Christopher Hourigan

Christopher Hourigan is a Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Cancer Research Center – D.C., where he leads a translational research program focused on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and measurable residual disease (MRD). Previously, he was a Tenured Senior Investigator and Chief of the Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

His research is centered on precision oncology, aiming to improve survival in AML by developing high-sensitivity genomic tools to detect MRD and predict relapse. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, with a strong emphasis on personalizing cancer therapy. He leads the national 'MEASURE' clinical protocol to validate MRD testing across the U.S.

Dr. Hourigan's recent publications highlight a consistent focus on MRD, genomics, AML treatment, and transplantation. His work integrates clinical data, molecular diagnostics, and translational research to refine risk prediction and therapeutic decision-making.

• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
• American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) Young Physician-Scientist Award
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Orloff Award
• Alpha Omega Alpha, Johns Hopkins Medical School Chapter
• Fellowship, Royal College of Physicians (London)
• National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research Group Special Act Award
• National Institute of Health Director’s Challenge Innovation Award

Dr. Hourigan has led major clinical and translational research initiatives, including multi-institutional collaborations and national protocols. His lab at Virginia Tech fosters interdisciplinary research, partnering with governmental and private entities. He does not have a listed advisee roster, but leads a research team including postdoctoral associates and research scientists.

The Hourigan Lab at the Virginia Tech Cancer Research Center in Washington, D.C., focuses on engineering cancer solutions through translational research. The lab brings together basic, computational, and clinical researchers to develop innovative approaches to prevent cancer relapse, particularly in AML.