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

Sharri Cyrus, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Medical school: University of West Indies at Cave Hill, Wanstead, Saint Michael Barbados
Residency: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

What drew you to our program? Mayo Clinic offers an extensive range of genetic testing, and I knew that pursuing a fellowship here would provide me with unparalleled training essential for my next career step as a Laboratory Director. During the interview process, I was also particularly impressed by the welcoming and collaborative team culture, which further reinforced my desire to be part of such a supportive environment.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? I am excited by the opportunity to pursue research projects that I find particularly intriguing. The ability to explore my own research interests while receiving comprehensive training is one of the great aspects of this fellowship.

Andy Ding, Ph.D.

Graduate school: Cornell University Ithaca, NY 

What drew you to our program? The Mayo Clinic Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship is unique because it is a three-year program which allows fellows to gain additional experience prior to entering independent practice. In addition, Mayo Clinic Laboratories is a high-volume national reference laboratory which provides fellows with valuable experience across a broad range of disease areas (constitutional, hematologic, and solid tumor) and technologies.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? I am most excited to dive into the rare and challenging cases that Mayo Clinic is known for, along with the variety of learning opportunities available during the fellowship. I enjoy attending educational seminars, having one-on-one lectures, case review with experts, and participating in national conferences to expand my knowledge.

Nisha Kanwar, Ph.D.

Graduate school: University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Advanced Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada

What drew you to our program? Mayo Clinic embodies everything one expects from the world’s leading healthcare institution including cutting-edge care, seamless efficiency, and exceptional support and resources for trainees. Every person I met during my interview displayed a deep passion and commitment to excellence. It’s no surprise that experts are drawn here to provide world-class care to patients with the most complex medical challenges, making training in this environment truly unmatched.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship?  As I approach the end of my fellowship, several experiences stand out. The expertise of my mentors in both inherited diseases and oncology, combined with an extensive array of laboratory tests, ensured that my specific interests were well represented in the program. Additionally, the opportunity to engage in national and international scientific conferences, along with the invaluable third year of directorship experience in the LGG fellowship, has been crucial in preparing me for my future role as a clinical laboratory geneticist.

Zinandre Stander, Ph.D.

Graduate school: North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Biochemical Genetics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

What drew you to our program? In addition to the strong fundamental values of Mayo, where the needs of the patient come first, I was drawn to the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) fellowship due to the comprehensive training in both cytogenetic and molecular genetic technologies as it pertains to constitutional, hematologic, and oncology diagnostics. The extensive core curriculum, significant test/case volumes, and added opportunities for external rotations, active collaboration across various clinical departments, and hands-on experience in developing new methods provide a distinct advantage for anyone wishing to pursue a career in genetics.

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? Prior to starting the fellowship, I was excited about the opportunity to see significantly unique/complex cases driven by the laboratory’s extensive test menu and high case volumes. This quickly evolved into a deeper excitement about leveraging the interconnected, collaborative nature of the clinical departments and cutting-edge resources to serve patients in need, as well as the realization that I would be learning from experts who are among the best in their field.

Jeanne Theis, Ph.D.

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

What drew you to our program? I was drawn to the LGG fellowship at the Mayo Clinic because it embodies the institution’s three shields: patient care, research, and education. The program’s strong emphasis on education provides invaluable mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities, while the collaborative environment fosters interdisciplinary research that advances genomic medicine. The seamless integration of these three pillars made it the ideal setting for my professional growth. 

What are you most excited about experiencing during your fellowship? Learning from world-class experts in genetics and genomics at a leading reference laboratory offers unparalleled exposure to complex cases, state-of-the-art technologies, and innovative diagnostic approaches. The opportunity to collaborate across multiple disciplines and shadow clinical colleagues at the Mayo Clinic has been a privilege. Experiencing the full journey of a genetic report – from analysis to its impact on the patient – has deepened my appreciation for the transformative role of genomics in patient care. 

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.