James E. K. Hildreth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James E. K. Hildreth
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Hildreth at Meharry Medical College workshop in 2018
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James Earl Hildreth
December 27, 1956 |
| Education | Harvard University 1979 Oxford University 1982 |
| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine |
| Known for | HIV/AIDS research |
| Spouse(s) | Phyllis King (1980–) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Inductee, Arkansas Black Hall of Fame 2009 Frederick C. Greenwood Award 2012 Nashvillian of the Year 2021 |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Immunology |
| Institutions | Meharry Medical College |
James Earl King Hildreth (born December 27, 1956) is an American scientist and university leader. He is an immunologist, which means he studies the body's immune system and how it fights off diseases. Dr. Hildreth is currently the president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College. He is well-known for his important work on HIV/AIDS. He was also the first African American to become a full professor in basic research at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Many people, including Dr. Edward D. Miller, consider him one of the most important HIV researchers in the world.
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Early life and education
James Earl Hildreth was born on December 27, 1956, in Camden, Arkansas. His parents were Lucy and R.J. Hildreth. When his father passed away in 1968 from kidney cancer, it inspired young James to want to become a doctor.
He learned that students who went to Harvard University often got into medical schools. So, he decided to aim for Harvard. He worked hard and graduated at the top of his class from Camden High School. He was then accepted into Harvard.
At Harvard, he studied chemistry. He also worked as a carpenter to help pay for his schooling. In 1978, he applied for a special scholarship called the Rhodes Scholarship. This scholarship allows students to study at Oxford University in England. James was accepted, becoming the first African American from Arkansas to receive this honor.
He graduated from Harvard in 1979 with a degree in chemistry. He earned high honors, called magna cum laude. Later that year, he began studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. He earned his PhD in immunology in 1982. Then, in 1987, he earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Career and achievements
After finishing his medical degree, Dr. Hildreth began his career as a professor at Johns Hopkins. He later earned a special position called "tenure." This made him the first African American in 125 years to become a full-time tenured professor in basic sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He also became an associate dean there.
In 2005, Dr. Hildreth became the director of a research center at Meharry Medical College. This center focused on health differences related to AIDS. In 2009, he was honored by being added to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.
In 2011, he became the dean of the UC Davis College of Biological Sciences. The next year, in 2012, he received the Frederick C. Greenwood Award. This award recognized his important work and research on HIV/AIDS, especially among African Americans. That same year, he also received the Knowledge for the World Award from Johns Hopkins University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hildreth has taught and guided many students. He has trained 19 PhD students and several postdoctoral fellows. Many of them have gone on to have successful careers in science. In 2015, he returned to Meharry Medical College. He became the president and chief executive officer there.
Dr. Hildreth has also received the National Institute of Health Director's Pioneer Award. This award is given to a few very creative scientists each year. It recognizes those who use new ways to solve big health challenges. He currently helps advise the U.S. government on vaccines. He serves on the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. He is also a member of the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, which was chosen by President Joe Biden.
COVID-19 leadership
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, Dr. Hildreth suggested a plan for testing in minority communities. This led to Meharry Medical College setting up testing centers for the city of Nashville. Because of his strong leadership during the pandemic, the Nashville Scene newspaper named him "Nashvillian of the Year" in 2021.
He has appeared on many national TV shows and in newspapers. He shares his knowledge about COVID-19 science and how the disease affects different groups of people. In December 2022, Modern Healthcare magazine named him one of the "100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders."
Research on HIV/AIDS
Dr. Hildreth's research mainly focuses on stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. He has been working on this since the AIDS epidemic started in the early 1980s. His laboratory discovered that a protein called LFA-1 plays a direct role in how HIV infects cells.
His work has greatly helped the field of HIV research. He has published over 100 scientific papers and holds 11 patents related to his discoveries. His contributions have made a big difference.
Dr. Hildreth has also worked in the Southern United States. In this region, many new HIV infections happen among African Americans. His work has included partnering with local churches to teach Black communities about HIV and how to prevent it.
Personal life
Dr. Hildreth lives in Nashville, Tennessee. He married Phyllis King in 1980. They have two children.
