Liza Hayes, PhD

About

Biography

I am a professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and my research focuses on understanding how metabolism, the immune system and cancer all interact. I specialize in studying the effects of obesity, weight loss, microbiome and immunometabolism on cancer development, progression and metastasis (spread); and in cancer response to therapy using both preclinical models and patient populations.

My research program seeks to uncover the biological mechanisms that link metabolic health and cancer outcomes. By investigating how changes in metabolism influence immune function within the tumor microenvironment, my team aims to identify new strategies to prevent cancer, improve treatment response and advance precision approaches to cancer care.

As a member of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, I lead a program that is continuously funded by multiple National Cancer Institute R01 and U01 awards. My work spans basic, translational, and population-based research, bringing together laboratory discoveries and patient-centered studies so that we can better understand the factors that influence cancer risk and therapeutic outcomes.

In addition to my research, I contribute to national scientific leadership, by serving on National Institutes of Health study sections and on the Scientific Advisory Council of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers and supporting trainees as they develop independent research careers.

Credentials

Research