Kristian M. Hargadon

Kristian M. Hargadon serves as the Trinkle Professor of Biology at Hampden-Sydney College, where he has established himself as a leading researcher in cancer immunology with a specific focus on melanoma. His academic journey began with a B.S. from Hampden-Sydney College in 2001 (where he was valedictorian), followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in 2007, and postdoctoral training at UVA through 2009. At Hampden-Sydney, he teaches a comprehensive range of courses including Principles of Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, and specialized cancer-focused courses for both majors and non-majors.

Dr. Hargadon's research program centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of melanoma progression, with particular emphasis on the FOXC2 transcription factor's role in tumor development, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. His laboratory investigates how genetic factors regulate tumor-promoting signaling pathways and how the tumor microenvironment influences dendritic cell and T cell function. This work bridges basic science with translational applications, exploring how insights into tumor biology can improve cancer immunotherapies. His research has been consistently funded through competitive grants totaling over $334,510, including awards from the Commonwealth Health Research Board and the Jeffress Trust.

The trajectory of Dr. Hargadon's publications reveals a clear evolution from fundamental studies of dendritic cell biology and tumor immunology toward increasingly sophisticated molecular analyses of transcription factors like FOXC2 and their impact on cancer progression and treatment resistance. His recent work demonstrates a strong integration of bioinformatics approaches with traditional wet-lab techniques, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern cancer research. Notably, his publications consistently feature undergraduate co-authors, highlighting his commitment to involving students in meaningful research.

• 2024 Council on Undergraduate Research Biology Division Mentor Award (Mid-Career Category)
• 2023 University of Virginia School of Medicine Early Achievement Award in Biomedical Sciences
• Multiple R. Davilene Carter Presidential Prizes from the American Association for Cancer Education
• 2019 Virginia Academy of Science Mary Louise Andrews Award for Cancer Research
• 2012 J. Shelton Horsley Research Award (highest honor from Virginia Academy of Science)
• 2011 Sigma Xi Fresh Faces of the 125th Anniversary Award

Dr. Hargadon has mentored an exceptional number of undergraduate researchers, with over 25 students listed in his graduation outcomes, nearly all of whom have pursued advanced degrees in medicine or biomedical sciences. His students have secured prestigious awards including multiple Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships and Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges fellowships. He has secured over $55,500 in student-mentored grants, demonstrating his ability to cultivate research talent. Beyond research mentorship, he serves as Clinical Coordinator for the H-SC/Centra Pre-Health Rotational Shadowing Program and has chaired numerous college committees including Promotion and Tenure.

As founder of the Cancer Immunology Project through the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Dr. Hargadon has created opportunities for junior scientists globally. His laboratory functions as a comprehensive training environment where students gain experience in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, bioinformatics, molecular biology techniques, and cancer immunology research. The lab's focus on FOXC2 has produced significant insights into melanoma progression mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, with findings regularly presented at national conferences including the American Association for Cancer Research meetings.