Investigator Insights

Meet the people who conduct research at St. Jude as they share their stories of life in science.

5 Questions for Mengzhao (Lucy) Xue, PhD

Mengzhao (Lucy) Xue and LaToyia P. Downs, PhD

Explore the work and achievements of Mengzhao (Lucy) Xue, PhD, as she shares her research journey and what receiving the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award means for her career path.

5 Questions for Layne Pullen

Layne Pullen and Brian O'Flynn, PhD

Meet Layne Pullen, a researcher within the Preclinical Therapeutics Program.

Earlier than early detection: A journey from research to education and training

Saikat Nandy, PhD

Meet Saikat Nandy, PhD, and learn about his journey from actuarial science to education and training. 

From ions to immunotherapy: a career shaped by learning

Meghan Ward, PhD

Meet Meghan B. Ward, PhD, who has gone from researching molecules to designing a clinical trial at St. Jude.

Development opportunities cultivate more complete pediatric oncologists

Katelyn Daniels, MD

Meet Katelyn Daniels, MD, a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellow whose desire to improve patient outcomes led her to pursue a Physician Scientist Instructor position

5 Questions for Kim Nichols, MD

LaToyia P. Downs, PhD and Kim E. Nichols, MD

Meet Kim Nichols, MD, and learn about her work in cancer predisposition research.

5 Questions for Xin-yan Chen, PhD

LaToyia P. Downs, PhD and Xin-yan Chen

Meet postdoctoral researcher Xin-yan Chen, PhD, Department of Tumor Cell Biology, and learn about her research.  

5 Questions for Jingjing Chen, PhD

LaToyia P. Downs, PhD and Jingjing Chen

Meet postdoctoral researcher Jingjing Chen, PhD, Department of Hematology, and learn about her research.

5 Questions for Sarada Achyutuni, PhD

LaToyia P. Downs, PhD and Sarada Achyutuni

Meet postdoctoral researcher Sarada Achyutuni, PhD, Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies, and learn about her research.

Shaping the future of qualitative research in pediatric medicine

LaToyia P. Downs, PhD and Jake Hopkins, MBA

Watch St. Jude experts discuss how qualitative research is shaping the future of pediatric medicine and improving patient-centered care.