Our Students

Grace Dennee

Grace grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated from Syracuse University in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. While in college, Grace spent time volunteering at Upstate Medical Hospital in the Women’s Imaging Clinic where she helped create a supportive environment for patients navigating diagnostic and preventive imaging services. She also was an active member in her sorority’s philanthropy, the Kindly Hearts Initiative, that focused on supporting children and teens experiencing homelessness or in the foster care system.

After graduating, Grace worked briefly as a patient care technician at Highland Hospital on the maternity floor. In this role, she aided in providing physical and emotional support for mothers and families during the postpartum period. Grace also worked as a genetic counseling assistant for the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Division of Genetics where she supported the pediatric and medical genetics clinical teams. 

In her free time, Grace loves to read, watch reality TV and sitcoms, and spend time with family and friends. She is very excited to be a part of the University of Rochester’s Genetic Counseling Masters program, and can’t wait to embark on her future as a genetic counselor

Chloe Fish

Chloe graduated from Binghamton University in the Spring of 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Spanish. While at Binghamton, Chloe was a teacher's assistant for Introductory Biology, a lifeguard at the student gym, and a research assistant in a genetics lab. She also held multiple leadership positions, including team captain, as a part of the Ballroom Dance Association at Binghamton. 

After graduation, Chloe returned to her home on Long Island and spent the summer as a STEM camp counselor, lifeguard and swim instructor. She also had the opportunity to shadow a genetic counselor over the summer. Once the summer ended, Chloe moved on to working as a optometric technician at a very busy optometrist office. While working she also volunteered with a therapeutic horse-back riding program and Connect My Variant as a Family Outreach Coordinator. 

In her free time, you can find Chloe honing her ballroom dance skills, playing her clarinet or in the pool doing laps. She also loves cats and misses her dear cats, Steak, Pepper, and Granola. Chloe is so excited to be attending the University of Rochester's MSGC program as a part of the Class of 2028 and cannot wait to see where this new journey takes her.

Archit Kothari

Archit graduated from Binghamton University with a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biomedical Anthropology. During his time there, he completed capstone projects including extracting DNA from human hair samples to analyze nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data and analyzing biometric and GPS data from fitness trackers to elucidate training patterns. He also spent a summer in Hyderabad, India at a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company where he explored how people from diverse socioeconomic, educational, linguistic, and religious backgrounds interact with genetic information. 

After graduating, Archit spent two years with the Cancer Genetics Service at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute as a genetic counseling assistant, supporting a team of genetic counselors and physicians in a high-volume, multidisciplinary clinic serving a diverse patient population. He also oversaw the expansion and administration of a system-wide quality improvement initiative to improve access to point-of-care genetic testing for newly diagnosed breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer patients. 

Archit’s passion for the sciences extends beyond his academic and professional work. He enjoys learning from and connecting with individuals across disciplines at various lectures and events put on by the scientific community in New York City. He also considers himself an amateur chef, food critic, runner, and outdoorsman.

Emily Venice

Emily graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minors in German and Hispanic Language and Culture. While in undergrad, Emily worked at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, an inpatient psychiatric facility, on the General Adult Unit, providing support and assistance to patients with a variety of diagnoses. Outside of work, she was the fundraising chair for the Women’s Club Water Polo team, a member of the Genetic Counseling Club, and a member of the Bolivia Team for Engineers Without Borders. She was able to complete the LEND medium-term traineeship, which worked to expand the understanding of issues that impact family-centered services for children with disabilities and their families. She had the privilege of participating in an international internship program where, over the summer of 2023, Emily interned as an assistant psychologist at a center for adults with intellectual disabilities in Madrid, Spain. 

After graduation, Emily continued to work at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital as a Milieu Therapist. She continued to develop her interpersonal skills through leading group therapy sessions in both CBT and DBT. She was also a member of the Professional Practice Council, in which she worked to help restructure unit guidelines, organized donation drives for patient and community needs, and communicated updates to colleagues.

In her free time, Emily enjoys reading fantasy and non-fiction books, spending time in nature and going on hikes, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops with her friends. To relax, Emily often puts on music or a podcast and works on paint-by-numbers. She is very excited to explore Rochester and to be a member of the MSGC Class of 2028!

Kyle Wagner

Kyle Wagner graduated from Purdue University in 2012 with a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry. He began his career in biomedical research at UNC-Chapel Hill in radiation oncology, where his work spanned nanoparticle drug delivery, mRNA delivery, and patient-derived tumor culture. During those same years, he also served as a Taekwondo master instructor, teaching students ages 3 to 63 and earning the President's Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal in 2018. 

In 2019, Kyle joined SUNY Upstate Medical University as Laboratory Manager and Senior Research Support Specialist II in the Department of Pharmacology, where he studies genetic channelopathies underlying epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias. Across his career, he has co-authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, holds two provisional patents, and has presented genetic research at national epilepsy conferences.

Kyle's path to genetic counseling became clear in 2024, when his family received care from a Rochester genetic counselor. That experience confirmed his desire to provide the same support to others.

Outside of school, Kyle continues to practice Taekwondo, enjoys time outdoors with his family, and treasures every spare moment with his wife and daughter. He is thrilled to be joining the MSGC Class of 2028 and looks forward to getting involved in the Rochester community!

Erika Weed

Erika graduated from Purdue University in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. During her time in undergrad, Erika served as the Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion chair for her sorority and was an active member of the Purdue University Dance Marathon, helping raise money for the local children’s hospital. She also participated in a summer internship with Down Syndrome Indiana, where she taught individuals with Down Syndrome about healthy lifestyles, and assisted in planning and volunteering at community events.

After graduating, Erika worked as Genetic Counselor Assistant at a multidisciplinary genetics clinic at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, WI. In this role, she supported three genetic counselors and a geneticist while also having the opportunity to shadow cases across different specialties, developing a deeper understanding of genetic counseling and fostering her passion for the field. Outside of work, Erika also volunteered with Special Olympics, helping coach bowling as well as assisting at bingo nights, parties, and field trips. 

In her free time, Erika can usually be found spending time with her dog, Sully. She also loves reading, listening to music, and exploring local coffee shops and restaurants. Erika is so excited to be a part of University of Rochester’s MSGC Class of 2028 and is looking forward to becoming a genetic counselor!

Analise Zelem

Analise graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in May 2025 with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she served as a Learning Assistant for genetics and molecular biology courses, where she developed an appreciation for accessible, meaningful biological information.

After graduating, Analise’s interests in genetics led her to become a genetic counseling intern in the Cancer Center at AdventHealth Parker. She was introduced to cancer genetics, patient counseling, and the healthcare disparities faced by high-risk hereditary cancer populations. Inspired by this experience, she became a Patient Advocate Leader for the nonprofit organization Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), where she advocates for improved access and awareness for hereditary cancer patients. She also works as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, providing empathetic and unbiased support to individuals in crisis. In addition, she works as a medical scribe in a cardiology clinic, where she has gained exposure to patient care, medical terminology, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Outside of academics and clinical work, Analise enjoys spending time with friends and family and watching Colorado sports. She also has a strong appreciation for Italian culture and enjoys learning the language. Analise is excited to continue developing her scientific knowledge, counseling skills, and commitment to patient advocacy as part of the MSGC Class of 2028.

Marin Catino

Marin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies with a minor in Chemistry. During her undergrad, Marin worked as a research assistant at Magee-Women’s Research Institute, investigating genetic factors that underlie idiopathic male infertility. She also gained clinical experience at Clover Genetics as a genetic counseling assistant intern.

Outside the classroom, Marin served as the President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action and co-founded You&MEI, a menstrual equity initiative supporting students living in residence halls. Additionally, she was a teaching assistant for genetics, studied abroad, and contributed to the Genetic Counseling Club newsletter.

In her free time, Marin enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and discovering new restaurants and coffee shops. She is excited to be part of the University of Rochester’s MSGC Class of 2027!

Nhi (Nancy) Do

Nancy grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Knox College in Illinois in December 2023. During her college years, Nancy served as a teaching assistant in both Psychology and Music, a peer educator, and a research assistant in labs focused on Programmable Biology, Cognitive Aging, and Psychopathology Assessment. She also participated in the Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop, hosted by the Medical College of Wisconsin, which has solidified her pursuit of a career in Genetic Counseling.

After graduation, Nancy worked as a Health Care Associate in Urology at the University of Kansas Health System, where she assisted healthcare providers with patient education, test ordering, analysis, and procedures. During her time there, she also shadowed and interviewed genetic counselors across various departments to deepen her understanding of the field. She also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, where she supported individuals in moments of emotional distress. Nancy is deeply committed to using her Vietnamese fluency to provide culturally responsive care to Vietnamese-speaking patients.

Outside of academics and work, Nancy is an avid dancer and choreographer, having performed in campus dance productions and cultural showcases. Nancy also enjoys writing poetry and lyrics, exploring restaurants and cafes, and solving Escape Rooms with friends! Nancy is grateful and excited to begin this new journey with the University of Rochester and looks forward to embarking on her future career as a genetic counselor!

Maggie Eberhardt

Maggie grew up in Mission Viejo, California and graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in June of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society. Throughout her undergraduate journey, she worked as an academic tutor, a UCLA Library assistant, and was an active leader in UCLA Radio. She also completed an internship with the LA non-profit Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance where she helped connect pregnant individuals with low income to free birth support services.

After graduating, Maggie volunteered at a local hospital as a nursing assistant and worked as a temporary supervisor at University of California, Irvine Library before landing her role as a genetic counseling assistant with Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital. At Hoag, she has had the privilege of working intimately with genetic counselors in adult and cancer genetics. Her favorite part of working as a GCA was helping patients and families with known genetic syndromes navigate their care and advocating for their healthcare options.

Maggie is passionate about increasing accessibility to and education about genetic health and looks forward to working in diverse roles as a genetic counselor. In her free time, she loves cooking big meals with her friends and family, crocheting toys and clothes for her nephews, and playing music. She also enjoys exploring new places and spending time outdoors. Maggie looks forward to this adventure in genetic counseling and is excited to join the University of Rochester community!

Rianna Garlic

Rianna grew up in Syracuse, New York, and graduated from Binghamton University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience and a minor in Forensic Health. During her undergraduate career, she worked as a special education teaching assistant, where she supported children with autism and developmental delays by helping implement individualized education plans. She also served as a teaching assistant for a college-level genetics course, where she enjoyed helping students understand complex concepts and discovered how much she loved communicating science in a way that made sense to others.

Rianna was a Speaking Center consultant, where she worked one-on-one with peers to help build their confidence in public speaking. She conducted research in a clinical psychology lab focused on OCD, anxiety, and sleep patterns. She gained exposure to the field of genetic counseling through shadowing experiences across various specialties, including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, metabolic, and neurogenetics, which confirmed her desire to support patients and families through compassionate, informed care.

Outside of academics, Rianna served as President of Wishmakers on Campus, organizing fundraisers to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, camping, and traveling, especially her time studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She also loves finding new coffee shops and spending time with friends and family. Rianna is passionate about combining her love of genetics and meaningful patient interaction, and she is thrilled to be joining the University of Rochester’s MSGC Class of 2027!

Breanna Laber

Breanna graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2020 with Bachelors of Science degrees in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience, and Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology. During her undergraduate studies she worked as a Peer Wellness Educator and Teacher’s Assistant. She also co-founded and ran RIT’s first Irish dance club, Irish Roar.

Since graduation, Breanna has worked as NYS licensed Medical Technologists in the URMC Cytogenetics Lab. In this role she has gained proficiency in cytogenetics wetbench techniques and karyotyping. She also trains staff and has helped lead a project developing a new computer program for the lab. In 2025, Breanna completed the Clinical Genetics and Genomics Graduate Certificate program through the University of Connecticut. Breanna has volunteered with GiGi’s Playhouse, Crisis Text Line, and Restore Sexual Assault Services. Breanna’s work and volunteer experiences have developed into special interests in reproductive and clinical laboratory genetics.

In her free time, she is usually spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Ghillie. Breanna enjoys reading, learning new crafts, and taking dance classes. She’s excited to be a part of the U of R MSGC class of ‘27 and looks forward to a career in genetic counseling!

Maci Moses

Maci graduated from the University of California, Davis with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Genetics and Genomics and Biological Psychology and a minor in Sexuality Studies. During her time at Davis, she volunteered as a crisis counselor for the national suicide hotline and was a laboratory technician for the veterinary school’s anatomy laboratory. In these roles, she was able to learn more about the diverse cultural community in California and the different community resources available to people of all backgrounds.

After graduation, Maci became a genetic counseling assistant at the University of Rochester for the Medical, Pediatric, and Metabolic departments. This role provided her with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to shadow in clinic, giving her a better idea of the role of a genetic counselor. Maci is excited to continue her passion for genetics in the MSGC program and to explore the correlation between genetics and the LGBTQIA+ community in her research.

When not immersed in her studies, Maci often finds solace in various creative outlets, including crafting, baking, and playing board games. She also loves hanging out with friends, exploring the community, and traveling to as many places as possible. Maci is excited to learn more of what Rochester has to offer and to make new lifelong friends with her fellow classmates.

Hailey Osika

Hailey graduated from Vassar College in 2023 with a B.A. in Biology and a correlate in Anthropology: Evolution and Culture. During her time at Vassar, Hailey was a supplemental instructor, board member for Gender Inclusivity in STEM, and a horticulture fellow for the National Park Service at the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. Through these opportunities she has been able to expand her knowledge of communicating science and work with people of a variety of backgrounds, which fueled her desire to become a genetic counselor.

Most recently, Hailey was a genetic counseling assistant in the Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, working to support various rare disease clinics and the neurogenetics team. She has also had the privilege of being involved in a variety of research projects at Boston Children’s including work on Kleefstra syndrome and CDKL5-deficiency disorder.

In her free time, Hailey loves to be outside gardening, going for a walk, or reading. She especially enjoys spending time with animals and has a particular affection for dogs and guinea pigs. Hailey is so excited to be a part of the University of Rochester Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2027 and continue her journey to becoming a genetic counselor!