Bradley (Brad) S. Bowles

Why did you choose research as a career?

I enjoyed my previous research experience and the rewards of designing and conducting my own experiments. I think the life sciences are fascinating, and I believe in the potential of research to alleviate suffering and help those in our society who are most in need.

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

The culture at Mayo Clinic is closely centered on patient care in a way that extends to research as well as clinical practice. The work done here in the graduate school is heavily oriented toward helping patients and translating scientific discoveries, and I believe working at this institution will give me many opportunities to impact disease treatment.

Why did you choose the clinical and translational science track?

I believe this track in particular is focused on improving the patient experience and applying scientific principles to disease treatment. Studying in the clinical and translational science track has helped me find like-minded individuals who are interested in seeing their discoveries impact health care. The track is giving me the training to ensure my work makes the jump from research into the more tangible world of disease treatment.

What do you like about Rochester, Minnesota?

There are tons of nature activities in southern Minnesota, the skies are dark enough for star gazing and astrophotography, and the people are usually very welcoming.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm still deciding what specifically I would like out of a research career, but I'm particularly drawn to applied biological questions. I want to be close to the patient experience and see my research affect people's lives and the treatment of disease, whether this involves work in health centers or in industry.