Biography

Dr. Hagensee currently serves as vice chair of research in the department of medicine for the LSU Health New Orleans. 

Dr. Hagensee’s research efforts have focused primarily on molecular epidemiological studies on human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in woman living with HIV.  The Hagensee laboratory studies are focused on the increase in HPV-related cervical cancer in HIV+ women and the increase in oral cancer in HIV+ men and women. 

A new area of focus is the role of HPV in anal cancer from basic biology to clinical trials and similar increases in anal cancer rates in HIV+ individuals.  This increase may be due, in part, to an interaction with another DNA virus, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) which also causes human cancers.  Results from these studies will aid in improved diagnostics and preventive measures for these cancers. Additional projects include development of self-testing methods to detect HPV DNA to improve cervical cancer screening and studies into improvement of HPV vaccine implementation.  

His initial studies on HPV are the basis for the current FDA-approved HPV vaccines. More recently, he has used the Health Beliefs Model to develop culturally relevant education materials to educate about HPV and the need for HPV vaccination to prevent cancer. In addition, Dr. Hagensee works closely with the LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health to develop ways to improve HPV vaccination in Louisiana.