The Journey to the Jude series highlights how St. Jude employees developed a passion for their careers and how that journey translates to their current roles. Louis El Khoury, PhD, senior bioinformatics research scientist in the Department of Pathology, joined St. Jude in 2022.
In countries across the globe, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is known for its groundbreaking discoveries and leadership in pediatric care. Countries like Lebanon, the beloved homeland of Louis El Khoury, PhD, who knew of St. Jude through its partnership with the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon. El Khoury, a dedicated scientist, came to St. Jude in 2022 with a passion for sharing his Lebanese culture and supporting the St. Jude mission. In a few short years, he has excelled at both—all in a community he’s proud to call home.
“I remember the first time I read a research paper authored by St. Jude scientists. In the acknowledgments, I noticed a mention of the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC). The name intrigued me, as I hadn’t heard of it before. Curious, I looked up ALSAC and discovered the pivotal role the American Lebanese community played in the founding of St. Jude,” said El Khoury, senior bioinformatics research scientist in the lab of David Ellison, MD, PhD.
El Khoury said over time, he noticed how St. Jude scientist-authored publications in genomics and bioinformatics were impactful and well-received within the scientific community because of institutional initiatives like the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and St. Jude Cloud. The institution's vision and commitment to becoming a data science powerhouse also piqued his interest.
“What stood out to me was how St. Jude places bioinformaticians at the very core of research projects, involving them from inception to completion,” El Khoury said. “With my expertise in genomics and bioinformatics, I felt I could contribute meaningfully to the St. Jude mission of advancing cures, and the opportunity to work here would also allow me to grow professionally and personally in a dynamic, cutting-edge environment.”
Since joining St. Jude, El Khoury has been contributing valuable energy and knowledge to the institution’s research enterprise. He appreciates how the Pathology department integrates research and clinical work.
“In Dr. Ellison's lab, our research focuses on a specific type of brain tumor called ependymoma. My primary role involves analyzing omics datasets, helping to decode the biological insights hidden within the data,” he said. “By combining robust bioinformatics analyses with advanced technologies, we aim to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatments for ependymomas and other cancers.”
El Khoury is grateful for the sense of purpose that comes with conducting life-changing research at St. Jude. He also cherishes his connection to the Memphis community and the relationships he’s built with colleagues, including those he spends time with during social gatherings in the Pinch District, just north of downtown.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting several Lebanese colleagues, as well as Americans of Lebanese descent,” he said. “I am continually inspired by the brilliance and dedication of my colleagues, who are not only experts in their fields but also generous in sharing their knowledge and fostering a collaborative spirit. St. Jude has created an environment where innovation is encouraged, and every team member feels valued and supported in their efforts to make a difference.”