Genetic Counseling Students and Alumni
Class of 2026
Melanie Clawson is originally from the St. Louis, Missouri area. She graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with her B.S. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Genetic and Cellular Biology. While attending SIUE, Melanie performed research in a biochemistry lab pursuing the overexpression and purification of pseudouridine glycosidase in E. coli. Additionally, Melanie performed recombinant DNA experiments on the model organism C. elegans. Since graduating, Melanie worked as a social worker with Compass Health
Network in the Adult Community Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center (CPRC) where she counseled, supported, and aided in the recovery journey of her clients. Melanie has wanted to pursue genetic counseling since high school, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to do so
at the University of Arizona. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys rock climbing, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Diego is from El Paso Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Genetics and Genomics. While at UT Austin, he worked as a Teaching Assistant for Genetics, volunteered for Crisis Text Line, and researched developmental genes in C. Elegans. He also worked as a Vision Therapist where he guided and supported those aiming to improve their vision health. Diego's goal in becoming a genetic counselor is to aid those in his community and to expand the accessibility of the field to as many families as possible. Outside of academics, he enjoys bouldering, running, playing video games, and videography. As well as going on long walks with his dog, Porgi.
Mary "Isabelle" Mundo was raised in Northern California and moved to Tucson to pursue her Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona, graduating with a double major in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Neuroscience & Cognitive Science. During her undergraduate career, she worked at the Charest Lab researching protein pathways that control directed cell migration, worked as a caregiver and tutor to a colleague with cerebral palsy, and co-founded an organization that focuses on political activism in the Tucson community. After graduation she continued to work as a car giver, providing home health aid for seniors. Isabelle strives to work towards equal access to genetic testing across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In her free time she enjoys singing, writing, watching movies with her friends, and cuddling with her cat Yumi.
Hannah is from sunny San Diego and graduated from the University of San Diego with a BA in Biology. Her undergraduate research involved microdissection of mosquito larvae, to investigate ion transport in the gastric caeca using Western blotting and immunolocalization. While at USD, Hannah enjoyed being a TA in various biology labs and sharing her passion for science to middle and high school students through extracurricular programs. After graduating, she held various roles in R&D at Illumina, which exposed her to the power of genomics and the versatile genetic counseling profession. Additionally, she was the San Diego County Ambassador for Cake4Kids, a non-profit that provides free birthday treats to children in need, and volunteered with 7 Cups, an online emotional health service. In her free time, Hannah loves to go rock climbing (indoors and out!), visit National Parks, baking, and is looking forward to exploring Tucson!
Kaye was raised in Washington and moved to Idaho to complete her Bachelor of Science from Boise State University with a major in Health Studies. While at Boise State University, she worked as a certified nursing assistant, volunteered as a Crisis Text Line counselor, tutored elementary and high school students in math and science, and researched health disparities affecting children’s education within Idaho. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Kaye attended George Washington University to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate in Molecular Diagnostic Science. During her studies at George Washington, she became a research assistant investigating the professional identity of genetic counselors. She published her first manuscript as the primary author in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, which detailed the initial phase of the study. Since finishing her certificate, Kaye has worked as a medical assistant in an obstetrics and gynecology clinic near Seattle, supporting women navigating pregnancy and ongoing care. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, camping, and experimenting with new dinner recipes. Kaye is absolutely thrilled to start this next chapter and is excited to leave the Washington rain behind!
Class of 2025
Erin is originally from Southern California and moved to Arizona after she graduated from Claremont McKenna College in 2020 with her B.A. in Biology. While at CMC, she worked in a genomics and bioinformatics lab where she completed her undergraduate thesis on the genomic basis of pair-bonding behaviors in Zebra Finch. She also worked in a parasite ecology lab and played college softball. After graduation, she worked in dermatology clinical research where she both managed and assisted with a variety of clinical trials. Erin volunteered in multiple transitional housing shelters in California and Arizona, as a Genetic Counseling Intern and Research Administration Partner at St. Joseph Hospital, and as a PurpleStride Volunteer Chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She then obtained an M.S. in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare at the University of Cincinnati and worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, AZ. Outside of work and the classroom, Erin is a huge sports fan and loves to travel. You can find her at MLB or NHL games, on the slow pitch softball field, or planning her next trip abroad in her free time!
Chloe is from Eastern Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology. While at UKY, she worked in a research lab studying glycogen metabolism in weaning piglets, volunteered for Crisis Text Line, and worked with the youth in her community through various organizations. She also worked as a receptionist at a psychology office where she provided support for those undergoing custodial evaluations. Growing up in Appalachia inspired Chloe to pursue genetic counseling with the goal of making healthcare easier to understand and more accessible to all. In her free time, she enjoys baking, bouldering, and spending time with her cats—Teaspoon and Spork.
Maddie was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota before attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete her B.S. in Neurobiology and minor in Entrepreneurship. Her studies took a focus on Neurodevelopmental diseases which was an interest sparked during her time working as the dietary aide of a senior center’s memory care floor. While at UW-Madison she served on the board of the University’s chapters of Habitat for Humanity, Project 1808, and UNS (Undergraduate Neuroscience Society). She was involved in the Marler Lab of Hormones and Behavior as well as Planned Parenthood and Madison’s Rape Crisis Center. After graduating she accepted a research specialist position with the Wisconsin Reading Center evaluating ocular images from clinical trials for disease presence and severity. In her spare time Maddie enjoys traveling, reading, running, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.
Catherine is from Palm Harbor, Florida and graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During her time in college, Catherine volunteered as a research assistant in a psychology lab and completed an undergraduate honors thesis exploring body image discrepancies. She also spent time volunteering with Crisis Text Line and in the emergency department of a local hospital. Since graduating, Catherine has been interning with the genetic counseling department of Igenomix, where she has enjoyed learning about preimplantation genetic testing. In her free time, Catherine enjoys crocheting, baking, and spending time with her dog, Bella.
Hope was born and raised in Calgary Canada, and grew up enjoying many Canadian past times, such as skiing, skating, and eating poutine. Hope has always known she wanted to be a genetic counselor; in high school science class it was “love at first pedigree”. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from St. Mary’s University. Later she returned to the same school to complete a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science, where she had the privilege of teaching high school genetics in one of her rotations. On her path to genetic counseling she has had many roles, including ski instructor, crisis hotline volunteer, assistant manager at Build-A-Bear Workshop, and laboratory technician at the Calgary Milk Bank. She is very grateful to be able to pursue her dream career in beautiful Tucson Arizona. If she is not busy studying, you can find her lounging by the pool, curled up with a book, or snuggling her cat, Specter.
Alumni
Graduate, Class of 2021
Misha B. Asif is originally from Las Vegas, NV where she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Biology and a minor in Psychology. Following graduation, Misha received her Certificate in Genetics and Genomics from Stanford University and worked as a substitute teacher for the Clark County School District. She also worked as a research assistant in a Neurogenetics and Precision Medicine Lab. Misha went on to receive her Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences from Midwestern University prior to joining the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Arizona. Misha is now a board certified genetic counselor who specializes in genetic counseling for patients at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. As of August, '23, Misha joined the leadership team of the UAGCGP, as an Assistant Director of Fieldwork. In addition to her clinical roles, she is actively engaged in genetics outreach, mentorship, and education.
Graduate, Class of 2023
Lindsey was born and raised in the little state of Delaware. She graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 2021 with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a second major in Spanish. Throughout her undergraduate career, Lindsey greatly enjoyed participating in service opportunities, ranging from a trip to the Holy Cross Lake View Secondary School in Uganda to service trips at the Center for the Homeless in Indiana. Lindsey also participated in Neuroscience research regarding resistance to L-DOPA treatment in Parkinsonian brains (affected by Parkinson’s Disease). Lindsey was also President of the FIMRC (Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children) club, a HOPE (Helping Our Peers Excel) Peer Educator through the extension of the Counseling Center, a Campus Ministry Core Team Leader, and an ESL (English as Second Language) conversation partner while at King’s College. Aside from that, Lindsey thoroughly enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as exploring the outdoors!
Graduate, Class of 2021
Elizabeth M. Chavez is from Las Cruces, New Mexico and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, she was a resident assistant, volunteer with the NAU Special Olympics, and research assistant at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) North. After graduation from NAU, Elizabeth served as a genetic counseling intern with Grey Genetics. Since finishing her degree from the UAGCGP, Elizabeth has been practicing as a genetic counselor at the Tucson Medical Center. She specializes in prenatal and cancer genetic counseling.
Graduate, Class of 2023
Laura grew up just outside of Portland, Oregon, and graduated with her Bachelor of Science from Linfield College with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. While at Linfield, she worked as a caregiver for an autistic child, volunteered at a domestic violence shelter, and participated in two research projects: one involving genome annotation, and the other involving a gene silencing pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. After graduation, she provided administrative support at her local Planned Parenthood and became a volunteer sexual assault victim advocate. She spent the last two years as a pediatric genetic counseling assistant at Oregon Health and Science University. In her free time, she enjoys being active, cooking, eating, and spending time with her family.
Graduate, Class of 2023
Emily Gay grew up in Upstate New York where she attended SUNY Geneseo. She graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a BS in Biology with a minor in Human Development. Emily found a new home in Salt Lake City Utah where she began a PhD program in Molecular, Cellular, and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Utah. After a year of research, Emily decided to transfer to Westminster College to study pedagogy. While working in the Salt Lake City school district as a paraprofessional Emily completed her Masters in Teaching from Westminster College. After two years of teaching high school Biology and English as a Second language, she began working at Myraid Genetics as a Clinical Data Specialist. Emily has worked on undergraduate and graduate research projects mainly focused on developmental biology and neurology. Emily’s ideal day is spent in the mountains finding fresh snow to slide on and maybe a fish or two to catch!
Graduate, Class of 2022
Morgan Gaynor (Nicholl-Lewandowski) is from Phoenix, Arizona and graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Morgan has experience working as a physical therapy technician, as a certified crisis counselor, and as a leader in her university’s student government. Morgan went on to become the director of health and wellness on her student government’s executive cabinet where she and her committee gave monthly presentations on campus related to Adderall addiction, the importance of stress management and counseling, eating disorders, and other health-related issues common in undergraduate settings. Most notably, Morgan led her committee to host an event to develop awareness about childhood cancer and raised thousands of dollars for cancer research for two consecutive years. Whether it was spending her free time as a biology tutor, volunteering with Special Olympics, presenting at university-hosted events on health-related issues, or conducting undergraduate research in her university’s genetics department, Morgan was actively involved in many areas of campus life. In summer 2018, Morgan was nominated for an academic cancer research internship with the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in Ulsan, South Korea. She spent two months there studying TonEBP, an inhibitor of DNA damage repair response, and its co-localization with the tumor suppressor, SHPRH. After graduation, Morgan returned to Phoenix and began work in clinical trial research studying pharmaceuticals for various drug companies. One of Morgan’s goals as a genetic counselor is to help the healthcare world arrive at a clear and balanced understanding of the ethics behind planning our futures in a world where we are gaining an exponentially greater amount of control in who we become.
Graduate, Class of 2022
Emily Green grew up in Corvallis, Oregon. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2008 with a B.S. in Biology and Minors in Chemistry and French. She then moved to France and worked for one year as an English Teaching Assistant, before earning her M.S. and PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Strasbourg in France. During her PhD, Emily worked on developing genetic strategies to block the spread of malaria by mosquitoes, with the goal of supporting the current global disease eradication efforts. As an active member of two PhD student associations, Emily was deeply involved in supporting international PhD students and helping them to adjust to life in France. Emily is a passionate hiker, river boater, and cook, with a love of houseplants and books.
Graduate, Class of 2021
Tim grew up in the Phoenix area and later attended New Mexico State University, earning his BS in Animal Science. He returned to Arizona where we completed a Master of Divinity at Phoenix Seminary. Tim started Redemption Books which partnered with non-profits to convert donated books into cash to serve compelling causes. He was recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of 35 Entrepreneurs 35 and Under in Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona with an MS in genetic counseling, Tim joined Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the nation’s largest cancer programs. Outside of the workplace, Tim enjoys spending time with his family.
Graduate, Class of 2022
Rachel Hull grew up in the Bay Area in California. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in Psychology. As an undergraduate, she worked at a number of academic and industrial laboratories and volunteered for several departments within the UC Davis Medical Center, including the Division of Genomic Medicine. Additionally, she served as the editor-in-chief of an undergraduate life sciences journal and the president of the UC Davis Genetic Counseling Club. Rachel has gained invaluable knowledge through her role as a genetic counseling assistant for Advocate Genetics, a private practice that specializes in reproductive medicine. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, baking, and playing ukulele.
Graduate, Class of 2024
Faith Knight is from Tucson, Arizona and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a focus on Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology, in three years. She is passionate about education and helping others, evident through her past work in roles which supported first-year college students, children’s swim instruction, and currently as a monitor technician and hospital unit coordinator at Banner Hospital. Faith also enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with family.
Graduate, Class of 2024
Bridget was raised in Phoenix and moved to Tucson to complete her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona with a double major in psychological science and molecular & cellular biology, and a minor in biochemistry. While at the University of Arizona, she acted as a peer mentor for the department of molecular & cellular biology, a volunteer at the University of Arizona vaccine POD, and the Vice President of the University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Club. Upon graduation, Bridget has continued her involvement in research projects investigating the neurobiological mechanisms of normal memory decline and cognition in animal models, as well as began working as a youth care worker at a teen homeless shelter in Tucson. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, exploring local restaurants and activities in Tucson, and spending time with friends.
Graduate, Class of 2023
Priyanka Maripuri is an international student from Hyderabad, India. She graduated with a B.Tech degree in Bioinformatics in 2017. During that time, as a Bioinformatics Intern at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, she focused on an integrative approach that combines multi-omics data to study complex biological processes holistically. After graduation, as a Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, she has been involved in designing an in silico computational pipeline that integrates genomic data gathering with analytic tools to detect cancer-associated mutations. She then moved to the University of Alberta, Canada to obtain an MSc in Medical Genetics with an emphasis on understanding Campomelic Dysplasia, a skeletal disorder. During her masters, Priyanka has taken many leadership roles in her university’s student governance from serving as a President to the Indian Students' Association to increase cultural competency across the campus, to being a Deputy Speaker with the Graduate Students' Association. She also took up many active roles within the community including her work with the Crisis line and HIV-infected/affected kids. Priyanka is an avid reader; you can either find her with an interesting book and a hot chocolate or at a café exploring other foods!
Graduate, Class of 2022
Olivia is from Buffalo, New York and graduated from John Carroll University in 2020 with a BS in Biology. As an undergraduate, she worked as an intern at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in the summer program doing research in breast cancer genetics. This focused primarily on a novel therapeutic option for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Additionally, she spent time as an intern at the Monarch School working with children with Autism. Olivia enjoyed volunteering with various organizations such as Crisis Text Line and the Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center. She also belonged to John Carroll’s Love Your Melon campus crew spreading awareness for pediatric cancer. Outside of school, she spends time hiking, having movie nights, and looks forward to getting involved in the Tucson community.
Graduate, Class of 2022
Lisa Olsen is from Irvine, California and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Anthropology. While at UConn, she was president of the UConn figure skating team, was a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line, and was involved in a variety of research projects, ranging from kinesiology to the molecular genetics of flowers. She also volunteered in a hospice, a women’s health clinic, an AIDS support center, and through multiple medical missions to Vietnam. In her spare time, Lisa loves traveling, ice skating, and spending time with family and friends.
Graduate, Class of 2023
Keri grew up in White Plains, NY and Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Biology. She spent two years as a research assistant at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC and four years at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) in Phoenix, AZ. She left research to study nursing at Arizona State University and received her BSN. Keri spent four years working as a Certified Critical Care Nurse in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Banner Good Samaritan. Following that, she returned to TGen as Clinical Co-Director of the Center for Rare Childhood Disorders. She manages several studies including undiagnosed rare disease and neurological disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and Rett syndrome. Keri loves traveling the southwest, reading, and spending time with her son, Benjamin.
Graduate, Class of 2024
E’Lashae Richards Scott states she is thrilled to be a part of this upcoming class of Genetic counselors - this has been a dream of hers for as long as she can remember. She is from Chicago but has been growing in her career in STEM here in Arizona. E’Lashae received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Biology from Tuskegee University. Outside of her love for science, she has a deep love for painting and cooking. If she had to state an important fact about herself, it is that she is a scientist that just so happens to be an artist. Being involved in the arts keeps her rounded and thinking outside the box which overall has shaped the woman she is today.
Graduate, Class of 2021
Becki's prior academic degrees are from Penn State (MA in Biological Anthropology) and Arizona State University (B.S. In Anthropology with a minor in Biological Sciences), where she focused on the study of human evolutionary genomics with a special interest in population genetics. Becki is now a graduate of UA's Genetic Counseling Program and a Board Certified Genetic Counselor. She works for Natera as an Associate Clinical Variant Curator in which she melds her interdisciplinary experience in both evolutionary and clinical genetics. She is an advocate for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the fields of genomics and genetic counseling. She also continues her ongoing science communication and science education endeavors as a Consultant for MyGeneCounsel and as Adjunct Faculty at Mesa Community College where she teaches biological anthropology. You can follow her professional Twitter profile at: https://twitter.com/GeneticsBecki.
Graduate, Class of 2021
Shealyn graduated from the University of Arizona in 2017 with a BS in Molecular & Cellular Biology and minors in Biochemistry and Spanish. As an undergraduate, she worked both as a server at a local restaurant and a student researcher in a laboratory focusing on the aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus. Passionate about the Tucson community, Shealyn volunteers on the border and with the Community Justice Board of Tucson.
Graduate, Class of 2024
Ileana was born and raised in the heart of California’s Central Valley. She graduated with her Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from California State University Stanislaus with minors in biology and chemistry. While at CSU Stanislaus, she volunteered in a research lab that focused on microsatellite markers in California ground squirrels, volunteered as a peer mentor for prospective first generation college students and worked as a Supplemental Instructor where she ran interactive group study sessions for courses in General and Cellular + Molecular Biology. After graduation, she worked as a housing advocate at her local domestic violence shelter, where she provided emotional support and advocated on the behalf of survivors. In her free time, Ileana enjoys hiking, reading, and playing with her dog Benji.
Graduate, Class of 2024
Juliana grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a second degree in Psychology. During this time, she enjoyed volunteering as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Textline and serving as an intern teacher for The Bio/Diversity Project. She also participated in genomic research involving the endosymbionts of coral. After graduation, she worked as a career advisor for a nonprofit where she counseled and educated students. In her free time, Juliana enjoys listening to podcasts, spending time outdoors, and trying new recipes and creative hobbies.