Kimryn Rathmell, Chief Executive Officer of Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute, shared on LinkedIn:
“I’m thrilled to welcome the newest member of our OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Liza Makowski.
Breakthroughs in cancer care depend on bold scientific ideas, collaborative research and exceptional talent. At the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, we are committed to building a research community that accelerates discovery and advances our understanding of cancer.
To further those efforts, I am pleased to announce that Liza Makowski, is joining the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics in The Ohio State University College of Medicine effective Sept. 1, 2026, as professor pending approval by The Ohio State University Board of Trustees.
Dr. Makowski is an internationally recognized scientist whose research has advanced our understanding of the connections among metabolism, the immune system and cancer. Her work has helped define how obesity, the microbiome and immunometabolism influence cancer development, progression and response to therapy, creating new opportunities to improve cancer prevention and treatment.
A highly accomplished investigator, Dr. Makowski leads a continuously funded research program supported by multiple National Cancer Institute R01 and U01 awards. She has published extensively in leading scientific journals and has served in numerous national leadership roles, including service on NIH study sections and NCI scientific review panels that shape the future direction of cancer research.
Most recently, Dr. Makowski served at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she held faculty appointments across the College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and College of Pharmacy. Her interdisciplinary work spans cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, genetics and genomics, reflecting a career dedicated to advancing collaborative and translational cancer research.
In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Dr. Makowskiis a dedicated mentor and educator who has trained graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and physician-scientists, helping prepare the next generation of cancer researchers and scientific leaders.
Dr. Makowski earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College, a master’s degree in medical sciences from Harvard Medical School and a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Dr. Makowski’s expertise in cancer metabolism, immunology and translational science will strengthen our research enterprise and enhance our ability to translate scientific discoveries into better outcomes for patients. I am excited to welcome her to the OSUCCC – James and look forward to the impact she will make across our research, education and clinical missions.
Please join me in welcoming Liza to The James! Go, Buckeyes!”
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