Jessica Bogacik was born and raised in Lynchburg, VA. She attended the University of Virginia, where she completed a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Psychology.  While at UVA, Jessica worked in a psychology research lab for two years, was Vice President of Golden Key International Honor Society, and was a volunteer for a 24-hour crisis hotline.  She was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.  Jessica works as a graduate assistant for the Genetic Counseling Program. jlbogaci@uncg.edu

"I loved the enviornment and thought going to class in a house was great-not to mention UNCG is surrounded by some of the best hospitals in the nation. This gives us ample opportunity to experience a variety of clinical settings."

Dana Faux is from Wexford, PA, outside of Pittsburgh.  A graduate of Allegheny College, she majored in biology, minored in psychology, and completed a senior comprehensive project in developmental genetics, focusing on apoptosis in transgenic Drosophila.  As a vice-president of the Alpha Phi Omega service organization, she assisted in planning the annual dance-a-thon to raise money for local autistic children.  To prepare for graduate school, Dana spent a summer shadowing pre-natal and cancer genetic counselors at two Pittsburgh hospitals, and interned with a psychologist at the Oncology Wellness Institute, where she observed the importance of whole-person cancer care. dlfaux@uncg.edu 

"Something that drew me to the program was the strong emphasis on community involvment. This includes attending a support group and the chance to observe how local agencies meet the genetic needs of patients. I also appreciated the opportunity to meet directly with families affected by genetic conditions."

Amy Furches grew up in West Jefferson, North Carolina and then moved to Raleigh to go to North Carolina State.  She graduated from NCSU in May 2009 with a degree in Science Education.  Last summer, Amy worked at UNC-Chapel Hill in the Department of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism.  Amy is currently a Teaching Assistant at UNCG, where she teaches Introductory Biology labs.

acfurche@uncg.edu

Melanie Hardy is originally from Michigan but was residing in Savannah, GA with her husband prior to coming to UNCG.  She obtained a BS in Biology from Michigan State University and an MS in Biology from Georgia Southern University.  She also taught high school biology, chemistry and forensics for several years. She first became interested in genetic counseling through a teacher seminar at the Greenwood Genetic Center in South Carolina.

mahardy@uncg.edu

Kelly McMahon grew up in Rochester, NY. She attended the University of Rochester where she received her BS in Molecular Genetics in May 2009. While at the University of Rochester she was involved in research, her sorority, and volunteered as a Rape Crisis Counselor. At UNCG Kelly is working as a Graduate Assistant in the Biology Department teaching undergraduate biology labs.

kqmcmaho@uncg.edu

Michael Osborne is from Gibsonville, North Carolina, and grew up very close to UNCG.  He received his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish from UNC Chapel Hill in 2008, and is very excited to be back home to start his master's degree!  Michael works as a teaching assistant for the biology department, and is very dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer's disease. cmosborn@uncg.edu

Mallory Schultz is from Excelsior, MN, just outside of Minneapolis.  She completed her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2009 where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry.  Mallory first became interested in genetic counseling through one of her undergraduate classes. At UNCG, Mallory is a graduate assistant for the genetic counseling program. mrschult@uncg.edu

"I chose to come to UNCG because the program is excellent and the students and faculty were so welcoming. I feel that those around me really care about helping me become a successful genetic counselor."

Emily Walsh grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts.  She graduated from Stonehill College in May 2009 with a BS in biology and a minor in chemistry.  While a student, Emily worked as a teaching assistant and tutor for the chemistry department, a student ambassador with the admissions office, and a student mentor.  At UNCG, she works as a graduate assistant for the genetic counseling program. e_walsh@uncg.edu

"UNCG appealed to me because everything in the program has a purpose that is clearly applicable to your future role as a genetic counselor. I never wonder 'will I ever use this?' because I know I will."