Education

Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Kentucky (2004)

M.D., University of Kentucky (2006)

Residency, Clinical Pathology, Washington University in St. Louis

Research Areas and Projects

Dr. Hood’s lab is focused on the translational design and implementation of biology inspired nanomedicine supported by biologic nanovesicle (exosome) investigations.  Understanding exosome function and nanocarrier properties in the context of tumor angiogenesis, macrophage function and pre-metastatic niche formation are explored with a specific focus on melanoma.  Other derivative projects include development of exosome-based biomarkers for cancer and synthetic nanomedicines to combat pathogenic exosomes and similarly structured viruses.  Our long-term goal is to develop and translate personalized exosome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for melanoma and other cancers.