Jillian is a native of the Rio Grande Valley. She obtained her B.S. degree in Biology from the University of Texas-Pan American. She worked as an educator in the RGV before relocating to North Carolina. While there, she worked in the healthcare setting, caring for patients from diverse populations and backgrounds. She joins South Texas Research Institute with a blended perspective of educating and caring for the community in clinical research. She is enthusiastic about raising awareness of liver health and supporting the vision of STRI.