Alexis Carere grew up in Toronto, Canada, and attended the University of Western Ontario, where she completed a BSc in Genetics, with a minor in Philosophy. During her time at Western, she worked for two summers in a developmental biology laboratory and undertook a 4th-year project studying the expression of the hormone Leptin in Xenopus laevis embryogenesis. Before coming to UNCG, she also completed an MA in Philosophy at Western, and focused her attention on health care ethics. dacarere@uncg.edu

Kristen Cornell was born and raised in Scranton, PA. She graduated in May 2008 from Lehigh University in Bethlehem PA with a BS in Biology and a minor in Psychology. While at Lehigh she was involved in planning student activities and community service. At UNCG, her capstone project is focusing on helping the University of North Carolina develop a transition protocol for its adolescent patients with phenylketonuria. Kristen currently is a graduate assistant for the NCEC sickle cell project. kecornel@uncg.edu

“The rotation sites here in North Carolina are really great. They are well known and respected. We get exposure to all aspects of the profession and have the opportunity to make a lot of contacts while still in school. Hopefully this will help me decide which area of genetic counseling I want to focus on after graduating from UNCG.”

Whitney Cogswell grew up in Marietta, Ohio.  She attended Ohio State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Molecular Genetics.  During her time at OSU, Whitney worked in a research lab on proteins involved in DNA replication and completed an undergraduate thesis on that research.  She also worked part time for a genetic counselor at OSU Medical Center.  At UNCG, Whitney is a graduate assistant for the NCEC sickle cell project.  Her capstone project is on physicians' experiences with Direct-to-consumer genetic testing.  She will be surveying physicians about their opinions and encounters with DTC genetic testing.

wacogswe@uncg.edu

Kelly East grew up in Huntsville, Alabama.  She attended Auburn University and received her BS in Microbiology in December 2007.  At Auburn, Kelly did gene therapy research at the Auburn University Vet School.  She was also an ambassador for the University Honors College, a College of Sciences and Mathematics Leader, and a teaching assistant for a genetics course.  In the months between graduation and starting graduate school, Kelly worked with a genetic counselor at the Clearview Cancer Institute and worked for the Hudson-Alpha Institute of Biotechnology in Huntsville.  Kelly's capstone project is a program evaluation of Biotech 101, a short course in genetics and biotechnology for the general public, developed by the educational outreach department at HudsonAlpha . kemorela@uncg.edu

“I am so thrilled with my decison to be a part of this program. North Carolina is a beautiful place to live and the directors and staff are so friendly and really make you feel at home. The diverse coursework here at UNCG in addition to the renowned clinical roations at Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC make it a very well-rounded program. After my interview, I knew that this was a strong program and a place where I would fit in well. It has definitely met and exceeded all my expectations.”

Courtney McGuire graduated from NC State University in May 2006 with a BS in biological sciences and a minor in genetics.  After graduation, she worked at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill in a lab that studies the tumorigenesis of renal cell carcinoma.  Courtney also volunteered with the Special Olympics and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training.  For her Capstone project, she is investigating genetic counselors' variability in risk assessment for BRCA mutations. cgmcguir@uncg.edu

Theresa Mihalic grew up in Chardon, Ohio, outside of Cleveland.  While pursuing her undergraduate degree at Niagara University (Niagara Falls, NY) she worked in a breast cancer research lab, was a Biology tutor, and was captain of the Niagara U Danceline.  In spring 2008, she graduated with a BS in Biology/Biotechnology and a minor in Chemistry. At UNCG, she works for the Genomedical Connection promoting the importance of family health history.  For her Capstone project, Theresa is investigating why patients referred for prenatal genetic counseling decline genetic counseling services. tlmihali@uncg.edu

“I liked the way the program was structured.  You start out with observations and then build to rotations.  So, you are better prepared for patient interaction.”

Brooke Rush was born in Virginia, but has lived most of her life in North Carolina.  She received her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from NC State in 2001.  After working for a few years, she went back to NC State for a Master's degree in Genetics.  Her Capstone project involves a survey to determine pregnancy outcomes in survivors of abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele and gastroschisis. bkrush@uncg.edu

Holly Taylor is from Greenville, South Carolina.  She graduated from Clemson University with a bachelor's degree in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. 

ehtaylor@uncg.edu