• Received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies and Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• Enrolled in the Human Genetics program at Sarah Lawrence College immediately after finishing his undergraduate degree
• Learned to create a computer program that could be used in a cancer genetics setting for his Master's thesis

Why did you choose SLC for graduate school? Why Human Genetics?

Very early on in my undergraduate career I realized that I did not want to work in a typical biology lab. Following my freshman year at the U of M, I began working in the biology lab specializing in e. coli research. After three months of lab work, I felt that I needed an environment that would be more social, and I didn’t see myself fitting in with that crowd.

I continued studying the biological sciences, and near the end of my third year in university, I job shadowed a few different health professionals. I met Jeff Shaw, a cancer genetic counselor and previous SLC graduate, at Penrose Cancer Center in Colorado Springs, CO. After meeting Jeff, I decided to focus on genetic counseling, and spent the rest of my time at Penrose learning more about the profession. Jeff’s ability to smoothly navigate through the patient’s medical and family history and to engage the patients in the decision-making process was amazing and motivational. He showed me that there was a way to do science outside of a lab with a greater human element; I came to realize that I could apply science in a way that directly changes people’s lives. I continued to work with Jeff for the next year, and benefitted tremendously from his guidance and advice in selecting the right graduate program.

I chose Sarah Lawrence primarily because of the strength of its rotations. With its proximity to NYC, there is the opportunity to work with a variety of top genetic counselors at world renowned hospitals. I was afforded the chance to work with seasoned veterans in a multitude of clinic settings, including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, and adult-onset, as well as working in specialty clinics like Columbia’s Huntington’s Disease Center.

Additionally, small class size and the program’s reputation in the field attracted me to SLC. The fact that SLC was the first Human Genetics program means that practically everyone in genetic counseling recognizes the value of your experience and training. My time at SLC prepared me to work in any clinical setting, and with patients from a variety of backgrounds. Ultimately, SLC prepares you to work anywhere in the world.

How did your coursework prepare you for your fieldwork and eventual career?

It was taught by genetic counselors or individuals with a clinical genetics background. Rather than attending large classes directed toward medical or dental students, our classes focused on genetics and their specific application to future careers. Also, our professors, as genetic counselors, would discuss common genetic syndromes and their inheritance patterns, instead of a typical, yet inconsequential, lecture on fruit flies. In the end, I felt that SLC provided me with a strong foundation in clinical genetics, and that I was light-years ahead of my counterparts who earned degrees from other human genetics programs.

Where were your fieldwork assignments? What type of skills/knowledge did you acquire through your fieldwork?

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC)
February–May 2006
Supervisor: Robin Wolf, MS, CGC; Donna Wallerstein, MS, CGC
Prenatal, pediatric, and cancer rotation.

Westchester Medical Center
November 2005–January 2006
Supervisor: Linda Higgs, MS, CGC
Prenatal and pediatric rotation with several outreach centers in Upstate New York. Attended metabolic clinic as well as sampling PhenylAde amino acid bars and blends.

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC)
August–November 2005
Supervisor: Robin Wolf, MS, CGC; Donna Wallerstein, MS, CGC
Prenatal, pediatric, and cancer rotation. Personal emphasis on pediatric cases with visits to PICU and NICU, including diagnoses of Prader-Willi, Hemophilia A, autism, neurofibromatosis, and Marfan.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore
May–August 2005
Supervisor: Suzanne M. Carter, MS, CGC; Myrna Ben-Yishay, MS,CGC
Prenatal, recurrent loss and cancer rotation. Risk-assessment, discussion of testing options, and result disclosure with a high-volume of Spanish-speaking patients. Observed procedures: amniocentesis, PUBS, and CVS.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine /NCB
February–May 2005
Supervisor: Daniela Iacoboni, MS, CGC
High-risk pregnancy rotation with emphasis on obtaining a succinct family history and concise risk assessment.

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center
November 2004–February 2005
Supervisor: Avind Babu, Ph.D
Laboratory rotation focusing on karyotyping, FISH, and CGH techniques.

Columbia Presbyterian, Huntington Disease Center
September–November 2004
Supervisor: Jennifer Williamson-Catania, MS, CGC
Observation of patient-medical professional interaction including result disclosure, pre-testing psychological assessment of patient, physical therapy, and neurological and psychological examination.

How did these rotations aid you in your professional life?

Subsequent to finishing my rotation at Hackensack University Medical Center in the fall of 2005, I was offered the opportunity to continue working there as a genetic counselor.

What was the focus of your M.S. thesis?

I learned to create a computer program that could be used to in a cancer genetics setting. The program’s purpose is to track patient statistics and trends for future research as well as serve a functional role in creating patient letters and keeping track of patient results.

Where have you worked, and what have you worked on, since graduating?

I have been working at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ since I graduated. I continue to work with prenatal, pediatric, and adult-onset patients.

Have you/do you intend to pursue another degree or explore certification options?

At the moment, I enjoy my work and am content with my educational experiences; however, I may pursue an additional degree in database design or Web site design in the future.