Cohort of 2025
My name is Janel and I’m from Kitchener, Ontario. I graduated from the University of Waterloo’s co-operative education program with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Biology and a specialization in molecular genetics. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I had the pleasure of working as a genetic counselling assistant at both Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in their Cancer Genetics and High Risk Program and at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in the Bhalwani Familial Cancer Clinic. A personal connection to hereditary disorders drew me to the field of genetic counselling, while my experience working in genetic clinics and interacting with patients strengthened my desire to pursue this profession.
Following graduation, I volunteered at a local counselling organization, Compass Community Services, as a support line operator. Connecting with individuals and offering support deepened my ability to provide compassionate care. I returned to University Health Network in a volunteer capacity, assisting at Fred A. Litwin Family Centre in Genetic Medicine and again at the Bhalwani Familial Cancer Clinic.
Recently, I began as a research assistant at Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, focusing on identifying racial disparities in cancer genetic services. Increasing access to genetic services through understanding and addressing barriers to care, while centering diverse patient perspectives, is something I am so excited to contribute to.
I’m an avid thrifter, and otherwise spend my time trying new recipes or playing board games with friends! I am thrilled to be a part of UBC’s Genetic Counselling program and to take the next step in my longstanding goal of becoming a genetic counsellor.