Saranya P. Wyles

Why did you choose research as a career?

Research allows us to improve the current standard of clinical practice. It fosters ingenuity and innovation to better understand human disease and engineer novel therapies. Most importantly, research affords us the opportunity to find truth and advance humanity.

For these reasons, I chose to pursue research and medicine as complementary aspects of my career.

What attracted you to Mayo Graduate School?

Mayo Clinic encompasses an incredibly collaborative environment that aligns with its reputation as a leader in health care and translational research. Prioritizing and excelling in patient care and research was evident during my interview weekend. I was also impressed by Mayo's dedication to training successful physicians and scientists.

Why did you choose the clinical and translational science track?

The clinical and translational science track provides a strong foundation in clinical study design and analysis, as well as in epidemiology and statistics that will be valuable for a physician-scientist career.

Also, graduate students in this track are exposed to a greater understanding of the process to translate basic science research into the clinic, which was important to me.

What do you like about Rochester, Minnesota?

I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Rochester community. Although there was an adjustment period after moving here from the East Coast, I have grown to love this friendly town — I even met my husband here.

What are your plans for the future?

I have always been fascinated with the process of wound healing and by how many diseases are caused by the inability to properly heal. I aspire to become a physician-scientist with expertise in stem cell and regenerative biology as well as clinical pathology. I also hope to promote regenerative medicine education.