"I’ve always loved thinking of ways to make life better and applying science to solve problems," shares Dr. Hara. "I wanted my work to help people, and I saw engineering as the best way for me to do that. The work that engineers do has drastic and lasting impacts on society, solving problems and improving the quality of life. What better way to care for and help people?"

He encourages future engineers, "Never stop learning. Our goal as engineers is to push technology to the next stage. The work that goes into a Ph.D. pushes our shared body of knowledge a bit wider. When you’re working at those extremes, the only way to move to the next level is to keep learning."

"I’ve had the privilege to work with a wide swath of learners and trainees across the full spectrum of programs at Mayo Clinic, from the high school mentorship program to the residency programs," says Dr. Hara. "I think the most rewarding part for me has been meeting each of those individuals where they are at in their particular journey and finding that I have been able to offer them something worthwhile that can help them along the way. Of course, I’m always learning from each of them as well!"

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Anjali Bhagra, M.D.

Dr. Bhagra is a professor in medicine at the Division of General Internal Medicine and a medical director of Mayo Clinic Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. She has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2004.

"My childhood experiences were foundational in shaping medicine as my calling," reflects Dr. Bhagra. "As a child, I spent most of my summer school breaks in a small town in India working alongside my grandfather (a physician), helping him take care of his patients. I looked forward to the summer break all year long, and by age ten, I knew that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life!"

Dr. Bhagra describes her proudest achievement thus far in her professional career. "Entering a brand-new culture of the United States medical system as an international medical graduate trainee and a mother in a dual medical career family was initially daunting," says Dr. Bhagra. "But after 17 years, I am proud of my professional journey and the experiences and contributions that summate my personal and professional identity. I was fortunate to integrate my global experience and to have found fantastic mentors in my career who supported me through this journey. I am proud of having blazed the path through assimilation, action, accomplishment, and most importantly, for paying it forward by opening doors and amplifying others to fearlessly advocate for equity and inclusion in medicine!"

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Jannifer Lee

Jannifer is a Ph.D. student in Dr. Wilfried Rossoll's lab at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jannifer describes her current work and education. "Our lab is interested in understanding the molecular underpinnings of protein aggregation, spread and disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)," says Jannifer. "My thesis project is aimed at identifying the modifier proteins of tau, one of the protein hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, using a proximity proteomic approach called BioID. Using this approach, we hope to identify potential key players that will serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of AD and primary tauopathies."

"As a first-year student, it was exciting to be able to take advantage of exploring the numerous neuroscience labs across both Rochester and Jacksonville campuses," shares Jannifer. "Now, after choosing a campus and a designated research lab, I love that I'm able to also have mentorship not only with my main thesis mentor but also with experts in the field that I study. For example, I have the privilege of having Dr. Dennis Dickson, who is a world-renowned neuropathologist with over 1000 publications, as a member of my thesis advisory committee. I am excited to see how my project unfolds with their guidance."

Jannifer advises future Ph.D. learners to "choose your thesis lab mentor wisely, and choose a community/campus where you feel most supported. A PhD is more than just science. I've learned to lean on friends and faculty through the very frequent failed experiments, rejection of grant submissions, and paper submissions. It has been the same people who have reminded me that I shouldn't define myself or attribute my worth as a scientist by my current failures but to reshape the failures and keep moving forward. Build your network of supporters both scientifically and personally during your training period. You'll want them not only through the rough times but also the best times to celebrate together the small and big wins."

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Hirohito Kita, M.D.

Dr. Kita is a professor of immunology and medicine at Mayo Clinic's campus in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and has been with Mayo Clinic for 31 years.

"My desire to be a physician/scientist started while I was an elementary student," shares Dr. Kita. "My father bought me a biography of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a doctor and bacteriologist who made major discoveries in microbiology, saving many people. He also contributed to people in Africa. I wanted to be like him."

Dr. Kita has had the privilege to mentor more than 100 students, fellows, and junior investigators throughout his career. He enjoys their energy and fresh ideas, and he hopes that he has contributed some to their career and personal lives. He encourages future physicians and scientists, "to continue to be curious. Biomedical science is changing and improving constantly; therefore, keep your eyes open widely."

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Jazeel Limzerwala, Ph.D.

Dr. Limzerwala is an alumnus of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He completed his training in June 2020 where his thesis work focused on demonstrating a new determinant of chromosomal instability, a hallmark of human cancers. Continuing as a post-doctoral research fellow, his work has been focused on trying to develop novel small molecule inhibitors of chromosomal instability based on the foundational work performed during his Ph.D.

"One of the biggest challenges for me in my training was to secure admission into a reputable Ph.D. program in the USA," says Dr. Limzerwala. "As with every other challenge that I have overcome in my life, I overcame this with hard work, discipline, and meticulous planning."

Dr. Limzerwala encourages other learners, "don't ever shy away from putting in a few extra hours of work to achieve your goals, and don't let anyone deter you from realizing your dreams. Mayo Clinic is a great place to perform your Ph.D. training."

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Francis Shue

Francis is a Ph.D. student in Dr. Guojun Bu’s Neurobiology of Alzheimer's Disease Laboratory at Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida. She is a third year student in the Neuroscience track and the Regenerative Medicine track.

"My research focuses on how apoE2 impacts cerebrovascular function and its downstream contribution to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis," says Francis. "I also work on how young plasma protects against Alzheimer's disease."

She encourages other trainees, "don’t reject yourself before making your voice heard. There’s always a chance to make a change, advocate, and pursue. People listen."

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About the Office for Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion