Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies

The Center of Excellence for Leukemia Studies (CELS) was established to advance basic research and diagnosis of childhood hematological malignancies and to facilitate the translation of novel scientific findings into the clinic to improve outcomes. CELS is led by Charles Mullighan, MBBS (Hons), MSc, MD of the Department of Pathology.

CELS aims to recruit exceptional research faculty focused on hematological malignancies, create a synergistic environment among investigators to accelerate the pace of discovery, and focus research efforts on disease mechanism. To foster innovation and enhance core infrastructure, CELS has established core resources in several key areas: flow cytometry, single cell technologies and metabolomics.

CELS brings together new and existing investigators researching leukemia in a collaborative enterprise that will serve to establish St. Jude as a global leader in hematological malignancies and have a sustained impact in improving cure rates.

The CELS core resources are committed to assisting investigators in achieving and maintaining excellence in research. Providing access to innovative technologies, CELS has three state-of-the-art staff-operated facilities: flow cytometry, single cell technologies and metabolomics. These facilities are led by Kathryn Roberts, PhD, Director of Scientific Research for CELS and the Department of Pathology.