Elizabeth “Liz” Hileman, PhD, is a research strategy and program development leader who builds multidisciplinary scientific initiatives, manages research portfolios, and translates institutional priorities into executable programs. As Director of Research Planning and Development for the Cancer Neuroscience Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she leads strategic planning, research operations, competitive funding, portfolio management, and collaborations. Her experience spans academic medicine, pharmaceutical alliances, intellectual property and commercialization, scientific communication, and philanthropy. She works with executive leaders, clinicians, scientists, donors, and external partners to advance high-impact research and move complex initiatives toward clinical and societal impact.
Dr. Hileman is President of the Houston chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) and serves on the AWIS National Chapter Advisory Committee. She is committed to advancing women in STEM, strengthening leadership pathways, and building communities in which women can connect, contribute, and thrive. Her leadership has been recognized through national AWIS awards for cultivating versatile leaders and strengthening member engagement.
As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Hileman is committed to advancing not only longevity but healthspan, independence, cognitive function, and quality of life. Her lived experience has strengthened her conviction that scientific progress must address the full continuum of survivorship including the neurologic, physical, emotional, and functional consequences of cancer and its treatment. She advocates for innovations that preserve brain health and enable people to remain fully engaged in relationships, work, and life.
A native Texan, Dr. Hileman earned her PhD in Biomedical Sciences and a BS in Chemistry.
