Through support of the Hampden-Sydney College Honors Council, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, and Sigma Xi, Drake Bishop ’14 is conducting research at Hampden-Sydney College this summer in collaboration with Dr. Kristian M. Hargadon, Elliott Assistant Professor of Biology.  Drake is studying how melanoma-derived factors influence the maturation and activation of dendritic cells, an immune cell that plays a critical role in the induction of anti-tumor immune responses.  Previous work in Dr. Hargadon’s laboratory has studied this phenomenon in vitro using dendritic cell lines grown in culture.  Drake’s work represents an extension of these earlier studies, as he is employing an ex vivo model system that involves isolation of natural dendritic cells from the spleens of mice.  Drake will continue this work during his senior year Departmental Honors Project in Biology.  Upon graduation, Drake will attend Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he was accepted during his sophomore year through H-SC’s early assurance program with EVMS!

Drake doing one of his “favorite” lab activities . . . COUNTING CELLS!

Drake working with his dendritic cells in the laminar flow hood . . . sterile technique at its best!