I was raised in Franklin, Wisconsin, which is about 20 minutes outside of Milwaukee. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May 2019 as a biology major and sociology minor. During my time in undergrad, I worked in a lab studying bioluminescent ostracods and had the opportunity to travel to Belize and study them in the field. Through the McNair Scholars Program, I also conducted an independent research project on the psychosocial effects of Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing. I worked as a tutor and mentor for first year college students from underrepresented backgrounds, which gave me the opportunity to develop stronger interpersonal communication skills. My passion for genetic counseling was reaffirmed through shadowing experiences with pediatric, cancer, and prenatal counselors. I am very excited to join the class of 2021 at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital! During my free time, I like to explore the outdoors, run, play volleyball, read, try new food, and spend time with family and friends.

I grew up in Ashland, Ohio, a small town halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. I graduated from Allegheny College in May 2019 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Global Health. At Allegheny, I volunteered as a Health Coach for the Meadville Medical Center. I also served on the Honor Committee to uphold academic integrity on campus and I served as the Chair my senior year. I also tutored and was a teaching assistant for math and genetics courses. For my senior comprehensive project at Allegheny I identified gap junction RNA in Drosophila intestines and mutated those gap junctions to determine if inflammation similar to that of Inflammatory Bowel Disease had occurred. During the summer of 2018, I volunteered as a genetic counseling assistant at Akron Children’s Hospital where I was able to help with daily activities and shadow many clinics such as cancer, metabolic, and general. I am excited to start my next adventure at the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to complete my journey of becoming a genetic counselor. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, watching Friends, playing board games, traveling, and cheering on Cleveland’s sports teams.

I’m from Libya but grew up between Canada and Saudi Arabia. I graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BSc in Biomedical Science and a minor in Psychology. I was first exposed to genetic counseling early on in my undergraduate career, and after discussing the profession with my then molecular biology professor, I knew it would be a great fit for me! Throughout undergrad, I worked as a research assistant for at the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. During my senior year, I conducted my honours research thesis at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, where I worked within the Molecular Genetics Department alongside a team of genetic counselors, medical geneticists, and genomic specialists. My research focused on when and why clinical genetic laboratories choose to reinterpret variants with the goal of developing familial variant reinterpretation standards and guidelines for molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories. I also spent some time working at Spartan Bioscience, a biotechnology company that creates molecular diagnostic devices to help healthcare providers and their patients get complete sample-to-result DNA testing as accurately and efficiently as possible. As part of the R&D team working on assay development for metabolic genes, I was able to finetune my laboratory skills and continue to learn more about the research aspect of molecular genetics and diagnostic testing. During my free time I love to read mystery novels, oil paint, and eat as much ice cream and cheesecake as humanly possible. I also try to travel at least once a year and have visited over 19 countries so far. Genetic counseling combines my passion for psychology and molecular biology into an all-encompassing career, and I am beyond excited to be beginning this new chapter as a part of Cincinnati Children’s Class of 2021!

I grew up in Hamilton Ohio, not too far from Cincinnati. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 with a B.S. and B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During my undergraduate career I was a teaching assistant for psychology courses focusing on interpersonal relationships and effective group work. Through this experience I was able to collaborate with other teaching assistants to build and present course content and work closely with students in and outside of class. I was also able to work as a research assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in the ADHD center during my senior year. Here I worked as a video coder, using computer software to code behavioral observations of children and adolescents with ADHD. Through this opportunity I gained research experience and also worked with families, guiding them through the research study process. Throughout undergrad I volunteered for the Reds Community Fund during their Red’s Rookie Success Camp gaining experience working with children from low income families and teaching team building exercises. I also volunteered as an advisor/mentor for children in a local 4-H club. I first learned about genetic counseling in high school and became extremely interested in the field. I spent my undergraduate career doing research and shadowing counselors in the Cincinnati area, which solidified my passion for the field. In my free time I love to read, spend time with family, and go skiing. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Genetic Counseling Program at UC.

I grew up in the small town of Prescott, WI and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2018 with a BS in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development. During my undergraduate career, I provided early intervention services for children with autism, where I realized the need for additional research on autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. After graduation I became a clinical research coordinator in an autism research lab where I worked on a nation-wide autism genetics study and partnered with many community organizations to recruit for our studies and provide resources for families. During college I also worked as a mental health advocate in a residence for people with significant mental illness. During my time working with families affected by autism and mental health issues, I learned a lot about the struggles that people with disabilities face throughout their lives. I knew that I wanted to go into a profession where I could continue to support these families and educate the community on genetic conditions, so genetic counseling was a perfect fit. I am excited to be a part of a field where we are constantly learning more and utilizing that information to improve the lives of others. My favorite thing to do in my free time is perform improv, which has helped me develop skills that I can use in all areas of my life. I also enjoy taking care of my plants, cooking, and staying healthy. 

I’m originally from Norfolk, a waterfront city on the southeastern coast of Virginia. I received my BS in Biology from the University of Mary Washington in 2014, where I conducted undergraduate research investigating how expression of certain oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes changed after exposure to BPA. My research made me realized how intricately our genetic regulation is balanced and I consequently developed a fascination for the field of genetics. Eager to finally get out of Virginia, I accepted a job as a technician in an autoimmune genomics lab here at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. As the first technician hired to the lab, I worked to optimize our experimental protocols and bring in new technologies such as ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq. As I gained experience and insight, I naturally gravitated towards a more managerial role in the lab, helping to train and direct the projects of our new lab members. Working on a variety of internal projects and collaborations allowed me to write three first-author publications as well as earn several co-authorships in journals such as Nature Genetics and The New England Journal of Medicine. Looking to make a shift to the clinical side of genetics, I found out about genetic counseling and became a counselor at Crisis Text Line to develop my counseling skills. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me either at my home banging on the drums or in Red River Gorge climbing big rocks.

I grew up in Iowa City, IA and graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2019 with a major in Biology and a minor in Sociology. During college, I was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha and held leadership roles in Vanderbilt University Dance Marathon throughout my four years. I first learned about genetic counseling my sophomore year through my biology coursework. Subsequently, I pursued several opportunities to improve my knowledge of the field. My junior year I shadowed genetic counselors and co-founded the Genetic Counseling Club at Vanderbilt. I also began interning with Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi as an advocacy volunteer. Additionally, I worked in Residential Education and as a teaching assistant for an introductory biology lab. In my free time I enjoy discovering new music, trying new recipes, and spending time with family and friends. 

I grew up in Delaware Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. I attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance and a Pre-Medical Studies co-major. During my time at Miami I was involved with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and other musical ensembles and I also performed both a junior and senior recital. Additionally, I worked as both an undergraduate assistant and a teaching assistant. During the summer of 2018 I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s completing a project with Erin Miller on Dilated Cardiomyopathy. This experience, along with various shadowing opportunities, solidified my love for genetic counseling. In addition to music and academics, I have been involved with Women Helping Women, an organization aimed to support the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I also worked to put on a Justice Week at Miami to raise money and awareness of human trafficking. Additionally, I have also served two summers with the AmeriCorps VISTA program. I worked at a free medical clinic serving low income members of the population and an inner-city program to provide youth with food and life skills. I am thrilled to be attending the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program! During my spare time, I love finding new restaurants, attending classical music concerts, and watching cheesy movies on Netflix with friends.

I'm originally from the South Florida area, but I grew up mostly in Tampa Bay Florida. I attended Florida State University, from 2013-2017 where I majored in Psychology, minoring in Biology and Chemistry along the way. While at FSU I volunteered as a research assistant in a lab at the FSU College of Medicine. One of the main focuses was on Post-Partum depression its effects and how to spread its awareness and resources in the community. The second focus was Parental Behavioral Health in the Child Welfare system and how properly identifying and servicing the mental health needs of parents can have a positive effect on families hoping to come out of the system. When not in the lab I spent my time volunteering as a peer advisor and co-leading a research focused club called CELLS. I often volunteered at local events centered on health and education that benefited families and their children, such as the Community Health Day that provided health screenings to children from low-income families. Along with research and volunteering I had several opportunities to shadow cancer and pediatric genetic counselors at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, while home on break from school. These experiences were instrumental in cementing my desire to pursue this incredible career. After graduation I worked as a substitute teacher and volunteered at the Alpha House, a homeless shelter for families and pregnant women, where I helped connected people with case managers who would help them find shelter. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing songs and stories, dancing, traveling, watching soccer, and spending time with my family and friends. I'm excited, grateful and ready to be taking my next step towards becoming a Genetic Counselor at UC's Genetic Counseling Program.

I grew up in a small town in west central Georgia and earned my BS in Biochemistry from the University of GA. My next stop was St. Louis, MO at Washington University where I earned my PhD in Molecular Genetics. Most of my professional career was spent in the Philadelphia, PA area where I eventually landed in the field of hereditary cancer genetics after learning that I have BRCA1 mutation. I worked for for a genetic testing laboratory and volunteered with various patient advocacy groups. Working with healthcare providers and at-risk patients became a professional and personal passion. I am also the mother of a son born with cerebral palsy. I’ve spent the past 20 years immersed in a community of families who do their best to understand their children’s conditions and who dedicate their lives to help them reach their full potential. I’ve witnessed the hope fostered by advancements in rare disease diagnosis through whole genome diagnostics and in personalized medicine. I have been humbled by their strength and resolve when making decisions for their personal health and for their loved ones.

My family moved to Cincinnati in 2014 when my husband accepted a new career opportunity. Once my two sons, dog, and cat established roots in our new community, I began working with a local physician to build a hereditary disease risk evaluation program. The experience of working directly with patients laid the groundwork for this next chapter as a student in the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. I am incredibly excited to return to the world of academics! I hope to continue to expand my personal impact in a field that’s been my passion for more so many years. When I’m not busy with my boys and fur babies, I enjoy exploring local neighborhoods and parks, watching movies, and knitting (while listening to audiobooks). I’m looking forward to the point in my life when my husband and I can travel together- hopefully in 2021!

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I attended the University of Georgia (go Dawgs!) and graduated in 2018 with a BS in Genetics and a minor in Spanish. At UGA, I was involved with UGA’s Dance Marathon, a student led organization raising money for our local children’s hospital, Children’s Health Care of Atlanta (CHOA). I also volunteered in a local elementary school teaching science lessons to first graders three times a week. After graduation, I returned home to Knoxville to work (with a little bit of travel) for a year. I worked as a medical scribe for an orthopedic office, as an advocate for the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee (SACET), and took a one month trip to Australia and New Zealand. As a SACET advocate, I answered the sexual assault hotline, and when appropriate, accompanied victims to medical exams, law enforcement interviews, etc. I am very excited to pursue genetic counseling, a career I have known and loved since my sophomore year of college. I interviewed and shadowed many genetic counselors throughout the years. The combination of loving science and having a passion for people is what makes genetic counseling perfect for me. In my free time I like to travel, hangout with my dogs, watch New Girl, and spend time with friends and family. I am thrilled to begin my next chapter at Cincinnati Children’s and excited to see what the future holds!

I was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, a city best known for originating the "Bakersfield sound" of country music. In 2014, I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from University of California, Irvine (zot zot!). Post-graduation, I obtained a position as a chemist at a medical device company, and volunteered at Karate for All, an occupational therapy based martial arts program, and as a Nursing Unit and Hospice volunteer at Saddleback Memorial Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA. I discovered genetic counseling during a volunteer meeting at Saddleback Memorial Hospital, and decided to further research the field and my aptitude for counseling by shadowing and speaking to genetic counselors and volunteering with a crisis hotline. I am so excited to further my studies and combine my passions for helping others and science at Cincinnati Childrens. In my free time, I love to bake, practice yoga, spend time with my friends and family, and attempt to sing and dance.

I am from Mississauga, Ontario, the largest suburb of Toronto, Ontario. My journey to genetic counseling began in my final year of high school, when my eyes were first opened to the world of genetics. I was so fascinated that I went home and researched careers. The one that stood out was genetic counseling, as it was a way to combine my new passion for the field with my desire to help and teach others! 

I moved on to graduate from the University of Guelph in 2018 with my B.Sc., majoring in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Whilst completing my degree I conducted my own research project that looked into the functions of 3 open reading frames of Grapevine leafroll associated virus-3. 

After graduation I began volunteering with genetic counselors at Mount Sinai Hospital's Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases in Toronto. Here, I observed Lynch and polyposis syndrome patient appointments. I also volunteered within North York General Hospital's Genetic Department, which after showing my keen interest and work ethic I was hired as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Genetic Counselor Assistant. I was involved in research looking to improve the microarray accuracy of the non-invasive prenatal test, research focused on creating a blood test that is able to determine the genomic profile of a tumour, and research that follows Huntington's Disease patients overtime to better understand symptoms. Finally, I volunteered at Spectra Helpline, where I provided support for people in immediate crisis/suicidal, those with mental health issues, and people who are isolated or abused. Each of these positions has solidified the genetic counselor career for me as they have allowed me to see the true breadth of the role's responsibilities, the possibility of involvement within research, and the impact a genetic counselor has on their patient's lives. 

In my spare time I love keeping active at the gym or running outside, acrylic painting, playing board games, and watching anything on Netflix and Disney+ to wind down! I am very excited to be a part of the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Class of 2022, and am ready to begin my journey towards becoming a full fledged genetic counselor!

I grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio and attended Michigan State University and graduated in 2020 with a BS in Genomics and Molecular Genetics and a minor in Linguistics. At MSU, I was a varsity athlete on the swim team and founded the Genetic Counseling Club. I also had the opportunity to work in a research lab where I used 3D imaging to analyze the location of embryos in early pregnancy of mice and identify the location of follicles in human ovary fragments. During my last two years as an undergrad, I volunteered as an advocate at MSU’s Sexual Assault Program. As an advocate, I provided crisis intervention services via phone and text and raised awareness about sexual assault and violence through peer education and outreach. I am extremely excited to attend the University of Cincinnati and pursue a career in genetic counseling! I can’t wait to further my knowledge and work in a profession that allows me to combine both of my passions: genetics and helping others. In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, exercise and spend time with friends and family.

I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. I graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou) in 2020 with a BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by genetics and care about advocating for others, so I’m grateful to have found a career where I can pursue both passions! During undergrad, I was a member of Phi Mu sorority, where I held a variety of leadership positions and got to participate in the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon. On campus, I was involved in the Peer Undergraduate Mentoring Program for underrepresented students, Brooks Scholars, and Mizzou Alternative Breaks in which I went on an LGBTQ+ Advocacy service trip to serve at an AIDS/HIV organization in New York. I was also a member of Mizzou’s Homecoming Steering Committee, a student-led group responsible for planning the city-wide homecoming celebration, and did research in a plant phylogenetics lab running genome-wide association studies. I also volunteered as a crisis worker on the Missouri Crisis Line based in Columbia, MO. My interest in genetic counseling was solidified through my crisis intervention work, research interests, and shadowing pediatric, cancer, and prenatal genetic counselors in the summer before my senior year. In my free time, I love baking, cooking, reading, watching true crime documentaries, listening to music, and spending time outdoors!

I grew up in Northern California in a tiny foothill town called Loma Rica. I attended community college and then graduated with a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology from California State University, Chico in 2017. I discovered genetic counseling when I first transferred, and I decided to change majors because of a lightbulb moment where I realized my passion for human genetics. Over the next few years, I volunteered at a crisis pregnancy clinic, a crisis hotline, and with my church and school youth. I spent a summer at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor through their MHSURA program learning about diversity and inclusion in the medical field, shadowing in their cancer clinic, and conducting clinical research. My project was centered around identifying patients at risk for hereditary colon cancers such as FAP and Lynch Syndrome. I am also a reapplicant, and in the two years that I waited between application cycles, I moved to Maryland and worked as a GCA in Neurogenetics at GeneDx. In my free time, you can find me hiking to the most beautiful places I can find or dancing West Coast Swing all night!

I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky (right across the Ohio River from Cincinnati), and I graduated in 2017 from a small liberal arts college called Thomas More College (now university) with a B.S. in Biology. I learned about genetic counseling when I was a freshman in college and was immediately hooked. I had always wanted to work in healthcare, and as a person with a genetic disease myself, genetic counseling was the perfect field that brought together my passion, knowledge, and life experiences. Following graduation, I worked as a clinical research coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for nearly 3 years before beginning school for genetic counseling. During my time as a research coordinator I worked concurrently in the Department of Pastoral Care and the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. With Pastoral Care I worked on research around how parents use their religion/spiritual beliefs when making major medical decisions for their child, and also worked on projects looking at the relationships between religious and spiritual struggle with anxiety and depression in inpatient psychiatric patients at the hospital. During my time with the Gynecology division, I predominantly worked with the Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program, a multi-disciplinary team focused on caring for patients at risk for infertility due to their medical treatment or underlying condition. Most of these patients carried an oncology diagnosis, or were going to undergo bone marrow transplant. Working with these varied and highly vulnerable populations allowed me to experience a vast spectrum of patients and families, to improve my interpersonal skills, and learn about the many genetic factors associated with these diseases. When I am not working I enjoy a good book, learning about astronomy and physics, spending lots of time with family and friends, or relaxing on our balcony after a long day with my brother and some good tunes.

I grew up in West Grove, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Philadelphia. I graduated, as a first-generation college student, from Lycoming College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and minors in Neuroscience and Psychology. The unique opportunities of a small private school allowed me to propose, conduct, and present a neurogenetic research project analyzing genetic contributions to spontaneous repetitive grooming behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster. Throughout my undergraduate career, I participated in organizations, such as Lycoming Buddies, that promoted the inclusion of individuals with physical and mental disabilities within the community. I particularly enjoyed working with the families and caretakers of these individuals to ensure comfort and participation during our events. I also worked as a Teacher’s Assistant, Academic Tutor, and Admission’s Assistant. Genetic Counseling had been my dream career prior to college, so I tried to tailor my experiences towards those that would allow me to practice the skills required of a Genetic Counselor. After college, I married my Highschool Sweetheart and moved to Dayton, Ohio so that he could pursue his Master’s Degree. During this time, I worked as a psychometrist at a mental health clinic under a clinical psychologist and a neuropsychologist. Here, I was responsible for evaluating the cognitive and mental abilities of my patients. This position allowed me to practice my counseling skills with a diverse population of individuals suffering from a variety of mental illnesses, learning disabilities, and neurological conditions. I now look forward to putting these experiences and skills to use as a Genetic Counseling student at the University of Cincinnati. I am overjoyed to know that I am another step closer towards becoming a Genetic Counselor! When I am not reading up on the latest genetic research, you will likely find me hiking, kayaking, cooking, or eating tacos.

I was raised in Agoura Hills, CA, which is 20 minutes from Los Angeles without traffic – so in reality about an hour away. I graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (go Mustangs!) in 2019 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. I discovered genetic counseling via an on-campus seminar after falling in love with my first genetics course, and I walked out confident this was the career path I wanted to pursue. Throughout undergrad I worked as a facility supervisor in the campus Recreation Center, founded the Cal Poly Genetic Counseling Student Interest Group, volunteered as a New Student Orientation Leader, and worked on a genomics research team studying the effects of high-polyphenol diets on gut microbiome composition. After graduation I joined California Psychcare as a behavior interventionist, where I helped children on the autism spectrum develop their cognitive and behavioral skills through ABA therapy. I also volunteered in the UCLA pediatric genetic counseling department and coached a youth soccer team with AYSO. All these experiences presented unique insights into the many facets of the genetic counseling field and solidified my excitement to be a part of it, beginning with joining the University of Cincinnati class of 2022! In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga, being outdoors, painting/DIY-ing, and attempting to not kill all the plants I impulse buy.

I grew up in DeKalb Illinois, and moved to south TX with my family before starting college in Pennsylvania. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grove City College in 2020 with degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. While at Grove City I participated in molecular biology research, studying a two-component system in Bacillus anthracis, and I spent a summer working in the Stauff laboratory furthering this research. In addition, during my time at Grove City I worked as a tutor for biology and chemistry courses, as well as a lab assistant for several chemistry labs. I have volunteered in my local jail, and was involved in many leadership roles during my time on campus, including leading 2 overseas service trips – one to Ecuador and one to the Czech Republic. I spent a summer working for Valley Haven Inc., where I took care of foster children ranging from newborns to teenagers. My love for genetic counseling began to grow during my undergraduate genetic course, and I am thrilled to be pursuing my degree at the University of Cincinnati. In my free time, I love to travel, bake, and play the piano, and I am always down for good conversations at a coffee shop.

I was born and raised in Southbury, Connecticut. I attended The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a co-major in Spanish. I completed two undergraduate theses, titled “Identifying gene targets of Phytophthora sojae effector protein PsAvh172 by synthetic lethal analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae” and “Ciudadana y Esposa: La Construcción de la Identidad Femenina en la Obra Poética de Blanca Varela.” During my time at Wooster, I worked as a laboratory assistant and a peer tutor for both biology and Spanish. I have volunteered with hospice organizations for two years in both Ohio and Connecticut. Recently, I was fortunate enough to volunteer with a local cancer genetic counselor as her assistant. I was able to interact with patients and participate in a number of research projects. This reinforced my love for all things genetics. Currently, I split my time between volunteering for Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor, and for Whiskers Pet Rescue as a kitty caretaker. I am excited to start the next step in my journey at the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program! In my free time, you can find me cuddling with my pet cat, listening to podcasts, and knitting.

I am from Westlake Village, CA and graduated from U.C. Davis with a major in Human Development and a minor in Global Disease Biology. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a research assistant at both the U.C. Davis MIND Institute and the Center for Mind and Brain. I loved being a part of the Davis community and particularly enjoyed tutoring students in evolutionary biology, biochemistry, and genetics. Outside of classes, I served on the Executive Board of the Chi Omega Sorority and performed at campus functions as a member of a dance company. I learned about genetic counseling during my freshman year and quickly realized that it incorporated everything I was looking for in a career path.  After graduation, I spent a year in Sacramento working for a consulting firm that specializes in healthcare and health policy. I also volunteered with the U.C. Davis Division of Genomic Medicine where I deepened my knowledge of genetic conditions and the genetic counseling field.  In my free time, I love to stay active by dancing, hiking, and practicing yoga. I am very excited to explore Cincinnati and am thrilled to be a member of the Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2022!

Hello! My name is MacKenzie Spencer-Hintze and I am from Pleasant Plain, OH, a small town about an hour northeast of Cincinnati. In 2018, I graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences. In my first year at OHIO, I founded and was co-president of Ohio University’s First-Generation College Student Organization, “We are First”. I have had the pleasure of working as a peer tutor for over 700 students in both introductory biology courses as well as a general genetics course. Along with teaching, I have worked in two different research labs as an undergraduate assistant looking at telomerase activity in chronic pain patients and the effects of mindfulness techniques on attention, rumination, and the neuroendocrine response.

My interest in genetic counseling was sparked in middle school after my grandfather passed of A.L.S. and I learned how genetics played a role in his disease. This interest developed after completing an internship with Northwestern University’s Genetic Counseling Program and landing a position as a genetic counseling assistant at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In my free time I enjoy rock climbing, planning themed parties, snuggling my cat, Mochi, and doing new things to my hair. I am so excited to pursue my passion here at the University of Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling Graduate Program!

Hi there! I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina, and graduated from Duke University in 2016 with a BS in Biology. As an undergraduate, I worked as a librarian assistant, taught for a summer abroad in India, and studied epigenetics in the lab. Most of my time though was spent either singing in my acapella group, Deja Blue, or camping out for Duke basketball games. After graduation, I spent two years as an IRTA fellow at the NIH studying the epigenetic mechanisms of cavefish eye degeneration. Since then, I’ve lived in Palo Alto, CA, working towards my Masters in Genetics from Stanford. There, I worked in a lab that develops novel stem cell treatments for genetic skin diseases. To learn more about genetic counseling, I conducted informational interviews with counselors in the area and took a couple of the Stanford genetic counseling courses. I am a crisis counselor on Crisis Text Line and I love volunteering in the activity room at the Stanford Ronald McDonald House. In my free time, I enjoy pet sitting, singing, watching sports, and traveling to new places. I could not be more thrilled to be part of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling class of 2022!