St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in the research and treatment of pediatric c Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude. Follow St.

Jude Children's Research Hospital is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Jude has been named a top pediatric cancer hospital on U.S. News & World Report’s annual "Best Hospitals" list and named to Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. Research and treatments developed at St. Jude are shared to help improve the survival rate for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases worldwide. Jude is recognized as one of the world’s premier pediatric research and treatment institutions with a focus on acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors and infectious diseases. With eight affiliate clinics across the country, St. Jude treats about 8,600 children each year. Beyond the United States, the institution’s St. Jude Global initiative seeks to improve health care for children with life-threatening disease worldwide. Follow us to discover the research, scientific discoveries, clinical care and employment opportunities at St. View our career opportunities: www.stjude.org/join-our-mission. Jude across social media at .

12/11/2025

At St. Jude, science artists play a vital role in communicating research and clinical findings. Through close collaboration with investigators and clinicians, these graphic designers, animators and illustrators transform intricate scientific information into visuals that inform and engage both professional and public audiences.

These creative professionals ensure that every creative asset is both scientifically accurate and visually clear. Their contributions help make complex discoveries accessible, supporting the broader mission of St. Jude to advance knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

12/10/2025

St. Jude welcomed more than 120 on-site attendees from 61 countries, along with over 1,000 virtual participants, for the annual St. Jude Global Alliance Convening. This gathering marks a defining moment, introducing a bold, focused format to inspire transformative conversations and strengthen strategies for the future.

In his opening remarks, James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO, emphasized the importance of using collaboration to produce meaningful impact for children worldwide.

“We must work together to go after those rare, incurable cancers and develop global clinical trials and carry out those trials,” Downing said. ”Ultimately our future is coming together as a community—this global convening—and tackling the most difficult cancers so we can change the outlook for every single child. Only by working together can we accomplish that.”

Since its founding in 2018, the St. Jude Global Alliance has connected over 400 member institutions worldwide, united by the goal of improving access to quality care and increasing survival rates. This year’s convening ensures each region and program has a voice in shaping future priorities, building stronger alignment across global efforts.

By prioritizing open dialogue and inclusive representation, the Alliance translates shared priorities into action across regions and disciplines. Members engage in research, training and program development, helping to expand access to quality pediatric health care and strengthen care delivery worldwide.

The progress achieved by the Alliance highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering real change. Through ongoing partnerships and shared expertise, members are turning strategic intent into improved outcomes for children, regardless of geography.

12/04/2025

For more than 28 years, Suzanne Gronemeyer, PhD, has led the Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Program at St. Jude, shaping the landscape of mentorship and research training for aspiring scientists and clinicians. When Gronemeyer first assumed leadership of the POE Program, it was a modest initiative with a handful of students and a paper-based application process. Recognizing its untapped potential, she modernized recruitment and expanded outreach to create a more dynamic cohort of students.

Gronemeyer’s approach to mentorship is rooted in personalized guidance and collaboration. “Every student brings unique strengths and curiosity to their work, and my role as a mentor is to help them discover how much they’re capable of,” she said. This philosophy led to the creation of the “lunch and learn” series, where faculty, postdocs and researchers from across St. Jude share their expertise and foster a culture of mutual learning.

The POE Program’s success is a testament to the collaborative environment at St. Jude. Gronemeyer emphasizes, “Our collaborative spirit is what makes St. Jude and the POE program so special.” The program’s growth has been matched by its impact with nearly 1,600 alumni, many who return to the institution as staff, faculty or postdocs.

As the POE Program continues to thrive, its influence is seen not only in the careers of its alumni but also in the broader St. Jude community’s commitment to education and training. Gronemeyer’s legacy of leadership highlights the importance of building bridges between curiosity and discovery, ensuring that future generations are equipped to advance pediatric oncology research.

Learn more about the Pediatric Oncology Education Program or be part of the next cohort: ow.ly/1S2C50XBx8e

12/03/2025

At Target House, the St. Jude longer-term housing facility, the journey of healing extends far beyond medical care. For families facing pediatric catastrophic diseases, finding a sense of comfort and familiarity in a new city is a vital part of the experience. In this environment, individuals such as security guard Dwane Meeks play an essential role in helping residents feel welcome and secure.

Meeks’ approach goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of his position. “I greet them every day,” he shares. “I want to give them good energy.” By learning each child’s favorite color, TV show or sports team, Meeks ensures that every interaction is personal and meaningful. He becomes a familiar face, someone the children look forward to seeing after a long day at the hospital.

His presence is more than just a routine part of the day. Patients often seek him out to share updates or simply to say hello. “Sometimes they come looking for me,” he notes. “It’s a truly heartwarming feeling.” Whether it’s a quick wave, a high five or a conversation about a new toy, these moments offer a sense of normalcy and connection.

Meeks’ commitment to respect and kindness is rooted in his upbringing and prior experience as a counselor in the division of corrections. “I was raised to have respect and make sure people feel respected,” he explains. This perspective allows him to support families as they navigate the challenges of long-term treatment and adjustment to life at Target House.

Through his daily efforts, Meeks helps transform Target House into a second home for families from across the country and around the world. His genuine interactions underscore the importance of every role in supporting the mission, showing that care and compassion are found in every corner of the institution.

12/01/2025

Today, we recognize the progress made in HIV treatment and prevention. For four decades, the HIV and Translational Medicine Program at St. Jude has played a central role in transforming HIV from a life-threatening diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition, particularly for children and adolescents who are often last to benefit from innovations in care.

The legacy of research at St. Jude includes pivotal contributions to the development and approval of new therapies. Notably, recent clinical trials led by Aditya Gaur, MD, Division of HIV and Translational Medicine director, have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of long-acting injectable antiretrovirals for youths aged 12 to 18 years. These findings helped accelerate regulatory approval, offering new options for those who may struggle to take daily medication.

“There will always be a little bit of lag between when promising drugs or discoveries get approved for adults versus children and youths,” Gaur said. “But for this first all-injectable HIV treatment regimen, approval for use for adolescents in the United States and Canada was relatively soon after the approval for adults.”

As we look to the future, St. Jude continues to expand research and access, including studies supporting single-tablet regimens for children as young as two years old. Our multidisciplinary teams are dedicated to partnering with patients, families, and communities in pursuit of ending the HIV epidemic.

11/27/2025

At St. Jude, essential workers from across the institution ensure that the highest standards of care and support are maintained for patients and their families, even during the holidays. From food services and security to maintenance and clinical care, these dedicated professionals are committed to providing the best possible patient experience, regardless of the date on the calendar.

Stephen Maples, Sr. Security Officer, embodies this spirit. After his children spent over a month in the NICU, Maples came to understand firsthand the vital importance of hospital staff who work around the clock. Now, he finds deep meaning in giving back. “The essential workers were there for us, so I understand the importance of being there for other people,” he said. “You are dependent on those people to help your child so they can go home.”

This sentiment is echoed by colleagues across St. Jude. Kirsten Jeitz, RN, reflected, “Having these interactions during the holidays reminds me of why I became a nurse and means more than I can explain. Serving them in a time that they would much rather be at home with family is a way to show love, respect and support in such a deeper way.”

By maintaining seamless operations during the holidays, St. Jude upholds its mission to advance cures and provide the best patient experience possible. The commitment of these essential workers allows research, treatment and support to continue without interruption, ensuring that families can focus on what matters most.

11/25/2025

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the mission to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment guides every aspect of the institution’s work. Seven core values shape the culture and inform decisions across research, patient care and operations.

Each year, hundreds of employees nominate colleagues who exemplify these values through their daily contributions. These stories reflect how the values are lived out, whether through groundbreaking scientific advancements, compassionate care or essential support roles that make a difference for patients and families.

Forty Living Our Values honorees were recognized for their meaningful impact within the St. Jude community. Their actions highlight the importance of a values-driven environment in throughout the institution.

“Every day, I see faculty and staff fulfill our mission by living our seven core values. The St. Jude Values shape our culture and fuel our purpose of generating knowledge,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO. “These inspiring stories illuminate the qualities that make St. Jude a place of discovery, innovation and healing — a living testament to the dream of hospital founder Danny Thomas.”

In the coming weeks, we will share profiles of employees nominated for living the institution’s values. These stories will celebrate the diverse contributions that drive the mission forward and reflect how the values shape the future of pediatric research and care.

11/24/2025

At St. Jude, education is woven into every aspect of our mission, including the essential work of Food Services. For the first time this year, a Food Services Internship offered high school students a unique opportunity to learn how culinary arts and STEMM disciplines intersect to support patient care.

The internship, designed for local students preparing for their senior year, combines practical culinary skill development with lessons in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. Each participant rotated through key areas of the food services department, mastering core competencies and discovering the teamwork required in a professional kitchen setting.

“The goal is to give the students a firsthand experience, let them see what it’s really like and maybe spark an interest in pursuing a career in our field down the road,” said Rick Farmer, executive chef, Food Services. The curriculum, developed by Farmer and Michael Vetro, vice president of Hospitality Services, introduces students to every aspect of hospital food service from sanitation to bakery and catering.

“Working here has shown me how every part of the kitchen matters,” said intern Bryant Gideon. “Even the dish room plays a huge role, nothing up front could run without it. Everything has its purpose, and every job is important.”

By engaging students in both culinary and STEMM training, St. Jude is preparing the next generation to understand that food services play a vital role in the health, dignity and recovery of patients and families.

11/21/2025

The biomedical research landscape is changing rapidly, driven by an unprecedented influx of data. The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is preparing students to be at the forefront of this transformation. “We’re going through a revolution right now in biomedical data,” said Associate Dean Stan Pounds, PhD. “We’re getting more data than ever before, at a faster rate than ever before. That allows us to understand human health and disease at a much deeper level than anyone ever has. I hope our students become a big part of that.”

The Applied Biomedical Data Sciences (ABDS) master’s program integrates computational and statistical methods with domain-specific knowledge in biology and medicine. Students benefit from a unique curriculum, ensuring focused learning and exposure to a range of scientific perspectives by having one course at a time, each team-taught by St. Jude faculty.

Student experience is at the heart of the program. The first year is dedicated to immersive coursework, followed by a second year of hands-on work on real St. Jude biomedical research projects. Every student receives mentorship from a dedicated faculty advisor and a multidisciplinary committee, supporting both technical and biological rigor.

“The ratio of faculty to students is around 14 to 1,” said Assistant Dean Debra Ragland, PhD. “When you count the extracurricular mentors, academic practicum advisors and instructional staff, it reaches into the hundreds, and this is just our first year.”

Applications for the next cohort are open through December 1. Learn more about the ABDS program and how to apply: https://ow.ly/xBFN50Xvaff

11/20/2025

Hospitalists are highly trained clinicians who work behind the scenes and at the bedside to ensure that children with cancer and blood disorders receive continuous, specialized care, regardless of the time or day. By collaborating closely with primary care teams, hospitalists, such as Steven Carey, MD, PhD, help maintain the quality and consistency of care, especially during nights, weekends and holidays.

At St. Jude, hospitalists are deeply familiar with the complexities of pediatric hematology and oncology, as well as clinical research protocols. Their role extends across inpatient chemotherapy, acute care and consult services. This broad expertise allows them to respond quickly to patient needs and to coordinate care across different settings.

Central to the hospitalist approach is patient-family centered care. Hospitalists meet regularly with families, discuss treatment plans and invite questions and insights that can help guide medical decisions. This collaboration ensures that families are informed and engaged throughout the care process.

Carey exemplifies the impact of this role. As both a hospitalist and a childhood cancer survivor, he brings unique empathy and perspective to his patients.

“What matters to young cancer patients changes a lot, as compared to other things their friends worry about,” Carey says. “It can be harder to relate to your friends because you mature faster. You are in a different place now, and you have to adapt. You know your goal and what you want. Others your age may still be trying to figure that out. You have to find your group—those who will understand you the best.”

Through their expertise and dedication, hospitalists help ensure that every patient and family receives expert medical care as well as the support and understanding needed during critical times.

11/11/2025

This Veterans Day, we express our gratitude for the dedication and service of veterans across the nation, including the more than 150 veterans who are part of the St. Jude workforce.

At St. Jude, veterans make a profound impact through their spirit of collective purpose that resonates throughout the institution. As U.S. Navy veteran Sylvester Brown, an employee on the St. Jude Client Services team, reflects, “Just like in the military, we all get to be part of something bigger than ourselves at St. Jude. It is an incredible feeling knowing that no matter how small my role may seem, I’m contributing to saving lives and advancing technology for the next generation.”

The St. Jude culture and mission are closely aligned with the values veterans carry from their military service. As U.S. Army Reserve veteran Rachelle Hart, a St. Jude Human Resources employee, shares, “When you recruit someone with a military background, they come with established skills, are accustomed to working in a team environment, have technical proficiency and know how to follow directions.” Those qualities enhance the institution’s ability to serve patients and families.

St. Jude is committed to supporting veterans and their families. Since 2010, the Military Support Community has provided a space for veterans to connect and find support. The group meets quarterly, hosts speakers from the community and sends care packages to employees and their immediate families during deployment.

Through these efforts, St. Jude honors the service of veterans from all military branches who are part of our ranks. Their contributions continue to shape the institution and advance the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children.

11/10/2025

Nurse practitioners play a vital role throughout St. Jude, working at the intersection of clinical care, patient advocacy and education. Their expertise supports every stage of the patient journey, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Across the institution, nurse practitioners lead efforts to coordinate care, manage complex cases and collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure each patient receives individualized support. “Our overarching goal is to alleviate that suffering as much as we can and make each day the best it can be for our patients and their families,” says Andrew Hardee, a nurse practitioner in the Center of Advanced Practice at St. Jude.

This commitment to patient-centered care is matched by a dedication to professional development. Nurse practitioners at St. Jude are actively involved in mentoring and educating future nurses, helping to build a strong foundation for the next generation. Hardee shares, “I feel well prepared and confident that I can succeed because of the training and nurturing I have received here at St. Jude, and I want that same thing for more nurses.”

The impact of nurse practitioners is seen in the lives of patients who return to campus thriving, and in the ongoing collaboration that drives innovation and quality across institutional departments. During Nurse Practitioner Week, we honor nurse practitioners for their contributions to the St. Jude mission and the well-being of every patient.

Address

262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN
38105

Telephone

+18662785833

Website

http://www.stjude.org/joinourmission

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Our Story

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a pediatric cancer research center. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. Founded in 1962, St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children.

In 2017, St. Jude was named the No. 1 pediatric cancer hospital on U.S. News & World Report’s 28th Annual "Best Hospitals" list. The hospital has also named to Fortune magazine’s "100 Best Companies to Work For" for nine consecutive years. Research efforts are directed at understanding the molecular, genetic and chemical bases of catastrophic diseases in children; identifying cures for such diseases; and promoting their prevention. Research is focused specifically on cancers, some acquired and inherited immunodeficiencies, sickle cell disease, infectious diseases and genetic disorders. Patients at St. Jude are referred by a physician, and nearly all have a disease currently under study and are eligible for a clinical trial. Most patients seen at St. Jude are treated on a continuing outpatient basis and are part of ongoing research programs.

Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food. To learn about the science and medicine at St. Jude: www.stjude.org/research/initiatives.html.