Finding your footing for a future in biomedical research

At St. Jude, education and training are essential. Equipping the next generation of physicians and scientists with advanced knowledge and skills ensures the continuity and advancement of its mission “to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

By offering world-class education and training opportunities, from kindergarten through professional specialization, St. Jude is securing the future of biomedical research. This commitment ensures that a program is in place at every potential learning stage, from early education to postdoctoral training and early-career development, to provide high-quality educational experiences, mentorship and support to inspire long-lasting careers in biomedical research.

Bringing STEMM to elementary students

The spark that ignites a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) can occur very young. Capturing and holding that interest is part of why St. Jude created the Through the program, St. Jude ensures that students in the Memphis community have access to meaningful, immersive science experiences — helping them see themselves as future researchers.  

Kate Ayers, PhD, program director, manages a multifaceted team that oversees initiatives across distinct grade levels. “Education is a foundational pillar of St. Jude because we believe the next generation of scientists, doctors and innovators is already among us — they just need the opportunity to see what’s possible,” Ayers said. “Through our STEMM Education & Outreach Program, we’re not only teaching science; we’re helping students imagine themselves as part of it.” 

As part of this work, the K−8 team engages students from kindergarten through 8th grade with initiatives such as the Kindergarten Infectious Diseases and Wellness Collaborative, which offers a curriculum integrating science, language arts, math and social-emotional learning. Students participate in activities, such as creating and maintaining a classroom garden, that connect their learning to real-world community impact. 

The program offers early enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. The Afterschool STEMM Club for 5th graders and the Community Health Club for grades 6–8 promote teamwork and problem-solving skills while fostering an interest in biomedical research.

Teens and young adults get hands-on experiences

The High School & College Program of the STEMM Education & Outreach Program engages both high school and undergraduate students in immersive research experiences. Through the High School Research Immersion (HSRI) program, students have the opportunity to work alongside St. Jude scientists in research labs, gaining biomedical science research experience and exposure to professional lab practices. Students receive mentorship and professional development opportunities that help them learn essential career skills. 

Building on this foundation, the Emerging Leaders in Biomedical Research (ELBR) Program supports undergraduates from Memphis-area colleges and universities with mentored research opportunities and leadership development training. During the summer, ELBR trainees use their leadership training and serve as “near-peer” mentors to HSRI participants, enhancing the experience for both groups while fostering a supportive learning community.

Trinity Fields, a former HSRI and ELBR trainee, is an undergraduate student working in a St. Jude lab. “No matter which career path I choose, the experiences I’ve had at St. Jude will always be something I deeply value,” said Fields. “Beyond that, my passion for STEMM subjects is something I know will stay with me. It’s something I plan to remain dedicated to for the long run.”

Collaborative pathways foster fledgling science careers

For students who continue pursuing research training opportunities during their undergraduate years and beyond, the St. Jude Office of Academic Programs in Biomedical Sciences is there to lead predoctoral and postdoctoral training. The office helps early-career scientists deepen their expertise, refine their research skills and prepare for leadership roles in biomedical science. 

Sally McIver, PhD, Director of the Academic Programs in Biomedical Sciences, explained, “The Office of Academic Programs and the STEMM Education & Outreach Program collaborate closely to build robust pathways that provide clear entry points, exits and opportunities for reentry into academic or research tracks at St. Jude. This partnership is crucial because it enables us to develop a strategic approach to supporting learners throughout their journeys.”

St. Jude offers opportunities for undergraduate students interested in biomedical research to support this vision further. For example, in collaboration with Rhodes College, the St. Jude Summer Plus Program offers students a dynamic two-summer research experience, where they work closely with St. Jude scientists for both summers and the intervening academic year. 

Additionally, the St. Jude Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) program offers students the chance to work in either laboratory or clinical research while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of pediatric cancer. It attracts undergraduates from across the nation, complementing the efforts of local programs on a national scale.

These opportunities not only strengthen technical skills but also introduce the collaborative spirit and high standards that define research at St. Jude.

Specialized programs prepare the biomedical workforce

Advanced degree programs offer specialized education and training for those wishing to pursue biomedical careers. The St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences PhD program engages students in interdisciplinary research including pediatric oncology, infectious diseases, genetic disorders and drug discovery. The program emphasizes translational research that helps bridge the gap between lab findings and clinical applications. The St. Jude graduate school also offers Master’s Degree programs in Clinical Investigations, Global Child Health and Applied Biomedical Data Sciences.

The Academic Programs Office has a longstanding partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s (UTHSC) PhD programs in Biomedical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Through this affiliation, UTHSC students can do lab rotations and complete their PhD research under the mentorship of St. Jude faculty. 

Additionally, St. Jude sponsors a clinical fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and cosponsors a Pediatric Infectious Diseases fellowship with the University of Tennessee. The institution also offers 23 other training programs across campus, spanning a wide range of specialties. These programs are designed to provide highly skilled and specialized training to individuals who have already obtained their medical degree and completed a pediatrics residency.

Pathways to career placements

For investigators who have already obtained their graduate degree but want to advance their research skills further, St. Jude offers postdoctoral training. Most postdoctoral positions are temporary and serve as transitional opportunities, allowing researchers to enhance their expertise before moving on to roles in academia, industry or other fields.

“The reality is, most postdocs aren’t entirely sure what specific career path they want to pursue when they start at St. Jude,” explained McIver. “That’s exactly why we’ve designed our programs to include career development support, to help postdocs make an intentional, informed choice about their future.”

One example of these efforts is the Career Advancement Program (CAP) fellowship, which offers postdoctoral researchers training in nonlaboratory careers where a strong scientific background is beneficial. Jennifer Ocasio-Adorno, PhD, a former postdoc researcher in the Baker lab, participated in the CAP fellowship. She said, “I wanted to stay in a space where I could support trainees and help them grow professionally and in their careers. The CAP fellowship was my first exposure to that kind of work, and I learned so much.”

Her experience in the program proved to be a pivotal step in her career. “Thanks to the experience I gained through the CAP fellowship, I was able to land my dream job as the Director of the BioCoRE Program at Duke University,” Ocasio-Adorno explained.

Customized career pathways at St. Jude

Whether someone is just beginning or ready to apply their expertise, a personalized and meaningful journey in biomedical research and health care can start at St. Jude.

McIver concluded, “In my opinion, there’s no better way to truly grasp the immediate impact of research than by working here at St. Jude, where you can witness firsthand how it’s integrated into a leading research hospital system.”