Maria Hadjifrangiskou, professor of pathology, microbiology, and immunology, has been appointed senior assistant dean in the Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences. She will assume her new role effective immediately.
In this position, Hadjifrangiskou will oversee all aspects of biomedical graduate education at Vanderbilt, including recruitment, admissions, and academic support for the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in the Biomedical and Biological Sciences, the Quantitative and Chemical Biology program, and other Ph.D. tracks in the biomedical sciences from matriculation through graduation.
Hadjifrangiskou previously served as director of graduate studies for the Microbe-Host Interactions program, where she was known for her commitment to mentoring, academic rigor, and program development. Her new appointment signals a continued investment in enhancing the student experience, academic quality, and research training at Vanderbilt. Kristin Patrick will succeed Maria as director of graduate studies for the Microbe-Host Interactions program.
“I am excited to join the BRET team under Walter Chazin’s leadership as we work together to ensure that our trainees are supported through their educational and research pursuits,” Hadjifrangiskou said. “I look forward to working with our faculty and staff to provide strong academic support for the IGP, QCB, and the graduate program management. As when I was DGS, I encourage our students to reach out to me with questions, suggestions and feedback as to how we can continue to improve our educational mission.”
“I could not be more excited to partner with Dr. Hadjifrangiskou,” Chazin said. Chazin is senior associate dean of BRET. “Her time at Vanderbilt, specifically as a director of graduate studies, has prepared her well for this new adventure. I am convinced that her commitment to our trainees will have a great positive impact as our graduate education and training programs evolve over the next few years. I am so glad to have her aboard.”
Hadjifrangiskou joins a growing leadership team within the BRET office focused on strengthening biomedical graduate education, fostering collaborative training environments, and preparing students for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.