Current Students
Class of 2028
"SuperSTRs" Cohort
Tori Bates
"I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in 2024 with my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. While at UCO I was deeply involved with my sorority and my leadership organization, Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT). I also enjoyed working as a science and math tutor through the Student Support Office, where I had the opportunity to work with students with disabilities, financial insecurity, and English as a second language. After graduating, I took some time away from school. I spent nine months living in New Zealand as an au pair, worked as a sixth and seventh grade teacher at a school serving students experiencing homelessness, and travelled through Brazil and Southeast Asia. My path to genetic counseling has been long and somewhat roundabout, shaped by personal family experiences, my love of teaching, and my passion for working with underserved populations. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, reading, and watching trashy TV."
Claire Bryant
"I am originally from Coppell, Texas, and graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science in May 2026. After graduating, I passed the Medical Laboratory Science ASCP Board of Certification exam in June. My journey to genetic counseling began when my brother was diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder, which revealed gaps in support and information available to families and shaped my passion for helping others facing similar uncertainty. During college, my passion for service and advocacy grew, and I continued to fall more in love with genetic counseling through educational opportunities and shadowing. In my free time, I love being outside, traveling, and playing board games with friends."
Ana Beal
"Originally from Brazil, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering in 2022 and later completed a postbaccalaureate research program in Genetics at Yale University. Over the past four years, I have worked in genetics and genomics research, including cancer studies and high-throughput sequencing, where I have seen how complex genetic information can be. Navigating healthcare systems in different countries, along with shadowing and informational interviews, shaped my interest in genetic counseling and its role in supporting patients through uncertain situations. I am inspired by the opportunity to combine science with communication and advocacy, and I am especially motivated to help make genetic services more accessible and inclusive for underserved communities. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places, baking, staying active, and trying new crafts.
Mikayla Benjamin
"Originally from Friendswood Texas, I earned my Bachelor of Science in genetics from Texas A&M University in 2024. After graduating, I worked as a genetic counseling assistant at the UT Southwestern Cancer Genetics Clinic for 2 years and volunteered With Magnolia Hospice as a companion volunteer. My hope is to become a genetic counselor that can help patients obtain the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Additionally, I am interested in finding ways that AI can potentially be used to help increase access to genetics information. In my free time I love to draw and practice taekwondo."
Julia Braun
"I grew up in Dallas, then San Antonio, then Atlanta, so many places have been my home, and I am ecstatic to return to my old stomping grounds as part of the 3rd UTSWGCP cohort! I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia in 2026 with majors in Genetics, Psychology, and Biology, and a minor in Spanish. My first experience shadowing a genetic counselor at Emory University's Lysosomal Storage Disease Center was monumental in me deciding to pursue genetic counseling, and my passion in genetic counseling continues to lie with patients with rare diseases. Alongside this experience, I devoted a lot of my time in undergrad to working with a variety of local organizations to host volunteer events. I am passionate about increasing access to care for patients from all walks of life, and cannot wait to explore these things and more as a student at UTSW! Outside of the classroom, I love to make crafts, read, and play my viola."
Megan Davis
''Originally from the Atlanta, GA area, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Public Health from Georgia Southern University in 2022. During my time at Georgia Southern, I served as a Southern Ambassador and a Biology Supplemental Instruction Peer Leader and held leadership positions within my sorority. I most recently worked in Cincinnati, OH, as a Genetic Counseling Assistant, supporting the general genetics and inpatient team and the hereditary cancer program. My passion for genetic counseling started in my senior year of high school and has continued to grow as I've participated in teaching opportunities, worked with individuals with disabilities, shadowed, and interviewed current genetic counselors. Outside of academics, I love spending time with my husband, exploring new coffee shops, trying new recipes and restaurants, reading, and hiking."
Katie Gillette
"I'm originally from Dallas, and I'm graduating from Arizona State University in May with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. Throughout my education, my greatest passions have always been genetics and justice studies. My undergraduate research, which explored the intersections of Indigenous communities with genetic, legal, and medical issues, reinforced the importance of cultural competence, advocacy, and education within the field of genetics. I'm looking forward to bridging those gaps and providing patients with accessible information and resources to make the most informed decisions possible. Outside of academics, I'm always in the kitchen either baking or cooking, and I love to explore new places with my best friends! I'm beyond excited to begin this new chapter at UT Southwestern and continue my education in order to best serve our community!"
Deja Hardy
"Originally from San Antonio, TX, I graduated from Angelo State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in English and Chemistry. During college, I interned as a health coach working with underinsured and uninsured populations through a community health program and was a student representative with San Angelo’s Adult Literacy Council. These experiences, along with my background as a pharmacy technician, sparked my passion for advocating for underserved communities and promoting health literacy. Through genetic counseling interest seminars and informational interviews, I discovered genetic counseling as a meaningful way to combine these passions with patient-centered care. I am particularly drawn to the field’s emphasis on empowering individuals to make informed, thoughtful decisions about their health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching the NYT Cooking YouTube channel, and hiking."
Connor Haynes
"Originally from Auburn, Alabama, I graduated from Auburn University in May of 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics with a minor in Spanish. During my time at Auburn, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a fruit fly genetics laboratory and as a peer tutor in science courses. I also held leadership positions within my sorority, volunteered with Crisis Text Line, and served as a mentor to high school girls within my community. Shadowing in each of the main genetic counseling specialties was an incredible experience that confirmed my decision to pursue this field. Seeing the way that genetic counselors intentionally support and advocate for each patient was inspiring. I hope to use my passion for Spanish to advocate for non-English speaking patients' access to genetic testing and rare disease information. In my free time, I enjoy being outside, reading, spending time with loved ones, and eating ice cream!"
Lauren Matlock
"Born and raised in Combine, Texas, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M University. A combination of personal and academic experiences, along with my volunteer work with Crisis Text Line, has affirmed my passion for supporting individuals navigating uncertainty. I am especially drawn to the opportunity to help patients and families understand complex genetic information and make informed decisions about their health. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my cats."
Class of 2027
"DNAmic" Cohort
Diana Castaneda Elguero
"Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, I was exposed to healthcare disparities at an early age. Witnessing how marginalized groups struggled to access adequate care ignited my passion to find a profession where I could practice patient education, advocacy, and empowerment. I began my genetic counseling journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology in 2019. I returned to Plano, Texas, and began working as an EMT while volunteering at Crisis Text Line and shadowing at the Baylor Scott & White Genetic Counseling Cancer Center. These experiences solidified my desire to work toward improving patient outcomes and increasing access to genetic counseling, and I am so incredibly excited to continue my journey at UT Southwestern! In my free time, I love to crochet, read, watch movies, and hang out with my pup, Junie."
Mardarius Harper
"I am originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biological (Biomedical) Sciences from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2022. During my undergraduate journey, I interned with MS INBRE where I developed a research project focused on current knowledge of sickle cell disease/genetic services and volunteered at Compassus Hospice where I was able to support patients and caregivers who were navigating end-of-life care. Additionally, I worked as a Biology Learning Assistant. Shortly after graduation, I began working as an Endoscopy Technician and later relocated to Dallas, Texas, where I joined UT Southwestern as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in cancer genetics. These experiences reinforced my passion for genetic counseling and my commitment to expanding access and awareness of genetic services, especially in underserved and marginalized communities. I hope to inspire prospective Black students interested in the field. In my spare time, I enjoy binge-watching new (and comfort) TV shows, gaming, and concert-going."
Madison Howell
"Originally from Frisco, Texas, I graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University with my Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. In my gap year, I worked as a Genetic Coordinator Assistant within a high-volume prenatal testing laboratory in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My journey to genetic counseling began with my personal experience as a sibling of a person with special needs, which inspired my passion for advocacy, education, and compassionate care. In my spare time, you will usually find me on a hiking trail, at a new coffee shop, trying out a recipe, or working on one of my many craft projects."
Caroline Hunt
"Originally from St. Augustine, Florida, graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Genetics and Human Services. I am inspired to become a genetic counselor because of the opportunity to provide support and guidance to individuals navigating complex health challenges and periods of uncertainty. I have fallen in love with the ever-evolving nature of the field, a passion that was solidified through interviewing and shadowing genetic counselors. I am beyond excited to be part of the second cohort at UT Southwestern's Master of Science Genetic Counseling Program and for the opportunity to continue learning and using my strengths to help others. In my free time, I enjoy trying new coffee shops, reading, and going to the beach."
Alison Merket
"Originally from Dallas, Texas, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M College Station. Throughout my time at A&M, I did research with a drug discovery lab, and after graduating in 2022, I worked as a research assistant at a private research company, further developing my interest in research. I most recently worked in Houston as a Genetic Counseling Assistant, providing care to neurology patients, particularly those with rare forms of epilepsy, where I became passionate about advocating for families walking with rare diseases. I am drawn to the unique role genetic counselors have in blending deep genetic knowledge with psychosocial care to help patients navigate both medical and emotional complexities. Additionally, I have loved seeing how research in this field directly and meaningfully impacts patients' lives and am eager to continue growing in this space, both as a learner and contributor. Outside of academics, I love spending quality time with my husband, exploring new coffee shops, playing board games, and a good round of pickleball."
Rima Patel
I am originally from Katy, Texas, and earned my undergraduate degree in Healthcare Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. My background includes working as a billing Genetic Counseling Assistant at Natera, a sexual assault counselor for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, and a volunteer at Chase's Place, a school for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These experiences shaped my passion for psychosocial support, genetics, and advocating for equitable healthcare. Outside of these professional passions, my personal interests include watching comedy shows, trying out new recipes, and exploring the DFW area."
Macie Patten
"Originally from Idaho, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a Spanish minor at Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2024. Throughout my time at BYU-Idaho, I gained a passion for advocacy through volunteering as a domestic abuse advocate and a student success tutor. Most recently, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in Cancer Genetics at UT Southwestern for a year, further deepening my love for the field. Sourdough, musical theater, and a love for jazz fill my free time. I am passionate about increasing health equity for language minorities and am beyond excited to improve my skills and better help underserved patient populations as a genetic counselor."
Mackenzie Samsury
"I graduated from Texas A&M in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with minors in Mathematics and Genetics. For the last year I have been working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in Cancer Genetics at UT Southwestern. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but raised in the DFW area most of my life, so this place is home! I am an avid reader - I own over 700 books and do not plan to stop buying more any time soon! I am excited to continue helping patients in the Dallas area get access to genetic counseling and equitable healthcare."
