Faculty, Students & Alumni

Meet Our Team

Alaa Al-Hindi

Alaa grew up in Saudi Arabia and later moved to Colorado so her brother could access disability services. She graduated from The Ohio State University in December 2019 with a B.S. in Molecular Genetics and a second major in Microbiology. She began her career at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, where she joined the Institute for Genomic Medicine as a clinical genetics laboratory technologist. Starting on the Nucleic Acid Extraction team, she gained experience isolating nucleic acids from a wide range of sample types, then transitioned to the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) team. There, she prepared sequencing libraries for clinical whole-genome and exome sequencing, as well as targeted DNA and RNA cancer gene panels. During her time in the laboratory, she earned her Technologist in Molecular Biology and Specialist in Molecular Biology board certifications from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Alaa also collaborated with the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) team to digitize NGS workflows, integrating assays into the laboratory database to enhance data accessibility, integrity, and visibility. She looks forward to bringing this depth of laboratory and data experience into her genetic counseling education and future practice. Outside of science, Alaa enjoys capturing Boston’s historic charm through digital and film photography, playing piano, and exploring the natural beauty of Massachusetts’s landscapes and Atlantic coast.

Maggie Bauer

Maggie is originally from Redondo Beach, California, and graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Global Disease Biology. During her time at UC Davis, she worked on research on Entamoeba histolytica and its disease-causing mechanisms. She is passionate about education and has worked with volunteer organizations to support those impacted by the carceral system, providing workshops and resources. After graduation, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she worked as a GCA at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, while also getting involved with genetic counseling prospective student organizations. In her free time, Maggie enjoys taking walks, taking barre classes, and listening to music.

Ruby Bolton

Ruby was raised in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, along with a minor in Psychology. During her undergrad, she worked in several research labs focused on genetic counseling communication skills and outcomes, pediatric cancer survivorship, and the impact of carcinogens inMinnesota on elevated blood cancer rates. She also led her school’s NORD Students for Rare club and volunteered at the campus food pantry. She is passionate about advocating for food security, decarceration, and supporting low-income communities, something she hopes to continue in Boston. In her free time, Ruby loves to play guitar, hunt for more vinyls, find new coffee shops, and hike.

Olivia Diodato

Olivia grew up in Harvard, Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a minor in Science & Patient Advocacy. During her time at ND, she conducted research in human genetics, worked as a lab TA, and was involved in patient advocacy efforts through the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare Diseases. After graduation, she spent a year as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Labcorp on the molecular genetics team, focusing primarily on prenatal carrier screening.In her free time, Olivia enjoys workout classes, crossword puzzles, and cheering on the Irish!

Amber Esqueda

Amber grew up in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Human Biology and Society and a minor in Spanish. While at UCLA, Amber was involved with various campus organizations including the American Medical Women’s Association, Community Medicine for Los Angeles, Advocating for Intersectional Medicine, UCLA CampMed, and Teens for Screens. Her interest in genetic counseling first began through her role as a research assistant for a genetic counseling student researching the awareness and perceptions regarding genetic counseling in diverse, urban populations in Los Angeles. Through this role, Amber interacted with individuals of various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, helping spread awareness on the role of genetic counseling and testing in healthcare. She also served as a research assistant for the REACH Lab at UCLA, where she analyzed the impact of mindfulness treatments on PTSD in unhoused women. Outside of UCLA, Amber was involved with Caraway, an organization dedicated to advocating for women’s healthcare in the college space, and the Los Angeles Department of Public Health Youth Advisory Council, where she organized a project focused on addressing food insecurity in her community. After graduating from UCLA, Amber went on to become a genetic counseling assistant at Hoag Hospital Presbyterian. There she acted as an outreach coordinator for various of their high-risk cancer programs such as the Early Risk Assessment Program, the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Program, and the Pancreatic Cancer Detection Program. In her free time, Amber loves to read, try out new coffee shops, and spend time outdoors. She hopes that her time at BUGCP will continue to foster her commitment to diversity and equity in healthcare.

Carmen Glaze

Carmen Glaze is originally from San Diego, California, and graduated from Pepperdine University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Hispanic Studies. During her time in college, she held leadership roles in her sorority and the Women in STEM club, and also participated in undergraduate research in a microbiology lab. After graduating, she moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she spent two years working as a Clinical Genomics Assistant at the Broad Institute performing Variant Interpretation. In this role, she contributed to the Chan Zuckerberg Rare as One Initiative, studying the prevalence of rare genetic conditions. Her work allowed her to collaborate with patient advocacy organizations and deepened her commitment to rare disease advocacy. Outside of her professional work,Carmen has volunteered as a biocurator for the Leukodystrophy and Leukoencephalopathy Gene Curation Expert Panel (GCEP) and with Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services. In her free time, she enjoys singing in her local community chorus, sewing, traveling, exploring Boston with friends, and visiting new coffee shops.

Hailey Goffin

Hailey (she/her) is originally from New Jersey and graduated from Northeastern University in 2025 with a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. While at Northeastern, she worked as a research assistant in a lab studying cerebellar circuitry at Harvard Medical School. Additionally, she served as a GCA in the Manton Center and Beggs Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, focusing on rare disease research. She also spent multiple semesters as a teaching assistant for an introductory lab techniques and research course. Outside of work, she was active in Northeastern’s Pep Band as a clarinetist and section leader, Nu Rho Psi (the National Honors Society in Neuroscience), and the Genetics Club. In her free time, Hailey enjoys going to hockey games, watching movies, and traveling to new places.

Eve Henry

Eve grew up in Saint Paul, MN, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023. During her time in undergrad, she investigated the genetic mechanisms underlying myoclonic epilepsy in her professor’s lab and gained firsthand clinical experience in the university’s neuromuscular clinic, supporting both patients and providers. After graduation, she returned home to Minnesota and joined the University of Minnesota Genomics Center, where she generated large-scale genotyping data to advance research projects across the country. These experiences cemented her desire to pursue genetic counseling, particularly in making complex genetic information more accessible. In her free time, Eve is always on the search for the best iced vanilla latte in the city, is working her way through the New York Times top 100 books of the 21st century, and loves the thrill of a good thrift find.

Michelle Katemauswa

Michelle (she/they) is Zimbabwean American and grew up in Houston, TX. She graduated from Duke University in 2021 with a BA in Interdepartmental Studies, where they explored how gender, race, and sexuality influence health outcomes and disparities. During undergrad, Michelle worked as a Resident Assistant and a Peer Sexual Health Educator. They also spend several months abroad, studying health systems in Kenya, South Africa, Vietnam, and Argentina. After graduation, she returned to Houston to work as an education consultant and an EMT at large-scale events like the Houston Rodeo (yeehaw!). Most recently, she’s been supporting first-generation, low-income students as an Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Counselor at SUNY ESF. Michelle is very passionate about health equity, especially in Black and Queer communities and is excited to continue that work as a genetic counselor. In their free time, you can find Michelle playing video games, going to the movie theater, and working on several unfinished crafting projects.

Sam McGurgan

Sam McGurgan, originally from Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, graduated from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in Genetics and Public Health. During her undergraduate studies, she served as a teaching assistant for a research methods course and worked as a research assistant with the university’s genetic counseling program. Following graduation, Sam worked as a Behavior Therapist supporting children with autism, where she gained firsthand insight into how genetic conditions can impact families and how interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are implemented. In pursuit of more direct experience in genetic counseling, she relocated to New York City in August 2024 to join the high-risk cancer genetics program at NYU Langone Health as a Genetic Counseling Assistant. Outside of her professional interests, Sam enjoys playing soccer and exploring new coffee shops and thrift stores. She is excited to continue building her career in genetic counseling while discovering all that Boston has to offer.

Sheilly Patel

Sheilly Patel (she/her) grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts. She received her BA in Biology with a specialization in Cell, Molecular Biology and Genetics with a minor in Psychology from the undergraduate campus at Boston University. At the start of her academic journey at BU she learned of Genetic Counseling from her Pre-Health advisor and soon thereafter never forgot about it. She has been a texting suicide prevention hotline volunteer since the Fall of 2022 and continues to support the Samaritans team by training new Hey Sam volunteers and continuing her work on the hotline. She also interned as a Warren Alpert Intern at the Boston University program during the summer of 2023 where she shadowed Genetic Counselors in pediatric, cancer, prenatal, and industry roles, researched a gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, and confirmed her interest in the clinical space of Genetic Counseling. Her interests led her back to BUGCP during the summer of 2024 where she was able to research under the guidance of Nikkola Carmichael and Kimberly Zayhowski to write a manuscript regarding the perspectives of BIPOC Genetic Counseling students on career-oriented social media use. During her free time, Sheilly loves to go on walks, get food with friends, paint, and explore new places. She is excited to be back at BUGCP now as an official student and hopes to continue building her strong connections at the program.

Katie Phillips
Katie grew up in Vermont, and graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.S. in Neuroscience and minors in Dance and Health Psychology. After graduating, Katie spent 3 years working in Tim Yu’s lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, developing personalized therapeutics for children with rare neurodevelopmental disorders. While there, she discovered a love for science communication and engaging with patients and their families. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading and playing ultimate frisbee, and she’s currently learning to crochet.

Catherine Prasad

Catherine grew up in Manasquan, New Jersey. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.S in Psychology and a concentration in neuroscience in 2023. While at UMass, she got involved in neuroscience research which led her to move to Boston after graduation where she started working at Boston Children’s Hospital as a clinical research assistant in a neurogenetics lab. In her role there, she communicated directly with families about enrollment into a brain malformations gene discovery study and facilitated sample collection. Additionally, she performed many wet lab tasks, such as DNA extractions on samples from families as well as Sanger validation on variants of interest identified within the lab. She also volunteered at the Crisis Text Line and was involved in employee-led advocacy groups at BCH. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, trying new coffee spots or restaurants and going to the beach!

Athena Sarafoglou

Athena grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology in 2023. While an undergraduate, Athena served as a teaching assistant for an introductory biology course and a research assistant in the Clinical Affective Sciences Lab, which aimed to advance the understanding of emotional suffering and intentional self-injury to improve evidence-based, accessible treatments for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). After graduating, Athena began working as a Genetic Testing Coordinator at Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and met with patients recently diagnosed with cancer to discuss genetic testing through DFCI’s Rapid Access Cancer Genetic Testing Program. Outside of school and work, Athena enjoys live music, cooking, exploring new restaurants and cafes, spending time outside, and collecting little trinkets.

Jenna Walls

Jenna grew up in Connecticut and graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology and minors in Psychology and Public Health. During her undergrad, she worked as a GCA in a cancer clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital and at the Manton Center, a rare disease study, at Boston Children’s Hospital. After graduation, she returned to her previous role at the Manton Center and Beggs Lab. In her free time, Jenna enjoys knitting and taking yoga classes, and she’s currently learning to sew.

 

Julia Cantor

Julia grew up just outside of Boston. She graduated from Colby College in 2023 with a major in biology and a minor in anthropology. After graduating, she moved back to Boston and worked as a research coordinator for the Mass General Brigham Biobank, where she first developed an interest in genetic counseling. She then moved into her current role as a Genetic Testing Coordinator in Dana-Farber’s Genetics and Prevention Program. She is excited to hit the ground running at BU this fall and continue working in Boston healthcare. Outside of work, Julia loves to run (she is signed up for her sixth half marathon this fall), cook, travel, and has recently discovered a new love for watercolor painting.

 

Jordan Cook

Jordan is originally from Plattsburgh, NY, and graduated in 2026 from Wheaton College Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Public Health Science. During her time at Wheaton, she served as a teaching and learning assistant for pre-college students taking neuroscience courses, an executive board member of Wheaton’s student honor society, and a student researcher in the behavioral neuroscience lab examining the effects of early life stress on the memory of laboratory rats. Leading up to her graduate education she spent time volunteering with Crisis Text Line, volunteering with her local hospital as a patient care liaison, and interning at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with their cancer genetics and prevention team. Outside of class Jordan loves to read, hunt for the best ramen in Boston, take long walks outside (especially during fall), and figure skate!

 

Katie D’Agostino

Katie grew up in Southington, Connecticut and graduated from Roger Williams University with a B.S. in Forensic Science andminors in Professional & Public Writing and Criminal Justice. After graduation, she worked as a Cytogenetic Laboratory Technologist at Labcorp, where she performed Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) testing for bladder cancer. She has also been involved in patient advocacy and community service through FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered and Griffin Hospital’s Vital Patient Stories program. Through her work with ConnectiKids, she served as a mentor and tutor for elementary school students in inner-city areas of Connecticut. In her free time, Katie enjoys running, reading, reality TV (the holy trinity), and traveling!

 

Lauren Flynn

Lauren grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts in Hamilton. She graduated from Northeastern University in 2023 with a B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology. She has two cats, Kiki and Millie, and lives with her fiancé, Jason, who is currently in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Tufts University. Lauren works as a Clinical Research Assistant in Genetics at Boston Children’s Hospital. She also loves lifting weights and is training to become a coach at her gym, CrossFit Boston. Outside of work and school, she’s a huge reader and loves historical fiction, memoirs, and the occasional corny romance. Finally, she’s always cheering on the Boston Fleet hockey team and the NU alumni who have been crushing it there!

 

 

Maya Fujita

Maya is from Oakland, California. She studied Biotechnology with an emphasis in Bioinformatics at the University of California, Davis. After graduating, she worked at UCSF’s Cancer Center as a Practice Coordinator in Orthopedic Oncology and later as a Cancer Genetic Counseling Assistant. Outside of work, Maya enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking and camping. She also loves arts and crafts and has recently taken up pottery. Maya is very excited to learn as much as she can about the field of genetic counseling and take advantage of the amazing opportunities that Boston University has to offer.

 

Sarah Govert

Sarah (she/her) is originally from Cary, North Carolina and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Computational Biology and Genomics and minors in Bioinformatics and Psychological & Brain Sciences. While at WashU, she participated and held leadership roles in a professional community service organization and a Women in STEM organization. She conducted undergraduate research with C. elegans in one of the Model Organism Screening Centers of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network, served as a teaching assistant for two introductory biology courses, and walked all over campus as a tour guide. Outside of school, she volunteered at The Women’s Safe House, GiGi’s Playhouse, and St. Louis Cardinals Green Team. After graduation, Sarah worked at Siteman Cancer Center as a Clinical Research Coordinator and loved being able to create relationships with patients and work in a clinical setting for the first time. In her free time, Sarah enjoys watching baseball and hockey (go Cardinals and Hurricanes!), reading, and going on long walks through Boston.

 

Hannah Hirsch

Hannah grew up in northern New Jersey, just outside of New York City. She graduated from Wellesley College in 2024 with a major in Biological Sciences. For the past two years, she has worked in Boston as a research technician at Harvard/MGH, where her project focused on the impact of estrogen exposure on liver development. During this time, she had the opportunity to shadow some amazing genetic counselors at MGH and volunteer in advocacy outside of work. This past year, Hannah helped her lab move to Yale. After the move, she transitioned to more remote computational work. Outside of work and school, she enjoys photography, reading, baking, and spending time outdoors.

 

 

Emily Joyce

Emily is originally from the Kansas City, Missouri area. She recently graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Biological Engineering. During undergrad, I worked as a respite care provider and support professional for Racker, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities. In addition, I volunteered with Special Olympics New York, Crisis Text Line, and several other advocacy organizations. Emily did gymnastics for 19 years and was a member of the varsity gymnastics team at Cornell. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching sports (go Chiefs!), reading, listening to podcasts, going to concerts, and drinking coffee. 

 

Gerald Mastellone

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Gerald came to Boston for his undergraduate degree in Biology. He spent three years working in cancer and neuromuscular disease research in the Longwood Medical Area while furthering his education through Harvard Extension School’s Biotech Business Management certificate program. His experiences have led Gerald to become interested in the many facets of newborn screening, including the scientific, economic, legislative, and ethical considerations. He hopes to use his time at BU to dive deeper into understanding how rare disease testing can be improved and how we can work toward eliminating the diagnostic odyssey for patients in the future.

 

Sophie Orr

Sophie is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 2024 with a BSc in Neuroscience, where her undergraduate honours thesis explored the effects of hypoxia on recovery following traumatic brain injury. She is passionate about concussion awareness and education, particularly in youth sports, and has been a longtime volunteer with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, providing support to individuals recovering from concussions. Since graduating, Sophie has worked in clinical research in the Department of Cardiology at the main tertiary care hospital in Nova Scotia. Outside of academics, she enjoys going for walks, swimming, and cooking. She also loves to dance, particularly jazz, and has been dancing since she was three years old. She hopes to continue dancing for many years to come.

 

Kelley Paris

Kelley grew up in Oakland, California. She attended Davidson College in North Carolina for undergrad, where she majored in biology and minored in public health. She graduated in 2024 and has spent the past two years in the Boston area working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at the Broad Institute and ClinGen. In her free time, Kelley loves going for long walks around Cambridge and Boston, running along the Charles, learning how to crochet, and baking.

 

Anjali Ramnauth

Anjali is from New Jersey. She majored in biology and minored in ethics at Emory University. For the past few years, she has worked with FORCE, focusing on legislative advocacy for families facing hereditary cancer. In her free time, Anjali enjoys traveling and trying new foods. She also loves reading, spending time with her cat, watching lots of movies, and cooking!

 

Lauren Strickland

Lauren is from Los Angeles County, California. She graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and a minor in Evolutionary Medicine. During her undergraduate studies, she worked on a meta-analysis examining interactions among three stressors and their effects on the conservation and/or evolution of populations across species. After graduating, Lauren worked as a community coach at a day program serving adults and children with disabilities. She spent over two years in this role, helping individuals develop socialization and independence skills while engaging with their communities. Lauren also completed a year-long internship with bilingual cancer genetic counselors at Los Angeles General Medical Center, a safety-net hospital. During her internship, she shadowed counseling sessions in both English and Spanish, entered pedigrees and genetic results into Progeny, and attended case conferences. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, yoga, hiking, Pilates, and playing pickleball.

 

Abigail Thomas

Abigail is from a wooded suburban area in southern Massachusetts and attended Stonehill College, where she studied Biology. Since her first job at Boston Children’s Hospital, she has lived primarily in the Boston area, including Cambridge, Westford, and Mission Hill. She spent four years coordinating clinical studies at large academic medical centers, working on projects related to Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and COVID-19, followed by four years in Clinical Operations at Cogent Biosciences, a heme/onc therapeutics startup. In her free time, Abigail loves all things outdoors. She enjoys trail running with her little beagle, mountain biking with her partner, hiking, and exploring rugged new places, especially in Utah and Colorado.

 

Tracy Vu

Tracy is from Saint Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During undergrad, she worked as a teaching assistant for an introductory biology course and as a research assistant in labs studying cricket behavior and plant circadian rhythms. After graduating, Tracy worked as a medical scribe at a safety-net hospital and then as a patient services representative at a university clinic. Through her experiences in healthcare, she became passionate about addressing health disparities, particularly those related to language barriers and socioeconomic status. Tracy also volunteered with Crisis Text Line and local organizations such as Open Arms, where she helped prepare meals for individuals with critical health conditions, and Fraser, where she supervised attendees at sensory-safe events. In her free time, Tracy enjoys knitting, crocheting, and reading. She also loves walking around her neighborhood while listening to music and exploring new cafés and restaurants.