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Suzanne Baker, PhD, St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology, serves as Director of the Division of Brain Tumor Research, Associate Director of Basic Research, and co-leader of the Neurobiology and Brain Tumor program all within the St. Jude Comprehensive Cancer Center. Baker’s research seeks to understand normal and cancer cell growth in the brain, specifically focusing on childhood high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs). .DIPG is a universally fatal type of pediatric brain tumor, making identifying new treatments of the upmost importance. Baker works with our clinical team to incorporate basic research findings into clinical protocols, such as the latest genomic findings.

Amar Gajjar, MD, St. Jude Department of Pediatric Medicine chair and Neuro-Oncology Division director, develops innovative clinical protocols for treating childhood brain tumors, Gajjar’s work focuses on medulloblastoma, primary central nervous system tumors and rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). He also examines what makes a normal brain cell become a tumor cell. This information will help find new therapies to treat high-risk tumors and safely reduce therapy in low-risk patients. He works with investigators in basic science laboratories to develop new brain tumor treatments. His other research interests include neurocognitive rehabilitation strategies to help children maintain reading skills after diagnosis. 

Young-Goo Han, PhD, is an associate member of the Developmental Neurobiology Department and the Brain Tumor Research Division.

Han’s research interests include brain development, molecular mechanisms of Hedgehog (HH) signaling and the function of primary cilia in medulloblastoma. Han can offer deep research insights into the understanding of HH signaling mechanisms and how they reveal potential therapies for HH-driven cancers. Han can also offer information into how his research laboratory is discovering new therapies to cure medulloblastoma.

Thomas Merchant, DO, PhD, St. Jude Department of Radiation Oncology chair, focuses on clinical applications for advanced radiation therapy for pediatric brain tumors. He oversees the hospital’s best practices using proton beam therapy. Merchant can offer insight into research associated with pediatric neuro-oncology; he has designed new treatments for pediatric brain tumors and modeled radiation-related central nervous system effects to increase the cure rates for certain types of brain tumors and reduce or eliminate the side effects of radiation therapy.

James Morgan, PhD, is the scientific director and executive vice president at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His responsibilities include overseeing basic science programs and releated research efforts.

Morgan’s research initiatives combine the tools of contemporary molecular biology, genomics and cellular imaging to further identify the genes that play critical roles in causing diseases of the nervous system. This research aims to create novel therapeutic strategies to increase prevention and possible cures for diseases such as brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Morgan can also provide information about larger institutional initiatives in multidisciplinary research that help accelerate the pace of discovery, including information about the new advanced research center and the importance of bench-to-bedside studies at St. Jude.

Paul Northcott, PhD, St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology, focuses on solving the molecular and cellular origins of medulloblastoma. Coupling cutting-edge, next-generation sequencing and integrative computational approaches with in vivo functional studies, his laboratory aims to comprehensively understand the genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes underlying medulloblastoma. Northcott is known for showing that the disease has four molecular groups. He can provide information on how scientific discoveries fuel the development of novel treatment options for patients with medulloblastoma, improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity associated with this disease.