Sophia Schieltz is a biomedical scientist with a growing focus on infectious diseases and the evolution of bacterial pathogenesis. She earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Rhodes College, where she was inducted into both the Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa.
Schieltz’s research explores the cellular and metabolic mechanisms that contribute to antibiotic resistance, particularly in the respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Through her work, she aims to better understand how bacterial systems adapt under drug pressure—insights that could one day shape new therapeutic approaches. Her experience mentoring students in the St. Jude Emerging Leaders in Biomedical Sciences (ELBR) Program has also deepened her interest in fostering inclusive research communities and scientific mentorship.
St. Jude’s cutting-edge research, strong mentorship, and institutional commitment to translating discovery into improved clinical care are what drew Schieltz to the Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program. She is excited to contribute to a mission-driven scientific environment where new knowledge holds the potential to change patient outcomes worldwide.
Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
Education:
2025 - BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Rhodes College
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2025 - Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society
2023 - Tri-Beta Biology Honor Society (Mu Rho Chapter)