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  • Ryan Brown-Ezell

    Ryan is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a distinction in Public Health. During her time at BSC she conducted research to identify β-amyloid plaques using a PrPc reporter gene and evaluated the E. coli concentration of sediment in Turkey Creek, Pinson Alabama. Ryan additionally traveled to Accra, Ghana where she gained insight and experience in various fields of pediatric healthcare and public health. As an undergraduate, she was a BSC work-study, advocated as a Southern Ambassador for her school, and served as a peer mentor to aid first-generation college students. She also led panhellenic sorority recruitment, worked on her sorority executive board, and gained experience as the secretary of the Alpha Epsilon Delta health pre-professional honors society. In addition to AED, Ryan was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta first-year honors society, Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honors society, Tri-Beta Biology honors society, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honors society, and Mortar Board. Through her excitement for Genetic Counseling, she established a connection between BSC and UAB Genetic Counseling Program. The relationship not only further encouraged Ryan to pursue Genetic Counseling; but also forged permanent internship opportunities and educational resources for future BSC students.

     

    Anna Crider

    Anna is from Cincinnati, OH. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in accounting. Anna discovered genetic counseling in college and knew it was a path she wanted to pursue after taking time to live abroad. After college, Anna continued to work at Robert Bosch Automotive Steering in finance where she had been an accounting intern. She then moved to Spain to teach English as a second language and learn Spanish for a year. After returning to Cincinnati, Anna was a genetic navigator in Precision Medicine and Genomic Health at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Northern Kentucky for two years, where she was able to work with many genetic counseling specialties and a hereditary and high-risk cancer prevention clinic. Outside of work and school, Anna loves to volunteer in her community and dances for fun.

     

    Georgia Haggard

    Georgia is a native of Decatur, Alabama. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2021 with High Distinguished Science and Technology Honors from The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomics. She also received her Master’s in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences in 2021. While an undergraduate student, she was afforded the opportunity to work in multiple biomedical research labs to gain research experience. One of these research experiences was through the Pediatric Oncology Education program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Also, she was able to volunteer as a patient pal at Children's of Alabama on the Hematology and Oncology units, where she spent time with patients and their families. In addition to this, she was also able to host UAB's Science Olympiad tournament and receive the Goldwater scholarship. After graduation, she decided to work as a genetic counseling assistant for the UAB department of genetics, where she was able to gain experience in multiple clinic settings. Her primary role was to facilitate patient point of care testing as a part of UAB's interdisciplinary breast cancer care team. As a genetic counseling assistant, she was able to truly confirm her passion for genetic counseling and gained invaluable experience interacting with patients.

     

    Julia Lanza

    Julia is originally from Marietta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in genetics. As an undergraduate, she volunteered as a crisis text line counselor and a High School Outreach program director with UGA Miracle. Through UGA Miracle, she raised funds and hosted events benefitting the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. After graduation, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant in the Sibley Heart Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. As an assistant, she supported two genetic counselors and several cardiologists in the management of patients with inherited cardiovascular conditions. Responsibilities included database management, placement of orders, collection of patient information, communication with laboratories, and coordinating prior authorizations for testing. The opportunity provided incredible patient interaction alongside a multidisciplinary team and an invaluable education of cardiovascular conditions.

     

    Audrey McBride

    Audrey is from Harrisburg, Missouri. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia College in December of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a minor in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, Audrey worked for the University of Missouri’s urgent care running point of care tests and taking patient’s vital signs, gave campus tours as a Student Ambassador for Columbia College, and worked as a substitute teacher for elementary schools. During her time at Columbia College, she co-taught a freshman foundations course and mentored first-year students during their transition into rigorous college courses. Audrey has also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line, a fundraising volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the American Red Cross.

     

    Victoria Moy

    Victoria is from Chicago, Illinois. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Heath Promotion, Education, and Behavior. As an undergraduate she served as a crisis call line volunteer and hospital advocate for Pathways to Healing, an organization which supports survivors of sexual violence. In addition, she gained extensive research experience in public health, nursing, and molecular biology settings, and successfully defended her Honors College senior thesis about young adult electronic cigarette use. Finally, Victoria enjoyed playing the oboe in a university ensemble, taking active part in her sorority, and tutoring younger students in Organic Chemistry. Following her graduation in December of 2021, Victoria worked in a cancer genetics lab where she performed next-generation sequencing and organoid tissue culture. Her research was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research and JCA Joint Conference in December of 2022 and is currently under review for publication.

     

    Hannah Olive

    Hannah is from Charlotte, North Carolina. She graduated from Samford University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While at Samford, she participated in research evaluating the contribution of nuclear gene mutations in the development of age-related symptoms in the mouse model of Rett Syndrome. During this time, she also served as a client advocate for a local crisis pregnancy center. After graduation she volunteered with the Genetic Counseling team at the UF Health Cancer Center in Gainesville, Florida and engaged with patients during the pre-test counseling process. She later spent two years working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in the Genetics Department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she gained invaluable experience working with patients across a variety of specialties. As a GCA, she conducted a quality improvement project implementing a screening protocol for patients with hemihyperplasia and macroglossia. She presented the findings from this project at the Southeastern Regional Genetics Group Conference in 2021. These opportunities provided her with a well-rounded perspective of the field and hands-on experiences to confirm her passion for Genetic Counseling.

     

    Molly Spangenberg

    Molly is originally from Glen Carbon, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in public health and minors in biology and medical humanities. As an undergraduate, she volunteered as a crisis counselor and participated in an internship providing resources for cancer patients. After graduation, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant in the genetics department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, New York. While at Mount Sinai, she worked directly with cancer genetic counselors to coordinate care for patients and their families interested in genetic counseling. This opportunity provided valuable experience that prepared her for her graduate studies.

     

  • Chelsea Anderson

    Chelsea Anderson is from Harvest, Alabama. She graduated summa cum laude from Jacksonville State University in December 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Throughout undergrad, Chelsea held multiple leadership positions in JSU's music department. In the summer of 2020, Chelsea had the honor of participating in HudsonAlpha’s BioTrain Internship Program as a Genetic Counseling Intern where she contributed to data analysis of a published paper composed by clinical genetics teams from the United States and Canada. After graduation, Chelsea served as a genetic counseling assistant with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Genetics where she gained valuable experiences in the field of genetic counseling. Currently, Chelsea serves as a Rape Response Advocate with the Birmingham Crisis Center, and she also serves in the children's ministry at Gardendale First Baptist Church. Chelsea plays the flute in the orchestra at Gardendale First Baptist Church where she is able to express her love of music, and she enjoys spending time with loved ones.

     

    Jenna Duzs

    Jenna Duzs is from Venice, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, she worked as a learning assistant for 3 years and volunteered in classrooms with children with special needs. After graduation, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant for the UF Health Aortic Disease Center in Gainesville, FL. As an assistant, she supported two genetic counselors and several cardiac surgeons in the management of patients with inherited cardiovascular aortic conditions. Her responsibilities included database management, administrative duties, and pedigree information collection. Jenna was given the valuable opportunity to attend weekly meetings with genetic counselors and biweekly aortic conferences with aortic surgeons. Her time as a GCA provided ample patient interaction alongside a multidisciplinary team, an invaluable education of cardiovascular conditions, and opened doors of opportunity to shadow the other specialties of genetic counseling that UF Health has to offer. Outside of work and school, Jenna loves learning more about people through her creative passion of photography.

     

    Spencer Favor

    Spencer Favor is from Bossier City, Louisiana. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in interdisciplinary studies in medicine and a Bachelor of Art in Spanish and history. As an undergraduate, Spencer worked as head genetics tutor for the Center for Student Success, volunteered at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa, and was a director in Honors Action—a program that organized volunteer opportunities in local Tuscaloosa schools. All these opportunities led Spencer to the field of genetic counseling. After studying abroad in Spain for a summer and volunteering at a Spanish-language clinic in Tuscaloosa, Spencer decided she wanted to pursue genetic counseling for Spanish-speaking populations. Outside of genetics, Spencer presented her senior history thesis on the Greensboro Massacre at the University of Alabama Undergraduate Historical Conference. In her free time, Spencer enjoys spending time with her family and pets, crocheting, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

     

    Anna Carpenter Harris

    Anna Carpenter Harris is from Decatur, Alabama and attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She graduated summa cum laude with Distinguished Honors in April 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and minors in Biology and Chemistry. She also received a Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Sciences in August 2023. Anna Carpenter worked at her university’s wellness program as a Promoter of Wellness where she conducted outreach to the UAB student body as well as working in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at Children’s of Alabama. She also served as president of her sorority where she was named Sorority Woman of the Year by UAB Fraternity and Sorority Life. Anna Carpenter conducted cystic fibrosis undergraduate research and was nominated to be an honoree of Birmingham’s Finest through the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She found a passion for teaching and mentoring after becoming a biology learning assistant, a certified peer educator, and a peer mentor through the Accelerated Bachelor’s Master’s Program. Anna Carpenter also served on the executive council of UAB Dance Marathon to raise money and host events benefiting the patients of Children’s of Alabama where she became a top fundraiser for her university.

     

    Riley Moore

    Riley Moore is from Chicago, IL. She attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI where she majored in Biological Sciences and minored in Psychology. After undergrad, she moved to Kansas City to work as a genetic Counseling assistant at Children’s Mercy Hospital. She gained experience with research and patient interaction by working for a research study called Genomic Answers for Kids, a pediatric rare disease repository aiming to find a genetic diagnosis for patients and families. She saw families in genetics, cleft lip and palate, and 22q clinic and enrolled them into the study. While working as a genetic counseling assistant, she received her Master’s certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics. Outside of work, she volunteered as a BRIDGE advocate for people facing intimate partner violence and worked in multiple organizations for people facing diverse abilities. These organizations include Down Syndrome Innovations and Northland Therapeutic Riding Center. She also spent time working as a court appointed special advocate for children in the foster system due to abuse or neglect. 

     

    Madison Nee

    Madison Nee is originally from Ardmore, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and minor in Spanish. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Biomedical and Health Sciences from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2021. As an undergraduate student, Madison gained experience aiding patients overcome adversity in healthcare while working with a non-profit medical clinic. She also served on the executive committee, and eventually as President of Crimson Wishes, a student-run-organization aimed to benefitting the Make-A-Wish children and families of Oklahoma. Following her studies, she spent two years as a genetic counseling assistant in the UAB Department of Genetics. This role provided her the invaluable opportunity to interact with patients and clinicians across multiple specialties, namely in interdisciplinary oncology clinics where she facilitated the pre-test counseling process for patients diagnosed with breast and colon cancer. In her free time, Madison enjoys spending time with her two cats, Lily and Bash, and tending to her collection of plants.

     

    Katherine Sleckman

    Katherine Sleckman is from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology. As an undergraduate, she enjoyed tutoring elementary school students and working with the East Georgia Cancer Coalition. After graduation, she worked as a research assistant at Washington University in St. Louis in public health and genetic epidemiology. In her free time, she volunteered at Planned Parenthood as a patient advocate. During her second-year post-grad, she moved to Birmingham to work at UAB as a genetic counseling assistant supporting genetic counselors and geneticists by ordering testing, obtaining consent, reviewing medical records, and speaking with patients about genetic testing. After getting settled in Birmingham, she started volunteering with the Alabama Autism Assistance Program and continued as a counselor at the Crisis Text Line. These opportunities allowed Katherine to confirm her passion for genetic counseling and continue to stay involved in her community.

     

    Erin Whiting

    Erin Whiting is from Huntsville, Alabama. She graduated magna cum laude from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology for Health Professionals. While at Lipscomb, she participated in research evaluating the interactions between cell surface protease neprilysin and PI3K cell signaling in triple negative breast cancer. Post-graduation, Erin spent two years working as a clinical research coordinator (CRC) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on a pharmacogenomics clinical trial. The trial examined genes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 to better prescribe drug therapies for acute pain, chronic pain, and depression. As a CRC, she recruited participants for the trial, educated participants on the purpose and process of pharmacogenomics testing, and completed enrollment activities with them. These invaluable experiences researching the molecular basis of disease and engaging with patients prepared her well for a career in the field of genetic counseling. In her free time, Erin enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time outdoors.