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.

Joseph Farris, Ph.D.

Graduate school: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Background: Dr. Joe Farris was born in Purcellville, VA and is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He has been a post-doctoral fellow at the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine for the last 3 years working. In his spare time, he enjoys board games, reading, and enjoying nature with his wife and three sons.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship?  I chose Mayo Clinic’s Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship first because every individual in the program I had a conversation with, both consultants and current fellows, demonstrated humility, a passion for serving patients, and a desire to pursue excellence in the field of genetics. Another attraction was that Mayo LGG offers unrivaled educational support throughout the program. The program also is a three-year program, allowing for additional training and experience.

Rebecca Schmitt, Ph.D.

Graduate school: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research, Mayo Clinic/Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Background: Dr. Rebecca Schmitt was born in Green Bay, WI and obtained her doctoral degree in Human Genetics from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA in 2019. Before joining the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship program, she completed six years as a postdoctoral researcher at Mayo Clinic/Indiana University where she primarily investigated rare inherited myopathies.

Why did you chose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? One reason I joined the fellowship program at Mayo Clinic is because of the high case volume, the ability to see rare diseases during my training that would not be capable elsewhere, and the expertise of those who work here. As a previous member of Mayo Clinic, I have seen and experienced the importance Mayo Clinic places on their learners and programs. Just as Mayo Clinic believes that the patient comes first, I do as well. I also believe that the best way to serve patients is through proper training and experience, both of which are unparalleled at Mayo Clinic. 

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.

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.