Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) faculty and staff continue to set new standards in cancer research, clinical innovation, and community engagement. The faculty and staff’s remarkable accomplishments—reflected in recent external national honors and appointments—demonstrate the institute’s depth of expertise and impact. Recent highlights of recognition include the following:
Mary Beckerle, PhD, Honored With the 2025 Executive Leadership Award by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce
Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO emerita of Huntsman Cancer Institute, was honored with the 2025 Executive Leadership Award by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to Utah County. She was recognized in particular for leading the development of the Huntsman Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in Vineyard. This prestigious award celebrates Beckerle’s unwavering commitment and visionary guidance, as well as her remarkable ability to inspire others—opening doors and positively impacting countless lives throughout her tenure at the helm of Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Alana Welm, PhD, Receives University of Utah Innovator of the Year Award
Alana Welm, PhD, senior director of basic science at Huntsman Cancer Institute and chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the U, was named Innovator of the Year as part of the University’s 2025 Innovation Awards.
She was recognized for her groundbreaking work in developing models of breast cancer that have become a standard for studying metastasis.
Welm’s pioneering research has led to the development of new therapies and fostered international collaboration.
Gita Suneja, MD, MS, and Ying Hitchcock, MD, Named 2025 ASTRO Fellows for Excellence in Cancer Care and Research
Gita Suneja, MD, MS, physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the U, and Ying Hitchcock, MD, Huntsman Cancer Institute investigator and medical director and chief value officer of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the U, have been named 2025 fellows of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). This prestigious honor, awarded to only 43 members nationwide, recognizes their outstanding achievements in cancer research, education, and patient care. Their leadership and innovation continue to advance the field of radiation oncology and improve outcomes for patients.
Cornelia Ulrich, PhD, MS, Named President-Elect of the AACI Board of Directors
Cornelia Ulrich, PhD, MS, chief scientific officer and executive director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute and Jon M. and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor in Cancer Research in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the U, was elected to serve as president-elect of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Board of Directors. This national leadership role recognizes Ulrich’s outstanding scientific expertise and commitment to advancing cancer research. As president-elect, Ulrich will collaborate with cancer center directors across the country to strengthen support for innovative research and drive progress in cancer care.
Elizabeth Morales, MS, Appointed to University of Utah Alumni Board of Governors
Elizabeth Morales, MS, who leads the PathMaker Programs for Cancer Research, has been appointed to the University of Utah Alumni Board of Governors. In her role, Morales is dedicated to expanding access to biomedical and cancer research careers by providing research opportunities and community outreach for students and educators. As a board member, she will help advance the U Alumni mission by fostering lifelong connections among alumni, students, and the broader community—through initiatives such as the Forever Utah Network, the U’s official online platform to connect alumni, students, faculty and staff, and by organizing networking and mentoring events.
Jeffrey Yap, PhD, Appointed Vice Chair of the Alliance Imaging Committee
Jeffrey Yap, PhD, director of the Center for Quantitative Cancer Imaging and Theranostics at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at the U, has been appointed vice chair of experimental therapeutics for the Imaging Committee of the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. In this leadership role, Yap and his team are advancing the precision of cancer treatments by integrating cutting-edge imaging technologies with innovative therapeutic strategies. The committee plays a pivotal role in shaping clinical trials that improve cancer prevention, treatment, and care delivery nationwide.
Three Huntsman Cancer Institute Employees Receive 2025 University of Utah Staff Excellence Awards
For strengthening team culture and advancing research, advocacy, and program development, Anna Marsden, former senior manager of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination, Carla Lloyd, chair of the Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Research Advocate Committee, and Ju-Fen Zhu, senior laboratory specialist of the Benjamin Myers lab, earned University of Utah Staff Excellence Awards.
As an organization, Huntsman Cancer Institute has also received significant honors that recognize the quality of care, beautiful facilities, the impact of our people, and more.
- • U.S. News and World Report rated Huntsman Cancer Institute as “High Performing” in Cancer, including a special recognition in leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma care; and gynecologic, prostate, and lung cancer surgery.
- • Soliant Health named Huntsman Cancer Institute one of the most beautiful hospitals in the U.S.
- • Becker’s Healthcare listed Huntsman Cancer Institute as one of “100 great oncology programs.”
- • Money lists Huntsman Cancer Institute as a top 10 cancer hospital in the U.S.
- • Newsweek recognized Huntsman Cancer Institute among the best American hospitals for cancer care.
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Media Contact
Heather Simonsen
Public Affairs Senior Manager
Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
public.affairs@hci.utah.edu
About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 400 open clinical trials and more than 300 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient’s unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.