Class of 2024
Cameron Buoy Hayes
Hi, I am Cameron Buoy Hayes! I am from Lewisburg, PA. I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2020 with a Health Science Degree and a Medical Genomics and Counseling Certificate. Throughout undergrad, I did bioinformatics research, coached field hockey, waitressed, and took care of my grandparents. After graduation, I worked at Geisinger as a GCA. In my free time, I like spending time with my husband and our dog, hiking, fishing, gardening, and collecting antiques/ plants. I am excited to be a part of CWRU’s GC class of 2024!
Megan Conlon
Hi! My name is Megan. I am from a suburb of Detroit Michigan. I graduated in 2022 from the University of Michigan with a degree in Microbiology and a minor in Community Action and Social Change (CASC). During my time at the University of Michigan, I was a part of a literature research scooping review to determine how differences in sex development (DSD) genetic conditions impact different psychosocial variables of patients and their family members. I worked through the University of Michigan’s Science Learning Center as a genetics study group facilitator and at the University of Michigan’s Recreational Sports Department as a building supervisor. I volunteered as a crisis line counselor through Crisis Text Line and Ozone house, a shelter and safe space for homeless youth in Ann Arbor. I also volunteered with Ann Arbor Public Schools to help ESL (English second language) students in the classroom. In my free time, I love to run, watch Netflix, and spend time with my family and friends. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the 2024 genetic counseling cohort at Case!
Garrett Edinger
Hello! My name is Garrett Edinger and I am from Milton Pennsylvania. I graduated from Eastern Nazarene College with a BS in General Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time in undergrad I served as a teaching assistant for several classes, held several roles within student government, and spent a summer working as a camp counselor. After I graduated from college I started working for the COVID-19 contact tracing program for the Indiana Department of Health, first doing contact tracing work, then managing a team of folks doing various public health activities related to COVID-19 including contact tracing and vaccination outreach. I also started volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and then with The Trevor Project. To prepare for GC training I was able to interview several GCs, shadow with a GC, and take a class about the profession through the University of South Carolina. I'm so thrilled to be a part of the Genetic Counseling program at Case! In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to podcasts, gaming, baking, and watching soccer and F1 racing.
Alyssa Fasano
Hi! My name is Alyssa. I grew up in a small town outside of Toledo, OH. Growing up, my family was active in the Mid Atlantic Connection for PKU and Allied Disorders. I continued to work with individuals who have genetic disorders and developmental disabilities throughout high school and college. I graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a biology major and minors in philosophy & law and molecular biology. As an undergraduate, I worked as a community educator for environmental non-profit organizations. I also became a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line. After graduation, I got a job as a genetic counseling assistant at University Hospitals of Cleveland. In this role, I am also able to serve as a research assistant on a study aiming at identifying new genes involved in the genetic predispositions to certain cancers. I am particularly interested in the intersection of genetics and ethics, which drew me to Case. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, true crime, and exploring the Cleveland area!
Amanda Liddicoat
Hi! My name is Amanda Liddicoat and I am a first-year genetic counseling student at Case Western Reserve University. I am from the metro-Detroit area in Michigan–about three hours northwest of Cleveland. I graduated from the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University with my Bachelor of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics. While attending Michigan State, I volunteered with the MSU Center for Survivors as a Survivor Advocate and conducted ophthalmic genetics research investigating candidate genes for Progressive Retinal Atrophy in canine models with the MSU Veterinary College. After graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for two genetic testing companies and gained experience in prenatal and neurogenetics. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring new coffee shops and book stores, and checking out all the museums and concerts Cleveland has to offer. I am so excited to be a part of the class of 2024 and am looking forward to learning from and with all of these amazing people!
Danielle Maulucci
Hi my name is Danielle Maulucci and I’m from Indianapolis, IN. I graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Biology in 2020. As an undergraduate, I was a research assistant in a developmental psychology lab. During my gap year, I worked in a Neuroscience lab at IU School of Medicine as a research technician where I was involved in studying Alcohol Use Disorder. Outside of work, I volunteered as a sexual assault hospital response advocate with Firefly Children and Family Alliance. In my free time I enjoy exploring new breweries, cooking, and hanging out with my dog, Sprecher.
Abby Smith
Hello! My name is Abby Smith and I am from Crown Point, Indiana. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2019 with a BS in Molecular Biology and Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience. While in undergrad I volunteered as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line and helped at Misericordia, a home for residents living with disabilities in Chicago. After graduating, I worked as a research technician/lab manager in the Advanced Center for Translation and Genetic Medicine Lab at Lurie Children’s Hospital. My work focused on studying GnRH neuron ontology in zebrafish, as well as, confirming candidate genes found in families from Greece with undiagnosed genetic disorders. I am thrilled to be joining the CWRU Genetic Counseling Training Program! In my free time, I enjoy biking, reading, baking, and trying new restaurants.
Jenna Ward
Hi everyone! My name is Jenna Ward and I am a 1st year GC student. I am from Mentor, a suburb of Cleveland. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time in undergrad, I was a Learning Assistant for Biology I and II. I was also involved as a member of the American Medical Women’s association, Order of Omega, and served on the executive board of Kappa Kappa Gamma for two terms. Additionally, I have been a Student Ambassador for the rare disease group, the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation for over a year. I am so grateful for this experience, as it has shown me first hand the challenges that families face, both medically and psychosocially. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, shopping, and traveling. I am so excited to be a part of the CWRU GC class of 2024!
Miura Wiley
Hi! My name is Miura Wiley, and I am a first-year student from Buffalo, NY. I graduated from the College of Wooster in 2021, where I earned my degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish. I completed my Independent Study thesis exploring a gene in fruit flies related to Fragile X Syndrome in humans. I also played varsity soccer and lacrosse throughout my time at Wooster. After graduating, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at UBMD Pediatrics in Buffalo and volunteered with Crisis Text Line. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, finding new restaurants to try, and being outside.
Class of 2025
Mia Dragich
Hi! My name is Mia Dragich and I am from Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2022, where I earned my degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology. During my time at UC, I was founder and president of the UC Genetic Counseling Club and did research investigating hemoglobin gene regulation and expression throughout development in Astyanax mexicanus (blind cave fish). I was also a member of the women's club soccer team throughout my four years. After graduating, I had the pleasure of working at Cincinnati Children’s as a genetic counseling assistant and gained experience in pediatric genetics. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exercising, exploring new restaurants, and hanging with friends and family. I am so thrilled and grateful to be a part of the CWRU genetic counseling class of 2025!
Deirdre Hall
Hello everyone! My name is Deirdre Hall. I’m a first-year student from Walkersville, Maryland. I graduated from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College with a degree in Biological Sciences and Health Professions and a minor in Psychology. During my time at Penn State, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant and completed a thesis analyzing the effects of prenatal antidepressant use on adolescent mental health outcomes. Following graduation, I worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in the Medical Genetics department at Geisinger Medical Center. I also volunteered as a Crisis Counselor for Crisis Text Line. When I’m not studying, I love to sing, bake, read, and spend time with friends. I’m thrilled to be a part of CWRU’s class of 2025!
Elle Holland
Hello! My name is Elle Holland and I’m a first-year here at CWRU. I’m from Buffalo, NY and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in May 2023 with a B.S. in Biotechnology and Molecular Bioscience and a Psychology minor. While at RIT, I was a member of the Varsity Swimming and Diving team and worked with a lab studying cancer cell lines. Outside of school I volunteered with Crisis Text Line and have spent many summers working with children with special needs. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching the Buffalo Bills or reality TV and staying active. I am so grateful to be a part of the Case Western Genetic Counseling Program and cannot wait to learn so much more!
Macie Hricovec
Hi! My name is Macie Hricovec, and I am from Avon, Ohio. I graduated from Mercyhurst University with a BS in Public Health and a minor in Biology. Throughout my undergraduate education, I was involved in research within my university’s biology department as well as interning at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie my senior year. After graduating, I spent my gap year working for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio in one of their hospital based programs at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Outpatient Center. I really enjoyed this opportunity to support families that were receiving care at the hospital and spending time with the patients and their siblings. In addition to working during my gap year, I also volunteered on the Crisis Text Line. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy traveling to national parks with my family, exploring new restaurants, trying different workout classes, and spending time with friends. I am very excited to be in this cohort at Case Western, and I am looking forward to learning from this program’s community!
Alyssa Palumbo
Hello! My name is Alyssa Palumbo, I'm from the metro-Detroit area. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelors in Behavioral Neuroscience and minors in Applied Statistics and Biology. During undergrad, I was a teaching assistant for genetics lab and a tutor for Italian. I spent time volunteering with Crisis Textline and on projects to educate the general public about cancer implications, causes, treatments. I worked as a GCA for the cancer and general genetic counselors as Cleveland Clinic. In my freetime, I like to read, hike, and spend time with my friends.
Madison Prindle
Hi, my name is Madison, and I am a first- year genetic counseling student! I grew up in Canfield, OH and graduated with my B.S. in Biology and minor in Chemistry from Youngstown State University in 2021. After graduation I worked as a secretary for Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics then, as a Genetic Counseling assistant at University Hospitals. Outside of work I volunteer as a supportive “Listener” for 7 Cups of Tea, a chat site for people in need of emotional support. In my free time I enjoy cooking, discovering new restaurants, attending Cleveland’s sports events, and being with dogs. I’m very excited to be a part of CWRU’s Class of ‘25!
Alyssa Riggle
Hi, my name is Alyssa Riggle and I am from Broadview Heights, OH! I graduated in 2023 from Kent State University with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a minor in Psychology. During my undergrad years I worked as a tutor for the university, volunteered on a crisis helpline, and also worked as a GCA at Akron Children's Hospital. I also spent one of my summers as a camp counselor at Camp Cheerful where I got to work closely with children with a variety of cognitive, developmental, and sensory disabilities. I am extremely grateful for my experience as a camp counselor as it allowed me to gain a different perspective on individuals living with genetic disorders. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with my friends and family. I am very excited to be a part of Case Western Reserve's GC class of 2025!
Shubhangi Sharma
Hi! My name is Shubhangi Sharma and I am from Gurnee, Illinois. I graduated in 2021 from Michigan State University with a major in Genomics and Molecular Genetics with a minor in Bioethics. During my time at Michigan State University, I was a Resident Assistant, Biology Teaching Assistant, and a Research Assistant in the Tap Lab. After graduation, I moved back to Illinois and worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Advocate Aurora Health Care. I volunteered as a Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line and as an Outreach Volunteer at Imerman Angels. I am so excited to be apart of Case’s program and learn from all the amazing individuals in the program! In my free time I love hanging out with my dog, reading, and doing yoga!
Isabelle Westcott
Hello everyone! My name is Isabelle and I am from a southwest suburb of Chicago, IL. I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in May 2022 where I majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology. While studying at Loyola, I served as an executive member of a collegiate health and wellness organization named CHAARG, acted as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sister Chicago, and worked as a Personal Assistant for a student with a disability. During my gap year, I was employed full time as a Medical and Legal Advocate at a nonprofit agency called Guardian Angel Community Services. In this role, I worked directly with survivors of sexual violence within hospital, court, school, community, and crisis hotline settings. Throughout this time, I also began volunteering for the rare disease group, the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation, as a Student Ambassador. This ongoing experience continues to shed light on the challenges of rare disease families and the fight to find a cure. In my free time, I love spending time with my dogs, working as a dog walker/sitter, reading, and enjoying time with my friends/family.