Fellows from the Cellular Therapy Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, come from medical schools around the U.S. and outside the country. Meet one of our fellows and learn about their experience and our program.

Michael Medlyn, Ph.D.

Graduate School: Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Michael Medlyn was born in Rochester, MN, and is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Morris. He obtained his PhD in immunology from the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2024, where he continued as a research fellow with Dr. Daneil Billadeau. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, cooking, skiing, and biking.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic because of its commitment to innovation and the integration of research with evidence-based medicine. I feel that my experience in the cell therapy fellowship has been greatly enhanced because it is uniquely open to both M.D. and PhD candidates. This has provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge on both the development of cellular therapies and their clinical use.

Shannon Strader, D.O.

Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrogate, TN
Residency: University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

What drew you to our program? Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of innovation in creating novel therapeutics and medical treatments. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic is home to remarkable physician-scientists who are strong advocates for their patients. I have been passionate about understanding the complexities of translating evidence-based treatments from the laboratory to clinical applications. The cell therapy fellowship has provided me with a strong base in knowledge on developing and manufacturing cellular therapies. I am excited to take this knowledge with me as I pursue my career as a physician-scientist.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? I am excited to continue to learn from faculty members who are pioneers in this space and offer a level of expertise that I can only receive at Mayo Clinic. While becoming trained in cellular therapies, I have been able to develop my own project with an amazing team of healthcare professionals and have received funding. I have been elated to help design a phase I clinical trial alongside such brilliant minds. There is no academic center like Mayo Clinic, and Dr. DiGuardo is the best Program Director! 

Mayo Fellows Association (MFA)

The Mayo Fellows Association (MFA) offers a peer and social support network for residents and fellows and their families with social events, athletics, and advocacy. The MFA also holds an annual resident and fellow appreciation event open to all trainees with complimentary massages, stress-reducing activities, and social support.