SHREVEPORT, La. — LSU Health Shreveport has named Jianxun “Jim” Song chair of its Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, giving the institution permanent chairs across all of its academic departments.
Song will also serve as associate director for basic research at the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, where his work will include cancer immunology and translational research.
Song joins LSU Health Shreveport from the Texas A&M University School of Medicine, where he most recently served as the R.L. Bricker Endowed Professor of Cancer Immunology in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology. He has more than two decades of experience in immunology, cancer biology, translational research and academic leadership, including previous faculty appointments at Texas A&M and Penn State College of Medicine.
His research focuses on cancer immunology, immunometabolism, stem cell-based immunotherapies and immune-directed treatments. His current research includes approaches to melanoma immunotherapy, engineered microbial therapeutics and methods intended to improve antitumor immune responses.
Song has led or contributed to research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense and other organizations. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and holds four patents.
He has also served on national and international grant review panels, including study sections for the NIH and Department of Defense, and holds editorial roles with several scientific journals.
LSU Health Shreveport also recognized Kelly Tatchell for his service as chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Tatchell led the department before Song’s appointment and contributed to the institution’s education and research programs.
In his additional role at the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Song is expected to help lead basic and translational research initiatives focused on cancer and the development of new therapeutic approaches.