Ph.D. program:  Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Background: Dr. Jacobs was raised in Roscommon, Michigan and is a graduate of Andrews University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He received a doctorate of philosophy in chemistry from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan under the mentorship of Professor Greg Swain. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking outdoors, sampling new restaurants, and having game nights with friends.

What drew you to the program? I chose Mayo Clinic for the Clinical Chemistry Fellowship because of its exceptional faculty, staff, and training environment. Their approachability, expertise, and commitment to mentorship will support my growth as a future expert in the field. I am excited to contribute to and learn from a program that embodies excellence in clinical chemistry training.

Ph.D. program:  Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Background: Dr. Ha An Nguyen is originally from Vietnam and grew up in Pakistan. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in Virginia and her Ph.D. from Emory University in Georgia. She recently completed postdoctoral training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, playing video games, and reading.

What drew you to the program? The Clinical Chemistry Fellowship at Mayo Clinic stands out for its clinical excellence, faculty expertise, and commitment to innovation. Throughout the application and interview process, I was inspired by the collaborative, mission-driven community within the program. Previous fellows consistently highlighted the transformative training and mentorship they received, further reinforcing my confidence that Mayo Clinic is the ideal place to begin my career in clinical chemistry. I am eager to apply my scientific background to complex clinical challenges that directly impact patient care and to grow as a clinical chemist committed to advancing laboratory medicine.

Ph.D. program: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Background: Born and raised in Iran and recently from Canada, Dr. Kalantari considers both countries to be home. Her academic journey has been influenced by both her clinical background and her interest in Translational Science.  She loves singing and has recently begun formal training.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic for my Clinical Chemistry fellowship because of its outstanding reputation for both patient care and laboratory medicine. The program offers exceptional training with access to high test volumes, complex cases, and advanced technologies, all within a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. I also appreciated the opportunity to work closely with experienced faculty and to be part of a program that supports its fellows in preparing for both board certification and leadership roles.

Ph.D. program: Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 

Background: Through an incredible partnership between my graduate program and employer, I was able to work at Quest Diagnostics full time as a clinical R&D scientist during graduate school, where I developed cardiovascular and metabolic biomarker assays while supporting the production lab. I have also served in the Ohio Army National Guard as a medical operations officer since 2015.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic because it is the epitome of quality, innovation, and excellence in laboratory medicine. From the vast number of subspecialties, cases, and industry experts, Mayo Clinic provides an incredible opportunity for me to develop in a supportive and highly diverse environment. Similarly to how the staff at Mayo Clinic place the patient first, they are truly committed to our success as trainees.