Clark*, Patrick D. Conde*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2023. CRISPR-Cas9 Editing of the Foxc2 Gene in B16-F10 Murine Melanoma. Poster presentation at the 2023 Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference.
5. James B. Wall* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2022. Impact Pathway Analysis of FOXC2-correlated Genes in Melanoma: A Meta-analysis Approach to Understand the Tumor-promoting Functions of the FOXC2 Transcription Factor. Poster presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (New Orleans, LA)
6. James B. Wall* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2022. Bioinformatic Analysis of FOXC2-correlated Genes in Melanoma Reveals a Role for the FOXC2 Transcription Factor in Several Oncogenic Pathways. Virtual presentation at the 2022 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
7. James B. Wall* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2022. Impact Pathway and Gene Ontology Analysis of FOXC2-correlated Genes in Melanoma. Virtual presentation at the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia (NURVa).
8. James B. Wall* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2021. A Meta-analysis of FOXC2-correlated Genes in Melanoma: An Approach to Gain Insight into Oncogenic Pathways Impacted by the FOXC2 Transcription Factor. Poster presentation at the 2021 Virginia Academy of Science Fall Undergraduate Research Meeting. James B. Wall Received Honorable Mention Award in Biochemistry Section</strong.
9. Taylor J. McGee*, Balázs Győrffy, and Kristian M. Hargadon. Expression Levels of Type I and Type II Interferon Pathway Genes are Prognostic Indicators of Melanoma Patient Response to the CTLA-4 Inhibitor Ipilimumab. Virtual presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research’s Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition. Taylor J. McGee ReceivedMargaret Foti Foundation Undergraduate Prize for Cancer Research Award (Honorable Mention).
10. Jeb B. Wall*, Balázs Győrffy, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2021. Analysis of Oxidative Stress Response Pathway Gene Expression Reveals RNA-level Biomarkers of Melanoma Patient Survival and Response to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy. Virtual presentation at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research’s Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition.
11. James W. Patterson II* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2021. Altered Expression of Metabolism-regulating Genes in Tumor Tissue Reveals Putative RNA-level Biomarkers with Prognostic Significance for Cancer Patients. Virtual presentation at the Annual Meeting of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
12. Jeb B. Wall*, Balázs Győrffy, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2020. Evaluating Expression of Oxidative Stress Response Regulatory Genes in the Context of Patient Survival in Multiple Cancer Types Using Kaplan-Meier Plotter Software. Virtual poster presentation at the Annual Sigma Xi Symposium and Student Research Conference.
13. Taylor J. McGee*, Balázs Győrffy, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2020. Evaluating Expression of IFN Pathway Genes and their Prognostic Significance for Cancer: An Analysis of Datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Virtual poster presentation at the Annual Sigma Xi Symposium and Student Research Conference.
14. Taylor J. McGee* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2020. How Variable mRNA Expression Influences Cancer Patient Survival. Oral presentation at the Virtual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of Undergraduate Scholarship Annual Meeting.
15. Elijah W. Strong* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2020. FOXC2-associated Regulation of Genes Controlling Drug Metabolism and Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Melanoma. Oral presentation at the inaugural Virginia Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference (Network for Undergraduate Research in VA).
16. Brian D. Tarnai* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2020. The FOXC2 Transcription Factor Negatively Regulates the Expression of Genes Associated with Interferon Responsiveness in Melanoma. Poster presentation at the inaugural Virginia Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference (Network for Undergraduate Research in VA).
17. David Z. Bushhouse* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2019. Chemokine Receptor Expression Profiling of Lymph Node Invasive Versus Lymph Node Non-invasive Melanomas. Poster presentation at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (Atlanta, GA).
18. Corey J. Williams*, Coleman E. Johnson*, David Z. Bushhouse*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2019. The FOXC2 Transcription Factor Promotes Growth of Melanoma Cells in both in vitro and in vivo Poster presentation at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (Atlanta, GA). Corey J. Williams also Received Honorable Mention Award in Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competitionat the AACR Meeting.
19. Coleman E. Johnson*, Corey J. Williams*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2019. FOXC2-associated Regulation of Melanoma Cell Adhesion to the Extracellular Matrix and Lymphatic Endothelial Cells. Poster presentation at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (Atlanta, GA).
20. Kristian M. Hargadon. 2018. A Model System for the Study of Gene Expression in the Undergraduate Laboratory. Oral presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science (Longwood University, Farmville, VA).
21. David Z. Bushhouse* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2018. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated Disruption of the Foxc2 Gene in a Murine Melanoma Cell Line as a Tool for Investigating FOXC2 Gene Targets that Promote Melanoma Progression. Oral presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science (Longwood University, Farmville, VA).
22. Corey J. Williams* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2018. FOXC2 Regulates Expression of the Integrins ITGA5 and ITGA9 in Melanoma. Oral presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science (Longwood University, Farmville, VA).
23. Coleman E. Johnson* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2018. FOXC2 is a Key Regulator of Melanoma Cell Adhesion to the Extracellular Matrix and Lymphatic Endothelial Cells. Oral presentation at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science (Longwood University, Farmville, VA).
24. David Bushhouse* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. Optimization of a Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay to Assess Target Genes of the FOXC2 Transcription Factor in Melanoma. Poster presentation at the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology (Philadelphia, PA).<
25. Coleman Johnson*, Corey Williams*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. The FOXC2 Transcription Factor is a Critical Regulator of Integrin Expression and Tumor Cell Adhesion in Melanoma. Poster presentation at the 2017 Annual Sigma Xi Symposium and Student Research Conference (Raleigh, NC).
26. David Bushhouse* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. Optimization of a Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay to Assess Target Genes of the FOXC2 Transcription Factor in Melanoma. Poster presentation at the 2017 Annual Sigma Xi Symposium and Student Research Conference (Raleigh, NC).
27. David Bushhouse* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Identification of FOXC2 Target Genes in Melanoma Through Chromatin Immunoprecipitation. Poster presentation at the 2017 Virginia Academy of Science Undergraduate Research Meeting. Received Best Poster/Grant Award – Genetics Section.
28. Kristian M. Hargadon,Jefferson C. Thompson*, Travis B. Goodloe III*, James H. Lau*, Corey J. Williams*, Coleman E. Johnson*, and David Z. Bushhouse*. 2017. Melanoma-associated FOXC2 is a Critical Regulator of Tumor Cell Adhesion, Invasion, and Lymph Node Metastasis. Oral presentation at Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference (University of Virginia).
29. James H. Lau* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. Assessing the Role of Melanoma-associated FOXC2 in Tumor Cell Migration, Invasion, and Immune Suppression. Poster presentation at the 2017 American Association for Cancer Research Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition at the AACR Annual Meeting (Washington, D.C.). 
30. Brant D. Boucher* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. Evaluating a Tissue-Specific Gene Silencing Approach to Knock Down FOXC2 Gene Expression in Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at the 2017 American Association for Cancer Research Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition at the AACR Annual Meeting (Washington, D.C.). 
31. Brant Boucher*, Michael J. Wolyniak, Kristian M. Hargadon, and Rupak Dua. 2017. Biomimetic Nano-Patterned Design on the Surface of the Implants to Prevent Bacterial Infection. Poster presentation at the 2017 National Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Chicago, IL).  
32. Brant D. Boucher* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2017. Evaluating a Tissue-Specific Gene Silencing Approach to Knock Down FOXC2 Gene Expression in Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at the Virginia Academy of Science Student Research Showcase at the Virginia House of Delegates. 
33. James H. Lau* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Profiling Differential Gene and Protein Expression between the Murine Melanoma Cell Lines B16-F1 and B16-F1ΔFoxc2 via Flow Cytometry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. Poster presentation at Virginia Western Community College at the 2016 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. 
34. Brant D. Boucher* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Evaluating a Tissue-Specific Gene Silencing Approach to Knock Down FOXC2 Gene Expression in Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at Virginia Western Community College at the 2016 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. 
35. James H. Lau* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Profiling Differential Gene and Protein Expression between the Murine Melanoma Cell Lines B16-F1 and B16-F1ΔFoxc2 via Flow Cytometry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA. Poster presentation at the 2016 Longwood University/Hampden-Sydney College Sigma Xi Research Symposium. Received Best Poster Award.  
36. Jefferson C. Thompson* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Generation of a Foxc2 Gene Knockout Murine Melanoma Cell Line via CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Technology. Poster presentation at the 2016 Experimental Biology Meeting in San Diego, CA. 
37. Travis B. Goodloe, III* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Validation of a Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-based Method for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis by Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at the 2016 Experimental Biology Meeting in San Diego, CA.  
38. Jefferson C. Thompson* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2016. Generation of a Foxc2 Gene Knockout Murine Melanoma Cell Line via CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Technology. Poster presentation at the Virginia Academy of Science 2016 Undergraduate Research Showcase at the Statehouse with the Virginia General Assembly. 
39. Travis B. Goodloe, III* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2015. Validation of a Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-based Method for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis by Melanoma Cells. Poster presentation at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College at the 2015 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. Travis B. Goodloe III Received 1^st Place Award in Poster Competition (judged from among 59 posters from both undergraduate and graduate students).  
40. Jefferson C. Thompson* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2015. Generation of a Foxc2 Gene Knockout Murine Melanoma Cell Line via CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Technology. Poster presentation at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College at the 2015 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. 
41. Stephen L. Woodall* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2015. Genetic Engineering of the Murine Melanoma D5.1G4 to Express a Model Antigen for Evaluation of Anti-tumor CD8+ T Cell Responses. Poster presentation at the 2015 National Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Boston, MA). Stephen L. Woodall Received Thematic Poster Award for the Theme Molecular Mechanisms of Infection and Immunity. 
42. Jay Brandt* and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2014. Ex vivo Analysis of the Impact of Melanoma-altered Dendritic Cells on CD8+ T Cell Differentiation. Poster presentation at James Madison University at the 2014 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. 
43. D. Carter*, R. M. Goodman, and Kristian M. Hargadon. 2014. Survey of ranavirus in central Virginia reptiles. Poster presentation at the 2014 Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting (Sacramento, CA).
44. Jonathan D. Bishop* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation, Activation, and T Cell Stimulatory by Melanoma-derived Factors. Poster presentation at the University of Virginia at the 2013 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
45. Yonathan T. Ararso* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Melanoma-derived Factors TGFb1 and VEGF-A Suppress Anti-tumor Immunity by Interfering with Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation. Poster presentation at the 2013 Leadership Alliance National Symposium in Stamford, CT.
46. Invited speaker at 2013 tjSTAR Symposium to Advance Research at Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, VA.
47. Kristian M. Hargadon. From Gym Rat to Tumor Immunologist: A Scholar Athlete’s Path to Cancer Research. Keynote speaker at 2013 Harker Research Symposium at The Harker School in San Jose, CA.
48. Charlie Hand*, Yonathan T. Ararso*, Osric A. Forrest*, Pranay R. Reddy*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. An shRNA-mediated Approach to Silence TGFb1 and VEGF-A Gene Expression in B16-F1 Melanoma. Poster presentation at the 2013 19^th Annual Blood-Brain Barrier Consortium Meeting (Theme – “Central Nervous System (CNS) Metastases a Neurovascular Unit [Blood-Brain Barrier] Disease?”) at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA.
49. Charlie Hand*, Yonathan T. Ararso*, Osric A. Forrest*, Pranay R. Reddy*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. An shRNA-mediated Approach to Silence TGFb1 and VEGF-A Gene Expression in B16-F1 Melanoma. Poster presentation at Old Dominion University at the 2012 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
50. Kristian M. Hargadon, Osric A. Forrest*, and Pranay R. Reddy*. Suppression of the Maturation and Activation of the Dendritic Cell Line DC2.4 by Melanoma-derived Factors. Oral presentation at Norfolk State University at the 2012 Virginia Academy of Science Annual Conference.
51. Yonathan T. Ararso* and Kristian M. Hargadon. The Role of Melanoma-derived Immunosuppressive Molecules in the Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation. Poster presentation at Randolph-Macon College at the 2012 Virginia Collegiate Honors Council Spring Conference.
52. Osric A. Forrest* and Kristian M. Hargadon. The Effect of B16-F1 and D5.1G4 Tumor-altered Dendritic Cells on Helper and Killer T Cell Activation. Poster presentation at the 2011 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in St. Louis, MO.
53. Yonathan T. Ararso* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Characterization of B16-F1 and D5.1G4 Melanoma Tumors and Profiling Melanoma-Induced Suppression of Dendritic Cell Function. Poster presented at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC at the 2011 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and International Research Conference.
54. Osric A. Forrest* and Kristian M. Hargadon. The Effect of B16-F1 and D5.1G4 Tumor-altered Dendritic Cells on Helper and Killer T Cell Activation. Poster presentation at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College at the 2011 Virginia Academy of Science Fall Undergraduate Research Conference.
55. Kristian M. Hargadon, Osric A. Forrest*, and Pranay R. Reddy*. Melanoma-Associated Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation/Activation Depends on Tumorigenicity. Oral presentation at University of Richmond at the 2011 Virginia Academy of Science Annual Conference.
56. Pranay Reddy* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Characterization of the Murine Melanoma Cell Lines B16-F1 and D5.1G4: A Model System for Investigating Immune Regulation by Highly Tumorigenic versus Poorly Tumorigenic Melanomas. Poster presentation at Marymount University at the 2011 Virginia Collegiate Honors Council Spring Conference.
57. Kristian M. Hargadon and Osric Forrest*. Progressor Versus Regressor Melanomas Differentially Suppress Dendritic Cell Activation. Oral presentation at Lynchburg College at the 2010 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
58. Osric Forrest* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Progressor Versus Regressor Melanomas Differentially Suppress Dendritic Cell Activation. Poster presentation at Lynchburg College at the 2010 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
59. Osric Forrest* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Comparison of the JAWSII and DC2.4 Dendritic Cell Lines as in vitro Models for Evaluating Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation. Poster presentation at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Charlotte, NC.
60. Osric Forrest* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Comparison of the JAWSII and DC2.4 Dendritic Cell Lines as Models for Evaluating Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation. Poster presentation at Sweet Briar College at the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of Undergraduate Scholarship.
61. Chad M. Harte* and Kristian M. Hargadon. Characterizing Maturation of the Immature Dendritic Cell Line JAWSII. Poster presentation at Virginia Wesleyan College at the 2010 Virginia Collegiate Honors Council Spring Conference. Chad M. Harte Received Best Poster Award.
62. Justin J. Odanga*, Curtis B. Read*, and Kristian M. Hargadon. Isolation, Identification, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Unknown Bacteria from a Dormitory Bathroom. Poster presentation at Virginia Wesleyan College at the 2010 Virginia Collegiate Honors Council Spring Conference.
63. Kristian M. Hargadon and Thomas J. Braciale. Susceptibility and Responsiveness of Respiratory Dendritic Cells to Influenza Virus Infection is Virus Strain-Dependent. Oral presentation at Virginia Commonwealth University at the 2009 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
64. Stephen S. Hahn*, Kristian M. Hargadon, and Thomas J. Braciale. Susceptibility of Bone Marrow Derived Dendritic Cells to Influenza Virus Infection Resembles Respiratory Dendritic Cells’ Dependency on Viral Strain. Poster presentation at Virginia Commonwealth University at the 2009 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
65. Haley A. Dodd*, Kristian M. Hargadon, and Thomas J. Braciale. A20 B Cell Lymphoma as a Model for RDC Infection with Influenza. Poster presentation at Virginia Commonwealth University at the 2009 Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
66. Kristian M. Hargadon, Haley A. Dodd*, and Thomas J. Braciale. MHC Class II: A Novel Coreceptor Required for Infection of Respiratory Dendritic Cells by H2 Hemagglutinin-expressing Influenza Strains. Poster presentation at the 2009 University of Virginia Carter Immunology Center/Infectious Diseases/Center for Immunity, Inflammation, & Regenerative Medicine Faculty Retreat at Wintergreen Resort.
67. Kristian M. Hargadon, Haley A. Dodd*, and Thomas J. Braciale. MHC Class II: A Novel Coreceptor Required for Infection of Respiratory Dendritic Cells by H2 Hemagglutinin-expressing Influenza Strains. Poster presentation at the 2009 Infectious Diseases/Biodefense Research Day Symposium at the University of Virginia.
68. Kristian Hargadon and Thomas Braciale. Susceptibility of Respiratory Dendritic Cells to Influenza Virus Infection is Virus Strain-Dependent. Oral presentation at the 2008 University of Virginia Carter Immunolgy Center/Infectious Diseases/Center for Immunity, Inflammation, & Regenerative Medicine Faculty Retreat at Wintergreen Resort.
69. Kristian Hargadon, Lisa Nichols, David Mullins, and Victor Engelhard. Cross-presentation of an Epitope Derived From the Tumor Antigen Tyrosinase is Necessary for Activation of Antigen-specific T Cells. Poster presentation at the 2004 12^th Annual International Congress of Immunology Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Other Presentations (Invited Speaker, Panel Discussions, etc.)

1. Moderator for Panel Discussion “The Imperative, and Possibilities, of Scientific Literacy in a Republic,” held as part of the Hampden-Sydney College’s Pauley Science Center Dedication. November 11, 2022.
2. Uncut with HR: COVID Facts with Dr. Hargadon – Interview to Provide Information on the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines. August 3, 2021. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkdqA1apduo

2. The Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine – Information Session for Hampden-Sydney College YouTube Channel. March 7, 2021. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNc7Uj4ycnk

3. COVID-19: Pathogenesis and Prevention. Virtual Information Session for The Harker School (San Jose, CA). January 15, 2021. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EJFn8K5Q8o

4. COVID-19: How SARS-CoV-2 Triggered the Worst Public Health Crisis in Over 100 Years – Virtual COVID-19 Training/Information Session for Hampden-Sydney College Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. December 2, 2020.
5. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney Admissions Office Virtual Information Series (Pre-Med Information Session). October 8, 2020.
6. COVID-19 and the Importance of Public Health Measures – Virtual Information Session for Hampden-Sydney College Upperclassmen. August 26, 2020.
7. COVID-19 and the Importance of Public Health Measures – Information Session for Hampden-Sydney College Freshman Class Orientation Program. August 20, 2020.
8. COVID-19 and the Importance of Public Health Measures – Information Session for Hampden-Sydney College Resident Advisors. August 11, 2020.
9. COVID-19 Information Session – Update for Hampden-Sydney College YouTube Channel. July 22, 2020. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY8jfRWZnnI

10. COVID-19 Information Session – Virtual Presentation to Longwood University Athletics Department. July 21, 2020.
11. COVID-19 Information Session – Hampden-Sydney College Alumni Association “Geek Week” Virtual Presentation. May 18, 2020.
12. COVID-19 Information Session – Two Virtual Presentations to Rotary Club of Farmville, VA. May 14, 2020.
13. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College Wilson Center for Leadership Current Events Series – Coronavirus: What is it? What are its origins? What are its threats? February 11, 2020.
14. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College Program – “The Numbers and Science Behind Equity and Inclusion.” Oct. 30, 2019
15. Moderator for “Rhetoric at Work” Panel Discussion as part of the Hampden-Sydney College Rhetoric Program’s 40^th Anniversary Celebration
16. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College Athletics Open House Panel - “The Hampden-Sydney Student-Athlete – A Panel Discussion.” Nov. 10, 2018.
17. The Influenza Pandemics: How a Virus with 8 Genes Can Kill Millions. Hampden-Sydney College 2018 Influenza Symposium to Commemorate the 100-year Anniversary of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. Nov. 1, 2018.
18. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College’s “The Good Man & Good Citizen of Today” Panel Discussion. 2018 Reunion Weekend/Summer College. June 2, 2018.
19. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College’s Higher Educational Consultants Association Panel Discussion. April 24, 2018.
20. Tipping the Balance in the War on Cancer: How Insights into the Basic Biology of Tumor Progression are Revolutionizing Cancer Therapy. Keynote Address at Virginia Academy of Science Fall 2017 Undergraduate Research Meeting. October 28, 2017.
21. Cancer-associated Dendritic Cell Dysfunction. Guest lecture at University of Virginia in Path 8300 – Cancer and the Immune System (course for graduate students/postdoctoral fellows). September 21, 2017.
22. Cancer-associated Dendritic Cell Dysfunction. Guest lecture at University of Virginia in Path 8300 – Cancer and the Immune System (course for graduate students/postdoctoral fellows). October 27, 2015.
23. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College Future Educators Club “Alumni in Education” Panel Discussion. April 13, 2015.
24. Hampden-Sydney College Wilson Center for Leadership Current Events Series – Ebola. September 3, 2014.
25. Smoking, Alcohol, and Cancer. Presented to Hampden-Sydney College students and staff to raise awareness during fraternity pledge period. February 4, 2014.
26. Immunity to Cancer: Why Does It Fail and Can It Be Improved? – Presented at the Fall 2012 Hampden-Sydney College Faculty Research Seminar Series. October 10, 2012
27. Panelist for Hampden-Sydney College QEP Symposium “College Men: Making the Grade? A Symposium at Hampden-Sydney College About the Education of Men” (member of panel discussion on “Alums Teaching at Single-Sex Institutions”). February 23, 2012.
28. Graduation speaker at 2011 Blessed Sacrament Huguenot High School Graduation. June 5, 2011.
29. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: What is the “Deficiency”? Presented at the Hampden-Sydney College symposium: Global HIV and AIDS Pandemic: It’s In Your Life. November 5, 2009.
30. Speaker to H-SC students/faculty at the 150^th Birthday Celebration of Charles Darwin’s publication On the Origin of Species. November 2009.
31. H1N1 Influenza: The “Swine” Flu. Presented as an information session for Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University students at Longwood University (Johns Memorial Episcopal Campus Ministry). September 9, 2009.

32. Incomplete Differentiation of Melanoma-specific CD8 T Cells and the Implications for Anti-melanoma Immunotherapies. Presented at the University of Virginia Research in Progress Seminar Series. November 15, 2006.
33. Melanoma Immunity is Limited by Defective Killer T Cell Responses. Presented at Hampden-Sydney College Pre-Health Society Seminar Series. March 29, 2005.

34. Presentation of Melanoma-derived Antigens to CD8 T Cells at Different Stages of Tumor Progression Influences the Quality of the Anti-tumor CD8 T Cell Response. Presented at the University of Virginia Research in Progress Seminar Series. March 23, 2005.
35. Immune Evasions by Tumor Cells: Mechanisms of Escape and Strategies to Improve Anti-tumor Immunity. Presented at Hampden-Sydney College Pre-Health Society Seminar Series. November 18, 2003.
36. Flow Cytometry: A Powerful Tool for the Tumor Immunologist. Presented at the University of Virginia’s Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research to recruit visiting undergraduate students to graduate school, 2002-2004 (one presentation per year).

37. Immunity to Cancer: Why Does It Fail and Can It Be Enhanced? Presented at Hampden-Sydney College Pre-Health Society Seminar Series. November 19, 2002.

TOTAL FUNDING = $334,510

2024       Council on Undergraduate Research Biology Division Mentor Award (Mid-Career Category) – national award given annually to a single biology faculty member from among all U.S. colleges and universities in recognition of sustained efforts in mentoring undergraduate research students, fostering their development, and providing an equitable learning environment

2023       University of Virginia School of Medicine Early Achievement Award in Biomedical Sciences – given in recognition of an alumnus who has brought honor and distinction to the UVA School of Medicine by demonstrating outstanding leadership in – and making significant contributions to – the field of medicine early in their careers through research, discovery, and innovation

2023 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2022 - American Association for Cancer Education R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prize for Best Manuscripts (2^nd Prize) – awarded for 2022 Journal of Cancer Education article entitled “A Bioinformatic Approach to Enhance Undergraduate Student Understanding of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle”

2022 - present - Trinkle Endowed Professorship 

2022 - Hampden-Sydney College Summer Faculty Fellowship Award ($3,000)

2021 - American Association for Cancer Education R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prize for Best Manuscripts (3^rd Prize) – awarded for 2021 Journal of Cancer Education article entitled “Using The Cancer Genome Atlas as a Tool to Improve Undergraduate Student Understanding of Cancer Genetics and the Hallmarks of Cancer Progression”

2021 - Hampden-Sydney College Summer Faculty Fellowship Award ($3,000)

2021 - Molecular Cloud Distinguished Research Award for Genome Editing – Most Social Impact Team Award (only lab team among finalists to consist entirely of undergraduate students)

2020 - Hampden-Sydney College Summer Faculty Fellowship Award ($3,000)

2019 - Virginia Academy of Science Mary Louise Andrews Award for Cancer Research for project entitled “The Role of Tumor-associated Chemokine Receptors in Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma” ($3,000)

2019 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2018 - Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Mednick Memorial Fellowship ($2,309)

2018 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2018 - Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition "Programs That Work" Award (recognizes exemplary mathematics, science, and integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs for which there is evidence of a positive impact on student or teacher learning) for cancer research-based laboratory module to promote undergraduate student learning of gene expression (see 2015 article published in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education)

2017 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2016 - Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Interdisciplinary Research Grant for project entitled "Bioinformatic Analysis of CD8+ T Cell Differentiation in Tumor-free Versus Tumor-involved Lymph Nodes ($100,000)

2016 - John Peter Mettauer Award for Excellence in Research (given annually by Hampden-Sydney College to a faculty member to recognize excellence in academic research)

2016 - 2022 - Elliott Endowed Professorship

2016 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2015 - Virginia Association of Science Teachers Recognition in Science Education (RISE) Award - University/College Faculty category (one award given annually among science faculty in Virginia)

2015 - Sigma Xi Chapter Lectureship Subsidy - grant to support visit from Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Lee Dugatkin (University of Louisville) as a keynote speaker at the 2015 Longwood University/Hampden-Sydney College Sigma Xi Research Sympsoium ($1,200)

2015 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2014 - Commonwealth Health Research Board Grant for project entitled "The Role of Melanoma-derived Factors in Suppressing the Maturation, Activation, and T Cell Stimulatory Capacity of Dendritic Cells" ($125,000)

2014 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2014 - Renewal of Virginia Academy of Science Jeffress Memorial Fellowship ($10,000); Total Grant Award = $45,000

2013 - Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Mednick Memorial Fellowship ($2,000)

2013 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2012-2015 - Elliott Endowed Professorship2012 - Renewal of Virginia Academy of Science Jeffress Memorial Fellowship ($10,000)

2012 - Hampden-Sydney College Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2012 - J. Shelton Horsley Research Award (highest honor bestowed by Virginia Academy of Science for original research) for manuscript published in Cellular Immunology entitled "Suppression of the maturation and activation of the dendritic cell line DC2.4 by melanoma-derived factors."

2011 - Sigma Xi Fresh Faces of the 125th Anniversary Award (1 of 125 members out of 60,000+ worldwide in the international honorary scientific research society recognized as an emerging "Fresh Face" under the age of 35 in scientific research)

2011 - Virginia Academy of Science Jeffress Memorial Fellowship ($25,000)

2011 - Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Mednick Memorial Fellowship ($2,000)                        

2011 - Hampden-Sydney Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

2010 - Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship and Hampden-Sydney Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($1000)

2010 - Hampden-Sydney Student/Faculty Summer Research Award ($4,000)

Postdoctoral Fellow Immunology Training Grant and Biodefense Training Grant
Who's Who Among American Teachers & Educators
Dean's Fellowship - University of Virginia
Barry M. Goldwater Scholar
Valedictorian - Hampden-Sydney College - 2001
USA Today All-USA College Academic Team - Third Team
Patrick Henry Scholar - Hampden-Sydney College

Student-Mentored Grants/Awards (Total Funds = $55,500):

2023         Devanand Clark ’25 – Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship for project entitled “Generation of a FOXC2-deficient B16-F10 Melanoma Cell Line by CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing” ($2,000)

2022          Taylor J. McGee '23 – Barry M. Goldwater Scholar (Mathematics, Science, & Engineering) Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation ($7,500)

2021          James B. Wall ’22 – Honorable Mention Award for poster entitled “A Meta-analysis of FOXC2-correlated Genes in Melanoma: An Approach to Gain Insight into Oncogenic Pathways Impacted by the FOXC2 Transcription Factor.” Presented at 2021 Virginia Academy of Science Fall Undergraduate Research Meeting.

2021          Taylor J. McGee ’23 – Margaret Foti Foundation Undergraduate Prize for Cancer Research (Honorable Mention Award) in Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition for poster entitled “Expression Levels of Type I and Type II Interferon Pathway Genes are Prognostic Indicators of Melanoma Patient Response to the CTLA-4 Inhibitor Ipilimumab.” Presented at 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research

2019          Corey J. Williams ’19 – Honorable Mention Award in Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition for poster entitled “The FOXC2 Transcription Factor Promotes Growth of Melanoma Cells in both in vitro and in vivo Settings.”  Presented at 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (Atlanta, GA)  

2019       David Bushhouse ’19 – Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, awarded annually for top research paper at Hampden-Sydney College ($4,000)

2018          David Bushhouse ’19 – Barry M. Goldwater Scholar (Mathematics, Science, & Engineering) Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation ($7,500)

2017          Virginia Academy of Science Undergraduate Research Grant to David Bushhouse for project entitled “Identification of FOXC2 Target Genes in Melanoma Through Chromatin Immunoprecipitation” ($750)

2017          Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges/Carilion Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship to Corey Williams for project entitled “Investigating the Role of Melanoma-associated FOXC2 in Regulating the Expression of Integrins and Other Cell Adhesion Molecules” ($2,000)

2016          James Lau ’17 – Barry M. Goldwater Scholar (Mathematics, Science, & Engineering) Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation ($7,500)

2016          Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research to James Lau for project entitled "Investigating the Role of Melanoma-Associated FOXC2 in Tumor Progression " ($1,000)

2015          Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship to Jefferson Thompson for project entitled "Generation of a Foxc2 Gene Knockout Murine Melanoma Cell Line via CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Technology" ($2,000)

2015          Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research to Travis Goodloe '16 for project entitled "Validation of a Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-based Method for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis by Melanoma Cells" ($1,000)

2015       Travis Goodloe ’16 – 1^st Place Award in Poster Competition for poster entitled “Validation of a Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-based Method for Detecting Lymph Node Metastasis by Melanoma Cells.”  Presented at Annual Virginia Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. ($250)

2015       Stephen L. Woodall ’15 – Thematic Best Poster Award for poster entitled “Genetic Engineering of the Murine Melanoma D5.1G4 to Express a Model Antigen for Evaluation of Anti-tumor CD8+ T Cell Responses.”  Presented at Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Boston, MA). ($400)

2014          Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship to Jay Brandt for project entitled "The Effect of Tumor-altered Dendritic Cells on CD8+ T Cells" ($2,000)

2014          Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship to Drake Bishop for project entitled "Tumor-associated Suppression of the Maturation and Activation of Dendritic Cells" ($2,000)

2014          Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award (awarded annually for top research paper at Hampden-Sydney College) to Drake Bishop for project entitled “Modification of the Maturation and Activation of Murine Dendritic Cells by Wild-type and Gene-silenced Melanomas” ($4,000)

2013          Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award (awarded annually for top research paper at  Hampden-Sydney College) to Yonathan Ararso for project entitled “An shRNA-mediated RNA Silencing Approach to Understand the Role of Melanoma-derived Factors in the Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation” ($4,000)

2013          Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research to Drake Bishop for project entitled "Melanoma associated Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation" ($500)

2012          Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award (awarded annually for top research paper at Hampden-Sydney College) to Osric Forrest for project entitled “The Effect of B16-F1 and D5.1G4 Tumor-altered Dendritic Cells on Killer T Cell Activation” ($4,000)

2012          Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research to Yonathan Ararso for project entitled "An shRNA-mediated RNA Silencing Approach to Understand the Role of Melanoma-derived Factors in the Suppression of Dendritic Cell Maturation and Activation" ($1,000)

2011          Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research to Osric Forrest for project entitled "The Influence of Melanoma Tumor-altered Dendritic Cells on T Cell Activation" ($1,000)

2010    Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship to Osric Forrest for project entitled "An in vitro Model System for Characterizing the Influence of Tumor Cells and Tumor-derived Factors on Dendritic Cell Phenotype and Function" ($1,000)

2010       Chad Harte ’10 – Best Poster Award for poster entitled “Characterizing Maturation of the Immature Dendritic Cell Line JAWSII.”  Presented at Virginia Collegiate Honors Council Spring Conference. ($100)

Graduation Outcomes for Research Mentees:

Devanand Clark '25 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Early Selection BS-MD Joint Program)

Taylor McGee '23 - National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Postbaccalaureate Program

Jeb Wall ’22 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

James Patterson ’21 - Wake Forest University Master’s Program in Biomedical Science; University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville

Brian Tarnai ’20 - George Washington University School of Medicine

Elijah Strong ’20 - George Washington University School of Medicine

David Bushhouse ’19 - Northwestern University Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Ph.D. Program

Coleman Johnson ’19 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Corey Williams ’19 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

James Lau ’17 - Eastern Virginia Medical School (received full scholarship for first 2 years of medical school)

Brant Boucher ’17 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Jefferson Thompson ’16 - Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Travis Goodloe ’16 - University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Stephen Woodall ’15 - North Carolina State Master of Physiology Program; St. George’s University School of Medicine 

Jay Brandt ’15 - Eastern Virginia Medical School

E. Davis Carter '15 - University of Tennessee Natural Resources and Conservation Ph.D. Graduate Program

Drake Bishop ’14 - Eastern Virginia Medical School (received full 4-year scholarship – only one such award given annually to a member of entering class) 

David Coe ’14 - Ross University School of Medicine 

Zachary Hand (transfer) - Wingate University School of Pharmacy

Yonathan Ararso ’13 - New York University School of Medicine

Osric Forrest ’12 - Emory University Immunology & Molecular Pathogenesis Ph.D. Graduate Program 

Ian Giles '12 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Pranay Reddy ’11 - St. George’s University School of Medicine

Drew Walker '11 - Virginia Commonwealth University Master of Health Administration Graduate Program

Chad Harte ’10 - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Curtis Read '10 - Virginia Commonwealth University Microbiology and Immunology Ph.D. Graduate Program

Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN)

American Association for Cancer Education 

National Association of Biology Teachers

Council on Undergraduate Research

Alpha Epsilon Delta - The Health Preprofessional Honor Society (Honorary Member)

European Academy of Tumor Immunology (Invited Member)

American Association for Cancer Research

American Association of Immunologists

Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology

Virginia Academy of Sciences (Vice Chair (2011), Secretary (2012), and Chair (2013) of Biology with Microbiology and Molecular Biology Division)

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sigma Xi Honorary Scientific Research Society (President of Longwood University/Hampden-Sydney College Chapter, 2013-present)

Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Leadership Fraternity

Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Fraternity

Chi Beta Phi Honorary Science/Mathematics Fraternity

Eta Sigma Phi Honorary Classics Fraternity

Alpha Chi Sigma - Professional Member

Professional Development and Service/Involvement in Field of Study

2025 - Attended 2025 Southeastern Immunology Symposium (June 6-7, 2025)

2021 - Attended Aspen Institute/Howard Hughes Medical Institute Virtual Webinar “COVID Vaccines: The Latest on Omicron, Boosters, and Immunity” (December 17, 2021)

2021 - Poster Judge - Virginia Academy of Science Fall Undergraduate Research Meeting

2021 - Attended the 2021 International Cancer Education Conference (ICEC) Virtual Meeting (October 12-16)

2020 - Attended the 2020 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Virtual Meetings (Session I, April 27-28; Session II, June 22-24)

2019 - Attended the 2019 Annual Meeting for the Virginia Branch of the American Society for Microbiology

2019 - Participated in Hampden-Sydney College Experiential Learning Workshop

2015 - Attended the 2015 Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Professional Development Institute

2015 - Participated in “Basics of detection and analysis—genome editing made easy” webinar on CRISPR-Cas9 technology sponsored by Invitrogen

2014 - Participated in "Detection of RNAs with Flow Cytometry" webinar sponsored by Affymetrix/eBioscience

2013 - Attended the Sigma Xi Assembly of Delegates Virtual Meeting

2013 - Pre-Med Advisor Workshop at the University of Virginia

2012 - Attended 4-VA Biology Conference at James Madison University (conference to discuss strategies for dealing with rising issues and advances in biology instruction); served as Discussion Group Facilitator

2011 - Attended 2011 Annual Beirne B. Carter Lecture in Immunology Symposium at University of Virginia

2011 - Participated in shRNA/siRNA webinar sponsored by Qiagen

2011 - Participated in ELISArray webinar sponsored by Qiagen

2010 - Virginia Commonwealth University Pre-Health Advisor Conference at VCU Medical Campus

2005-2009 - Piedmont Virginia Community College Laboratory Safety Training (Yearly)

2002 - University of Virginia Animal Handling Training

2002 - The American Association of Immunologists Advanced Course in Immunology at Stanford University

2001-2009 - University of Virginia Fire Safety and Prevention Training (Yearly)

2001-2009 - University of Virginia Chemical and Radiation Safety Training (Yearly)

2001-2009 - University of Virginia Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Training (Yearly)

Guest Associate Editor for Research Topic covering Tumor Cell/Dendritic Cell Interactions and the Influence of Tumors on Dendritic Cell-mediated Anti-Tumor Immune Responses and Dendritic Cell-Based Tumor Immunotherapies in the journal Frontiers in Tumor Immunity

Editorial Board Member

BMC Cancer (journal), published by Springer Nature (2025-present)

Discover Immunity (journal), published by Springer Nature (2024-present)

Discover Oncology (journal), published by Springer Nature (2024-present)

Handbook of Cancer and Immunology book series. Nima Rezaei (Ed.), Springer. 2022. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-80962-1

Advisory Board Member:

Clinical and Translational Discovery (journal), published by Wiley

Grant Review Responsibilities:

Ad Hoc reviewer for Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program’s (CDMRP) Melanoma Research Program (FY2020)

Journal/Textbook Review Responsibilities:

American Journal of Immunology

Annual Research & Review in Biology

Cancer Genetics

Cell Biology and Toxicology

Cellular Immunology

Cellular Oncology

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Current Medicinal Chemistry

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy

Frontiers in Education

Frontiers in Immunology

Frontiers in Oncology

Head & Neck

Human Immunology

Immunological Investigations

Immunology

International Immunopharmacology

Journal of Cancer Education

Journal of Clinical Medicine

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research

Melanoma Research

Molecular and Cellular Oncology

Molecular Cancer

Oncotarget

OncoTargets and Therapy

Seminars in Cancer Biology

Scientific Reports

Kuby, Immunology, 7^th Edition textbook

Other Service in Field of Study:

Supervisor - Cancer Immunology Project (CIP) – a branch of the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network that supports research and educational activities of junior scientists in the field of cancer immunology

Professional Interviews:

The Scientist (7/14/21) - Interviewed about newly published research in Nature Cancer from Dr. Anna Obenauf's research group at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Australia; sought for comment on the study's demonstration of a causal link between tumor resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as well as its implications for combination cancer therapy for the treatment of diverse tumor types (https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/cross-resistance-one-cancer-therapy-can-undermine-the-next-68985)

GenScript Expert Interviews Series (4/13/21) - Interviewed about advances in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and its implications for cancer therapy, as well as my laboratory's specific research on FOXC2 gene editing in melanoma (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJVKrOTqdSE)

Reuters Health (3/9/20) - Interviewed for an article in GI Health Foundation about a recent study published in JAMA Network Open related to immune checkpoint blockade therapy for cancer, with specific focus on the percentage of cancer patients eligible for therapy with FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (https://www.gihealthfoundation.org/reuters/article.cfm?article=20200319Other1194754881&cat=Othe&dstate=GI)

Other Interests  

Juggling
Sports (Basketball, Football, Golf, Tennis)