Salem Akel

Salem Akel, PhD, is a highly experienced professional in the field of cell therapy and hematology. Currently serving as the Director of the Cell Therapy/Human Applications Lab in the Bone Marrow Transplant Department at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital since November 2018, Salem also holds the position of Adjunct Associate Professor at the Pediatric Department of Saint Louis University School of Medicine since January 2012. Previous roles include CEO of BabyCord Jordan and Scientific and Laboratory Director at the St. Louis Cord Blood Bank and Cell Therapy Laboratories. Salem's extensive background also encompasses leadership roles such as Chair of the Board of Directors at Modern Laboratories Corporate and Lab Director of YAFA Medical Labs. Academic credentials include a PhD in Hematology from the Athens University, along with postdoctoral research in Stem Cell Biology at the National Cancer Institute.