Cohort of 2025
Hello! My name is Makayla, and I am from Calgary, Alberta. I graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology.
After graduation, I had the amazing opportunity to work as a Genetic Assistant with Alberta Health Services at the Clinical and Metabolic Genetics Program. In my experience, I got to work directly alongside genetic counsellors to provide care to patients. I gained experience collecting family histories, coordinating genetic test ordering and assisting with group counselling sessions. I also had a research volunteer role at the Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System during this time. I supported the record-keeping of infants with congenital anomalies in Alberta. Outside of the genetics world, I gained valuable advocacy experience as a Peer Support Counselling volunteer at The Women’s Centre of Calgary, where I connected with women with diverse lived experiences. Collectively, these experiences reinforced my desire to become a genetic counsellor, educating and advocating for patients.
In my free time, I enjoy travelling, playing soccer, reading, and making homemade pasta. I am so excited to be a part of the UBC Genetic Counselling Cohort of 2025 and look forward to learning and growing over the next two years.