St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Last month, the scholars and students of the Graduate School of Biomedical Science's Global Child Health MS Program and the Global Scholars Program participated in the sixth annual Summer Intersession.

Over two weeks, participants delved into workshops and discussions on global child health, systems, and policy, focusing on collaboration, leadership and communication. Topics aimed at improving pediatric survival rates in low- and middle-income countries were covered. During Global Child Health Day, scholars, faculty and staff collaborated on stakeholder engagement solutions to tackle systematic challenges hindering successful and consistent stakeholder engagement.

“The Summer Intersession 2024 was an unforgettable experience, fostering curiosity, connection, and collaboration essential for meaningful change. The Global Scholars community continues to shape health systems worldwide, making a lasting impact. We support each other in enhancing treatment and care for children globally,” said Shaloo Puri Director of the Global Scholars Program.

The Global Scholars Program includes the MS in Global Child Health and the Global Scholars Projects. The MS program trains future healthcare leaders, leveraging St. Jude’s expertise to develop and implement evidence-based programs and policies. The projects offer up to two years of funding and support to apply MS program knowledge, skills and tools for systemic change, improving equity, access, and quality of care for children, locally, regionally and globally.

Learn more about the Graduate School https://bit.ly/4btvGFP and the Global Scholars Program https://bit.ly/4ch4zip.

It's National Graduate Student Appreciation Week. At St. Jude, our graduate students support the institution's mission and enhance our culture. With fresh perspectives, they are finding ways to approach research to find cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases and improving outcomes for children across the globe.

Currently, over 140 students from institutions from around the world are associated with St. Jude. Students are mentored on campus and virtually by world-class faculty as they pursue master's and doctoral degrees in three degree-granting programs: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, MS in Global Child Health and MS in Clinical Investigations or scientific training through the Academic Programs in Biomedical Sciences.

Students work collaboratively with researchers in high-impact labs on developing patient care innovations with healthcare providers and addressing disparities in healthcare access and childhood disease outcomes with colleagues.

Beyond campus, St. Jude graduate students are actively participating in the Memphis community by conducting volunteer orientations and vaccine clinics with local organizations such as the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Memphis Made and the Mid-South Food Bank.

“I am inspired by the passion our graduate students have for obtaining new knowledge. The enthusiasm the students exhibit when discussing their research is contagious and energizing to me as a faculty member. I also deeply appreciate the valuable contributions our graduate students make to enhancing the diverse perspectives and enriching the unique culture of the institution,” said Dean of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Steven Varga, PhD.

We are proud of our graduate students! We appreciate how you elevate and enhance St. Jude culture while impacting the mission.

On the path to higher education, students find themselves at a crossroads to discover opportunities that align with their life's purpose. For Christy LaFlamme, a fourth-year PhD candidate, that discovery led to finding a place at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (SJGS).

Like others looking to further their professional and personal growth, LaFlamme knew that finding a school with networks of support and belonging was crucial to her journey to become a scientist.

In 2019, LaFlamme attended the St. Jude National Symposium for Undergraduate Research, crediting each person she met on campus as the reason why she chose SJGS to continue her studies.

She credits her sense of belonging to working alongside "women in science," such as Heather Mefford, MD, PhD, whose lab focuses on the discovery of novel genetic mutations that cause severe pediatric epilepsies.

"Dr. Mefford has helped me create a graduate path that combines my passions for genetics, DEI, policy, and social justice. Toward this goal, I have completed a certificate in advocacy for genomics trainees with the American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG)," said LaFlamme.

Read more. https://bit.ly/3v54RbY

Master of Science in Global Child Health students discussed the global health system, key stakeholders, and governance, deep diving into challenges of lack of global leadership and accountability, power dynamics, and divergent interests of different players. They then brainstormed solutions to address fragmentation in the global health system impacting children's health globally.

The students engaged in intense interactive sessions on exercising leadership, persuading different stakeholders through effective communication and negotiation skills and using real-world cases to share and learn.

“The two weeks of sharing and learning brought in renewed determination and I continue to be inspired by the incredible commitment of the students to improving the state of children's health across the globe,” shared Shaloo Puri, Director of the Global Scholars Program and Associate Dean of the Global Child Health MS Program. “It is time we give ourselves the permission to pause, celebrate our achievements and step forward, poised with the wisdom of the past and the optimism of what's yet to come.”

Students worked on innovative solutions and exercised leadership to address fragmentation in the global health system at the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 2024 Winter Intersession.

Learn more about our program. stjude.org/graduate-school

The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Medical Sciences recently celebrated their graduate students at their annual Winter Formal. The weather outside was frightful, but the company was so delightful. 😊

View pictures of the winter formal celebrations and learn more about our programs: stjude.org/graduate-school

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome two cohorts of the Global Child Health master’s program to the St. Jude campus for winter intersession. During this time, students participate in interactive workshops and discussions on global child health, leadership, and persuasive communication.

To honor their return, the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences held a reception to open the week of events.

“There couldn’t be a better way to start the new year than with the whisper of hope and the abundance of positive energy that you all bring. The year gone by might have held its share of trials and lessons, but that need not define the strokes of possibility and promise. You all should be proud of your learning and achievements as we edge our way to enhance treatment and care for children with cancers and other catastrophic diseases,” said Shaloo Puri, Director of the Global Scholars Program and Associate Dean of the Global Child Health MS Program, on the return of cohorts 4 and 5.

Learn more about the program at the link in bio.

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome two cohorts of the Global Child Health master's program to the St. Jude campus for winter intersession. During this time, students participate in interactive workshops and discussions on global child health, leadership, and persuasive communication.

To honor their return, the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences held a reception to open the week of events.

“There couldn’t be a better way to start the new year than with the whisper of hope and the abundance of positive energy that you all bring. The year gone by might have held its share of trials and lessons, but that need not define the strokes of possibility and promise. You all should be proud of your learning and achievements as we edge our way to enhance treatment and care for children with cancers and other catastrophic diseases,” said Shaloo Puri, Director of the Global Scholars Program and Associate Dean of the Global Child Health MS Program, on the return of cohorts 4 and 5.

Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/global-child-health-masters

Reminder that applications to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences are open!

Apply today to begin your journey to advance your research and make a difference in children's lives. More information: https://bit.ly/3LxbuIL

Home sweet home ❤️

We're thankful to call the Marlo Thomas Center, which is located in the heart of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus, our home.

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Applications are open to join the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where prospective scientists can advance their research and make a difference in children's lives!

Follow the link for more information and apply today. https://bit.ly/3LxbuIL

Today—National Higher Education Day—we celebrate our continued dedication to educating the next generation of biomedical researchers and clinicians to advance global health for children with catastrophic diseases.

The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Memphis, TN, attracts top talent from undergraduate science and promising young clinicians. We offer three programs: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Master’s in Global Child Health and Master’s in Clinical Investigation.

When our students graduate, they join the ranks of scientists and clinicians and begin careers in academia, industry or government. We celebrate our past, present and future students. Explore how a degree from our grad school can help you further your science and make a difference. www.stjude.org/graduate-school

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

This Graduate Student Appreciation Week, we celebrate our dedicated students who will pave the way for innovative discoveries, advancing research and quality health care for children with cancer and other illnesses worldwide. We’re proud of this next generation of researchers who are investigating the molecular basis of disease and therapy, conducting clinical and translational research, and improving healthcare systems worldwide.

Named dean of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Science and Medicine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in January, Steven Varga, PhD, says that a more robust introduction to clinical research early on in a student’s training sets the graduate school apart from many peer institutions. “This is important because it provides students the opportunity to see every step of translational research, which can be eye-opening,” he adds. “I am proud of what our students have accomplished and can’t wait to see what our incoming cohorts will do.”

Learn more about our programs. www.stjude.org/graduate-school

Congratulations to PhD student Ana Vazquez-Pagan on making the The Memphis Flyer 20

After attending virtual classes for six months, students in the global child health masters program took a break from scheduled video calls and traveled to Memphis for the in-person winter intersession.
During their two-week stay, students participated in training on leadership and negotiations and discussed several aspects of global child health. Honing these perspectives and skills are vital to improving health outcomes for pediatric patients in limited-resource settings.

“We know how to take care of patients in the clinic,” says Mariam Ndagire, RN, a senior pediatric oncology nurse at the Uganda Cancer Institute. “But we need advanced leadership skills to advocate for the needs of our patients at a higher level.” Ndagire’s thoughts were echoed by other students in the program.

“When we refer to research conducted in high-income countries, we don’t always find the answers we are looking for,” says Pablo M. González-Montalvo, MD, a pediatric oncologist at Hospital General O’Horán in Mexico. “Today, we’re learning how to write, speak and spread our message, which will help us generate the evidence we need to find answers. And when we find an answer, we may help physicians facing a similar burden.”

Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3Wrt03R

Students enrolled in the masters in Global Child Health program at St. Jude are united through their shared vision of improved outcomes for children worldwide. “When you connect with others who not only understand the obstacles you’re facing back home, but also share the vision of improving the lives of children with cancer,” says Liezl du Plessis, pediatric oncologist in South Africa. “You are motivated to implement your ideas back home.”

Learn more about the program: bit.ly/global-child-health-masters

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

Despite being dispersed in clinics, labs, hospitals, foundations and universities around the world, students enrolled in the masters in Global Child Health program at St. Jude have built a strong community of support through bi-annual visits to Memphis and regular collaboration and reflection on key learnings.

“When you connect with others who not only understand the obstacles you’re facing back home, but also share the vision of improving the lives of children with cancer,” says Liezl du Plessis, a pediatric oncologist in South Africa. “You are motivated to implement your ideas back home.”

Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3Wrt03R

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

Following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the St. Jude Graduate School Winter Formal recently made a grand return at the famous Peabody hotel.

Organized by members of the Graduate Student Association, and with the support of St. Jude faculty and staff, the formal called for multiple opportunities for celebration including the arrival of the new dean Steven Varga, PhD, and the in-person attendance of two MSc in Global Child Health cohorts. Additionally, the event offered students the chance to celebrate their peers Christina Kackos, Brennan Bergeron, Mackenzie Bloom and Matthew Bell, who had recently defended their theses.

Learn more: stjude.org/graduate-school

Well-respected virologist and former NIH study-section chair, Steven Varga, PhD, has been tapped to lead the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, a unique world-class interdisciplinary environment bridging basic and translational research efforts to advance cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases.

“I am excited to lead the Graduate School in this next chapter of its evolution,” he says. “The research being done here is groundbreaking, and I’m honored to help foster training the next generation of scientific leaders on the same campus where researchers are working to advance the study and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases.”

Varga joins St. Jude from the University of Iowa, where he served in several leadership roles, including associate dean of Academic Affairs and Graduate Student Development, professor of Microbiology and Immunology and professor of Pathology. In addition to his role as dean, Varga will become a member of the Department of Infectious Diseases.

Learn more: bit.ly/Steven-Varga

This week, we are proud to welcome our Master of Science in Global Child Health students to campus for our annual winter intersession, which offers students access to invaluable leadership training sessions and extra-curricular courses on negotiation and communication.

Learn more: bit.ly/3VRYUWU

In 2022, the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences reached many milestones, including granting an international cohort of medical professionals their Masters in Global Child Health degree. Also, this year, the school held a convocation to welcome 26 students starting one of three degree-granting programs.

In the coming year, graduate school faculty and staff anticipate auspicious new beginnings for the next generation of clinicians and scientists who will help lead the charge of finding cures and saving children’s lives. Happy New Year!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Va1w26


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

We wish our faculty, staff and students a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Congrats to Matthew Bell, PhD, who just successfully defended his PhD thesis “Engineered Cytokine Signaling Enhances CAR-T Cells for the Treatment of Solid Tumors.” This marks a major milestone in his career and academic trajectory.

With a degree from the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, prospective scientists can advance their research and make a difference in children’s lives.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3PH1YUp

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

After learning about the shortage in infectious disease research conducted in Caribbean countries, PhD candidate Maria Smith focused her research on trying to understand how infectious diseases impacted people living in the region.

Being a “first-generation student, Caribbean native and woman of color” in science, Smith constantly encourages the representation, empowerment, and participation of underrepresented and minority students in scientific disciplines.

Read her story: https://bit.ly/3g1XqLa

Dominica News Online

As a PhD candidate, presenting one’s research in a competitive symposium can be a daunting rite of passage but is an important part of professional development and an opportunity to refine research ideas, discover potential new analyses and perspectives to one’s work. At a recent St. Jude Graduate School Symposium, PhD students got an opportunity to practice their presentations with peers and faculty.

Student presentations in both oral and poster format represented the full spectrum of St. Jude research, including cell and molecular biology, infectious diseases, structural biology, oncology and chemical biology. St. Jude faculty members evaluated the posters and talks, and recognized students for their contributions to scientific research and discovery.

Learn more about PhD program: https://bit.ly/3Ussfao

Fifty-two talented postbaccalaureate, undergraduate and master’s students recently attended the highly anticipated National Symposium for Undergraduate Research ( ) hosted by the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The competitive academic event allowed aspiring investigators to share research findings in poster and oral platform settings.

The symposium bolstered conversations and interactions between early-career researchers, PhD students and faculty.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/x2GN50LhT3P

We are proud that 11 of our MSc in Global Child Health students are presenting at the 2022 St. Jude Global Convening, starting today.

Our MSc in Global Child Health program challenges students to think beyond a child’s individual needs. It empowers health care professionals to navigate complex systems, thereby, providing them with the tools to become change agents in their respective regions.

At the 2022 St. Jude Global Alliance Convening, our students will lead discussions about putting evidence into practice and leveraging the power of collaboration to generate cures for children globally.

We invite you to learn more about our Global Child Health program: https://bit.ly/3U7SvX6

Beyond childhood cancer, St. Jude has superb research programs in infectious diseases, immunology, genetic and blood disorders, neurological diseases, drug discovery and international medicine. PhD research can be pursued in a wide variety of areas with support from top basic and translational research faculty.

The Graduate School in Biomedical Sciences welcomes talented applicants from diverse scientific backgrounds.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/3yx6vl3

Our graduate students provide meaningful and essential contributions to St. Jude research.

The curriculum for the PhD program in Biomedical Sciences is thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of modern biomedical research. It invites student researchers to bring independence, creativity and a passion for finding cures where it matters.

Apply today to become a biomedical scientist and find the cures for a better tomorrow. https://bit.ly/3yx6vl3

Our PhD in Biomedical Science program offers a rich training environment to help prospective investigators train in their areas of interest.

When students graduate, they are empowered to lead translational research with a lasting impact.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/3yx6vl3

Congrats to Christina Daly, who presented her latest research at the 4D Cellular Physiology Symposium. Christina works in the lab of Stacey Ogden, PhD, Cell and Molecular Biology. For Christina, research is a top priority.

She translates a desire to learn more into groundbreaking findings. Her research interests include cancer cell invasion, cellular signaling pathways related to proliferation and motility and protein regulation.

If you share Christina’s passion for conducting thorough research with rewarding outcomes, apply to our PhD program: https://bit.ly/3yx6vl3