Graduates
Class of 2021 (Inaugural Cohort)
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Abbie Bronson
Genetic Counseling Awareness Video
Abbie created a video about what genetic counseling is and how to become a GC. This video is for college and high school students to create interest in the profession by introducing earlier awareness of the career.
Genetic Counseling Awareness Video
Abbie created a video about what genetic counseling is and how to become a GC. This video is for college and high school students to create interest in the profession by introducing earlier awareness of the career.
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Sheena Byerly
CDS Tool for Cancer Genetic Counseling Referrals
Sheena created an electronic tool that can improve the ability of a primary care provider to quickly and accurately assess the appropriateness of a patient for cancer genetic counseling.
CDS Tool for Cancer Genetic Counseling Referrals
Sheena created an electronic tool that can improve the ability of a primary care provider to quickly and accurately assess the appropriateness of a patient for cancer genetic counseling.
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Eric Chow
Genetic Counselors’ Perceptions on Telehealth
Due to COVID-19, many genetic counselors were forced to use telehealth and had to rapidly implement a telehealth system. Eric’s project was a survey to see what aspects of telehealth genetic counselors liked and didn’t like in the hopes of identifying factors that would make implementation more efficient. Eric’s findings were recently shared at a meeting of the Japanese Society of Genetic Counseling.
Genetic Counselors’ Perceptions on Telehealth
Due to COVID-19, many genetic counselors were forced to use telehealth and had to rapidly implement a telehealth system. Eric’s project was a survey to see what aspects of telehealth genetic counselors liked and didn’t like in the hopes of identifying factors that would make implementation more efficient. Eric’s findings were recently shared at a meeting of the Japanese Society of Genetic Counseling.
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Liann Jimmons
An Educational Tool to Support Recruitment of Diverse Students – Introduction to Genetic Counseling: Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease
Liann scripted and animated a video which demonstrated core competencies of genetic counseling to serve as an educational resource for those interested in learning more about our profession. It featured a scenario with a counselor and patient from underrepresented and ethnically diverse backgrounds to highlight the necessity of cultural humility and the value of diversity in this field and in healthcare as a whole. Her goal is for this video to show prospective genetic counseling students from URM communities they have unique, personal expertise that is essential to the practice of genetic counseling. Liann’s video was featured on an episode of the NSGC Podcast Series.
An Educational Tool to Support Recruitment of Diverse Students – Introduction to Genetic Counseling: Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease
Liann scripted and animated a video which demonstrated core competencies of genetic counseling to serve as an educational resource for those interested in learning more about our profession. It featured a scenario with a counselor and patient from underrepresented and ethnically diverse backgrounds to highlight the necessity of cultural humility and the value of diversity in this field and in healthcare as a whole. Her goal is for this video to show prospective genetic counseling students from URM communities they have unique, personal expertise that is essential to the practice of genetic counseling. Liann’s video was featured on an episode of the NSGC Podcast Series.
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Angie Kapely
Defining the Role of the Interpreter in Genetic Counseling Sessions
Angie conducted a qualitative study for genetic counselors and language interpreters focusing on the issue of the role of the interpreter and the question of whether a more active role for the interpreter such as cultural broker and/or mitigator of misunderstanding would bring about better patient outcomes and more successful sessions.
Defining the Role of the Interpreter in Genetic Counseling Sessions
Angie conducted a qualitative study for genetic counselors and language interpreters focusing on the issue of the role of the interpreter and the question of whether a more active role for the interpreter such as cultural broker and/or mitigator of misunderstanding would bring about better patient outcomes and more successful sessions.
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Molly Marra
Web-based Decision Making Tool for Individuals Seeking Direct to Consumer Testing
Molly’s project was to build a web-based decision making tool for individuals seeking direct to consumer testing. Her work, which was integrated into Watershed DNA, is intended help adoptees and donor-conceived people have a better understanding of the types of testing available to them and what it means.
Web-based Decision Making Tool for Individuals Seeking Direct to Consumer Testing
Molly’s project was to build a web-based decision making tool for individuals seeking direct to consumer testing. Her work, which was integrated into Watershed DNA, is intended help adoptees and donor-conceived people have a better understanding of the types of testing available to them and what it means.
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Elisabeth Meyers
Barriers and Solutions for Establishment of Genetic Counseling Assistant Positions
Elisabeth’s capstone focused on examining the barriers that occur when establishing a GCA position and whether there is a need for a resource that could assist in that process.
Barriers and Solutions for Establishment of Genetic Counseling Assistant Positions
Elisabeth’s capstone focused on examining the barriers that occur when establishing a GCA position and whether there is a need for a resource that could assist in that process.
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Camille Miller
Culturally Tailored Educational Intervention for African American Women At-risk for HBOC
Camille’s goal of her project was to help alleviate genetic service disparities and improve health literacy among African American women by developing an easy-to-use, culturally-tailored educational resource, co-designed with the target population. This resource includes important information about genetic services, cancer screening, and how women can empower themselves to improve their health outcomes.
Culturally Tailored Educational Intervention for African American Women At-risk for HBOC
Camille’s goal of her project was to help alleviate genetic service disparities and improve health literacy among African American women by developing an easy-to-use, culturally-tailored educational resource, co-designed with the target population. This resource includes important information about genetic services, cancer screening, and how women can empower themselves to improve their health outcomes.
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Josie Minick
Assessing COVID-19 Impact on Huntington’s Disease Support Groups
Josie’s project focused on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Huntington’s Disease support groups. She conducted a survey of current support group leaders within the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) and used their insights and suggestions to create a resource sheet with recommendations and tools, which was delivered back to the HDSA for dissemination among their support groups.
Assessing COVID-19 Impact on Huntington’s Disease Support Groups
Josie’s project focused on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Huntington’s Disease support groups. She conducted a survey of current support group leaders within the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) and used their insights and suggestions to create a resource sheet with recommendations and tools, which was delivered back to the HDSA for dissemination among their support groups.
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Michael Potts
Genetic Counselors on Working in Rural Areas
Michael’s project aimed to better understand why genetic counselors who work in rural areas take those positions. He interviewed 5 participants to get answers to that question and learned a lot!
Genetic Counselors on Working in Rural Areas
Michael’s project aimed to better understand why genetic counselors who work in rural areas take those positions. He interviewed 5 participants to get answers to that question and learned a lot!
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Sarah Tipton
Are the Perceptions of Genetic Counseling Students Toward Professional Roles Influenced by the Opinions and Perceptions of Genetic Counseling Educators?
Sarah conducted a survey of currently enrolled genetic counseling students investigating their exposure to emerging roles of the genetic counselor, e.g. lab, industry, research. It sought to collect information about whether those they encounter during training might influence their own perceptions of such roles or plans to pursue them.
Are the Perceptions of Genetic Counseling Students Toward Professional Roles Influenced by the Opinions and Perceptions of Genetic Counseling Educators?
Sarah conducted a survey of currently enrolled genetic counseling students investigating their exposure to emerging roles of the genetic counselor, e.g. lab, industry, research. It sought to collect information about whether those they encounter during training might influence their own perceptions of such roles or plans to pursue them.
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Sarah Williams
Resources for genetic counseling and the Deaf community
Sarah created a website to centralize resources to help bridge cultural gaps and strengthen patient-provider relations, with the goal of promoting positive health outcomes for the Deaf community.
Resources for genetic counseling and the Deaf community
Sarah created a website to centralize resources to help bridge cultural gaps and strengthen patient-provider relations, with the goal of promoting positive health outcomes for the Deaf community.
Class of 2022
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Veronica Abraham
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Education Video for Primary Care Physicians
Veronica created a short video to educate PCPs about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and how to recognize signs of it in a patient’s personal and family history and how to refer to the appropriate specialists for further care.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Education Video for Primary Care Physicians
Veronica created a short video to educate PCPs about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and how to recognize signs of it in a patient’s personal and family history and how to refer to the appropriate specialists for further care.
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Michele Andrew
Family Health History and Genetic Counseling: A Patient-Facing Educational Video
Michele created a video for patients to watch and learn about the process of family history information-taking in the genetic counseling session, with the goal of helping patients arrive more prepared for their cancer genetic counseling appointments and for the appointments to run more efficiently.
Family Health History and Genetic Counseling: A Patient-Facing Educational Video
Michele created a video for patients to watch and learn about the process of family history information-taking in the genetic counseling session, with the goal of helping patients arrive more prepared for their cancer genetic counseling appointments and for the appointments to run more efficiently.
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Kathryn Beebe
Hereditary Hematopoietic Malignancies – A Review
Kathryn researched and wrote a review of hereditary hematopoietic malignancies (HHMs) and the current state of genetic counseling practices related to HHMs. She is currently working on publishing her manuscript.
Hereditary Hematopoietic Malignancies – A Review
Kathryn researched and wrote a review of hereditary hematopoietic malignancies (HHMs) and the current state of genetic counseling practices related to HHMs. She is currently working on publishing her manuscript.
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Letisha Cortez
Pruebas farmacogenéticas: A Culturally Tailored Educational Video to Support Hispanic/Latinx Consumers
Seeking Pharmacogenetic Testing
Letisha created a Spanish-language video for Hispanic/Latinx consumers to learn more about pharmacogenetics (PGx), including basic information about PGx and ethnicity-specific limitations and information. An English-language version is forthcoming.
Pruebas farmacogenéticas: A Culturally Tailored Educational Video to Support Hispanic/Latinx Consumers
Seeking Pharmacogenetic Testing
Letisha created a Spanish-language video for Hispanic/Latinx consumers to learn more about pharmacogenetics (PGx), including basic information about PGx and ethnicity-specific limitations and information. An English-language version is forthcoming.
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Jenna Damon
“EB and Me!”
Creation of a Children’s Book for Families Affected with Epidermolysis BullosaJenna wrote and illustrated a book for children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their families as a supportive aid for the wound care process. She consulted with patients, families, children’s literature professionals, and physicians who care for children with EB as part of the design process. She is currently researching options for widespread publication.
“EB and Me!”
Creation of a Children’s Book for Families Affected with Epidermolysis BullosaJenna wrote and illustrated a book for children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their families as a supportive aid for the wound care process. She consulted with patients, families, children’s literature professionals, and physicians who care for children with EB as part of the design process. She is currently researching options for widespread publication.
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Katy Hafezi
Huntington’s Disease: Audiovisual Aids for Patients and Caregivers
Katy partnered with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to review and curate their library of YouTube videos for patients and caregivers. She created an index of videos and clips, organized by topic and easily navigable by timestamp, for distribution to HDSA support group leaders to promote increased use of these videos in meetings and to share with patients and caregivers.
Huntington’s Disease: Audiovisual Aids for Patients and Caregivers
Katy partnered with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to review and curate their library of YouTube videos for patients and caregivers. She created an index of videos and clips, organized by topic and easily navigable by timestamp, for distribution to HDSA support group leaders to promote increased use of these videos in meetings and to share with patients and caregivers.
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Ellen Kassay
Creating a Cancer-Specific Health History Questionnaire
Ellen partnered with the Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) to create a tool to help patients self-determine if they could benefit from genetic counseling. The tool results in a printable sheet of information that can be given to a primary care provider in support of referral to a genetics professional, if appropriate.
Creating a Cancer-Specific Health History Questionnaire
Ellen partnered with the Genetic Support Foundation (GSF) to create a tool to help patients self-determine if they could benefit from genetic counseling. The tool results in a printable sheet of information that can be given to a primary care provider in support of referral to a genetics professional, if appropriate.
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Emma Murphy
Assessing attitudes among genetic counseling program leadership regarding success and adoption of shared education materials: test case of pharmacogenetics standardized education module
Emma conducted a survey of genetic counseling program leaders and instructors to assess interest in and use of shared educational modules, using a standardized module in use at several programs as a test case. She is currently working on publishing her results.
Assessing attitudes among genetic counseling program leadership regarding success and adoption of shared education materials: test case of pharmacogenetics standardized education module
Emma conducted a survey of genetic counseling program leaders and instructors to assess interest in and use of shared educational modules, using a standardized module in use at several programs as a test case. She is currently working on publishing her results.
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Yasmine Namane
A Genetic Testing Approach for Intellectual Disability and Developmental Delay
Yasmine created a pocket reference card for primary care physicians and community pediatricians who may be considering genetic testing for the diagnosis of non-syndromic intellectual disability and developmental delay. The card is now in use in residency programs at St. Luke’s Health System in Boise.
A Genetic Testing Approach for Intellectual Disability and Developmental Delay
Yasmine created a pocket reference card for primary care physicians and community pediatricians who may be considering genetic testing for the diagnosis of non-syndromic intellectual disability and developmental delay. The card is now in use in residency programs at St. Luke’s Health System in Boise.
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Katie Parker
Developing a New Lynch Syndrome Infographic
In collaboration with expert genetic counselors and family members, Katie created a new and updated Lynch Syndrome infographic to better meet the needs of patients and providers about this relatively common hereditary cancer syndrome. The infographic is currently available to all members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors with availability to organizations forthcoming.
Developing a New Lynch Syndrome Infographic
In collaboration with expert genetic counselors and family members, Katie created a new and updated Lynch Syndrome infographic to better meet the needs of patients and providers about this relatively common hereditary cancer syndrome. The infographic is currently available to all members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors with availability to organizations forthcoming.
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Tanner Pollock
Clinical Oncology Genetic Counselors’ Utilization of RNA Analysis
Tanner surveyed practicing cancer genetic counselors to assess current practices and opinions about the role of RNA analysis in clinical care. He is currently working on a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal to disseminate his findings.
Clinical Oncology Genetic Counselors’ Utilization of RNA Analysis
Tanner surveyed practicing cancer genetic counselors to assess current practices and opinions about the role of RNA analysis in clinical care. He is currently working on a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal to disseminate his findings.
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Farrah Uphoff
Development of a Smartphone Study Application for the Genetic Counseling Certification Exam
In collaboration with students from the Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology program at Boise State, Farrah created a prototype for a trivia app to assist in preparation for the genetic counseling board exam. The app is undergoing additional testing and refinement with an aim to be available publicly in 2023.
Development of a Smartphone Study Application for the Genetic Counseling Certification Exam
In collaboration with students from the Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology program at Boise State, Farrah created a prototype for a trivia app to assist in preparation for the genetic counseling board exam. The app is undergoing additional testing and refinement with an aim to be available publicly in 2023.
Class of 2023
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Emily Aungst
Genetic Variant Classification: Current Issues and Considerations with a focus on MYH7
Production of an information video detailing the workflow and limitations therein of reclassifying several variants in a MYH7 splice site.
Genetic Variant Classification: Current Issues and Considerations with a focus on MYH7
Production of an information video detailing the workflow and limitations therein of reclassifying several variants in a MYH7 splice site.
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Chase Beeler
ABGC Exam Study Application
Development of a smartphone application aimed at creating a well vetted accessible resource for
Students and GCs preparing for the genetic counseling board exam.ABGC Exam Study Application
Development of a smartphone application aimed at creating a well vetted accessible resource for
Students and GCs preparing for the genetic counseling board exam. -
Nick Clute Rening
Clinical Availability in Genetic Counseling Education
Survey defining and addressing availability in clinical experiences for GC students nationwide.
Clinical Availability in Genetic Counseling Education
Survey defining and addressing availability in clinical experiences for GC students nationwide.
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Sebastian Feher
Understanding the Genetic Counseling Assistant Scope of Practice from a Genetic Counseling Assistant Point of View
Trying to better understand the GCA position. This includes information like the highest level of education, if they have goals of becoming a GC and the tasks that they commonly perform. We also analyzed self-efficacy regarding certain tasks that they may be completing.
Understanding the Genetic Counseling Assistant Scope of Practice from a Genetic Counseling Assistant Point of View
Trying to better understand the GCA position. This includes information like the highest level of education, if they have goals of becoming a GC and the tasks that they commonly perform. We also analyzed self-efficacy regarding certain tasks that they may be completing.
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Maggie Harper
Tips for Healthcare Professionals Providing Care to Patients who use American Sign Language
A short video that provides healthcare providers with helpful tips when working with patients who use ASL.
Tips for Healthcare Professionals Providing Care to Patients who use American Sign Language
A short video that provides healthcare providers with helpful tips when working with patients who use ASL.
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Sarah Lynn Holmes
Reading Frame
A website that partners with authors, advocacy groups, and libraries to increase access to books about genetic conditions.
Reading Frame
A website that partners with authors, advocacy groups, and libraries to increase access to books about genetic conditions.
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Lindsey Nanz
Making a Difference: Why patients should care about patient registries
A brochure for patients that explains patient registries and their importance in the role of rare disease research
Making a Difference: Why patients should care about patient registries
A brochure for patients that explains patient registries and their importance in the role of rare disease research
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Sonia Nessari
Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening for Afghan Refugee Women
Creating a culturally appropriate community event for Afghan refugee women to raise awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screening.
Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening for Afghan Refugee Women
Creating a culturally appropriate community event for Afghan refugee women to raise awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screening.
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Emily Sippola
Communication of positive predictive value in large gene panels and next generation sequencing
Example scripts that accompany a PPV calculator developed by the Center for Genomic Interpretation and an accompanying paper that addresses the importance and value of calculating and communicating the positive predictive value for some hereditary cancer test results and to review some options of discussing and processing this uncertainty with patients and referring providers.
Communication of positive predictive value in large gene panels and next generation sequencing
Example scripts that accompany a PPV calculator developed by the Center for Genomic Interpretation and an accompanying paper that addresses the importance and value of calculating and communicating the positive predictive value for some hereditary cancer test results and to review some options of discussing and processing this uncertainty with patients and referring providers.