Students

Sydney Arlen

Sydney grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her interest in genetics began during her sophomore year while taking the course Principles of Genetics, where she researched the SNCA gene and its link to Parkinson’s disease, a condition that personally affected her family. Motivated to explore the field further, she joined the Pre-Genetic Counseling Society at UMD and later served in several leadership roles. After graduation, Sydney began a role as a CRTA Postbaccalaureate Fellow at the National Cancer Institute within the NIH. In this position, she conducted a mixed-methods research project examining the use of tumor sequencing by cancer genetic counselors, identifying key barriers and facilitators in clinical implementation. She also served on the planning committee for Rare Disease Day 2025 and worked as a teaching assistant for cancer genetics courses offered through the Johns Hopkins/NIH Genetic Counseling Training Program. These experiences deepened her drive for learning, patient-centered care, and advocacy in genetics, leading her to create an internship with the DNA Dialogues Podcast through the Journal of Genetic Counseling to support future genetic counselors in exploring research and developing their interests. Outside of her work in genetics, Sydney is a 200-hour registered yoga teacher and currently teaches Yoga Sculpt at CorePower Yoga. She is also in the process of becoming a certified prenatal yoga instructor—a passion she hopes to pair with genetic counseling one day. She is excited to join the University of Maryland MGC Program and continue her journey in genetic counseling!

Marina Francis

Marina spent her early childhood in Northern Virginia before moving to Crofton, Maryland in middle school. Her passion for overcoming language barriers to improve healthcare outcomes stems from her personal experience as the daughter of a French-speaking Swiss immigrant. Marina graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in December of 2024 with a degree in Cell Biology and Genetics and a minor in Spanish. She first discovered genetic counseling during her freshman year of college, drawn to the significant impact genetic counselors have on patients’ understanding of their genetics. Shortly after learning about the field, she joined the Pre-Genetic Counseling Society at UMD and worked at Camp JCC, a summer camp dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities and genetic conditions. This camp confirmed that Marina wanted to work in a field dedicated to serving those with genetic conditions. She sought other opportunities to gain experience related to genetic counseling, including working as a teaching assistant for a genetics course and volunteering as a crisis counselor. Although not directly genetics-related, Marina worked as a virology research intern at the University of Montreal and gained valuable experience learning how to explain scientific concepts in French. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. She is thrilled to start her genetic counseling journey at UMB!

Justin Hui

Justin was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in December of 2023, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and a Certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. While in college, Justin explored many different career paths in healthcare, knowing that it was a field that he was passionate about and dedicated to. As he shadowed genetic counselors in various specialties, his interest in genetic counseling was solidified. While in school, he was an undergraduate teaching assistant for biology and genetics as well as a volunteer crisis counselor for The Trevor Project, where he strengthened his teaching and counseling skills that he knew would be critical for this career. Additionally, he has worked as a nursing assistant at a hospital and a summer camp counselor for children with disabilities where he enjoyed connecting with different populations and better understanding their needs. After graduating, Justin worked in community health and outreach doing HIV and STI testing and prevention, working amongst a team focused on compassionate, judgment- free care. Through these experiences, Justin became passionate about supporting individuals in their health journeys through education and empowerment. In his free time, Justin likes to read, do crafts, and watch movies. He is excited to start this new chapter at the University of Maryland Genetic Counseling program!

Anna Kessler

Anna is from Boyds, Maryland and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025, earning her B.S. in Natural Sciences along with minors in Spanish and Social Work and certificates in Global Health and Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Intrigued by the field of genetic counseling since middle school, she joined Pitt’s Genetic Counseling Club as a freshman and served on the executive board for two years. She also worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Long Life Family Study within Pitt’s Department of Epidemiology, which aims to study the phenotypes of families that have reported historical and exceptional longevity. For two semesters, Anna shared her passion for genetics with fellow students while serving as a teaching assistant for Genes and Diseases for Nonmajors. Outside of the classroom, she strengthened her counseling skills by volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line, and for two summers volunteered as a counselor at Camp Wakchazi, a week-long sleepaway camp for children who have experienced the loss of a sibling. In summer 2024, Anna combined her academic interests of clinical genetics and Spanish language with an internship in Santiago, Chile. Working under geneticists and the only genetic counselor in Chile, the experience combined rare disease research with shadowing opportunities to provide a glimpse into how genetic services vary internationally. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and watching reality TV. Anna is extremely excited to join the University of Maryland MGC community and continue on her path to becoming a genetic counselor!

Emma Locketz

Emma is originally from Minnetonka, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the spring of 2025 with a B.S. in Genetics and Genomics and a certificate in Disability Rights and Services. During her time at UW-Madison, Emma worked as a student researcher in a genetics lab using fruit flies to investigate the genetic mechanisms involved with traumatic brain injuries. Her research focused on understanding how different diets improve survival outcomes following these injuries. Emma has been passionate about genetic counseling since high school after taking AP Biology and discovering her love for genetics. She was the president of the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization at UW-Madison and enjoyed helping interested students learn more about the genetic counseling field. Outside of the classroom, Emma volunteered with her local GiGi’s Playhouse and worked as a one-on-one math tutor for individuals with Down Syndrome. Emma also volunteered with the national Crisis Text Line as a Crisis Counselor, helping individuals use different skills through a variety of situations. She spent her summers working at OSRUI, her childhood Jewish summer camp where she spent 13 summers total as a camper and staff member. Emma enjoyed returning each summer to foster an inclusive experience for all of her campers. In her free time, Emma enjoys reading, figure skating, and baking new things with her sourdough starter. Emma is absolutely thrilled to be joining the UMB MGC program and is excited to start this new chapter in Baltimore!

Ailee Miner

Ailee is originally from Knoxville, Maryland, and graduated from Clemson University in December 2023 as a member of the Honors College with a B.S. in Genetics and minors in Biological Sciences and Psychology. Ailee first learned about genetic counseling in high school, and each involvement that she has taken part in since then has further solidified her passion in this field. During her time at Clemson, she held positions in community engagement as an aquatics manager through Clemson’s Campus Recreation program and as a peer mentor with the Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program through Clemson University and Tri-County Technical College. During the summers, Ailee worked as the head swim coach for her community swim team and has since joined the staff of Frederick Area Swim Team (FAST) as an assistant coach to develop leadership and mentoring experience. Ailee has also volunteered as an assistant swim coach for Special Olympics Frederick County over the past couple of years. After graduating, she worked as a research and development associate for a biotechnology company to gain direct scientific experience. She then transitioned into a role as a Genetics Assistant with the Murtha Cancer Center’s Cancer Genetics Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). Her time in this position provided opportunities to gain experience in patient care and an understanding of the field. In her spare time, Ailee loves to work out and spend time with friends and family. She is extremely excited to be part of the University of Maryland MGC Program Class of 2027!

Lauren Mintz

Lauren is from Davidson, North Carolina, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2024 with a dual B.A. in Biology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. During her undergraduate career Lauren was a team member and captain of the UNC Charlotte Gold Dusters Dance Team. In addition to athletic involvement Lauren volunteered at UNC Charlotte as a peer mentor where she guided, counseled, and encouraged other students. Lauren was also engaged in several community support and advocacy organizations. She was a patient advocate leader with FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered where she educated and communicated with state lawmakers to advocate for those impacted by hereditary cancers. She volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line to provide empathetic support, and as a tutor at GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center where she provided personalized tutoring sessions to a child with Down syndrome. Lauren was originally exposed to the genetic counseling career in high school when a close family member sought out genetic testing. While pursuing her undergraduate degrees Lauren explored the career further by attending several online webinars and classes as well as shadowing cancer and prenatal genetic counselors. Lauren was inspired by the role of the genetic counselor and excited to seek out a career which combined her love of educating, supporting and empowering others. Outside of work and school Lauren enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She is thrilled to be joining the University of Maryland, Baltimore MGC program and pursuing her dream of becoming a genetic counselor!

Erica Simmons

Erica was born in Ghana and raised in South Jersey. She graduated from Brown University in 2025 with a degree in Health and Human Biology, driven by a passion for genetic counseling that began in sixth grade. With guidance from a genetic counselor alumna who became her mentor, she completed two internships at Penn Medicine Hospital—the Basser internship (2023) and the Warren Alpert Foundation and Alliance to Increase Diversity in Genetic Counseling (WAF AID-GC) Internship (2024). At Basser, she shadowed oncologists and genetic counselors in cancer genetics and reviewed the NCCN Genetic Testing Guidelines to gather data on patient eligibility and genetic testing/referral rates across different hospital sites affiliated with Penn Medicine Hospital. Through WAF AID-GC, she explored various genetic counseling settings, shadowed specialists at CHOP’s Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative (EGIN) and Hereditary Cancer Predisposition Clinic, and attended University of Maryland’s case conferences. Beyond genetics, Erica has served as a crisis chat counselor for the 988-suicide prevention hotline for over two years and facilitated discussions on consent, bystander engagement, and open communication through Brown's Sexual Assault Prevention/Peer Education (SAPE) program. Her advocacy experience dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and her sisters petitioned for equitable patient assignments for their mother, a nurse, successfully securing intervention from Jefferson Hospital leadership. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping others make informed decisions. In her free time, Erica enjoys working out/playing tennis, watching YouTube vlogs, knitting, singing, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. She is really excited to be part of the 2027 genetic counseling cohort and is looking forward to becoming a future genetic counselor!

Katherine Starego

Katie grew up in Eldersburg, Maryland and graduated from the University of Delaware in Spring 2023 with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology & Genetics) and a minor in Genetic Counseling. Her interest in genetic counseling sparked in high school, and throughout her undergraduate career Katie explored ways to learn more about the field. Through her minor, Katie was able to participate in a genetic counseling practicum at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, DE. Here she shadowed a cancer genetic counselor during initial appointments while also preparing and updating patient files. This practicum allowed her to view patient interaction firsthand and subsequently grasp the empathetic nature genetic counselors must embody. Upon graduating from UD, Katie started working in the Cutting lab at Johns Hopkins University where she researched how genetic variants in the CFTR gene contribute to cystic fibrosis at a molecular level through wet lab research. During her time at JHU, she worked with a genetic counselor on her research team to discuss clinical implications of lab results and learn about the CFTR2 database. She experienced how lab work can be directly translational to patients and recognized the growing demand for genetic counselors in the medical field. Simultaneously, Katie started volunteering at a local sexual assault crisis hotline called CARE Healing Center. Located in Westminster, MD, CARE assists survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking through free services. She helps with the 24/7 hotline for people experiencing crises. The time spent in Katie’s gap years strengthened her desire to pursue genetic counseling and helped her gain valuable skills she will take with her throughout her academic and professional career. In her free time, Katie is a huge foodie who loves to cook and bake, as well as try new foods and restaurants! Katie is extremely excited to be a part of the University of Maryland MGC Training Program Class of 2027 and start her journey to becoming a GC!

Maya Weaver

Maya was born in Tennessee and spent part of her childhood in India before moving to Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from the University of Delaware’s Honors College in 2025 with a B.A. in Anthropology, along with minors in Spanish for Healthcare and Genetic Counseling. Maya's interest in genetic counseling was shaped by her family's experience with a rare genetic disorder and her commitment to education and outreach. Over the course of her undergraduate career, Maya pursued these interests by serving as a Social Justice Peer Educator, an English and Spanish instructor, and an Honors Teaching Fellow. She also volunteered as a victim advocate for the University of Delaware’s Sexual Offense Support helpline and as a bilingual crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line. In addition to her advocacy work, Maya held leadership positions as president of two student organizations: the Mixed Race Student Union and the Future Genetic Counselors Club. Maya participated in research within the anthropology department, where she contributed to editing a faculty manuscript and investigated how simulation-based learning can enhance cultural humility within healthcare education. She also served as the first author of a publication on transitional care for individuals with Down syndrome, which deepened her insight into the unique challenges and support needs faced by individuals with genetic conditions as they navigate healthcare systems. Maya deepened her commitment to genetic counseling through a practicum at Christiana Care in Newark, DE, and through shadowing experiences in Pittsburgh, where she observed genetic counselors across multiple specialties. Outside of school and work, Maya enjoys long walks, cooking, and playing the piano. She is thrilled to join the UMB MGC program and continue her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor! 

Katie Burnham

Katie grew up in Edina, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2026 with a B.S. in Genetics and Genomics. In Wisconsin, she also pursued a minor in Data Science, and she discovered genetic counseling through UW-Madison’s Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization (PGCO). As PGCO’s Vice President, she was able to share her experiences in the field with others while developing her skills in professionalism and communication. Throughout her time as an undergraduate, Katie worked as an academic mentor in chemistry, biology, and genetics for first-generation and low-income UW-Madison students. She also volunteered with FORCE as a message board moderator, helpline volunteer, and legislative advocate, where she learned how to support and advocate for clients in crisis. Katie also enjoys research in genetics, and she has been involved in various projects in this field. At UW-Madison, she worked in labs that studied fertility and sex differential expression of neurodevelopmental risk genes. She has also been involved with the University of Minnesota’s GC-PRO study, where she transcribed genetic counseling sessions to support research into the skills that genetic counselors use. This research has also taught her how to creatively apply her coding skills to genetic counseling. In her free time, Katie can be found taking a long walk, brushing up on her French, or attempting the New York Times crossword. She is thrilled to be joining the University of Maryland’s MGC Program and the genetic counseling community!

Marissa Carey

Marissa was born and raised in Pasadena, Maryland. She graduated from Salisbury University in the Spring of 2025 with a B.S in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology. During her time at Salisbury, she conducted undergraduate research in animal behavior, including a summer in the Panamanian rainforest studying female mate choice in túngara frogs. Her research explored how changes in male mating calls influence female choices and behaviors. She first discovered her passion for genetics during a genetic analysis course her junior year, which inspired her to pursue a career in genetic counseling. She was an Anatomy and Physiology Supplemental Instructor (SI) as well as a tutor for a variety of science courses. Outside of the classroom, she volunteered as a crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line, where she spent time helping individuals navigate emotionally difficult situations. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, spending time with friends and family, and going for walks! She is super excited to be part of the 2028 MGC cohort and cannot wait to become a genetic counselor!

Julia DiFulvio

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Julia graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2025. She earned her B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Neuroscience. During her time at Penn State, Julia took a special interest in genetics and research. As a member of the Penn State University Genetic Counseling Club, Julia learned from genetic counselors across the United States. She later became the Vice President and Social Outreach Chair of the Genetic Counseling Club, where she focused on growing club membership and raising awareness of the profession. Julia also found her passion for research at Penn State as a Research Assistant in the Penn State Brain & Behavioral Dynamics Lab. She gained experience in research protocol creation, presentation of relevant research, and collaborating with other research professionals. Julia eventually became a Project Lead for the lab's Visual Acuity Database project. She assisted in presenting these supplemental findings at the Vision Sciences Society 2025 conference. Additionally, Julia presented a branch of this research at the PAGC 2025 conference, focusing on the impacts of treatment options for visual acuity development in children with Retinopathy of Prematurity. After graduation from Penn State, Julia first worked as a Registered Behavior Technician. She worked one-on-one with children ages two through six years old on the autism spectrum to implement behavior intervention strategies. Julia then began working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Allegheny Health Network's Cancer Genetics department. In this role, she gained valuable experience supporting a team of seven cancer genetic counselors and developed insight into the clinical genetic counseling profession. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, cooking, and crocheting. She is thrilled to join the UMB MGC Class of 2028 and continue her journey to becoming a genetic counselor!

Laura Dowden

Laura was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Laura graduated from NC State University in the spring of 2026 with a B.S. in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. Her passion for genetics began in middle school, and she first learned about genetic counseling in her sophomore year of college when a local genetic counselor spoke in her Human and Biomedical Genetics class. From that moment on, she focused on furthering her interest in human and developmental genetics as well as serving her community. She worked in a molecular immunology lab on NCSU’s campus for three years. This work involved running PCR, RNA isolation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, gel electrophoresis, cell culture, and data analysis to investigate how a chemotherapeutic drug interacts with USF transcription factors, ultimately resulting in drug resistance. Her lifelong passion for equitable and accessible healthcare is reflected in her volunteer efforts with the Crisis Text Line, a local dementia care facility, and the NC State Women’s Center. Her goal is to provide patients with an inclusive environment where they feel safe and heard. In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking with her dog Nova, birding, knitting, and spending time with her friends. She is excited to be a part of the UMB MGC program and continue pursuing her dream of being a genetic counselor!

Abigail Hodges

Abigail grew up in Roanoke, Virginia. She graduated from James Madison University in Spring 2026 with a B.S. in Biotechnology with a distinction in Biology. During her time at JMU, she worked as a student researcher using molecular and genomic techniques — including CRISPR‑Cas9 genome editing — to investigate the role of a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This experience deepened her passion for genetics and ultimately introduced her to the field of genetic counseling through one of her courses. Eager to explore this career path further, Abigail completed an internship with a prenatal genetic counselor at Modern Reproduction. There, she gained hands-on exposure to reproductive genetics by creating patient‑friendly educational materials, contributing to research on carrier screening and prenatal testing, and learning how to communicate complex genetic concepts in a clear, compassionate, and accessible way. Beyond her scientific training, Abigail developed strong counseling and advocacy skills through internships with the Family Resource Center and Church World Service. In these roles, she supported individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances, strengthened her trauma‑informed communication skills, and worked closely with diverse communities — experiences that continue to shape her approach to patient care. Outside of academics, Abigail enjoys long‑distance running, spending time outdoors, and baking new recipes. She is thrilled to be joining the UMB MGC Program and is excited to begin her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor!

Sophie Kravatz

Sophie was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of Delaware (UD) in 2025 with a B.S. in Neuroscience, with minors in Biological Sciences and Genetic Counseling. During her time at UD, she was part of the Neunuebel Neuroscience Lab, where she worked one-on-one with a PhD student studying the functions of ultrasonic vocalization during social behavior in mice. Specifically, looking at how these sensory cues and behaviors are represented in the Lateral Entorhinal Cortex. Sophie first learned about genetic counseling during her junior year of undergrad and was instantly fascinated with the field. She sought out opportunities to gain further knowledge of the field as a whole, connected with a local counselor in her community, and had the opportunity to virtually shadow both prenatal and cancer LabCorp Genetic Counselors. Her excitement and interest in this experience led her to declare a minor in Genetic Counseling, where she was able to take part in a Genetic Counseling Practicum with ChristianaCare Hospital. During this semester-long experience, she shadowed a cancer counselor during multiple appointment types, as well as assisting with the upkeep of patient files. This practice allowed her firsthand experience and practice with empathetically connecting and guiding patients through appointments. After graduation, Sophie worked locally within her community and volunteered as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, helping individuals work through crises using different skills and techniques. In her free time, Sophie loves to read, go on nature walks, bake, and spend time with friends and family. She is extremely excited to be a part of the University of Maryland MGC Training Program Class of 2028 as she begins her journey to become a genetic counselor!

Corinne Leighty

Corinne is originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Susquehanna University in 2024 with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Corinne first discovered the field of genetic counseling in high school, when a family member pursued genetic testing due to their breast cancer diagnosis. Since this introduction, her personal connection and subsequent exposure to the career cemented her passion for genetic counseling. As an undergraduate student, Corinne was a teaching assistant in the biology department and held several leadership roles for the SU Dance Corps on campus, including Vice President and choreographer. As a student researcher, she used fruit flies to study the enzyme METTL3; specifically looking at, in its absence, the effect on sperm development and infertility. This contribution led to published findings that further advanced this research. Following graduation, Corinne worked as a Genetic Counselor Assistant for the Penn State Health Cancer Genetics Program at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In this role, she gained experience in patient connection and the day-to-day responsibilities of a genetic counselor. She emphasized the importance of access to genetic testing by leading outreach initiatives to various patient populations. In addition, she enhanced her understanding of hereditary conditions by shadowing cancer, prenatal, and pediatric genetic counselors. Outside of genetics, in her free time, Corinne enjoys listening to music, reading, embroidery, spending time with family and friends, and going for walks to find the best coffee shop in her vicinity. Corinne is so excited to become a part of the University of Maryland MGC program and continue her journey in becoming a genetic counselor!

Ella Page

Ella is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in spring 2025 with a B.A. in Biology and a certificate in Health Humanities. At F&M, she was a member of the varsity field hockey team and served as Vice President of Chi Omega, where she directed academic programming and organized fundraising events for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also worked at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health as a research data collector, observing OR-to-ICU handoffs. Beyond academics and athletics, Ella was engaged in community and advocacy work. She volunteered as a tutor for elementary students to strengthen reading and comprehension skills. In addition, she volunteered as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, supporting individuals in distress. These experiences contributed to her desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling. Ella explored the career further through shadowing a cancer genetic counselor before becoming a genetic counseling assistant at Novant Health Cancer Institute. This role solidified her passion for the field and helped prepare her for graduate school. Outside of work, Ella enjoys running, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to join the UMB MGC program and continue on her path to becoming a genetic counselor!

Courtney Slesinger

Courtney grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. Her family's experience with cancer sparked her interest in genetics and inspired her to pursue a career in genetic counseling. During her undergraduate studies, she strengthened this passion through research, advanced genetics coursework, shadowing experiences in pediatric and prenatal genetics, and informational interviews with practicing genetic counselors. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Cell Biology and Physiology from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, where her research in the Raffield Lab focused on using the All of Us Research Program to investigate associations between sickle cell trait and hematologic traits across diverse populations. Outside of research, Courtney enjoys supporting others through service as a Crisis Text Line volunteer and has found fulfillment mentoring students as a peer tutor. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, painting, and trying new restaurants. Courtney is excited to join the University of Maryland MGC Program and continue growing as a compassionate, patient-centered genetic counselor.

Meghan Westman

Meghan was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from Saint Mary's College (IN) in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Although she has always been interested in genetics, Meghan first learned about genetic counseling during her sophomore-year genetics course. During her time at Saint Mary's, Meghan volunteered as a crisis counselor with the Crisis Text Line and worked as a first-year chemistry tutor. Through these experiences, she discovered a passion for supporting others and helping people understand complex scientific information, which further strengthened her interest in genetic counseling. Meghan also spent her summers as a research intern in an epigenetics laboratory at the Van Andel Institute, where she used mouse models to investigate the relationship between epigenetic mechanisms, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. After graduation, Meghan worked as a genetic counselor assistant at Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. In this role, she supported daily clinical operations, guided patients through genetic testing processes, and gained valuable exposure to the field by shadowing genetic counselors across multiple specialty clinics. These experiences reinforced her commitment to pursuing a career in genetic counseling and deepened her appreciation for patient-centered care. Outside of academics and work, Meghan enjoys watching procedural crime shows, thrifting, and playing pickleball and tennis. She is excited to join the UMB Genetic Counseling Class of 2028 and looks forward to continuing her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor!

Alyssa Amicone

Originally from Eldersburg, Maryland, Alyssa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2024. She earned her B.S. in Natural Sciences with a Concentration in Biological Sciences and the Undergraduate Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. While Alyssa has been following the field of genetic counseling for quite some time, she attributes her initial interest in the field to her experiences in the Carroll County, Maryland, Career and Technology Center’s Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program (Biomed), which she participated in during her last two years of high school. Alyssa’s time in Biomed would inspire her undergraduate career as a prospective genetic counseling student. During the spring semester of her first year at Pitt, Alyssa participated in the Foundations of Biology Research Lab 2: Viral Genomes course. Along with her classmates, she analyzed the genome of a bacteriophage in attempts to understand and predict the potential functions of various phage genes. Continuing her interest in biology, Alyssa enjoyed her time as a Biological Sciences Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA). As a UTA, she utilized her skills in community support which she learned through her time volunteering with the Crisis Text Line and Togetherall platform, and her knowledge of science topics, to provide uplifting and productive review sessions for fellow students. Outside of the classroom, Alyssa enjoyed shadowing genetic counselors in pediatric, cancer, and prenatal genetic counseling specialties, and participating in the Genetic Counseling Club, where she further explored the field with aspiring GC students and life-long friends. Since joining the Genetic Counseling Club during the first year of her undergraduate education, Alyssa has had the pleasure of serving as the Club’s Vice President and President. Her time on the Club Executive Board involved diverse learning opportunities surrounding important topics in genetic counseling and the assembly and management of GC-related activities. In her time off, you can find Alyssa exploring the city in search of the best skyline views and ice cream spots! Alyssa is incredibly grateful and excited to be a member of the UMB MGC Program Class of 2026, and she is looking forward to growing into her role as an active and supportive member of the genetic counseling community! 

Emily Bromirski

Emily is originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University in December of 2023 with a B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Psychology. Her journey towards becoming a genetic counselor began with a genetics class in high school, which ignited her passion for the field. As an undergraduate student, Emily was a teaching assistant for research courses, a member of a club dance team, and a dedicated volunteer for Penn State’s THON. She co-founded the university’s first genetic counseling club and worked as a TEAMtalk Coach at TEAMology, where she counseled school-aged children regarding social and emotional wellness strategies. During the summers, Emily managed a local nonprofit pool and taught swim lessons. Following her graduation, Emily worked as a Research Assistant for Penn State’s Epidemiology and Genetics Across Populations and Societies Lab, which fostered her interest in expanding genetics research across diverse populations. She also worked as a Genetic Counselor Assistant at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Cancer Institute, where she gained valuable experience in patient consultations, tumor board preparations, and the daily operations of genetic counseling. In her free time, Emily enjoys listening to music, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places with her friends and family. Emily is thrilled to join the UMB MGC program and fulfill her dream of becoming a genetic counselor!

Faith Cosgrove

Faith grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park with a degree in Cell Biology and Genetics in May of 2024. She first discovered her love for genetics during her freshman year of college while taking an introductory genetics course. Recognizing her excitement about this topic, she promptly joined the Pre-Genetic Counseling Society at UMD after searching for jobs that would allow her to immerse herself in this field. Once introduced to the roles and responsibilities of a genetic counselor, she sought opportunities to gain experience and familiarity with the profession. This pursuit led her to serve as a genetics teaching assistant in the very course that inspired her passion for the field. Through this role, she gained valuable experience explaining complex genetic principles to audiences of varying genetic literacies and recognized her love of teaching others about genetics. With this introduction to teaching under her belt, she sought to diversify the audiences of her instruction and began writing articles for Remember the Girls, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for female carriers of X-linked diseases. Through this experience, she became aware of her desire to advocate for individuals with rare diseases. She later had the honor of exploring this passion through her internship at the National Institutes of Health, where she was able to shadow a team of genetic counselors seeking to determine the etiologies of rare diseases. Outside of the field of genetics, Faith enjoys long-distance running, baking, spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants, and binge-watching reality TV shows. She is ecstatic to continue her education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and begin her journey to becoming a genetic counselor!

Danielle Donadio

Danielle is from Grafton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Clemson University in May 2024 with a dual B.A. in Biological Sciences and Science Teaching. Danielle actively engaged in numerous disease advocacy and community outreach initiatives during her undergraduate years. While interning with Genetic Alliance, Danielle worked on projects including translating complex disease descriptions to a lay audience level and finding support groups for rare diseases to advance the Disease InfoSearch website, publishing a perspective piece addressing the implementation of AI for the diagnosis of rare genetic disease and cancer, and creating a consumer-friendly manual outlining the Genetic Alliance biobanking and IRB services. In addition, Danielle worked closely with the Sisters’ Hope Foundation to raise awareness and advocate for individuals and caregivers affected by adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP). While completing her science teaching degree, Danielle dedicated over 500 hours to teaching high school biology. Student teaching helped her develop the skill of breaking down intricate biology concepts for diverse learners. In her free time, Danielle loves exploring the outdoors, spending time with family, and doing HIIT workouts. Danielle is extremely excited to pursue her passion for becoming a genetic counselor as a part of the University of Maryland MGC Training Program Class of 2026! 

Jennifer Garth

Born and raised in Virginia, Jennifer graduated from the University of Virginia in 2022 with a B.A. in Biology. Throughout her undergraduate career, she volunteered as a Peer Health Educator within the University of Virginia Office of Health Promotion, where she educated fellow students on various health topics, emphasizing a holistic approach to wellness. She additionally worked as a research assistant on a study investigating the expansion of healthcare access through telemedicine in public libraries and was a Medical Scribe for the Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Alliance. She was inspired to pursue a career in genetic counseling from her personal connection to genetics through her heritage and her passion for supporting and empowering others. Since graduating, Jennifer worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this role, she worked on comparative studies researching the efficacies of treatments for multiple different types of Lymphoma. Jennifer also worked as a crisis counselor for the Domestic Violence Project of Warren and Washington Counties. In her free time, Jennifer also enjoys weightlifting, crocheting, and discovering new music. She is thrilled to start her journey to becoming a genetic counselor at the University of Maryland! 

Grace Gercken

Born and raised in Harford County, Maryland, Grace graduated from Bucknell University in 2022 with a B.S. in Biology. As an undergraduate student, she interned at Geisinger’s Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute on a research project where she analyzed data on the phenotypes of SETBP1-Related Disorder. Through this opportunity, she collaborated with genetic counselors and was inspired by their career path, which combines her passion for persistent learning about genetics with providing care to patients as they manage their diagnosis journey. Following graduation, Grace worked as a genetic counseling assistant for Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center at Chester County Hospital, where she supported the genetic counselor’s daily clinical activities, served cancer patients, and shadowed genetic counselors in a variety of specialties. Wanting to become involved in her community, Grace assisted survivors as a counselor for a local domestic violence agency textline and enjoyed connecting with adults with disabilities at The Arc social events. In addition to volunteering, Grace loves spending time with her friends and family, playing tennis, baking, and reading at the beach. She is very excited to join the UMB MGC Class of 2026 and to continue her journey to becoming a genetic counselor!

Pravalika Rayala

Pravalika was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. She came to the U.S. for her undergraduate studies due to the limited education opportunities for genetics in India. She graduated from University of South Florida (USF), Tampa, with a dual degree in Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  While at USF, she worked as a part-time tutor in her university’s academic success center, where she tutored General and Organic Chemistry to her fellow college mates. This experience helped discover her love for teaching. She also had the opportunity to volunteer as a Comfort Companion Volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she supported terminal patients and their families. As part of her undergraduate studies, she did wet lab and bioinformatics research on bacteriophages, contributing to the national bacteriophage database to combat super-bacterial infections, and co-authored a publication on the genome sequence of CaiB, a DR Cluster Actinobacteriophage. Pravalika did an independent project with her peers on international genetic counseling, interviewing genetic counselors from 12 countries to understand global accessibility and challenges in the field. This project inspired her to envision expanding genetic counseling globally through collaboration with genetic counselors and other professionals. In her free time, Pravalika enjoys spending time with family and friends, learning about geopolitics, binge-watching series, and hiking and trekking in nature. She is exhilarated to join the University of Maryland, Baltimore MGC Program and become a Genetic Counselor.

Haley Stambaugh

Haley was born and raised in Cockeysville, Maryland. She graduated from Penn State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. She was introduced to genetic counseling in her second year of college and her family history of cystic fibrosis further inspired her to become a genetic counselor. During her time at Penn State, she was a cellular and molecular biology learning assistant and a volunteer crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. After graduation, she became a volunteer blog writer for the Turner Syndrome Foundation and she obtained an internship with the Department of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Here, Haley devoted a lot of her time to prenatal genetics, which allowed her to complete a research project on placental mosaicism. She also had the opportunity to attend case conferences, lectures, and journal club meetings. For the past two years, Haley worked as a research specialist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. During this time, she performed whole genome sequencing on bacterial isolates to identify antibiotic resistance genes. Outside of work and school, Haley enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, and reading. She is thrilled to be part of the MGC program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore!

Julia Ullman

Julia, a Northern New Jersey native, graduated from Rutgers University - New Brunswick in 2022 with a B.S. in Public Health and a minor in Biological Sciences. While at Rutgers, she worked as a Research Assistant in a genetics lab, identifying genes involved in glioma pathogenesis. As Julia deepened her understanding of the science behind disease, she developed a strong interest in translating this knowledge into a patient-centered career. She gained hands-on experience by shadowing prenatal genetic counselors and interning at Good Grief, where she supported children who had lost a parent or sibling. Additionally, Julia volunteered for the Rutgers College Support Program where she mentored a student on the autism spectrum. After graduating, Julia worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant and Fertility Care Coordinator at the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York. Her love for educating patients, offering guidance, and providing a supportive outlet fueled her excitement to pursue a degree that embodies these responsibilities. During her graduate studies and in her future career, Julia is interested in expanding genetic counseling on a global scale. Her global outlook was shaped by teaching a genetics course and working in a medical clinic in Kenya in the summer of 2023. This opened her eyes to the potential for genetic counseling to cross borders and make an impact on diverse populations. Outside of work and school, Julia enjoys visiting National Parks, playing tennis, and trying new restaurants. She is excited to join the University of Maryland MGC Program and continue her journey in genetic counseling!

Matthew Fairchild

Matthew was born and raised in Carroll County, Maryland, about an hour west of Baltimore. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 2022 with a degree in Biological Sciences. During his undergraduate studies, Matthew was honored to serve as a clinical research associate and an Associate Chief of the Research Associate Program in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. He also had the opportunity to learn from genetic counselors throughout the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas as a leader in the UMD Pre-Genetic Counseling Society. These experiences were especially formative as he decided to pursue a career in genetic counseling. In his free time, Matthew loves cooking, playing the bass guitar, and spending time with friends and family. He couldn’t be more excited to be a member of the Class of 2025 University of Maryland Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program!

Sophia Lenzmeier

Sophia Lenzmeier was born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics & Genomics and French language. Throughout her undergraduate career, Sophia volunteered as a crisis counselor for the Rape Crisis Center and was an advocate for BeTheMatch, the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Sophia is passionate about science communication. As a part of her capstone project, she presented and published a website with her research on Apert syndrome related to the FGFR2 gene with the overarching goal of better understanding the protein’s function, in hopes of identifying new therapeutic treatment options. Her website serves as a resource for families affected by Apert syndrome and for the science community. This project sparked her interest in working with families affected by genetic conditions and prompted her to further explore genetic counseling. She founded the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization on campus to create opportunities to learn about the field from guest speakers and student-led discussions. Following her undergraduate studies, Sophia worked at Main Line Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a genetic counseling assistant specializing in cancer, cardio, and prenatal genetics. In her free time, Sophia enjoys indoor cycling, listening to music, trying new foods, and traveling. She is thrilled to be continuing on the path to becoming a genetic counselor at the University of Maryland and is excited to explore the city of Baltimore!

Jasmine Maghari

Jasmine graduated from the Honors College of the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Cell Biology and Genetics. During her first years as an undergraduate student, she joined the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) Program in the Immunogenetics Lab, investigating the role of immune response receptors in Drosophila melanogaster and their impact on the ability to control and survive Staphylococcus aureus infection. Outside of college classes, Jasmine played for the Women’s Club Volleyball team and participated in the Pre-Genetic Counseling Society. After realizing that the field of genetic counseling fulfilled many of her desires and goals, Jasmine began volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and interviewing genetic counselors to gain better insight into the field. Following graduation, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant at Inova Fairfax Hospital, supporting a multi-specialty team of geneticists and genetic counselors, including pediatric, adult, prenatal, neurogenetic, and cardiogenetic clinics. During her time here, Jasmine explored the psychosocial and ethical discussions surrounding genetic testing, as well as served a patient population of diverse backgrounds and conditions. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys reading a variety of genres, listening to podcasts, watching Formula 1 races, staying up to date on the latest reality TV shows, and spending time with her closest friends. She looks forward to continuing her education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore in the MGC Training Program and cultivating her skills as a future genetic counselor.

Matthew Nikzad

Matt Nikzad was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. As the son of Persian immigrants, he cares deeply about how language barriers impact the quality of healthcare. He was inspired to become a genetic counselor when the field impacted his own family’s understanding of their family history of blindness. Matt graduated from the University of Maryland in December 2022 with degrees in Cell Biology/Genetics and Psychology. At UMD, he helped create the Pre-Genetic Counseling Society, a club designed to give students the opportunity to hear about the genetic counseling profession from a variety of guest speakers. Matt also led the UMD chapter of the Food Recovery Network, a volunteer organization that packages surplus food from campus diners every night and distributes it to those in need. Matt worked as an undergraduate researcher on campus, studying host-pathogen interactions in environmental contexts. He contributed to a publication explaining why Drosophila sechellia is more susceptible than its fruit fly cousins to the Metarhizium fungus: in its natural habitat, the fly’s immunity is provided by the toxic Morinda plant to which only it has evolved resistance. Matt also worked as a teaching assistant for several genetics courses, and as a summer camp counselor for teens with genetic conditions. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, solving crossword puzzles, and playing board games with friends. Matt is thrilled to finally be a part of the UMB MGC program, a dream of his since high school.

Gwyneth Schoenbaum

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Gwyneth graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2023 with a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a specialization in computing. While attending UCLA, Gwyneth worked with the Goldberg Lab as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the honors collegium course “Genetic Engineering in Agriculture, Medicine, and Law,” where she developed a love for translating complex scientific techniques into more intelligible language. Gwyneth was able to further explore this love for translation as a genetic counseling intern at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she spent a year shadowing four wonderful genetic counselors and growing her interest in and passion for the field. While interning at USC, she also spent time as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. Outside of work and school, Gwyneth also enjoys volunteering with the YMCA as a leadership camp counselor each summer, hiking, backpacking, drawing, and reading. She can’t wait to start exploring Baltimore and to dive into her experience in the MGC program at the University of Maryland!

Alexa Sciarra

Alexa is from Bethlehem, PA, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry. Throughout her undergraduate career, she was a member of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band and served as the trumpet section leader her senior year. Additionally, Alexa participated in two research courses with the Pitt SEA-PHAGES program. She isolated unique bacteriophages and used CRISPR techniques and primer analysis to create phages with enhanced immunity. Throughout the last few years, Alexa volunteered with multiple organizations, including Planned Parenthood as a patient escort, diversity, and social media volunteer; Crisis Text Line as a crisis counselor; and Family House Pittsburgh as a house volunteer. After graduation, Alexa worked as a cancer and prenatal genetic counselor assistant at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Through attending weekly case preparation meetings, tumor boards, student journal clubs, and psychosocial case presentations, Alexa gained a greater awareness of the daily tasks of a genetic counselor. She had the opportunity to shadow genetic counselors in seven specialties, which solidified her passion and interest in the field. In her free time, Alexa loves to bake, spend time with friends and family, watch reality TV, and go rock climbing. She is excited to start this new chapter in Baltimore and is grateful to be in the UMB program!

Grace Smithmyer

Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Grace graduated from the University of Delaware in 2023 with her B.S. in Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology & Genetics) and a minor in Genetic Counseling. During her undergraduate years, she was a teaching assistant for the undergraduate genetics course and volunteered as a victim advocate for an on-campus Sexual Offense Support helpline. These opportunities allowed Grace to realize how much she loves helping and supporting others. Grace has always had an interest in genetic counseling, but her practicum at Christiana Care in Newark, Delaware, showed her that it is her passion. She had the opportunity to shadow a Neurogenetics counselor and observe the day-to-day life of a genetic counselor. Grace enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and being with friends and family in her free time. She is extremely excited to begin this next chapter at the University of Maryland!

Morgan Tolley 

Morgan grew up in Moses Lake, Washington, and graduated from Brigham Young University – Provo in 2022 with a B.S. in Genetics, Genomics & Biotechnology. Morgan first became interested in genetics by participating in Science Olympiad competitions in middle school and her passion for science grew as genetic counseling became more personally relevant to her through young adulthood. After her first year of undergraduate work, Morgan took a break from her studies to volunteer as a representative for her church in Santiago, Chile, for 18 months. She left Chile with a greater desire to devote her life to the service of others and fluency in the Spanish language. Upon returning to BYU she became involved as the secretary of the BYU Pre-Genetic Counseling club, the director of a hippotherapy outreach program, a student employee in Dr. Paul Savage's BioChem lab, and a genetic counseling intern at Lineagen Inc. in Salt Lake City. Her internships at Lineagen and later NexGen Precision, as well as shadowing experiences at various locations in Washington, Utah, and California, planted even deeper in her the desire to become a genetic counselor. Morgan loves all things recreational: skiing, backpacking, horseback riding, and water sports are a few favorites, along with meeting new people and exploring new places. She is ready to work hard and enjoy all the experiences awaiting her here at the University of Maryland!