Health Systems

Short Biography

Desireé is an international development professional with over six years of experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and data analysis, specializing in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. She has worked across non-profits, government agencies, and multilateral institutions to strengthen data-driven decision-making and enhance program effectiveness.

Before joining St. Jude, Desireé was an Impact Associate at Slingshot Memphis, where she supported over 12 non-profits in evaluating their effectiveness through research and benefit-cost analysis. Previously, she was a researcher at the Inter-American Development Bank, focusing on integrating gender perspectives into transportation policies across Latin America. She also contributed to project monitoring and implementation efforts across more than 20 countries at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America.

Her expertise includes data analysis, program evaluation, and spatial econometrics, which she has applied to assessing and improving social programs. Desireé holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, a Master’s in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics, and a Master’s in Public Management from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores en Administración (IESA) in Venezuela.

Short Biography

Minh Doan is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in public health and epidemiology. She has a passion for health and data analytics and believes in the power of data to inform and drive meaningful change. Prior to joining St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Minh worked as a Program Specialist in cancer registry and as an Epidemiologist in infectious disease.

Drawn by the mission and values of St. Jude, Minh is excited to contribute to the fight against life-threatening diseases affecting children. As a mother to a young child, she deeply empathizes with the hardships that families with sick children face. Minh is eager to bring her knowledge and expertise to the department and looks forward to making impactful contributions.

Short Biography

Heather Fosburgh has over 20 years of experience working in international development and global health. Her primary focus is strengthening health systems in countries throughout the world. 

Heather has provided technical experience and support in human resources for health; leadership, management and governance; infection prevention and control; global health security; financial management; monitoring and evaluation; and advocacy and policy development, among other areas, for both infectious and chronic diseases. She has also led capstone projects, advised, and taught health care professionals and master's students about financial management, qualitative research methods, and strategic problem solving.  

Heather received her MPH in Health Policy and Global Health from the Yale School of Public Health and her MS in Applied Community and Economic Development from Illinois State University. She has worked in applied research and project management for non-profit and academic institutions, including Rotary International, the Yale Global Health Leadership Institute, and ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health. Heather is excited to join the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine and the Health Systems Unit.

Heather is excited to join the Department of Global Pediatric Medicine and the Health Systems Unit and begin to learn more about the different projects and initiatives. Heather was looking for a position that involved strengthening health systems outside of an academic setting. 

While Heather enjoys living in New York City, she was looking for a change. She feels fortunate that this position strongly aligned with her interests, the outdoor activities and climate are more plentiful in Memphis and most importantly, she was very impressed with everyone and the work.

Short Biography

Melissa is a dedicated public health advocate with over nine years of program and project management experience, who has specialized in oncology, epidemiology, behavioral science and public policy. 

Effective at leveraging strategic partnerships, using quality improvement methodologies and harnessing data to create impactful solutions, Melissa has most recently served as the American Cancer Society’s Program Manager on the Interventions and Implementation team and as the Cancer Control Strategic Partnerships Manager. She has managed a portfolio of 80 grant-funded projects while engaging with collaborators including CDC, alongside ministries, non-governmental organizations, industry partners, state coalitions, health systems, and payors.

Melissa has also served as a Cancer Control Committee Member in the Health Council of South Florida, contributing strategic input to the Governor of Florida and to legislation on cancer control, research, and health equity.

In her new role, Melissa will help strengthen interventions and partnerships, such as the Nexus of Policies and Systems (NexPoS) global network, including activities in essential diagnostics and medicines, national cancer control planning, referral systems, and ongoing work as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer and harnessing data to create impactful solutions.

Melissa holds dual Masters in Public Administration and Public Health from the University of Miami and is deeply committed to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes.

Currently living in Atlanta, Georgia, Melissa enjoys an active lifestyle. In her free time, she can often be found playing tennis, exploring new destinations and hiking new trails.