Cohort of 2024
Hi, my name is Miya, and I am from Edmonton, Alberta. I graduated from MacEwan University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Chemistry.
During my undergraduate degree, I was employed as a Chemistry lab assistant and then as a research assistant working on microplastic quantification in environmental samples and, separately, antibiotic adsorption to sand. Although I was significantly involved in the chemistry department, I always felt called to biology, specifically genetics. I first heard about Genetic Counselling in a third-year genetics class that focused on social, ethical, and legal issues of genetic modification, prenatal testing, and other advancing technologies in genetics. Having a Genetic Counsellor guest lecture about how to work through an example case was a turning point for me, and I knew that was what I wanted to be. Additionally, after being introduced to informed consent in this same class, it resonated with me as an essential subject in the healthcare system. I decided to write an essay on this topic for another class, and my paper was published in the MacEwan University Student eJournal in 2022.
After graduating, I volunteered as a Victim Services Advocate, providing emotional support to victims of crime. This role honed my advocacy skills and taught me the importance of remaining calm and collected in high-stress situations. It was an enriching experience that reinforced my desire to become a Genetic Counsellor, a role where I can use my empathy and resilience to support individuals.
Most recently, I trained as a Clinical Genetics Technologist at BCIT. I learnt how to identify and analyze chromosomes with possible abnormalities and perform cytogenetic and molecular tests to be used by clinicians for patient diagnosis.
When I’m not immersed in the world of genetics, I enjoy reading, crafting, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with my loved ones. I am thrilled to join UBC’s Genetic Counselling cohort of 2024, where I can further my passion and contribute to the field.