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.

Nira Hosseini, Ph.D., M.S. - 1st Year

Graduate School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, VA

Background: Dr. Nira Hosseini is originally from Mashad, Iran. She obtained her Ph.D. in Human Genetics from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. Her research interests focus on cancer genomics and translational mechanisms. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys hiking, baking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic for my fellowship because of its well established Laboratory Genetics and Genomics program, which offers comprehensive training in constitutional, hematologic, and oncologic genetics. Mayo's high case volume and exposure to rare and complex genetic disorders provide valuable learning opportunities, allowing me to develop both technical expertise and strong diagnostic skills. I was also drawn to Mayo Clinic's collaborative and supportive environment, which I experienced during my interview day. Additionally, the three-year program structure allows fellows to gain advanced experience in areas of particular interest during the final year of training.

Sarah Robinson-Thiewes, Ph.D. - 1st Year

Graduate school: University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI
Postdoctoral Fellowship: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN

Background: Dr. Sarah Robinson-Thiewes is originally from West Virginia and is a graduate of West Virginia University. She obtained a master and Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. She was a FARA postdoctoral fellow at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where she investigated small molecule therapeutics for untreatable genetic disorders. When she is not playing with her children, she enjoys gardening, seed saving, as well as fiber arts such as crocheting, Tunisian crochet, knitting, and tatting. 

Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your fellowship? I chose Mayo Clinic because I wanted to learn more about clinical genetics and rare diseases at the best genetic testing laboratories in the country. I appreciated Mayo Clinic’s rigorous fellowship program, diversity of cases, and its research and collaboration opportunities. I knew Mayo would be a perfect fit for me after talking with numerous consultants during my interview and subsequent tour. 

Joseph Farris, Ph.D. - 2nd Year

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. - 2nd Year

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. 

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.