So what would you tell a kid about to graduate high school that thinks this stuff sounds interesting? What fundamentals should they focus on?
In my opinion, information medicines is the fantastic convergence of bio and tech, so I would look for biochemistry labs that focus on DNA and RNA.
Once you have a list of local research institutes, I can help you pick a lab to focus on. Then you just hammer them constantly by email and in person asking questions about the work until they hire you to wash the dishes :)