Kari L. Turkowski

Why did you choose research as a career?

Research was not my initial career path until I was faced with an unknown heart condition. That produced a desire and drive to find answers, which helped me transition from public accounting to medical research, where I hope to find answers to conditions such as my own.

What attracted you to Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences?

I was a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) student at Mayo Clinic, and that experience confirmed that I wanted to be a part of this graduate school and only this graduate school.

Why did you choose the clinical and translational science track?

I enjoy having contact with patients and watching how research is being translated.

What do you like about Rochester, Minnesota?

I love that Rochester provides endless ways to be active indoors and outdoors. One of my favorite places is Mayo Clinic's employee wellness center, the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center!

What are your plans for the future?

I will focus on opportunities to continue research in genetic heart diseases, pursue a career as a medical liaison, or both.