Elitza S. Theel

Elitza S. Theel, Ph.D., serves as Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Consultant in the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Her primary appointment resides within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology in Rochester, Minnesota, where she directs the ASM-accredited Clinical Microbiology PhD Fellowship program.

Dr. Theel specializes in infectious disease serologic testing with focus areas including Borrelia burgdorferi, Histoplasma capsulatum, Dengue virus, and Strogyloides stercoralis. Her research drives the development and evaluation of novel serologic assays for vector-borne diseases, viruses, and dimorphic fungi, directly impacting patient diagnosis and therapeutic management through assay optimization.

Her recent publications reveal strong emphasis on diagnostic guidelines, antimicrobial resistance challenges, and laboratory equity. Key trends show increasing focus on pandemic response (notably SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies), molecular diagnostics for early Lyme disease, and addressing disparities in diagnostic access.

• Fellow - American Academy of Microbiology (2024)
• Young Investigator Award, Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (2021)
• Heroes of the Pandemic Honoree, Star Tribune (2020)
• 30 Under 40 Award, Business Insider (2020)
• 40 Under 40 Honoree, American Society for Clinical Pathology (2017)

As Program Director for the Clinical Microbiology PhD Fellowship, Dr. Theel mentors next-generation laboratory professionals while leading international outreach efforts in Belize to implement clinically relevant diagnostic assays. Her editorial roles include Journal of Clinical Microbiology Editor and co-host of the ASM-sponsored monthly podcast. Current leadership positions span the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (Treasurer), Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (Chair of M69 Committee), and Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (Councilor).