Two UT MD Anderson researchers elected AAAS Fellows
Endocrinology and immunology experts recognized for their achievements in advancing cancer care and research
MD Anderson News Release March 26, 2026
In recognition of their significant achievements to advance cancer care and research, Theresa Guise, M.D., and Stephanie S. Watowich, Ph.D., from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
This honor ranks among the highest distinctions in the scientific research community. Since 1874, AAAS has recognized leading scientists who are elected by their peers for outstanding contributions to science and society. The current class includes nearly 500 fellows who are honored for their exceptional achievements in research, innovation and public engagement. With the addition of Guise and Watowich, 72 UT MD Anderson faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows.
“We are incredibly proud to see Dr. Guise and Dr. Watowich recognized among leaders in the scientific community,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of UT MD Anderson. “Their unwavering dedication to advancing scientific breakthroughs and their remarkable contributions to cancer research make them truly deserving of this prestigious honor.”
UT MD Anderson’s research environment fosters continuous collaboration between clinicians and scientists, allowing ideas and discoveries to flow readily between the laboratory and the clinic. Findings from laboratory research can quickly be translated into new treatments for clinical testing, while insights from patient care help guide ongoing experiments in the lab. This continuous exchange is built on collaboration, strong connectivity and data-driven science, creating a powerful cycle of innovation that accelerates discovery.
Guise is professor of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, the Abell‑Hanger Foundation Distinguished Professor, and chief of the section of Bone and Mineral Disorders at UT MD Anderson. She is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work uncovering how cancer and cancer treatments affect bone, muscle and metabolism. Her research has defined key molecular drivers of cancer‑induced bone destruction and revealed how bone‑derived signals contribute to muscle weakness, metabolic dysfunction and treatment‑related toxicities, shaping new therapeutic strategies across multiple cancer types. A Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar and leader in national and international scientific societies, Guises has published more than 200 studies and trained over 50 researchers, making her a transformative force in advancing the understanding of skeletal complications in cancer.
Watowich is professor and deputy chair of Immunology and holds the Vivian L. Smith Distinguished Chair in Immunology at UT MD Anderson. She is a leading scientist whose work has helped reveal how the immune system detects cancer and responds to modern immunotherapies. Her research has uncovered how key immune cells develop and function, and how these cells can be guided to better fight tumors and limit harmful side effects from treatment. Her team’s discoveries have helped advance a promising new type of dendritic cell therapy and improved understanding of why some patients respond well to immunotherapy while others do not. This work is shaping new strategies to make immunotherapy more effective and safer for a wider range of patients. A dedicated mentor and leader of several innovative training programs, Watowich has earned numerous awards and honors throughout her career and continues to guide the next generation of cancer researchers.
“The election of Dr. Guise and Dr. Watowich as AAAS Fellows recognizes the remarkable contributions they have made to scientific progress,” said Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president and chief scientific officer at UT MD Anderson. “Their work exemplifies our spirit of innovation and reflects our institution’s commitment to advancing discoveries that translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.”