Culture and Communication

Short Biography

Julia Hanebrink joins the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine as a Clinical Research Scientist. She has worked with the Culture and Communication Transversal Program since Oct. 2022. 

Broadly trained as a biocultural anthropologist, Hanebrink has 20+ years of experience directing global qualitative and mixed-method research projects and teaching in higher education. 

Her current initiatives include establishing qualitative research centers in St. Jude Global Alliance Regions and launching the St. Jude Global Academy: Qualitative Research Training Seminar. She also develops and delivers specialized educational content through Cure4Kids. 

Hanebrink's work bridges cultural understanding and medical practice, ensuring that research approaches are both scientifically rigorous and culturally responsive. She is honored to have the opportunity to advance the GPM mission through strategic education, capacity-building, and innovative research that ultimately improves care for every child, everywhere.

Short Biography

Naomi is a public health professional dedicated to advancing global health through research, monitoring andevaluation, and data driven decision making. Her work centers on strengthening health systems, promoting health equity, and improving outcomes for the communities she serves. Over the past five years, she has partnered with governments, non profits, and consulting organizations across Sub Saharan Africa and the Americas, gaining a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities within diverse health landscapes.

She brings to St. Jude a multidisciplinary skill set shaped by her public health training and her experience working in multicultural environments. Naomi is motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful impact, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. Her commitment to service, equity, and evidence based practice continues to guide her career and fuels her passion for contributing to St. Jude’s mission.

Short Biography

Shayla Lawrence began her work with the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine as program coordinator, Culturally Sensitive Global Oncology Program with the Culture and Communication Program.

Shayla joined St. Jude Global Pediatric Medicine with years of prior experience as a federal contractor with the Department of Defense and a public health coordinator, focusing on maternal child health and psychological/behavioral health for high-risk populations.  

She studied anthropology and foreign language and received a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Memphis.

She enjoys calling Memphis home and loves the music, food, and culture of the city, but also loves seeing and learning about new places all over the world.