Julia Eisenberg

Why did you choose Jefferson: I chose Jefferson to pursue my Master’s in genetic counseling because they offer a wide range of specialty courses such as cardiovascular and ocular genetics that I was interested in. Additionally, I appreciated the fact that I would be getting as much clinical experience as possible being able to start my field work in the second semester of my first year. We have the opportunity to do specialty rotations as well. I also enjoyed how warm, welcoming, and supportive the program directors and faculty are here at Jefferson.

Where are you from originally: Boca Raton, Florida

What is the best part of your studies: Being able to learn so many different aspects of the genetic counseling profession and getting to experience my education with passionate, motivated, like-minded individuals.

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: Part of my interest in genetic counseling came from my musical theater experiences in high school!

Tell us about a project you are working on or award/honor you have recently received: I have just started working on my thesis project, which is focusing on patient’s perceptions of the shared decision making process in cancer genetic counseling clinics when it comes to choosing a hereditary cancer testing panel.

Kevin George 

Why did you choose Jefferson: Jefferson has a great reputation and since I am originally from Philadelphia, the location played a role as well.

Where are you from originally: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What is the best part of your studies: Learning the clinical relevance of the science we are taught in class is incredible.

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: I was born in the US but lived in India between 1 and 2, and then came back to the US. 

Rebecca Metzger

Why did you choose Jefferson: I liked the city of Philadelphia and how the curriculum of classes lines up with the clinical rotations we are going to have.

Where are you from originally: Orlando, Florida

What is the best part of your studies: I enjoy having the opportunity to learn from people in a wide variety of specialties and non-traditional genetic counseling roles. There are so many fantastic resources available that I am learning about!

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: I used to be an EMT before I applied to genetic counseling school.

Tell us about a project you are working on or award/honor you have recently received: I am an administrator for a large (about 50 players) Dungeons and Dragons group online, and organize a group of seven moderators along with maintaining documents and databases for our use.

Zoey Nichols

Why did you choose Jefferson: I chose Jefferson because of their small program size, wonderful professors and directors, and the access to a number of hospitals and health networks in the Philadelphia area.

Where are you from originally: Haymarket, Virginia

What is the best part of your studies: My younger brother was a huge inspiration for a career in Genetic Counseling. My favorite part of my studies is learning more about his condition, the improvements in the health care system since his diagnosis and how to help other families in similar situations. Genetic counselors maintain a valuable position in health care and patient advocacy and I am excited to be a part of it.

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: While in my undergraduate program at the Penn State University, I was a member of the women’s club ultimate frisbee team.

Previous Experience: Before Jefferson, I worked as a volunteer for a crisis hotline called Centre Helps in Centre County Pennsylvania. We provided resource referrals, short-term emotional support and crisis intervention. I worked as a probation supervisor while I completed over 350 hours of volunteer time. I also was involved in Penn State’s pediatric cancer fundraiser, THON and, in 2021, danced for 46 hours for a cure.

Molly Sterner

Why did you choose Jefferson: I chose Jefferson because it’s in the center of my favorite city, is more affordable than other local programs, and I really connected with the program directors.

Where are you from originally: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

What is the best part of your studies: I love our small class size and how closely we’re able to work with our supervisors and professors.

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: I do hand-stitched embroidery as a hobby and sold my work for the last few years! A couple of my favorite musicians have pieces of artwork that I’ve made hanging in their homes and that’s something I’m really proud of!

Tell us about a project you are working on or award/honor you have recently received: The successful defense of my undergraduate thesis was a really proud moment for me and I look forward to doing it again with my graduate thesis.

Anna Ujdak

Why did you choose Jefferson: I chose Jefferson because of its people. Since my first interaction with the program, everyone has been welcoming and supportive.

Where are you from originally: South Bend, IN

What is the best part of your studies: The best part of my studies is getting to know/spending time with my classmates. They have made the adjustment to grad school and a new city an enjoyable one.

What is something people would be surprised to find out about you: I love to cook and experiment with new recipes and ingredients.

Tell us about a project you are working on or award/honor you have recently received: I am currently working on developing my research project in which I plan to explore the experiences of genetic counseling students and recent graduates coming from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.