St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has recently made significant strides by appointing Elizabeth M.C. Hillman, PhD, as the founding chair of its newly established Department of Imaging Sciences. This cutting-edge department aims to foster a flourishing community of technological innovators dedicated to enhancing the understanding of catastrophic childhood diseases. The training and expertise of Hillman as a prominent figure in imaging method development provide an excellent basis for a leap forward in imaging technologies applied to life-saving research.
Hillman’s appointment is rooted in her remarkable history as a pioneer in the field of imaging. She holds an impressive track record in developing high-speed microscopes and advanced in-vivo imaging systems for studying living tissues. Under her leadership, a range of talented faculty members is expected to join the department, collectively driving the advancement of imaging techniques that span from microscopic imaging at the sub-cellular scale to comprehensive medical imaging processes. This diverse expertise will ideally enhance scientific studies while simultaneously improving patient care outcomes.
The establishment of this department is a clear indication of St. Jude’s commitment to innovation in biomedical research, especially focused on children. “Elizabeth is a renowned physicist, gifted biomedical engineer, and prolific inventor of new technologies,” remarked James R. Downing, MD, the president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The ambitious vision involves not merely building a functional department but rather creating a hub of excellence that integrates cutting-edge imaging technology into multidisciplinary research and clinical applications for children experiencing severe health challenges.
One of the primary objectives of this new department will be to develop and refine imaging and measurement methodologies that can facilitate transformative scientific studies. By leveraging advanced imaging technologies, researchers will likely better grasp disease processes and treatment outcomes, creating pathways for groundbreaking innovations in patient care. Hillman’s deep-rooted beliefs regarding the synergy between environment and innovation underscore the importance of St. Jude’s unique collaborative landscape. She acknowledges that local collaborations and shared scientific inquiries have significantly influenced her creative endeavors throughout her career.
Prior to joining St. Jude, Hillman made remarkable contributions during her tenure at Columbia University, serving as both a Herbert and Florence Irving Professor and a tenured professor in biomedical engineering and radiology. Her extensive 20-year career is marked by the successful development and application of a wide array of novel imaging and data analysis methods. These methods have not only advanced scientific inquiry but have also paved the way for potential commercial applications, evidenced by technologies she developed that have been licensed to major industry players like PerkinElmer and Leica Microsystems.
The broader implications of Hillman’s appointment extend beyond mere technological advancements. J. Paul Taylor, MD, PhD, St. Jude’s executive vice president and scientific director, articulated the revolutionary potential of recent advances in visualization and quantification methodologies. This revolutionary potential is expected to catalyze significant improvements in biomedical research specifically tailored to combating childhood diseases. Therefore, St. Jude’s commitment to propelling the institution forward in biomedical imaging innovation could manifest profound benefits for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
As Hillman transitions into her new role, she emphasizes the unique combination of talent and passion present at St. Jude, which she considers to be critical in addressing some of the most challenging questions in child health. The hospital’s environment presents a stimulating atmosphere where facilitators of scientific discovery can collaborate toward shared goals, maximizing the impact of their findings in real-time patient care. Hillman asserts that working in an inspiring environment like St. Jude will foster creativity and significantly heighten the immediate impacts of innovative discoveries.
Hillman’s academic pedigree includes a PhD in medical physics and bioengineering from University College London, one of the leading institutions known for driving scientific advancements. Furthermore, her post-doctoral work at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, provided her with foundational expertise in biomedical engineering, focusing on imaging sciences. She has authored over 100 research papers featured in esteemed journals such as Science, Nature Methods, Nature Photonics, and Nature Biomedical Engineering, showcasing her prominent role in advancing the field.
Moreover, Hillman has made substantial contributions to augmenting the scientific community’s understanding of critical biological processes and disease mechanisms. Her work reflects a synthesis of theory and applied sciences, which illustrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in driving biomedical progress. As a testament to her innovative contributions, she holds over 20 issued patents and was elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2022. This remarkable recognition underscores her dedication to fostering an environment rich in innovation and invention, ensuring young researchers also have the opportunities to thrive within this dynamic landscape.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has solidified its position as a preeminent institution in transforming how childhood diseases are understood, treated, and cured. With a unique focus as the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center exclusively dedicated to children, the hospital has played a critical role in improving pediatric treatment outcomes over its 60-plus-year history. Specifically, the treatment advancements achieved at St. Jude have propelled the childhood cancer survival rate from a mere 20% to 80%, representing a drastic shift and a beacon of hope for countless families across the globe.
Notably, the breakthroughs generated at St. Jude do not remain confined within its walls. The institution is deeply committed to sharing its discoveries, allowing healthcare providers worldwide to enhance treatment quality and care for children suffering from life-threatening conditions. Whether through its digital platforms or social media presence, St. Jude actively engages in disseminating vital knowledge that can have a lasting influence on partners in the healthcare community.
As the new Department of Imaging Sciences embarks on its groundbreaking journey under Hillman’s leadership, it signifies not just a commitment to scientific advancement but also a profound dedication to the lives of the children it serves. By uniting cutting-edge technology with a comprehensive understanding of pediatric diseases, the collaborative efforts within this department could redefine the contours of research excellence at the intersection of imaging and healthcare, ultimately transforming the future landscape of pediatric medicine for generations to come.
Subject of Research: Imaging and Measurement Approaches in Pediatric Medicine
Article Title: Elizabeth Hillman Appointed Founding Chair of St. Jude’s Imaging Sciences Department
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
References: N/A
Image Credits: Credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Keywords
Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, Pediatric Medicine, High-Speed Microscopy, In-Vivo Imaging, Technology Innovation, Scientific Research, Child Health Care, Imaging Sciences, Medical Imaging.
