Dr. Fero's research interest is focused on the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Towards this aim, he is serving in three different leadership positions: 1) Director of the UNM Bone Marrow Transplant and Cell Therapy Program, which has brought autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant technology to New Mexico, with the intent of introducing allogeneic stem cell transplant and both CAR-T therapy in the near future. Their program is currently undergoing FACT accreditation to further this aim. 2) He is the leader of the Hematology Clinical Working Group, a committee which reviews and prioritizes all clinical trials for hematological malignancies at UNM and affiliate NCORP community sites. 3) His laboratory uses preclinical models to identify novel therapeutic targets for hematological malignancies, and to test the therapeutic efficacy of novel agents. They have expertise in both the development of novel targeted and transgenic mice, as well as human tumor xenograft models to elucidate the oncogenic interactions of genes and carcinogenic compounds, in order to understand their potential risks and pathogenic mechanisms.

Morie Gertz, MD, MACP, is the Roland Seidler, Jr. Professor of the Art of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Gertz has also served as Treasurer of the International Myeloma Society and President of Mayo Staff Officers and Councilors. He was the Chair of the Mayo Personnel Committee. Currently he serves on the American Society of Hematology Training Program Committee and the American Board of Internal Medicine Hematology Board Exam Committee. Dr. Gertz has been recognized with the 2014 Jan Waldenström Medal for Medical and Scientific Achievements in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia and is a Mayo Distinguished Clinician. He has been recognized for his contributions in amyloidosis and Waldenström macroglobulinemia, has authored more than five hundred peer-reviewed publications, and is a master of the America College of Physicians. He graduated from Northwestern University with highest distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa and received his medical degree cum laude from Loyola Medical School and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honor society. He completed a three-year medical residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago and was twice voted Resident of the Year.