Cohort of 2022
I was born and raised in Markham, Ontario and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology. After taking an early interest in genetics during my undergraduate studies, I pursued a wet lab research project in my fourth year, where I worked under Dr. Barbara Moffatt and studied the plant model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. My work focused on isolating a CRISPR-induced suppressor mutant through genetic screening and conducting transcriptional fusion assays to analyze key genes involved in its cell division. Following this experience, I realized that wet lab research was not my preferred career path and I wanted to pursue a career where I could apply my interest in genetics towards an active interpersonal environment. I chose genetic counselling because it is such a unique profession that combines genetics “detective” work, science communication, and psychosocial patient care.
In preparation for graduate school, I volunteered at Distress Centre Halton as a distress line responder, where my role was to support people over the phone in coping with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress. Not only did this experience help me develop my counselling skills in a variety of situations, but it also provided me with the rewarding opportunity to advocate for client mental health. Other valuable work experiences that have led me to pursue genetic counselling include coaching at a youth basketball camp and working as a support worker for people living with mental disabilities. In my spare time, I like to play basketball, work out, watch movies, read books, and cook. I am very grateful to be in the UBC Genetic Counselling Class of 2024 and am looking forward to building towards my career as a genetic counsellor!