Hello! My name is Emelia, I was born in St. Louis, MO and moved to Kansas City, MO to attend Rockhurst University (a very small school) where played lacrosse and graduated with a degree in biochemistry with minors in bioethics and Spanish in 2021. During undergrad, I participated in instructor-led research studying the relationship between melanocytes and hair phenotypes. Additionally, I served as a supplemental instructor for introductory biology and chemistry courses my senior year. Outside of school, I was able to raise money for my sorority’s charity, special Olympics and volunteer as a crisis counselor on the crisis text line.

After graduation, I took two gap years and stayed in Kansas City to work as a GCA at Children’s Mercy Hospital. In this role, I wore multiple hats. I worked partly as a research coordinator for our research study, Genomic Answers for Kids (a pediatric rare disease repository). Other roles included maintaining the database, writing case reports, collecting family histories, and assisting the genetic counselors with any tasks they needed in their own research studies. This role allowed me to really understand a lot of the hats genetic counselors wear outside the exam room in the pediatric setting. During this time, I also started volunteering with CASA (court appointed special advocates) to advocate for children’s wants/needs in foster care, and visited Down Syndrome Innovations, KC to hang out with adults with downs syndrome and other delays in an assisted living home.

Outside of work, I still coach lacrosse and love to be active! I am passionate about cooking and trying new foods/cuisines. I’m going to miss downtown KC, but I am elated to begin my future career as a genetic counselor in Cincy!

I grew up in Denver, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder for my undergraduate education. I graduated in December of 2020 with majors in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology & ecology and evolutionary biology. In college, I worked in the labs of Dr. William Robinson, Dr. Yiqun Shellman and Dr. Andrew Martin, and defended an honors thesis of my work evaluating novel therapeutics in melanoma. I also volunteered at the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, worked as a learning/teaching assistant for general biology 1 and genetics, and served on the leadership board of my college’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance and UU student ministry.

After college I moved to Bethesda, Maryland where I worked as a postbaccalaureate fellow in Dr. Hong Xu’s laboratory of molecular genetics. While in Bethesda I spent my free time volunteering for the Red Cross at Walter Reed Military Medical center, at Shepherd's table shelter and food kitchen, and as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line. My hobbies include cooking, baking, gardening and spending time with my partner and cat.

My family and I immigrated to Canada when I was 4 years old, and have grown up in Mississauga, Ontario ever since. In 2022 I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an honors BSc in health sciences and a minor in biology and psychology. As an undergraduate, my involvement as a peer mentor and biology instructional assistant (IA) reinforced my passion for teaching difficult concepts to support individuals in finding some clarity, themes consistent in the role of a genetic counselor. My initial introduction to genetics was in grade 11 biology, and I have since been fascinated by the complexity of the human genome and child development. Partaking in both a genetics and social determinants of health course during my undergraduate degree solidified aspirations to pursue a career as a genetic counsellor. More specifically, I hold a strong interest in health literacy in underserved populations and ethnic minorities, and hope to research its relevance in early screening practices for genetic diseases.

Following my graduation, I spent my gap year strengthening my application while taking the time to travel. I continued volunteering for the Crisis Text Line and the Sexual Assault Support Centre while additionally taking on a genetic assistant volunteer position at Trillium Health Partners Credit Valley Hospital. Apart from my volunteer experiences, during the year I also held a full-time position as an assistant to a chronic pain physician and as a relief mental health worker for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Both positions allowed me to work in-person with individuals suffering from mental and/ or physical pain by determining their goals and referring them to necessary resources.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time outside, having game nights with my friends, and trying out new foods and restaurants!

Hello! My name is Shruti, and I was raised in Hyderabad, India. I graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2021 with a BS in genetics and genomics and minor in psychology. As an undergraduate student, I’ve worked in a plant biology, evolutionary genetics, and psychology lab, each of which gave me a unique insight into the different forms of research. Given my passion for reproductive rights and justice, I also volunteered with Exhale, a Pro-Voice organization aimed at providing post-abortion support via text, as a peer counselor. In my role, I learned how to actively create space for a texter’s full range of emotions in a crisis counseling setting and work with them to discover new strategies to support their emotional wellbeing. This experience further solidified my interest to be in the field of genetic counseling and I hope to similarly help my patients feel at ease as they make healthcare choices that are aligned with their values.

Following my graduation, I began working at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a research assistant. The aim of our project was to study the development of proximal tubules in the kidney through mouse models. This gave me the opportunity to further hone the skills I had learned as a student and apply it in my individual projects. In 2022, I transitioned to working as genetic counseling assistant at Cincinnati Children’s, supporting the Genetics and Genomics Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Hereditary Cancer Program. In this role, I was introduced to the behind-the-scenes work done by genetic counselors and the many different facets of the profession, all of which deepened my understanding of the field and prepared me for my graduate education.

In my free time, I love playing video games, working out, reading, and spending time with my cat, Phoenix! I am thrilled to be bringing my passion for genetics to UC and Cincinnati Children’s Genetic Counseling Program and beginning my journey as a genetic counselor!

Hi! My name is Darby Holman and I am from Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. I got my degree in biological sciences with minors in psychology and chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in May of 2022. I have always been passionate about science and psychology and I knew I wanted a career that combined the two! During the pandemic, I explored career options and fell in love with this field. After taking human genetics and more psychology classes, my choice was solidified. I am so excited to be a Bearcat again and to start my journey in genetic counseling!

In undergrad, I worked mainly in educational services which strengthened my passion for helping students and others in transitional periods. I worked as a Peer Leader in the University of Cincinnati Learning Commons where I walked first year students through the transition from high school to college. I fell in love with being a mentor and seeing the impact that I could have on my students, which led me towards wanting a career in counseling. I also worked as a Supplemental Instructor for Organic Chemistry, where I led review sessions and mock exams for current students. I loved being able to connect with my students and find ways to make the material click for them. It was amazing figuring out how each student learned and seeing what I could do to best assist them in both 1:1 and group settings. This solidified my interest in education and led me towards wanting a career in which I got to work with people and help them understand and work through difficult concepts. I was fortunate to stumble upon genetic counseling through career searches and when I realized it could combine all of my passions and wants in a career, my choice was clear.

After graduating from UC, I moved back to Columbus, Ohio to work as a clinical research coordinator at the Wexner Medical Center. Working in the Hepatology clinic, I got to see anywhere from 2-5 patients a week and talk with them about their diagnoses and educate them about our clinical trials. My job allowed me to connect with patients and work with them through a difficult time in their lives. I loved being able to build deeper connections with them and see them improve over longer periods of time. This really deepened my excitement for genetic counseling since I got to experience first hand working with patients and discussing medical results with them, while also working closely on teams with other coordinators and physicians.

I am very excited to be coming back to Cincinnati and to be a Bearcat again! I’m mostly looking forward to being close to Skyline and Coffee Emporium!

I grew up in Santa Clarita – a suburban town about 30 miles north of Los Angeles, California. While I attended UC Merced in central California for the first 2 years of my undergraduate studies, I ultimately transferred to and graduated from UCLA with a BS in microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics. It was shortly after returning to UCLA from an extended leave of absence that I discovered the existence of genetic counseling. This discovery motivated me to work past health and life challenges as it was a healthcare field that combined my interests of psychology and genetics, and I jumped at the opportunity to help found UCLA’s genetic counseling student interest group. I graduated with confidence that I wanted to become a genetic counselor after gaining some work experience, unaware at the time that would end up being more than “some” work experience. Over the course of 8 years, I was fortunate to gain exposure to the healthcare field outside of the classroom by working for UCLA Health. After a brief stint in the hospital billing department and finishing up the CICARE Assessment program (a healthcare practice emphasizing meaningful communication and quality of care) volunteer duties I had started as an undergraduate, I transitioned to a role as a UCLA Neurology patient coordinator. In this clinic, I assisted many of the subspeciality teams, and was concurrently volunteering for the Sojourn Domestic Violence Services organization, particularly within children empowerment playgroups. These experiences fostered my communication skills with populations of varying ages and from diverse backgrounds, as well as with their family members and caretakers.

I enrolled in the UC Berkeley post-baccalaureate program for counseling and psychology professions in the summer of 2019 to gain more familiarity with psychology classes. Completing the online program a couple of months after the Covid pandemic had many of us working remotely, I recognized that I had learned all I could in my patient coordinator position and looked for opportunities that would provide intellectual stimulation and growth, while addressing the interests I still had in psychology, biology, and clinical care. It was practically a decade later that I came across these “Genetic Counseling Assistant” (GCA) job postings, which were nonexistent when I had graduated many years ago. I applied, interviewed, and started the year 2022 as a reproductive genetics GCA. The rest, as the saying goes, was history. I am incredibly grateful and stoked to take this journey to the next level through the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Genetic Counseling Program!

In my free time, I take pleasure in deepening the meditation practice I started engaging in 5 ½ years ago, and recently rediscovered my love for reading. I also enjoy watching plays and catching up with friends, spending time with family, and volunteering. In addition, I do like hiking (truly beginner level – walks in parks also work for me!) and regularly find myself dancing in my own living room (whether anyone’s watching or not!)

I grew up in the Piedmont pines of Central North Carolina and attended college in Raleigh, at North Carolina State University. At NC State, I majored in genetics and minored in biotechnology. While studying, I had the opportunity to work in a molecular toxicology lab. In the lab I supported work to characterize the role of a long-noncoding RNA in protecting our bodies from skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Working in the lab instilled the importance of being able to describe our work to anyone. It is this same quality, the ability to make genetics meaningful and relevant to the individual one is speaking with, that I was first struck by when shadowing a genetic counselor. It has been this mindset that I have continued to grow, learning from and working alongside genetic counselors at Geisinger, in Central Pennsylvania. As a genetic counseling assistant, I've supported genetic counselors in clinical and research spaces to help make genetics meaningful to patients. This opportunity has strengthened my passion for the field and my awareness of the diverse roles genetic counselors have.

Outside of work moving to Central Pennsylvania pushed me to learn how to build community. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come from getting involved in the Central Pennsylvania towns that I called home after college. Through volunteering with hospice and local organizations that address housing and food insecurity I was able to join in community with others in a way I could have never anticipated. In my free time, I love being outside, enjoying public transit & listening to podcasts. I am thrilled to be a part of the UC Genetic Counseling program and excited to get to know Cincy!

Hello! My name is Paige Oklon and I was born and raised in Lakeville, Minnesota. I am returning to school after five years of working as a special education paraprofessional in the Lakeville Area School District. I was initially introduced to genetic counseling through a personal connection with genetic testing during secondary school. Following this introduction, I focused on gaining shadowing and other helpful experiences to solidify my interest in the career. Through these experiences, my dedication to further bring accessibility and representation to the genetic counseling field was ignited. In 2018, I graduated from the University of Minnesota Rochester with a BS in Health Sciences and spent a semester in Colorado as part of National Student Exchange. During my undergraduate career, I explored my passions of educating, communicating, and building relationships through a number of activities. These activities included peer counseling and mentoring, a medical brigade to Nicaragua, English conversation groups at my local library, and an internship involving access to social services.

Following my undergraduate career, I further explored these passions through supporting elementary students with distance learning, serving as a standardized patient for genetic counseling students, and volunteering with Crisis Text Line and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my dog, exploring nature, challenging myself with puzzles and escape rooms, and relaxing with diamond painting projects. I am thrilled to be pursuing my dream career as a genetic counselor at the University of Cincinnati!

Hello, I’m Claire! I grew up in Seattle, Washington, and I got my degree in biology with a concentration in pharmacology/toxicology. During undergrad, I served on the orientation team and as a peer mentor. In my culminating honors thesis, I partnered with the Latine/x community in Phoenix to explore what parts of their culture influence the decision to disclose or not disclose genetic and health information. This project allowed me to develop my qualitative research skills and explore one of my research interests in healthcare barriers. After graduating, I worked as a clinical research coordinator in gastroenterology and volunteered with the Crisis Text Line. I have also served on the executive board of the Genetic Counseling Prospective Student Network to increase awareness of the field and create a community where future GCs can come together. I look forward to this next life stage of being a GC student at UC! When I’m not at work or in school, I enjoy cooking, thrifting, going to farmer’s markets, and reading.

I grew up in Centerville, Ohio before attending the University of Texas at Austin. In May 2023, I received my Bachelor of Science in biology (genetics and genomics track!) from UT Austin, along with a minor in social and behavioral sciences. As an undergraduate, I worked as a lab assistant in a molecular biology lab and volunteered as a peer supporter for students coping with sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal violence. I also volunteered with a non-profit organization that hosts STEM competitions and develops educational resources for middle and high school students. My interest in genetic counseling started in high school and grew throughout the course of my undergraduate journey. Through my coursework in social sciences, I learned about disparities in healthcare and became passionate about how genetic counselors might target inequities in their practice and serve as advocates for their patients.

In my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, keeping houseplants, and going to concerts. I am thrilled to join the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Class of 2025!

I am originally from Danville, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois where I graduated with a BS in integrative biology with a certificate in integrative health and a minor in Spanish. During my time as an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to engage in a research internship project that explored systems-level genetics. Specifically, I focused on plant genetic diversity and its connection to the evolution of the root microbiome. As a result, I developed a great appreciation for research, prompting me to continue my involvement with the lab as an undergraduate research assistant. Additionally, I dedicated time to collaborating with the Illinois admissions and fundraising offices, advocating for affordable and accessible education. My efforts were particularly geared towards fostering inclusivity and addressing the role of underrepresented groups within the education system. As an undergraduate, I also spent time volunteering with the Crisis Text Line, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, and Letters Against Isolation, allowing me to contribute to the well-being of others and engage with my community. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, baking, dancing, and unwinding with a good (or not) TV show.

Throughout my undergraduate career, I had the privilege of shadowing and interviewing genetic counselors, an experience that solidified my desire to pursue a career in the field. My fascination with science and research, and aspiration to help others, combined with my own family's history with disease and healthcare providers, has ultimately brought me to the University of Cincinnati! I am eagerly looking forward to embarking on the next chapter of my educational journey as I work towards becoming a genetic counselor.

Hi, my name is Hannah and I am a Cincinnati native. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2021 with a BS in biology and psychology. As an undergraduate, I was a research assistant at Cincinnati Children’s where I contributed to a study with the goal of further developing academic executive functioning skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. As a Peer Leader, I also spent my time mentoring and teaching biology I review to first year students. I also participated on campus as a microbiology TA, Chi Omega sorority sister, and Barrett Cancer Center volunteer.

After graduating, I worked for a genetic testing company as a laboratory genetic counselor assistant. Prior to that I was a microbiology laboratory assistant where my passion for teaching and mentoring came to life. During this time, I was also volunteering at Autism Connections as a co-facilitator of a support group for parents of children with autism. These rewarding opportunities only strengthened my already existing passion for genetics and genetic counseling, which is why I am beyond excited to be a part of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling class of 2025!

In my free time I enjoy reading, baking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family at Cincinnati Bearcat’s sporting events. Go Bearcats!

Hello! My name is Olivia Beatty and I am from Westford, Massachusetts, a suburb outside of Boston. I graduated from the University of Richmond in 2024 with a bachelor of science degree as a biology major and psychology and health studies minors. In my time as an undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant in a neurogenetics lab studying rare pediatric epilepsy disorders. My specific project used zebrafish models to study how loss-of-function of the STXBP1B gene could be used to model Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in pediatric patients and test for potential therapeutics. I also worked as a teaching assistant in both Introduction to molecular biology courses and advanced drugs and genetics courses, which looked at genetic diseases with a biochemical and pharmaceutical focus. In the summer of 2023, I joined the summer leadership team at Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a retreat for children with life-threatening and genetic illnesses and their siblings. I served as the adolescent and young adult associate, where I worked with teens impacted by such disease in a socio-emotional capacity.

I discovered genetic counseling in college and knew it was the right fit for me for the way it combined my love of research, teaching, and patient-centered care in genetic diseases. I especially grew passionate about the way genetic counselors could serve the whole family unit, the value of which I discovered during my summer experience as the adolescent and young adult associate.

In my free time, I love to go on hikes, explore coffee shops, and spend quality time with family and friends! I could not be more thrilled to join the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program.

I grew up in Apple Creek, Ohio, and graduated with a BA in biochemistry and molecular biology from The College of Wooster. During my undergraduate studies, I worked with first- and second-year students as a peer tutor for the introductory biology and chemistry courses. I also gained patient care experience through the Health Coach Program, a partnership between The College of Wooster and Wooster Community Hospital aiming to reduce the incidence of emergency service overutilization among the geriatric and low-income population of Wayne County, Ohio. As a health coach, I conducted weekly, in-home visits to assist patients in managing their chronic illnesses and provide health education. My work as a peer tutor and health coach helped me to recognize my passion for education, as I enjoyed collaborating with students and patients to improve their understanding of scientific / health-related information. My interest in genetic counseling was sparked during an upper-level genetics course, where I observed a case presentation illuminating the unique role that genetic counselors play within the healthcare team, serving as genetics experts, educators, and advocates. In my final year at Wooster, I completed and defended my independent study thesis investigating the antifungal activity of silver (I) fatty acid complexes against Candida albicans.

Striving to gain additional research experience following undergrad, I spent a year working as a clinical research assistant in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University. During this time, I also began to explore the field of genetic counseling further through shadowing and informational interviews, and started volunteering as a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. In the fall of 2023, I began working as a genetic counseling assistant with TriHealth, which affirmed my excitement toward a future in genetic counseling as I supported the day-to-day operations of the Precision Medicine Institute.

I grew up in Columbus, OH and attended the Ohio State University for my undergrad and master of education. I taught full-time for a total of three years at Lima Senior High School, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, and Gahanna Lincoln High School. (One of my former students matched to Case Western’s genetic counseling program!)

After becoming a parent, I built a freelance writing and digital marketing business focused on serving small business owners, particularly women of color. One of the best parts of that work was using my skills to help business owners free up time and energy to do what they were best at. I started a blog and podcast, and also developed and sold several digital products. From there, I transitioned to a staff writer role at the tech firm Awesome Motive.

I also write novels and creative nonfiction. My work has been published in The Temper, Scary Mommy, and the Los Angeles Review of Books China Channel, among other digital outlets. I’m currently working on a series of contemporary novels featuring Asian American women.

When I’m not working or writing, I enjoy working out, reading fluffy romance and YA books that I am too grumpy to write myself, cooking new recipes, and spending time with my family.

I am originally from Centerville, Ohio, a suburb just south of the Dayton area. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 with a bachelor of science in microbiology and a minor in American sign language (ASL). While attending Ohio State, I worked as a genetic counseling assistant for the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Department at CooperSurgical Fertility Solutions. I also worked as a tutor for the Department of Microbiology at OSU and coached vocal percussion (beatboxing) at various schools in the Columbus area.

In addition to work, I have a passion for volunteering and advocacy work. In 2008, my family created a non-profit organization that has a mission to help provide meals to individuals in need in the Dayton area around the holiday season. I have served on the executive board for this organization since 2017. During undergrad, I also served as a student ambassador for the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation, where I worked to provide families with resources of MSD and to provide community awareness of the genetic disease.

My hobbies include powerlifting, running, making homemade ice cream, and spending time with my friends and family. I am thrilled to join the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program class of 2026!

I grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan, attending Michigan State University, where I received my bachelor of science in genomics and molecular genetics, along with a minor in Korean. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a lab assistant in a microbiology and molecular genetics lab working with genetically engineering E. coli. While finishing my bachelor of science, I began my master of science in microbiology and molecular genetics at Michigan State University, continuing my project in my undergraduate research lab. Additionally, I volunteered at a local hospital and with a program called “Read to Succeed,” helping elementary students improve their reading proficiency. After conferring my bachelor of science and master of science, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin, to work as a genetic counseling assistant (GCA) at UW Health. Throughout my further education and work as a GCA, I was able to explore the field of genetics, finding genetic counseling to be the perfect blend of my passion for genetics, capacity for empathy, and love for education.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing board games with friends, cooking for others, and listening to music. I am ecstatic to be joining the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program class of 2026!

Hello! My name is Chloe and I grew up here in Cincinnati. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2023 with a major in neuroscience and a minor in chemistry. As an undergraduate, I worked as an HIV testing counselor and health promotion advocate in the University of Cincinnati Medical Center’s Emergency Department, where I provided pre and post test counseling, conducted rapid HIV tests, and provided resources and education to patients. Through this role, I developed my passion for supporting patients through providing education and counseling during the testing process, solidifying my desire to pursue genetic counseling. Throughout my time at UC, I also served as a teaching assistant for introductory genetics and neuroscience courses, volunteered at Stepping Stones assisting kids with disabilities in educational and recreational activities, and served as the secretary and vice president of UC’s Genetic Counseling Club.

Following my graduation, I started working as a genetic counseling assistant at Cincinnati Children's supporting the genetic counselors of the Genetics and Genomics Diagnostic Laboratory and the Craniofacial Center. As a GCA, I really enjoyed learning about the vital role genetic counselors play in the lab setting and working within the specialty area of craniofacial genetics. I also volunteered with Exhale Pro-Voice as a peer counselor providing post-abortion support via text.

In my free time, I love cooking and baking, knitting and crocheting, reading, hiking, and spending time with my cat Oscar. I am so excited to continue my education as a GC as part of the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program class of 2026!

Hi, my name is Mimi and I am from the Bay Area, California! In 2022, I graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in biology and a minor in applied psychology. Throughout my time there, I was involved with Lean on Me UCSB, a non-crisis, peer support text line where I helped to gather funding for the platform. I also volunteered with senior citizens experiencing cognitive challenges through the Brain Exercise Initiative and with elementary school students through my college’s science outreach program, SciTrek.

Following graduation, I returned to the Bay Area and pursued my interest in education by working as a paraprofessional at a school for students with learning differences. I also continued volunteering for my local hospice as a patient visitor and began volunteering with the Crisis Text Line.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts, discussing tv shows, and exploring new food spots. I am thrilled to attend the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and become part of its class of 2026.

I grew up nestled in the Santa Monica foothills of Southern California – a short bike ride away from the beach, and a fence jump away from the mountains. I later spent a year and a half in Spain and the Canary Islands, where I loved the language and pick-up games of street soccer. Sadly, college took me towards colder weather (but more mountains!) at Brigham Young University, where I worked as a physics teaching assistant for three years and graduated with a BS in biological science education.

After college, I spent two years teaching high school biology and earth science, where I had the time of my life and gained many gray hairs. Highlights include dissection days, joining the teacher rock band “The Faculty”, and waking up at 4 am to lesson plan. I spent my weekends volunteering as a text-line crisis counselor for The Trevor Project – a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people that is near to my heart.

I ended up moving to Cincinnati last year after accepting a GCA job at Cincinnati Children’s in order to pivot into the world of genetic counseling, and have since been privileged to work with their wonderful clinical team.

In my free time, you can find me picking up books at my local library, Latin dancing with my partner, or honing my pottery skills in a ceramic studio. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and community!

Hello everyone! My name is Alexandra Saieh and I am an international student from Haiti! I moved to the US in 2019 where I earned my associates degree at Broward College before transferring to the University of South Florida to gain my bachelors in biological health sciences in 2024. I was a volunteer in Project Medishare at Bernard Mevs Hospital in Haiti where I helped to interpret and assist doctors in the ER and pediatric units. During my time at the University of South Florida, I was a cofounder of the USF pre-genetic counseling club, served as a transfer peer mentor and was a mentor to students on the autism spectrum at the USF LAUNCH academy. I was also an intern at the center of victim advocacy and violence prevention in which I assisted in creating outreach initiatives about relationship violence. I was a volunteer with Health Buddies with seniors in service of Tampa Bay where I conducted informative phone calls to adults living with chronic conditions to support them in self managing their health with comfort and information. During my time at Advocate Genetics, I was a shadowing manager intern and developed a showcase project on a guide on how to assist in counseling Haitian patients in order to help address the disparities and cultural implications faced by this community. I was also a part of a collaborative showcase project about international genetic counseling in which my colleagues and I interviewed genetic counselors from around the world to understand the different counseling applications and barriers they face. Currently, I serve as a student ambassador at the United MSD Foundation as a member of the International Newborn Screening Taskforce and in the provider outreach committee in which I help bring awareness and share important resources about multiple sulfatase deficiency.

My aspirations are to help fight disparities in underserved minority communities through culturally sensitive care and addressing barriers with genetic health education and literacy. In my free time, you will find me playing Mario Wonder on my Nintendo Switch or playing my other two favorite games Roblox and Fortnite. You may also find me jamming to my favorite EDM playlist or looking at cat memes on Instagram. I am so excited to be able to pursue my dreams of becoming a genetic counselor at UC /  Cincinnati Childrens!

I grew up in Tyler, Texas and did my undergraduate at Austin College, which is confusingly not in Austin. I graduated in 2024 with my BA in cellular & molecular biology with minors in psychology and East Asian studies.

As part of my undergraduate, I did genetics research investigating transcription factor binding in brewer’s yeast which culminated in a self-driven honors thesis. Outside of the lab, I enjoyed tutoring, working as a teaching assistant, and serving as a mentor to freshmen throughout their first semester. I also volunteered with the Crisis Text Line and as a technology coach, working with senior citizens to help them learn to navigate their devices during the pandemic.

After graduating, I knew I wanted to explore genetic counseling further. I moved to Milwaukee to take a position as a genetic counseling assistant at Children’s Wisconsin. While there, I had the opportunity to be involved in a research project exploring insurance coverage of genetic testing and how testing impacts medical management. I enjoyed exploring Milwaukee and experiencing its many festivals. I also spent time volunteering as an English language tutor with a local organization dedicated to helping young adults experiencing homelessness.

In my free time, I like to read, play board games, and attempt to solve cryptic crosswords. I also love to spend time with my family, friends, and pets. I am very excited to begin this new chapter of my life as part of the class of 2026!

Hello! I grew up in Mukilteo, WA, a suburb of Seattle, before moving to Kansas for my undergraduate degree. I attended the University of Kansas / KU Medical Center where I graduated with a degree in clinical laboratory sciences with a concentration in molecular biotechnology. During my time there, I enjoyed connecting with my peers as an orientation assistant, resident assistant, and peer health educator. At JayDoc, a health clinic for underserved / uninsured individuals in my county, I provided free phlebotomy and lab services.

After graduation, I stayed in Kansas City to work as a clinical laboratory scientist at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Over the years, I have worked in hematology, chemistry, and currently in molecular microbiology. Outside of work, I have enjoyed connecting with and supporting my community in ways that follow my passions. The Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault allowed me to support and advocate for survivors as they navigate our often-complex hospital system. I engaged in meaningful conversations with individuals experiencing grief at Camp Erin and as a liaison in the Breast Imaging Center at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Through Down Syndrome Innovation’s social groups, I have loved supporting self-advocate led lessons addressing topics ranging from personal boundaries to healthy eating and applying for jobs.

In my free time, you will probably find me at a sporting event, concert venue, or reading a mystery novel in the local quirky coffee shop. I am incredibly excited to explore Cincinnati and attend the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program!

Hello! My name is Vyoma! I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati's Medical Sciences Program in 2024. As an undergraduate student, I worked as a student researcher in the Asthma Department at Cincinnati Children’s. I also worked as a researcher in the Human Genetics Department, where I worked on some wet lab projects.

Additionally, I was a crisis counselor for 988. This role taught me how to employ active listening and empathy skills to individuals in crisis. My interest in genetic counseling stemmed from hearing about the profession in some undergraduate courses. Hearing the guest speakers talk about what genetic counseling was and why it’s such an important field, helped me realize that this was the career for me!

In my free time, I enjoy coaching gymnastics at a gymnastics center in Cincinnati, watching true crime documentaries, and exploring local coffee shops! I’m so excited to continue my journey in the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program! Go Bearcats!

Hi! My name is Malaika. I grew up in Goa, India. In 2021, I graduated from Florida International University with a major in biological sciences and a minor in criminal justice. During undergrad, I was involved in research on marine macroalgae working on fractal dimensions of marine macroalgae and presented an e-poster at an International Phycology Congress. I worked as an intake specialist at a Child Anxiety Center screening families for research and clinical services, and volunteered with the Huntington Disease Society of America, South Florida chapter doing outreach and attending support groups. I also volunteered at my university's Disability Resource Center assisting a student with blindness with her class assignments and was also a peer mentor and orientation leader to first year students.

After graduating, I worked as a research technician in Dr. Evelyn Gaiser’s lab evaluating the water quality in the Everglades National Park. During this time, I also participated in a nine-month project development workshop that was focused on creating projects on emerging technologies within computer science, where I helped students apply user experience research to build digital technologies that were inclusive and accessible.

In my free time, I love watching movies, visiting cute coffee shops and paddleboarding. I’m excited to join the Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program class of 2026!