Elizabeth Hamilton Forrester ’94, PhD
Dr. Elizabeth Forrester is a highly accomplished leader in cancer biology and infectious disease diagnostics, with a deep passion for public health, biomedical research, and science education. She earned her B.S. in chemistry from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before pursuing her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. During her doctoral research, she focused on the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression and therapeutic resistance, significantly contributing to the understanding of the role of growth factors in breast cancer and identifying potential targets for future therapies. Driven by a desire to revolutionize science education, Elizabeth has created and implemented innovative, research-based courses for which she received awards including the NABT Genetics Education Award from the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Genetics Society of America (GSA), and the Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year Award for Tennessee from the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth spearheaded the transformation of the Baylor School’s Molecular Biology Research Lab into a COVID-19 testing facility for Hamilton County. Under her leadership, the lab processed tens of thousands of tests for local hospitals and clinics, providing timely, reliable results that helped control the spread of the virus. Her efforts earned her wide recognition, including the Hamilton County Good Samaritan Award, the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award in 2022, and the Champions of Healthcare Innovation Award in 2020.
In response to the ongoing need for diagnostic services during the pandemic, Elizabeth co-founded Athena Esoterix in 2021, a cutting-edge diagnostic laboratory specializing in cancer and infectious disease testing. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys pilates, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Steven, and their three sons, Jackson (Jack), Walker, and Beau.
