Cohort of 2025
Hello! My name is Crystal, and I am from Toronto, Ontario. I graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with an Honours BSc, specializing in Molecular Genetics and minoring in Psychology.
During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to conduct research in the labs of Dr. Thomas Hurd and Dr. Miguel Ramalho-Santos, where I developed both my understanding of developmental genetics and my passion for research. Wanting to engage more deeply with communities beyond the lab and classroom, I began volunteering with the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre’s crisis line, where I developed a deep appreciation of counselling and psychosocial care. It was during this time that I realized my desire to pursue genetic counselling — a field that intertwines my passion for genetics with interpersonal connection and psychosocial support.
After graduation, I pursued an MSc in Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia in the lab of Dr. Anna Lehman, where I expanded my understanding of rare disease genetics. During my Master’s, I had the opportunity to characterize a novel congenital malformation syndrome and gained experience in variant reclassification.
In my free time, I enjoy being at the beach, exploring coffee shops around the city, and visiting local markets. As I enter the Genetic Counselling Cohort of 2025, I am excited to continue learning how to best support patients while deepening my understanding of medical genetics.