Tyvette Hilliard, Ph.D. an accomplished scientist, and Assistant Professor of Biology at Tuskegee University, has made significant strides in her research on ovarian cancer, with a special focus on racial health disparities and the impact of generational obesity on metastasis. Her academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where her passion for cancer research was sparked.
Dr. Hilliard’s work has taken her across the country, from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, where she studied natural products for cancer therapeutics, to the University of Notre Dame. There, as a Dean’s Diversity Postdoctoral Fellow, she honed her focus on the role of host factors in cancer metastasis. Now, with her expertise in ovarian cancer, she is embarking on a new chapter as a Benjamin-Carver FIRST Scholar at Tuskegee University.
This prestigious program offers Dr. Hilliard invaluable resources, including designated mentors, research navigators, and peer support. “Being a part of the Benjamin-Carver FIRST program is an exciting opportunity to benefit from the considerable strengths and interactions among diverse faculty at both Tuskegee University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham,” says Dr. Hilliard.
As she looks to the future, Dr. Hilliard is committed to building a robust research program that not only advances scientific understanding but also fosters diversity in STEM fields. Her ultimate goal is to improve survival rates among African American women suffering from ovarian cancer and contribute to reducing health disparities.
Through her groundbreaking work, Dr. Hilliard hopes to open doors for minority and women students, just as she has been inspired by the pioneering scientists before her. “These two scientists have opened doors that I am proud to walk through and hope to continue to open for other students,” she reflects.
Dr. Hilliard’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and a dedication to improving the lives of others through science. Her work at Tuskegee is a testament to her commitment to both advancing cancer research and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
