Jess F. Peterson

Jess F. Peterson, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She specializes in Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetic Pathology, with a focus on diagnostic applications for hematologic malignancies. Her expertise spans cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and genomic characterization of leukemias and lymphomas.

Her educational background includes an MD from Ross University School of Medicine (2007), residency in Clinical Pathology at Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (2011), and fellowships in Molecular Genetic Pathology at University of Minnesota Hospitals (2012) and Clinical Cytogenetics at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2014).

Dr. Peterson's research interests center on improving diagnostic cytogenetics for hematologic malignancies, with particular focus on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques, cryptic genetic rearrangements, and genomic characterization of leukemias and lymphomas. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of MYC rearrangements, B-cell lymphomas, acute leukemias, and plasma cell neoplasms. She has pioneered approaches to detect challenging genetic abnormalities and has contributed to proficiency testing standards in clinical cytogenetics.

Analysis of her recent publication record reveals a strong emphasis on applying next-generation sequencing to complement traditional cytogenetic methods, with particular attention to improving diagnostic accuracy for hematologic malignancies. Her research demonstrates consistent innovation in detecting cryptic rearrangements, characterizing complex karyotypes, and developing more sensitive diagnostic approaches for challenging cases.

• 2017 ASCP 40 under Forty Honoree
• 2014 Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Award
• 2012 Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Award
• 2011 Resident Subspecialty Travel Grant Recipient

Dr. Peterson serves in multiple leadership roles including as Designated Checklist Point Person for the Cytogenetics Checklist at College of American Pathologists, Vice Chair of Hematopathology-Genetics Working Group, and Mentorship Program Member at American Society for Clinical Pathology. She has been instrumental in establishing quality standards through her committee work and proficiency testing contributions. Her laboratory expertise encompasses conventional cytogenetics, FISH analysis, and next-generation sequencing applications for hematologic malignancies.