Applied Biomedical Data Sciences Master’s Program

Short Biography

Stan Pounds earned a BS in Mathematics from Harding University. Upon completing an MS in Computational Mathematics and a PhD in Statistics from Texas A&M University in College Station, he joined the Biostatistics faculty at St. Jude in 2002. Stan develops and applies innovative statistical methods that integrate multi-omics, pharmacologic, and clinical data to gain new biological insights that lead to better therapies for childhood cancer, particularly pediatric leukemias. As the leading faculty biostatistician for the St. Jude acute myeloid leukemia clinical trials research program, he develops trial designs; monitors, reports, and analyzes trial data; and co-authors publications of the scientific results. Stan actively collaborates with basic science researchers in securing grant funding, developing experimental designs, and performing data analyses. In the St. Jude Graduate School, Stan is also an enthusiastic mentor and educator who teaches biostatistics across multiple degree programs and leads the development of the MS in Applied Biomedical Data Sciences program.

Short Biography

Dr. Debra Ragland (she/her) is an alumna of both North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and UMass Chan Medical School. She is a biochemist and computational biologist by training but has dedicated her professional career to supporting STEM PhD trainees. In addition to academic training, she has recently co-authored a manuscript detailing the state of grad student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and developing soft skills in graduate trainees  and has led sessions on identity and intersectionality at national conferences and institutions across the US. 

For a list of publications authored by Dr. Ragland, visit her ORCID page.

Short Biography

Rachel McCollough joined the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2024. As the Program Specialist for the Applied Biomedical Data Science Master's program, she acts as the primary contact for student inquiries, monitors student milestones and achievements, and helps coordinate events and create new programming initiatives.

Rachel brings over 6 years of experience in higher education recruitment and admissions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Throughout her career, she has held roles at the University of Tennessee at Martin, the University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where she focused on developing recruitment strategies and enhancing the admissions process for both graduate and undergraduate programs. In addition to her recruitment experience, Rachel has a strong background in student affairs, where she has organized various student events to create engaging experiences that foster community and support student engagement on campus. Rachel holds a Masters of Higher Education Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Martin, earned in 2020. She is passionate about fostering academic success and diversity within higher education, dedicated to supporting students and faculty alike, and contributing to the growth and inclusivity of educational institutions.