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 .

12/31/2025

In 2025, new milestones in research, care, education and global collaboration highlighted our commitment to children everywhere. From opening doors to new treatments and discovery to celebrating decades of collaborative impact, these achievements reflect the passion and perseverance at the heart of St. Jude.

As we look to 2026, we are ready to build on the progress made and remain committed to finding cures and advancing care and discovery for children worldwide.

12/29/2025

As the year winds down, we are highlighting significant progress made by St. Jude scientists in our 2025 Research Wrap Up series. Our final spotlight showcases research that provided crucial insights into the biology and treatment of pediatric cancers.

This year, St. Jude scientists continued building on the legacy of leukemia research at the institution. Novel combination strategies in high-risk leukemia revealed avenues for overcoming drug resistance and mechanistic studies in UBTF-TD AML identified therapeutic targets for this challenging leukemia.

In brain tumors, researchers demonstrated the importance of context-specific approaches for medulloblastoma, supporting the need for tailored therapies. Risk-adapted treatment strategies and new digital tools offer the potential for safer, less toxic medulloblastoma therapy.

Also, international collaboration is informing safer, more effective treatment approaches for rare brain tumors such as infant-type hemispheric glioma.

Advances in neuroblastoma research support the use of combination immunotherapy to address tumor plasticity. Finally, global clinical trials are expanding access to targeted therapies such as entrectinib for fusion-driven tumors.

These discoveries are shaping the future of pediatric cancer care by enabling more precise, less toxic and globally accessible therapies.

Swipe to see this year’s major advances in pediatric cancer research.

12/23/2025

This holiday season, we celebrate the hope that shines through every breakthrough and every child’s smile. The mission of St. Jude lives in all of us through our shared commitment to finding cures and saving children, just like the spirit of the season.

Happy holidays from President and CEO James R. Downing, MD, and the faculty and staff of St. Jude. Watch as Dr. Downing brings holiday cheer across campus with help from the iconic St. Jude snowman.

12/19/2025

Making the most of St. Jude resources and being mindful of those who provided them is a key value for those who support families at St. Jude on-campus patient housing facilities, Tri Delta Place and The Domino’s Village.

That’s Michael Cothern’s approach to facilities management at St. Jude. “Stewardship means using everything as a benefit to save money, to do a greater job, to give a better benefit to the families that we take care of here in the housing facility,” he explains. Whether it’s repairing chipped countertops, rebuilding pumps or upgrading lighting, Cothern’s focus is on resolving issues efficiently and effectively. By choosing repairs over replacements, he has saved tens of thousands of dollars this year alone.

The impact of these efforts is felt daily by families staying in patient housing. Cothern is quick to address needs as they arise. “It’s always nice to go in and do a job and help a family out and make their day. It fills your heart,” he shares. His commitment to finding practical solutions means families experience greater comfort during their stay, while resources are preserved for future improvements.

Cothern’s stewardship is also shaped by his respect for those who support the mission. “I’ve met quite a few donors. They are everyday people just like us. I want to do the best with their money they are donating for St. Jude.” This perspective ensures every decision is made with care and accountability.

Cothern exemplifies the values that drive the institution forward. “The better job we do today gives us a brighter future to have more funds to do upgrades and things we might need later on.” His work highlights the importance of stewardship in every role, showing how resourcefulness can benefit families and the broader mission.

12/17/2025

Jude Lights is an annual celebration for employees and their families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, designed to foster connection and appreciation during the holiday season. This year’s walk-through event featured festive light displays throughout campus, along with activities such as a winter market, caroling by Opera Memphis and family-friendly opportunities including a meet and greet with Santa and face painting.

“There is nothing like working at St. Jude,” said Christina Barnes. “This is what it means to be part of the St. Jude and ALSAC family—to work and thrive together as one community.”

Events such as Jude Lights highlight the sense of community that defines the St. Jude campus.

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.

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.