Results 1 - 10 of 120
Researchers
Explore mentor profiles by selecting a name below. Each profile includes information about research interests, lab affiliations, publications, and additional details about their work and expertise.
| Name | Track | Location | View profile |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Abhishek Chandra is a faculty researcher whose work focuses on mechanisms of bone loss due to aging, disease, and radiotherapy. His research explores cellular processes such as DNA damage, senescence, and stem cell fate that influence bone health. He aims to develop therapies to prevent osteoporosis, improve fracture healing, and enhance bone quality, particularly after radiation exposure. As a mentor, he fosters interdisciplinary, translational research and supports trainee development in scientific innovation and career growth. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Florida | ||
IntroductionI have passionately helped individuals develop into independent scientific investigators and champions of science for more than 20 years. As a mentor of students and trainees in independent research, I seek to make a contribution to the development of the whole person. This requires that I understand mentee current intellectual and professional states as well as future plans. Each person I mentor is different, and different goals require different skills, but I will aspire to help mentee develop certain universal skills — asking questions, identifying good research projects and questions, managing projects, etc. I will encourage mentee to be a good team player and have the courage to lead when leadership is needed. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy scientific interest throughout my career has been in intracellular signaling, with a particular focus on pathways involved in programmed cell death. We aim not only to understand the core death-signaling apparatus but to also understand how multiple other inputs from concurrent signaling responses integrate with it. This integration of multiple signaling pathways determines whether a cell dies or survives, and is therefore central to how T cells eliminate infected cells. It is also central to why T cells are poor at killing most tumor cells. |
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| Neuroscience, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Ahad M. Siddiqui is an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Regenerative Medicine at Mayo Clinic whose research focuses on regenerative neuroimmunology and neural repair following spinal cord injury. His laboratory integrates biomaterials engineering, cell and gene therapies, extracellular vesicle technologies, neuromodulation, and AI-driven imaging analysis to develop innovative strategies for restoring function after neurological injury. Graduate students in Dr. Siddiqui’s lab gain interdisciplinary training at the intersection of neuroscience, bioengineering, and translational medicine while contributing to research aimed at advancing next-generation therapies for patients with paralysis and other nervous system injuries. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Denic is an Associate Consultant 2, and an Associate Professor in Medicine in the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. He has 110 publications, and more than 5,000 citations. Dr. Denic is focused on understanding how kidney histology and macrostructure are associated with chronic kidney conditions and allograft loss in kidney transplant recipients. He uses kidney biopsies, computerized tomography scans to pursue these studies. More recently Dr. Denic became interested in applying artificial intelligence methods to quantify histological and macrostructural metrics of kidney and visceral obesity. He has received a funding from NIH to assess how various AI-based macrostructural kidney metrics associate with chronic kidney disease. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Matveyenko’s professional career centers on basic and translational research in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, with a particular focus on the role of pancreatic beta-cell failure in the development of diabetes and related metabolic diseases. The laboratory employs an integrative research strategy, spanning cellular, molecular, and biochemical analyses as well as in vivo physiological studies using genetic and environmental rodent models of diabetes and obesity. The laboratory receives substantial funding from NIH/NIDDK and has published extensively on circadian biology and physiology, molecular regulation of insulin secretion, and metabolic control of beta cell function and turnover. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe Laboratory of Functional Epigenomics has been working on various aspects of transcription and enhancer regulation with implications in cellular heterogeneity and drug resistance in ovarian, breast and endometrial cancers. The goal of the lab is to use epigenomic profiling to better understand cancer programs associated with malignancy, metastasis, drug sensitivity and define transcriptional dependencies. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionAnand Padmanabhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., has translational research interests in platelet immunology, with a focus on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) and a new prothrombotic disease entity his group has identified, monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS). His group also has recently demonstrated a potential role for anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies in recurrent pregnancy loss. His group uses cutting-edge biochemical techniques to address these clinically relevant scientific questions and emphasizes translation both in the diagnostic and treatment realms. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Gingery is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where her laboratory employs an integrated systems approach to studying healthy aging and musculoskeletal disease. Her research prioritizes the identification of unmet clinical needs and the development of mechanistic, evidence-based strategies with clear translational potential. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy lab includes a mix of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, data scientists, and other trainees that work together to unravel the processes that underly malignant B cell transformation. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a physician-scientist with expertise in diabetes before, during, and after pregnancy. My translational human-subjects research focuses on the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes and postpartum type 2 diabetes, with the goal of improving prediction, prevention, and long-term outcomes. I also leverage resources such as the Rochester Epidemiology Project to study disease patterns and clinical outcomes. I tailor mentorship to each person’s goals, whether exploring research for the first time, preparing for future training, or developing niche expertise. I aim to create an environment where mentees at all levels feel comfortable asking questions, testing ideas, developing new skills, and growing into independent, confident researchers. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am pleased to introduce Health Engineering and Analytics Laboratory (HEAL) to you as its Principal Investigator. HEAL is a training-centric program that is focused on the development of methods for enabling digital therapeutics and artificial intelligence approaches in the medical practice. Our research program is funded by several Federal (NIH, NSF, ARPA-H) and Foundation grants. My approach to training mentees is customized to their career aspirations with ample professional development (conferences) and career development (industry internships) opportunities. I am also a passionate teacher (course director of MPET-6450) with an emphasis on pedagogy that evolves with time and active learning. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Kanakkanthara is an Associate Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. His research program focuses on elucidating the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying therapy resistance and anti-tumor immune regulation to identify actionable vulnerabilities in cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. To this end, his laboratory integrates molecular and cellular biology, metabolism, and translational in vitro and in vivo models. He has an established record of high-impact discoveries published in journals, including Science, Nature Communications, and Science Translational Medicine, revealing key links between cell cycle control, DNA damage response, RNA regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and therapeutic response. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionAs a young investigator, Dr. Panday recognizes the importance of training the next generation of students and trainees. Dr. Panday has benefited from exceptional mentors at each career stage, and he strives to invest the same level of energy in mentoring each of his trainees. He takes his mentorship role very seriously and provides the necessary support and guidance to foster the career development of the trainees currently in his lab. He has experience training students at many levels, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Bailey is a pediatric oncologist and physician scientists with expertise in sarcomas in adolescents and young adults. Dr. Bailey specializes in the treatment and biology of bone sarcomas, with a focus on the adolescent primary bone tumor Ewing sarcoma. Her laboratory is focused on understanding the intersection of DNA damage and immunobiology in Ewing sarcoma. The Bailey laboratory developed a humanized mouse model of Ewing sarcoma to study immune cell interactions in vivo. The Bailey laboratory’s translational work includes understanding Ewing sarcoma therapeutic vulnerabilities, specifically immunotherapy targets, during radiation therapy. Nationally, Dr. Bailey holds leadership roles within the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe Baker Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN studies how cellular senescence drives aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. Using innovative mouse models that enable selective elimination of senescent cells, we uncover mechanisms linking cell state to tissue dysfunction and identify therapeutic opportunities. Trainees gain rigorous experience in in vivo models, molecular biology, and translational aging research within a highly collaborative environment. We value curiosity, independence, and thoughtful experimental design, and are committed to mentoring scientists to develop strong mechanistic insight and impactful research careers. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Immunology | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Bogang Wu is an Assistant Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. His laboratory studies how the tumor microenvironment shapes antitumor immunity, with a focus on T cell differentiation, immune exclusion, chromatin regulation, and therapeutic resistance. The lab integrates mouse models, spatial and single-cell technologies, functional immunology, and translational patient specimen analysis to develop new strategies to improve cancer immunotherapy through interdisciplinary and impactful research. As a mentor, Dr. Wu supports students’ academic and professional growth through individualized mentoring tailored to diverse career aspirations in academia, industry, medicine, and beyond. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Neuroscience, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionBASL provides an integrative environment for studying human brain function through EEG, MEG, computational neuroscience, brain stimulation, and epilepsy. We aim to develop biomarkers of brain function and more effective stimulation-based strategies to treat neurological disease. At the core of our work is a fundamental question: how can brain excitability be defined, measured, and modeled? Answering this question can help link cellular physiology, network dynamics, and human behavior. We welcome trainees interested in neurophysiology, signal processing, neuromodulation, and computational neuroscience, with projects spanning basic mechanisms to clinical impact in a collaborative and quantitatively rigorous environment. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am an anesthesiologist and critical care informatician whose research focuses on transforming clinical data into actionable intelligence that improves patient safety and outcomes. My work spans clinical decision support, real-time surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, and human-centered design for acute and critical care environments. I have led the development and evaluation of clinical intelligence platforms including AWARE, AMP, and CEDAR. I welcome mentees interested in clinical informatics, AI in healthcare, critical care, implementation science, and translational research. My goal is to help trainees develop impactful projects that bridge technology, clinical practice, and healthcare delivery. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science | Florida | ||
IntroductionDr. Bryan Taylor is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Consultant in Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Florida, where he serves as Program Director for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and leads the Clinical and Performance Cardiopulmonary Physiology Laboratory. His research focuses on exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, pulmonary vascular disease, rehabilitation, and exercise-based strategies to improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health. Dr. Taylor has mentored undergraduate, graduate, medical, and postdoctoral trainees and is passionate about helping mentees develop expertise in research design, scientific writing, data analysis, critical thinking, and career development. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionCaitlin B. Conboy, M.D., Ph.D., is a medical oncologist and physician scientist focused on improving the care of patients with hepatobiliary cancers. She completed Internal Medicine Residency and Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where she is an Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology. Dr. Conboy runs an active basic and translational research program focused on epigenetic mechanisms in cholangiocarcinoma. She is also a principal investigator for prospective clinical trials focused on cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Carlos B. Mantilla, M.D., Ph.D., is a consultant in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering. He holds the academic rank of professor of anesthesiology and physiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
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| Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI have a joint appointment in the Departments of Molecular Medicine and Immunology. I am Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine and Director of Mayo Clinic’s High Containment BSL3 Research Facility. I am Associate Director of the VGT Track. I am virologist and have received my Ph.D. at the University of Munich, Germany. Before joining Mayo Clinic, I was a Research Group Leader at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute in Langen, Germany. My Viro-Immunology Research Program focuses on studying virus-host interactions at the level of innate and adaptive immune responses with the goal to design novel preventative and therapeutic antiviral approaches that could also be utilized for the treatments of cancer or autoimmune disorders. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionMy research program integrates cardiopulmonary physiology, digital health technologies, and translational clinical research to develop and implement scalable approaches for physiologic monitoring, remote assessment, and intervention delivery across diverse populations. My work combines expertise in exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), physiologic phenotyping, and wearable technologies to characterize physiologic responses in both controlled laboratory and real-world settings. I have extensive experience conducting translational studies that incorporate remote physiologic monitoring, field-based data collection, and longitudinal assessment of cardiopulmonary function and physiologic stress. Able to host for rotations |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy research interests revolve around CT imaging technology and its many clinical applications. As director of Mayo Clinic's CT Clinical Innovation Center, I lead a multidisciplinary team on projects seeking to detect and quantify disease using CT imaging. The first whole-body, high-flux photon-counting CT system was installed in my lab in 2014, and I have played a key role in the development of photon-counting CT and its applications since that time. I am a fellow of the American College of Radiology, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. I have over 500 peer-reviewed papers and multiple NIH grants related to CT imaging. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a professor of physiology and BME and direct the Tissue Repair and Mechanobiology Lab. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on tissue fibrosis and repair, with particular interest in fibroblast and matrix biology. Our lab works across the discovery to translation spectrum, bridging cellular and molecular studies with human disease models. Our training focus is rigorous science within a personalized environment that facilitates broad exploration of career options. My goal is for mentees to find fulfilling careers in science and medical research. As indicators of success, I have trained multiple students and fellows over the past few years who have gone on to faculty and research scientist positions in academia and industry. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDavid D. Chen, Ph.D., studies advanced cancer therapies by understanding genomic, epigenomic and metabolomic regulators and their networks. He leads the Laboratory of Gene Editing and Cellular Engineering and the Genetic Screening and Engineering Core. The lab aims to investigate gene expression, epigenetic landscape, cellular metabolism and genome integrity under normal and disease conditions, striving to develop therapeutic opportunities for leukemia and other cancers. He is particularly focused on developing new approaches to use the CRISPR-based gene-editing tools. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Florida | ||
IntroductionMy lab studies how aging, hormones, inflammation, and matrix remodeling reshape breast tissue into the "soil" that lets cancer begin and how we can intercept it. Drawing on one of the nation's largest benign breast disease cohorts plus matched tissue, organoids, and cell models, we use spatial imaging, single-cell methods, and 3D culture to find the cells and neighborhoods that drive early progression and disparities. Students here own a publishable project from day one and train in both wet-lab spatial biology and computational analysis, with weekly mentoring on experiments, writing, and career. I'm looking for curious people who like to build, protocols, code, and ideas, and want their work to matter for patients. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe Biology of Aging and Age-Related Diseases Laboratory, within the Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic, investigates the biological mechanisms that drive aging and age-related diseases. Our work focuses on cellular senescence and its role in cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, metabolic dysfunction, and frailty. Using state-of-the-art approaches including animal models, human tissues, spatial biology, and single-cell technologies, we aim to develop interventions that promote healthy aging and extend healthspan. Students in the laboratory gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge aging research while contributing to projects with direct translational relevance to human health. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Dr. Doo-Sup Choi is a Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at Mayo Clinic and a leader in brain research focused on addiction, mental health, and related neurological conditions. Since joining Mayo Clinic in 2005, Dr. Choi has built a world-class research team dedicated to understanding how the brain drives behavior—and what happens when those processes go wrong. His work focuses on identifying the genes, brain circuits, and biological markers that contribute to addiction and mental health disorders.
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and the biological basis of variation in drug treatment response. Our laboratory integrates pharmacology, multi-omics, stem cell biology, organoid models, and single-cell transcriptomics approaches to identify molecular pathways that influence disease susceptibility and drug treatment outcomes. We use advanced experimental and computational methods to translate biological discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies and precision medicine approaches. I am committed to providing a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters scientific independence and interdisciplinary research skills. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionElena Myasoedova, M.D., Ph.D., is a clinical rheumatologist and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology. Her research program focuses on epidemiology and outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis, individualized prediction of response to antirheumatic medications using clinical and pharmacogenomic data, cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis, and multimorbidity among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Her research has been supported by intramural and extramural funding, and she is actively involved in mentoring research trainees, residents, and fellows. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionHi! I'm Elizabeth Enninga, a graduate of Mayo Graduate School and now an Associate Professor at Mayo Clinic. My research focuses on women's health, pregnancy immunology, and improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists and creating a supportive environment where students can grow, take risks, and develop independence. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring new parks and coffee shops with my family, playing tennis, and relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine. I'm looking for students who are motivated, curious, and kind. Scientific techniques can be taught, but passion, perseverance, and caring about your work are what make great scientists. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Enis Kostallari is an Associate Consultant and Assistant Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She directs the Perivascular Cell Biology laboratory where her group studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving organ fibrosis. Her highly collaborative team is composed of graduate and undergraduate students, postdocs and visiting scientists who support the culture of belonging. Dr. Kostallari is an NIH-funded principal investigator, a course director and a committee member in national associations, who enjoys mentoring the younger generation of researchers as they become the future of our science. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Florida | ||
IntroductionDr. Radisky has led a continuously federally funded research program at Mayo Clinic Florida since 2006 and has published over 90 papers. Her group studies proteases and their inhibitors in cancer progression and metastasis and develops novel protease inhibitors for translation as antimetastatic therapies. The team employs multidisciplinary approaches in structural biology, enzymology, protein engineering, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, drug development, and tumor models, and works with a network of Mayo Clinic and international collaborators. Dr. Radisky has mentored over 80 trainees including three graduated MCGSBS Ph.D. students (MPET and BMB tracks) and a fourth Ph.D. candidate currently in training (MPET track). |
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| Neuroscience | Florida | ||
IntroductionI am an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic studying the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. My laboratory investigates PINK1-PRKN-mediated mitochondrial quality control and the UFM1 protein modification pathway to understand disease biology and identify new therapeutic opportunities. We integrate cell and molecular biology, gene editing, advanced imaging, proteomics, and human brain tissue analyses to discover biomarkers, validate therapeutic targets, and develop translational tools. We welcome trainees interested in neurodegeneration, biomarker discovery, and translational neuroscience. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI lead a translational cancer immunology lab focused on decoding how tumors communicate, evade immune attack, and reveal themselves through blood and urine liquid biopsies. Our work integrates cancer cell biology, tumor immunology, extracellular vesicles, multi-omics, spatial biology, and biomarker modeling to develop clinically actionable diagnostics and next-generation therapies, with a major focus on prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers. As a mentor, I aim to help trainees become rigorous, creative, and independent scientists. Our lab culture is built on scientific integrity, teamwork, open communication, and bold ideas, from carefully designed experiments to “blue-sky” concepts that can become real translational advances. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Arizona | ||
IntroductionAs a mentor, I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where trainees can develop both scientific independence and technical expertise. My laboratory combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate how 3D genome organization shapes cellular behavior in immune-mediated diseases. Trainees gain hands-on experience in genomics, epigenetics, bioinformatics, and translational research while working on projects with direct clinical relevance. I am committed to providing individualized mentorship, fostering critical thinking, and supporting the professional development of students at all stages of training. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Huang's laboratory integrates single-cell and spatial multi-omics, epigenomics, chemical biology, AI-based drug design and translational model systems to study brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. The lab combines patient-derived organoids and in vivo models to define disease mechanisms and actionable therapeutic targets and develop novel therapies. Trainees gain interdisciplinary expertise spanning cancer genomics, mechanistic biology, and chemical biology, with direct exposure to clinical questions and patient-relevant model systems. Recent work appears in Nature Genetics, Cell Stem Cell, Neuro-Oncology, and Science Signaling. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Regenerative Science, Virology and Gene Therapy | Arizona | ||
IntroductionGloria B. Kim, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Immunology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Her laboratory develops next-generation immune cell therapies and immunoengineering technologies to treat cancer, inflammatory diseases, and organ injury. Research in the Kim Laboratory integrates cell therapy, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and translational engineering to advance clinically relevant therapies, including CAR-T cells, CAR-Tregs, and in vivo immune cell engineering. Dr. Kim is passionate about mentoring trainees and fostering an interdisciplinary research environment that bridges engineering, immunology, and medicine. |
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| Immunology | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Ramos is a physician-scientist specializing in inflammatory bowel diseases who trained at Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Our research focuses on the mechanisms by which inflammatory signals alter intestinal stem cell fate and tissue remodeling, and how these processes contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Using patient-derived organoids, immune co-cultures, gut-on-chip technologies, single-cell genomics, epigenomics, and prospective clinical biobanking, the laboratory seeks to define mechanisms of epithelial-immune communication and translate these discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies for immune-mediated diseases. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Arizona | ||
IntroductionIn the Lomberk Lab, trainees explore how epigenetic and stress-response mechanisms allow cancer cells, particularly pancreatic cancer cells, to adapt, survive, and resist therapy. The research bridges chromatin biology and cancer-cell identity, genome stability and DNA damage response, and preclinical pharmacology and therapeutic development, integrating structural and computational approaches to accelerate the translation of mechanistic discoveries into targeted therapies. Mentorship in the lab emphasizes curiosity, rigor, resilience, creativity, and independence, with a focus on helping trainees ask meaningful questions, follow the evidence, and connect molecular discoveries to patient-centered impact. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionOur lab combines clinical insights with basic science to explore how T cells respond to cancer and to develop new immunotherapy strategies. Trainees in the lab gain experience in both translational and mechanistic research, with a particular focus on identifying immune-intrinsic factors that shape anti-tumor immunity and influence responses to therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We emphasize collaborative, hypothesis-driven research and aim to equip trainees with the skills needed to connect laboratory discoveries to clinical impact. |
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| Immunology | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Kita joined the faculty at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in 1994 and moved to Arizona in 2019. Dr. Kita’s laboratory is committed to understanding immunologic mechanisms of allergic diseases, such as asthma and food allergy, and type 2 immunity and developing novel strategies to prevent the disease and to treat patients safely and effectively. His multidisciplinary team, consisting of immunologists, cell and molecular biologists, clinicians and bioinformaticians, creates an environment for collaborative research and training for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. He has mentored 11 Ph.D. students to completion and trained over 94 undergraduate and post-doctoral fellows. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy research centers on metabolic regulation of adaptive immunity. We use genetic mouse models to study how cellular metabolism instruct B cell and T cell activation and differentiation. Using patient biopsies, we investigate the immunological basis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, lupus nephritis and autoimmune toxicities following cancer immunotherapy. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Isobel Scarisbrick leads Mayo Clinic’s Neural Regeneration Laboratory, a multidisciplinary team dedicated to restoring function after neurotrauma, demyelination, and aging. Our research integrates molecular and cellular neuroscience, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and neurorehabilitation to uncover mechanisms of neural repair and translate discoveries to new therapies. Graduate students thrive in a collaborative environment with training in advanced technologies, experimental design, scientific communication, and translational research. If you are driven to advance regenerative neuroscience, the Scarisbrick Lab offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to discoveries shaping the future of neural repair and recovery. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionOur computational lab builds in silico tools and digital biomarkers that help physicians make better decisions in patient care. Working at the intersection of bioinformatics, machine learning, and computational systems biology, we apply these methods to multi-omic data (metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and more) across three main fronts: gut microbiome ecology in health and wellness, blood-borne biomarker discovery in chronic disease, and AI-driven frameworks for precision neurosurgery. Trainees gain hands-on large-scale data analysis experience with real clinical datasets while collaborating with physicians and wet-lab scientists. If you're curious about how we bridge computation with clinical impact, please check our lab website! |
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| Immunology, Regenerative Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Jessica Lancaster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology with a joint appointment in Cancer Biology. Her lab uses advanced microscopy to directly visualize the movement and organization of immune cells within tissue microenvironments that are remodeled by aging, cancer, or disease. Towards this end, the Lancaster Lab houses dedicated 2-photon and lattice lightsheet microscopes at the IERB in Phoenix, Arizona. The overall research goal is to understand the underlying biological mechanisms by which aging impacts immune homeostasis and activation. Having trained in biomedical engineering (Ph.D.) and immunology (postdoc), Dr. Lancaster fosters an interdisciplinary research approach. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a joint appointment in Cancer Biology. My laboratory studies the mechanisms of resistance to standard-of-care therapies that are employed for the treatment of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Our lab is multidisciplinary and consists of cell and molecular biologists, biochemists, chemists, and bioinformaticians. We function in a highly collaborative environment with physician scientists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons as we seek to develop novel therapeutics aimed at improving the outcomes of patients suffering from cancer. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy laboratory specializes in developing MR spectroscopic and imaging tools to better image psychiatric disorders as well as neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. As I'm a practicing clinical neuroradiologist, I do my research during the day in between cases. As I'm nearing the end of my career (maybe 5 years to go), I am not taking on any new students. However, if you are highly motivated, interested in MR technology/imaging and an independent self-starter, contact me and let's have a discussion. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Neuroscience | Florida | ||
IntroductionJoseph Y. Cheung, M.D., M.S., is a physician-scientist in sleep medicine whose work focuses on applying large language models and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve clinical decision support and healthcare delivery. His expertise spans neuroscience, genetics and genomics, and sleep medicine. He places particular emphasis on integrating AI and generative technologies to strengthen diagnostic capabilities, streamline clinician workflows and enhance patient outcomes. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Jun Chen is a professor of biostatistics at Mayo Clinic with research interests at the intersection of statistics, computational biology, and biomedical science. His lab develops robust and scalable statistical methods for high-dimensional omics data, with a particular emphasis on microbiome and single-cell sequencing technologies. By working closely with investigators across diverse biomedical disciplines, Dr. Chen's group addresses fundamental questions in disease mechanisms and precision medicine. Students in the lab receive training in statistical methodology, data science, and collaborative research while contributing to cutting-edge projects with real-world biomedical impact. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Dr. Mohni is an assistant professor of Molecular Medicine. The lab’s goal is to identify the molecular mechanisms of Herpesvirus DNA replication to develop novel therapeutic strategies for Herpes Simplex and Cytomegalovirus.
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Kathryn Knoop is a faculty member in the Department of Immunology, with a joint affiliation with the Department of Pediatrics. She is a mucosal immunologist by training and focuses on how the body perceives the microbes that live on the mucosal surfaces. Projects include understanding how the microbiota can harbor pathogens, which can result in infection, and how the microbiota can beneficially support the development of the immune system. Dr. Knoop's lab is particularly focused on these concepts during infancy, or early life prior to weaning, which is a time in life when the microbiota and immune system dynamically develop. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy mentoring philosophy focuses on the needs of each individual trainee and their personality, and I strive to foster a collaborative and collegial environment in which each trainee has their own distinct project, but benefits from interactions and training with existing senior laboratory staff to facilitate their own projects and the overall goals of the laboratory. Depending on interest, students can mix wet and dry bench (bioinformatics) aspects into their projects and receive training in both areas. Please contact me if you’d like to learn more about the lab! |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Kenton Kaufman is a Consultant and Professor in Orthopedic Surgery with a joint appointment in Physiology and Biomedical Engineering. He directs the Motion Analysis Laboratory, where his multidisciplinary team advances biomechanics and motion analysis to develop objective measures of human movement that improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes across orthopedics, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and related fields. Dr. Kaufman has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and Veterans Administration for the past 35 years. His research efforts have resulted in over 325 peer-reviewed publications and 8 patents. He has mentored 6 Ph.D. students and trained 34 post-doctoral fellows. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
The primary mission of the Genetics of Liver Disease lab is to identify genetic drivers of liver disease and cancer and to discover new therapeutic targets. The lab uses CRISPR in vivo in the liver to identify genetic pathways involved in liver repopulation, homeostasis, and oncogenesis.
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe Smith-Edwards lab investigates the neural circuits of the gut-brain axis to understand how the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract communicate by integrating molecular, anatomical, functional, and behavioral approaches in preclinical models for human disease. Beyond our advanced technical approaches, my highest priority is building the next generation of independent scientists. I am deeply committed to cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive laboratory environment where trainees can push scientific boundaries, voice new ideas, and build the foundation for successful careers. We actively welcome motivated, inquisitive, and dedicated Ph.D. students. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI enjoy mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are eager to develop as independent scientists and contribute to meaningful translational research. My work integrates biomechanics, rehabilitation, imaging, assistive technology, and clinical research to address complex problems with real patient impact. I aim to provide a collaborative and supportive mentorship environment that helps trainees strengthen scientific thinking, refine technical and communication skills, build a strong publication and funding trajectory, and grow into the next generation of research leaders. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Dalvin is a surgeon-scientist with a clinical practice in ocular oncology and a translational research laboratory focused on uveal melanoma. Her laboratory pioneered the development of patient-derived organoid models for uveal melanoma, which provide a more translationally relevant platform for mechanistic and therapeutic studies. She has over 200 peer-reviewed publications and has held numerous leadership positions, including in ARVO, AAOOP, AAO, ISOO, and journal editorial boards. Her laboratory works toward better translation of novel therapeutics that will improve quality of life and overall survival for patients throughout the world affected by eye cancer. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Arizona | ||
Introduction
Dr. Bergsagel is a consultant and professor of medicine, co-leader of the Advanced Clinical Trials and Translational Science Research Program in the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, and PI of the Mayo Clinic SPORE in Multiple Myeloma. He has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1997. He has successfully mentored multiple undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students and authored over 300 publications. He identified recurrent immunoglobulin gene translocations as the molecular basis for myeloma initiation, recurrent MYC translocations as a molecular mechanism of myeloma progression, and developed a genetically engineered mouse model of multiple myeloma, Vk*MYC, based on sporadic activation of MYC in germinal center B-cells
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Immunology, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Griffith's laboratory has patented novel immunoproteomic methods for the identification of inciting causes (i.e., antigens) of immune-mediated response towards allograft (e.g., cardiac) and xenogeneic (e.g., heart valve) tissues and organs. The team leverages this information toward development of biomarker panels for allograft rejection and novel immunologically-acceptable extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds for cardiovascular regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. By combining such immunologically-acceptable ECM scaffolds with the patient’s own cells, the team aims to engineer new replacement tissues and organs which will be accepted as part of the patient's own body, providing immunosuppression-free lifelong function. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Lerman is involved in translational research, the development of animal models, and cardiovascular and renal imaging and therapeutic techniques. Her team focuses on the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on tissue injury and repair, senescence, and inflammation, including the effects of obesity, and is engaged in developing regenerative and cell-product-based (stem cells, extracellular vesicles, etc.) therapeutic approaches with applications in human subjects. Her laboratory is focused on a mission of teaching and possesses a vast mentorship experience, sustained by a host of pre- and post-doctoral trainees, who became successful investigators in renal and cardiovascular diseases. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) and its precursor condition, MGUS, are nearly twice as common in individuals with high African genetic similarity, yet these patients often have lower rates of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and improved survival when access to care is comparable. We hypothesize that accelerated biological aging and immunosenescence of the bone marrow microenvironment increase disease risk while reducing tumor immunoediting. In collaboration with the Weivoda lab, we will assess biological aging using frailty measures, circulating senescence markers, and epigenetic clocks; characterize immune aging and T-cell fitness; and determine how immunosenescence shapes tumor evolution and immune selection in patient samples. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe Schimmenti laboratory has a long standing history of modeling rare human conditions characterized by vision and hearing loss in zebrafish. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Virology and Gene Therapy | Florida | ||
IntroductionMy research journey has taken me from stem cell biology to cancer biology, metabolism, immunology, and cellular engineering, driven by a common question: why do some cells adapt, survive, and resist therapy while others do not? I believe the most exciting discoveries occur at the intersection of disciplines and when we are willing to follow unexpected observations. My laboratory studies how metabolic interactions between tumor and immune cells shape cancer progression and treatment response. We combine mechanistic and translational research in a hands-on environment where students are encouraged to think independently, pursue ambitious ideas, and develop into creative, rigorous, and impactful scientists. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy laboratory investigates the neural mechanisms underlying movement, psychiatric, and addiction disorders and translates these discoveries into personalized therapies. We combine neuromodulation technology, including deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and optogenetics, with systems neuroscience, epigenetics, computational modeling, and machine learning. Our research spans basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience to uncover disease mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and develop interventions that restore function and improve QOL. Students train in an interdisciplinary environment spanning neuroscience, engineering, medicine, and artificial intelligence. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a clinician scientist, cardiologist, with interest in cell penetrating peptides and developing them as novel, non-viral vectors for targeted drug delivery as well as RNA-interference therapeutics. My lab works with a family of cardiomyocyte-targeting peptides, and a family of lung targeting peptides. We are looking at their biodistribution, mechanism of transduction, ability to deliver therapeutics from small molecules to siRNA, and their intrinsic biological activities. The models we are currently working with are mouse models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. |
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| Immunology | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Marion Curtis is an Associate Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ, with dual appointments in Immunology and Cancer Biology. She leads a reverse-translational lab focused on ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Her work examines how the tumor microenvironment shapes immune metabolism, how DNA damage responses intersect with anti-tumor immunity, and uses immunopeptidomics for antigen discovery. Trained at the University of Chicago, she launched her independent career at Mayo Clinic in 2018. Her work is published in journals including Cell, JITC, and Science Advances, and has earned awards from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, the DoD Ovarian Cancer Academy, and an NCI R37 MERIT Award. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am an M.D. leading a basic science research program focused on the study of epigenetics and 3D nuclear organization mechanisms driving the biology of pancreatic cancer, a dismal condition predicted to be the second cause of cancer death in the U.S. by 2035. My mentoring is designed based on the student’s personality to create a supportive environment to allow the student to become a mentor themselves. I put special emphasis on the students’ wellness and their development as critical thinkers. I have mentored 12 Ph.D. students (as primary mentor) who are currently postdoctoral fellows or independent investigators at academic institutions in the U.S. and abroad. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Matthew Urban’s current research interests are ultrasonic signal and image processing, shear wave elastography, optical coherence elastography, and uses of color Doppler for biopsy marker visualization.
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Megan Weivoda is a senior associate consultant and associate professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, with a secondary appointment in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She leads the Myeloma and Osteoimmunology Discovery (MyelOID) Laboratory, where her group studies the intersection of clonal plasma cell disorders, biological aging, and osteo-immunology to identify biomarkers of disease and novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Weivoda has been continuously funded by the NIH for the past 13 years. As Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, she is committed to helping every student grow into a confident, independent researcher. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Regenerative Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionI am a consultant in the Division of Laboratory Medicine and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology with a joint appointment in the Department of Immunology. He is an Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and the laboratory director of the Nyberg Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix campus. My clinical and research interests include developing and translating cell and immune-based therapies for the treatment of cancer, understanding systemic immunity, how cancer alters the immune landscape in humans, methods for tailoring the patient’s immune system to the most optimal cell and/or immune-based therapy. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Jensen is an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and holds the Tomas J. Watson, Jr. Professorship in Honor of Dr. Robert L. Frye at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. His clinical interests are primarily focused on obesity, diabetes, and nutrition support. Dr. Jensen's research involves the study of human body fat distribution, and fatty acid/energy metabolism, focusing specifically on the effects of obesity and body-fat distribution on health. His research has been funded by the NIH for over 38 consecutive years, and he has mentored over 80 postdoctoral fellows and students in the field of metabolic research. His laboratory uses mass spectrometry, enzyme activity assays, immunohistochemistry and protein analysis. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy research program integrates molecular pharmacology, stem cell biology, functional genomics, and neuropsychopharmacology to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying conditions such as addiction. A hallmark of my research is the use of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models to study addiction. We further complement these models with advanced multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and single-cell sequencing, to identify biomarkers linked to addiction phenotypes ie craving, and treatment outcomes. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Florida | ||
IntroductionI moved to Mayo Clinic in Florida in 2012 to work on genetics and genomics of breast cancer, but quickly developed an interest in cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity, particularly in breast cancer patients who are three times more likely to develop heart failure. I have built a translational research program and a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and clinicians with the overall goal of developing genomic testing and precision cardioprotective strategies for cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicities, including a cardiotoxicity registry and biorepository with clinical data on cancer treatment and cardiac outcome. My lab uses human genetic association studies, exome sequencing, iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte and mouse models. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI became a scientist because my mentors and teachers shared their infectious excitement for science. I am inspired to convey this passion to the next generation of students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your interests. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Neil Kay is a professor of medicine, a staff consultant, and a career scientist in the Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine. His medical subspecialty experience is in the field of hematology and his work is focused on the study of B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The primary research emphasis is on basic and translational biologic research in CLL, genetic features of CLL B cells, immunologic status of the CLL patient, interactions of CLL B cells with their microenvironment and the clinical, prognostic and biologic aspects of monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis, the precursor to overt CLL. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience | Florida | ||
IntroductionNilufer Ertekin-Taner, M.D,. Ph.D., is Chair of the Neuroscience Department, a board-certified physician-scientist, Roy E. and Merle Meyer Professor of Neuroscience and Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic. She serves as Director and PI of the Mayo Clinic CCaTS KL2 Mentored Career Development Program. Her laboratory integrates biological traits with multi-omics data to discover precision medicine therapies and biomarkers in Alzheimer’s and related disorders. Dr. Ertekin-Taner is Pl of many national, large scale initiatives including CLEAR-AD, AMP-AD, M2OVE-AD and Resilience-AD. Dr. Ertekin-Taner is the recipient of numerous awards including the Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Fellows Award. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy research focuses on the neurobiological basis of pathological motivated behavior in drug and food addiction at neurocircuit/neurochemical/transcriptional level. My research goal is to discover ‘druggable’ targets for anti-addiction medications through cell type-specific profiling and functional interrogation of behaviorally relevant brain mechanisms. We use a multidisciplinary approach based on animal models of addiction and molecular (snRNA-seq), chemo/optogenetic, neurochemical/anatomical techniques. This cross-disciplinary integration is achieved through ongoing collaborations with diverse researchers in academia and industry. I have received 7 NIH grants (R01, etc.) and successfully helped others to secure their own research fundings |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionNuri F. Ince, Ph.D., conducts basic and translational research in neural engineering and brain-machine interfaces. His team develops advanced signal processing, machine learning, and computational methods to analyze large-scale neural recordings collected in clinical settings. The goal is to improve the understanding of neural function and develop biomarkers and technologies that support diagnosis, therapy, and neuromodulation. Dr. Ince collaborates with clinicians and researchers across neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery, maintaining active partnerships with Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Texas Children’s Hospital to accelerate clinical translation and improve patient care. |
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| Regenerative Science, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Patricia Devaux is a Senior Associate Consultant II and Assistant Professor in Molecular Medicine, with appointments in the VGT and REGS programs. A trained virologist, she studies measles virus and its use in therapeutic applications. An award-winning educator (VGT Teacher of the Year, 2021), she is dedicated to mentoring trainees at all levels. Her interdisciplinary research develops measles-based tools for gene delivery, stem cell generation, and genome editing, with the goal of creating new treatments for diseases such as sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, and Parkinson’s disease. She fosters a supportive, collaborative lab environment where trainees gain hands-on experience and prepare for careers in biomedical research. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Arizona | ||
IntroductionTrainees in the Urrutia Lab learn to think across scales — from single DNA variants and protein domains to chromatin complexes, regulatory networks, and disease phenotypes. Projects often begin with genomic or structural data and ask how molecular changes alter function, reshape cellular programs, and create opportunities for diagnosis or therapy. The training environment reflects a long-standing commitment to mentorship and team science, including guiding more than 50 scientists and building multidisciplinary collaborations. Trainees are encouraged to develop as independent scientists who can move comfortably between data, mechanism, and clinical relevance while contributing to precision medicine for cancer and rare diseases. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThe goal of my research is to better understand how immune responses develop after vaccination. This knowledge can be applied toward improving current vaccines, understanding the causes of and thereby avoiding vaccine adverse events, and informing the development of novel vaccines that protect against existing and newly emerging pathogens. Basically, getting the right person the right vaccine at the right time. My lab focuses primarily on vaccines against viral pathogens, such as influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, RSV, smallpox, mpox, SARS-CoV-2, and zoster. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Sharp's current research examines how patients and healthcare providers view new forms of personalized medicine and clinical interventions enabled by molecular diagnostics and digital health technologies. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionThis research program has, over the years, sequentially incorporated advances in analytical techniques to identify and study individual variation in the pharmacologic therapy of disease, with special emphasis on neuropsychiatric disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). These studies have resulted in the identification of novel genes responsible for variation in disease pathophysiology as well as novel pathways for drug response and new drug development. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Dr. Patel's research focuses on microbial biofilms and antibacterial resistance. Her lab focuses on new diagnostics and therapeutics for biofilm-associated infections, including periprosthetic joint infections, endocarditis, catheter-associated infections and wound infections. She also focuses on evaluation of new antibacterial therapies in vitro and in vivo, emerging pathogens and their pathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches that address antibacterial resistance.
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Regenerative Science | Florida | ||
IntroductionThe diverse team of researchers led by Dr. Da Mesquita is focused on determining and testing the factors that increase the risk for neurological diseases by mediating long-lasting changes in the meningeal lymphatic vasculature and in central nervous system immunity. Employing complementary approaches including genetically modified mice, human tissue and fluid samples, and state-of-the-art techniques, like in vivo fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA sequencing, Dr. Da Mesquita and his team aim at understanding how the meningeal lymphatic vasculature modulates brain function along the mammalian lifespan, and is able to affect the progression and outcome of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy goal is to improve the therapy of neoplastic diseases, focusing on acute leukemias and ovarian cancers. As a mentor, I strive to see that my trainees learn to recognize and address impactful problems, conduct rigorous and insightful experiments, and pursue answers to their questions wherever the science leads. Previous postdoctoral fellows from the laboratory are serving as cancer center directors (two) or leading research activities in academia or biotech. Previous Ph.D. students from the laboratory are leading major efforts in biotech or running their own independent laboratories in academia. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Shannon Fortin Ensign is a Neuro-Oncologist and Physician-Scientist at Mayo Clinic whose translational research focuses on the molecular mechanisms driving glioma progression and therapeutic resistance, particularly in IDH-mutant astrocytoma. Her lab integrates functional genomics, cell signaling, spatial and single-cell transcriptomics, and patient-derived datasets to define tumor–microenvironment interactions that promote disease progression, with the goal to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities. Her group seeks to identify biologically informed therapeutic targets and biomarkers to inform future treatment strategies and clinical trial development. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Shigao Chen’s research focuses on developing innovative ultrasound technologies to address critical clinical needs. His work centers on next-generation quantitative ultrasound imaging methods for accurate disease assessment, with a strong emphasis on translating innovations from bench to bedside to improve patient care. Technologies he helped develop—including Comb-push Ultrasound Shear Elastography, liver steatosis quantification, and super-resolution ultrasound imaging—have been licensed by GE, Samsung, and other leading ultrasound companies, implemented on clinical scanners, and adopted worldwide. He also collaborates with clinicians to explore emerging therapeutic applications of ultrasound. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Leng is a Professor of Medical Physics, Section Head of CT Physics, Associate Director of CT CIC, and Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program at the Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic. He is a Fellow of AAPM, SCCT, and SPIE. His research centers on technical advancements and clinical applications of CT (including photon counting detector CT) for diagnosis and image-guided therapy. His recent work extends to AI in imaging for cardiovascular, cancer, and neuro diseases. Dr. Leng has maintained continuous extramural funding and currently serves as PI on multiple NIH R01 and R21 grants. Actively engaged in professional organizations such as AAPM, RSNA, and IEC, he has authored more than 300 journal articles and holds 20 issued patents. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Regenerative Science, Virology and Gene Therapy | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
Dr. Stijn De Langhe leads a research group focused on defining the molecular mechanisms underlying lung development and determining how these mechanisms can be harnessed to improve repair and regeneration in the adult lung. His lab investigates the "hijacking" of developmental pathways by adult lung cells during injury response, specifically examining how aberrant activation of these processes leads to diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), COPD, and ARDS.
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionMy laboratory focuses on mechanisms of skeletal aging. Located in the Kogod Center on Aging, we are also interested in the integrative physiology of aging bone, including interactions with muscle, brain, and energy metabolism. A major effort is directed towards how cellular senescence mediates age-related bone loss in mice and in humans. We are also interested in bone-immune cell interactions and how these are altered with aging. Additional studies examine how extracellular vesicles from senescent cells may spread senescence locally and systemically. |
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| Clinical and Translational Science, Immunology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Girard’s research focuses on the role of inflammation and immune dysregulation in pregnancy complications and their long-term consequences for maternal and child health. A major focus of the work is the placenta as a source of early biomarkers of infant neurodevelopment and lifelong health. The lab also studies how pregnancy complications contribute to maternal cardiovascular risk through immune reprogramming. Using clinical cohorts, placental biology, immunology, multi-omic approaches, and multidisciplinary collaborations, the work aims to integrate maternal, placental, and infant longitudinal data, to develop predictive tools and targeted interventions that improve health outcomes across generations. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science, Regenerative Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a career scientist focusing on transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic regulation of gene expression in the enteric neuromuscular system and super-enhancer structure and pharmacology. I have been continuously funded by multiple NIH grants since 2002. As founder and former director of the Epigenomics Program of the Center for Individualized Medicine and current director of the Spatial Multiomics Core, I have also been leading efforts to establish, expand, and commercialize cutting-edge research techniques. I have directed 3 graduate courses and mentored 77 trainees, including graduate (5 to Ph.D. and 2 to MS degrees), and medical students. Of my mentees, 88% are in academia, 8% in medical practice, and 3% are industry executives. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience, Regenerative Science | Florida | ||
IntroductionDr. Tsuneya Ikezu is Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Professor in Neurology, Professor and Consultant in the Department of Neuroscience, and Director of Molecular NeuroTherapeutics Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Dr. Ikezu’s lab are particularly interested in how the innate immune-related cells, extracellular vehicles (EVs), and molecules in the central nervous system (CNS) influence the pathology and progression of select neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia. He has authored more than 140 journal articles, and mentored 8 Ph.D. and one M.D., Ph.D. students in the past. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical and Translational Science | Florida | ||
IntroductionI am a Senior Associate Consultant, investigator in the MCCCC, and Assistant Professor of Cancer Biology. I direct the Molecular Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis Laboratory, where we study how oncogenic signaling, cancer stem cells, and extracellular vesicles drive lung and pancreatic cancer progression and cell plasticity. My laboratory uses bioinformatics, molecular and cellular approaches, mouse and patient derived models to identify cancer drivers, biomarkers, and therapeutic vulnerabilities. I have mentored over 30 trainees from high school through postdoctoral training and am committed to helping students develop rigorous core research, communication, critical thinking, leadership, and career skills within an inclusive lab community. |
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| Immunology | Minnesota | ||
Introduction
We are studying how changes in sialylation, a type of glycosylation, modulate the immune response in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, in Type 1 Diabetes, and in Crohn’s Disease. We are also interested in T cell and Treg development. I have been active in Mentoring and Graduate Education for over 25 years. I have served on over 60 thesis committees, and served as primary mentor to 16 pre-doctoral students in my lab. I received the MCGSBS Teacher of the Year Award as well as the MCGSBS Dean’s Recognition Award for my service to graduate education. I formerly served as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in MCGSBS from 2019-2025. I currently serve as a Co-Leader of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy program.
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| Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionI am a physician-scientist and clinical informatician at Mayo Clinic with more than 20 years of experience in applied clinical informatics. My work focuses on turning complex clinical data into practical tools that improve patient care, safety and clinician workflow. I enjoy working with people who want to solve real healthcare problems using technology, data, and AI. Over the years, I've built research teams that developed clinical decision support tools, launched startups and worked across academia and industry. I've mentored physicians, scientists, and engineers at different stages of their careers. I like asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and helping people move from ideas to action. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Wei Liu is Professor of Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where he co-leads the Comprehensive Cancer Center's Data Science, AI, and LLM Workstream and directs research for the Division of Medical Physics. A Fellow of AAPM and AIMBE, he received the John S. Laughlin Young Scientist Award and was named to the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier World's Top 2% Scientists list. He has 160 peer-reviewed publications, 17 US patents, and over $10M in PI funding, including two NIH/NCI R01 grants. Varian Medical Systems adopted his methods for commercial treatment planning, and his group's in-house system, Shiva, has treated ~6,000 patients at Mayo Clinic's Arizona proton center over 10 years. He is an Associate Editor of IJROBP and IEEE TMI. |
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| Regenerative Science | Florida | ||
IntroductionWenchun Qu, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of anesthesiology and a professor of PM&R at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine. He is board-certified in PM&R and Pain Medicine and is a consultant at the Department of Pain Medicine. He serves as the Jorge and Leslie Bacardi associate director for Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics in Florida, vice-chair of Research and Innovation at the Department of Pain Medicine, and director of Regenerative Pain Medicine. Dr. Qu’s discovery research builds the platform of RNA and EV engineering for the delivery of biotherapeutics addressing inflammatory and cancer processes. His translational study focuses on clinical trials of cell and RNA therapy for degenerative disc disease and spinal cord injury. |
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| Neuroscience | Florida | ||
IntroductionDr. Wolfdieter Springer studies how brain cells change with aging and in neurodegeneration. His lab explores why some cells are more vulnerable than others and how strengthening protective cellular systems may promote health. Using multidisciplinary approaches, his team examines processes involving mitochondria, lysosomes, and protein quality control. By combining basic and translational research, they aim to better understand disease and resilience mechanisms and support the development of new biomarkers and treatments for metabolic and age-related disorders. Dr. Springer is dedicated to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive lab environment and enjoys mentoring students to build curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and independence. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Xiaogang Li is a Professor and Consultant in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He directs the Epigenetics, Inflammation and Gene Therapy of Kidney Diseases Laboratory, where his group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying polycystic kidney disease (PKD), breast cancer, ciliopathies, and aging, with the overarching goal of developing novel therapeutic approaches. Dr. Li has mentored eight PhD students to completion and trained over 30 postdoctoral fellows. He currently serves as Associate Director of the Mayo Clinic Robert M. and Billie Kelley Pirnie Translational Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Center, and Vice Chair of Research for the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Xiaolei Xu is a consultant and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a joint appointment in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases. He is a co-leader of the Cardiovascular Aging Program, Robert & Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic. Dr. Xu directs the Zebrafish Genetics laboratory, where his group leverages powerful genetic tools offered by this vertebrate animal to decipher mechanisms of cardiomyopathy and to seek novel therapies. More recently, he integrated African Turquois Killifish (ATK), a vertebrate with the shortest lifespan that can be bred in captivity, into his research, aiming to decipher cardiac aging and to discover novel gerotherapeutics to improve healthspan and lifespan. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Science | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionYash Singh, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of radiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He earned degrees in informatics, and biomedical engineering from India and Taiwan, supported by government scholarships, and completed a DAAD fellowship in Germany. He has held visiting roles at Harvard and Brigham and Women’s Hospital and received awards from NIH, Stanford, and NYAS. Dr. Singh develops AI and machine learning methods for medical imaging, focusing on interpretability, large language models, and imaging biomarkers in liver disease and cancer. He has published widely, collaborates globally, serves on multiple editorial boards, and received RSNA Research Trainee Awards in 2024 and 2025. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Yuguang Liu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she leads the Integrated Microfluidics and Microsensors Laboratory. Her research sits at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and clinical translation, using microfluidic technologies to study cell-cell interactions, cancer progression, and therapeutic response. Dr. Liu offers a multidisciplinary environment that values curiosity, technical rigor, collaboration, and patient-centered innovation. Potential mentees interested in bioengineering, single-cell biology, diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, or translational technology development will find opportunities to ask bold questions and build tools with clinical impact. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Liu is a human geneticist with extensive experience in the area of human genetics, functional genomics, bioinformatics, epigenomics, and disease modeling with glaucoma and corneal disorders, funded by NIH/NEI and private foundations since 2010 (more than 180 publications). Our research focuses on dissecting the genetic and environmental interaction by integrating biomechanical stretching, hormonal factors, epigenetic remodeling, and advanced experimental technologies. Dr. Liu has successfully mentored four Ph.D. students and is mentoring four doctoral students now. Two students have received NIH/NEI F31 predoctoral fellowship awards. We apply multi-omic approaches with human patient samples, animal models, and ex vivo/in vitro cellular/tissue models. |
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| Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionZhenkun Lou, Ph.D., is a Professor of Pharmacology, co-leader of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota. His lab focuses on signaling pathways that are activated by DNA damage-inducing radiation and chemotherapy. DNA damage activates a signaling cascade called the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway that initiates DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. Understanding this pathway will elucidate the cause of genomic instability, a driving force of tumorigenesis. His lab has been studying the DNA repair pathway for 20 years and is an internationally known leader in the field. He is the Swanson/Schmucker Endowed Professor of Cancer Research and was elected as an AAAS fellow. |
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| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Arizona | ||
IntroductionDr. Sun’s lab develops computational and bioinformatics approaches to advance precision medicine through the integration of genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and multi-omics data. We use next-generation sequencing, single-cell technologies, machine learning, and AI to uncover disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and develop predictive models. Current research includes liquid biopsy for early cancer detection, DNA methylation-based multi-cancer detection, multi-omics integration, regulatory genomics, autoimmune diseases, and bioinformatics method development. Students work with large clinical and molecular datasets in collaborative translational research that bridges biology and patient care. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology | Minnesota | ||
IntroductionDr. Zhongxing Zhou is a Research Scientist and Associate Professor of Radiology at Mayo Clinic. His research integrates CT physics, artificial intelligence, and virtual imaging trials to advance low-dose and photon-counting detector (PCD) CT imaging. Key focus areas include deep learning-based denoising, spatial resolution enhancement for interstitial lung disease, hallucination mitigation, comprehensive image quality assessment (MTF, NPS, lesion detectability), and multi-energy/dynamic 4D CT techniques. With more than 60 publications (Editor’s Choice awards), patents, RSNA honors, and Associate Editor role for Medical Physics, Dr. Zhou mentors motivated students in medical imaging and AI who are independent and collaborative. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Regenerative Science | Arizona | ||
IntroductionWe look for self‑motivated students to join our lab, where we investigate heart development and myocardial regeneration using stem cells, tissue engineering, and nanoengineering approaches. |
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| Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Regenerative Science | Arizona | ||
Introduction
Dr. Zong Wei's research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and related metabolic diseases, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.
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