Tag: genetic counseling

A career in genetic counseling had always been on Makenzie Ohlin’s ’21 radar during her time as a genetics student at Clemson University. After gaining experience in a research chemistry laboratory following graduation, Makenzie went on to pursue that passion and now serves as a Pediatric Genetic Counselor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

Originally from Ohio, Makenzie graduated from high school in Charleston, South Carolina, before making her way to Clemson. Drawn to the university by its unique genetics degree program and proximity to the mountains, she embraced life as a Tiger, spending her time hiking, visiting the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, working at Starbucks on Tiger Blvd. and being a member of the Genetics and Biochemistry Club.

Despite the limitations COVID-19 placed on in-person research opportunities, she made the most of the academic and virtual opportunities available to her such as Crisis Textline and the University of South Carolina’s Genetic Counseling Online Summer course. One specific Clemson course that made a lasting impression on Makenzie was MICR 4170 (Cancer and Aging), which she enrolled in for her microbiology minor, but found it highly relevant to genetics.

“It provided an in-depth review of cancer genetics, oncogenes, and tumor suppressors. I remember this course helping fuel my interest in genetic counseling, particularly when learning how targeted treatments and therapies are designed. It was impactful to not only understand the “why” behind cancer, but also to see how genetics can open the door to new treatment options.”

Makenzie says that both her coursework and the professional and research skills gained during her time at Clemson gave her a valuable skillset needed to be a genetic counselor, noting the senior seminar and the G&B Professional Development course.

“Having a strong foundation in basic concepts in genetics, such as inheritance patterns, population genetics and risk assessment is critical to succeeding in both a genetic counseling program and in a professional role. The lab work helped prepare me for collaboration and teamwork.”

However, after graduating in 2021, Makenzie did not immediately pursue genetic counseling. She was offered a job in a chemistry laboratory in Charleston where she gained foundational skills in healthcare, including working with electronic medical records, collaborating with other healthcare professionals and developing an understanding of metabolic and biochemical laboratory testing.

“Ultimately, my time in the lab helped me realize that I wanted to explore direct patient care and move further into the field of genetics, which led me to work as a genetic counseling assistant. I think being patient with myself and allowing myself to explore different opportunities helped me discover and build my passion for genetic counseling. Being accepted into and completing my genetic counseling degree with honors was a meaningful outcome of that journey.”

For Makenzie, one of the things that makes genetic counseling such a unique career is the wide range of opportunities within the field. While she currently works in a clinical role, there are many opportunities to participate in research projects, write, present cases and collaborate with peers and students on publications.

“Taking the time to explore and experiment with different interests, both during and after my time at Clemson, ultimately led me to where I am today. The biggest difference, however, was gaining exposure to genetic counseling as a career and learning more about the many ways genetic counselors can make an impact.”

Today, as a pediatric genetic counselor for MUSC, day-to-day responsibilities can vary from taking comprehensive medical and family histories, discussing genetic testing options, reviewing genetic testing results, known diagnoses and management guidelines to communicating results to patients, responding to patient calls and messages, interacting with students and collaborating with colleagues on various projects.

“I would not be where I am now without my gap year experiences. Working in both a lab and as a genetic assistant for a few years before my graduate program gave me time to fully make my decision to pursue a degree in genetic counseling. To make the most of your time in Clemson, try exploring a diverse number of interests and experiences, even if they aren’t directly related to the field.”

For students specifically looking into a genetic counselling career, Makenzie would tell them to find any way possible to gain exposure; take Intro to Genetic Counseling certificate courses, reach out and do phone interviews, shadow, attend virtual informational sessions; etc.

Makenzie lives in the outskirts of Charleston with her husband and two cats, where she loves reading, hiking, visiting the mountains, trying new crafts and visiting coffee shops. She is looking forward to continuing to grow within her new role as a Pediatric Genetic Counselor.

“My interests include working with students more, both undergraduates and graduates, working on publications, and ultimately expanding my skillset. On the personal side, I am working on learning new crafts (like crochet), improving my 10k time, and traveling more!”

For May graduate Kylie Towery, orange runs deeper than school spirit — it’s woven into her story. Raised in a Clemson family and shaped by undergrad years of service and involvement on campus, Kylie recently graduated from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry ready to carry that legacy forward.

Throughout her time at Clemson University, Kylie made service a central part of her college experience. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering through Volunteers4LIFE, serving as a one-on-one mentor for ClemsonLIFE students as a traditional course volunteer and a Cooking Club volunteer. Beyond campus, she supported others as a volunteer with the Crisis Text Line and as a Child Life Department volunteer with Prisma Health Children’s Hospital–Upstate.

Aside from volunteer work, Kylie was a member of the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, holding various leadership roles, played intramural volleyball and founded Clemson’s Pre-Genetic Counseling Club.

“During my final semester, I had the pleasure of founding the Pre-Genetic Counseling Club here on campus to give back to my Clemson community and help serve students prepare for a career in GC. I am beyond excited to be advising the club from afar for the years to come!”

For Kylie picking a favorite memory over the last four years is difficult. A few things come to mind immediately – from all the sporting events to building her sorority family to meeting other Clemson girls while studying abroad, and having her dad turn her Clemson ring – it’s hard to pick just one.

“I came to realize that while we are here for an education, we are also here to be happy, find friends, and make memories…I do think that the best memories in Clemson are formed on the nights you least expect it, and that is something I miss already.”

Kylie matched to her top choice genetic counseling program and will be moving to Houston to get her master’s at The University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences this fall.

“I found my passion for genetic counseling through Clemson and the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry have been given countless opportunities to chase that dream fearlessly since…It’s been a blessing.”

Senior genetics major Maggie Andrews dreams of becoming a genetics counselor, someone who helps people and families understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial impacts of genetic conditions – and she knows she is in the right place to meet her goals.

Like for many, the moment Maggie stepped on to Clemson’s campus it felt like home. She loved it for the small town feel and the love the alumni showed for the university.

“It was really evident from the beginning that Clemson is not a school that you go to for four years, it is a home you can return to for the rest of your life.”

Choosing her genetics major was an easy choice, knowing a genetics degree would prepare her for graduate school and her end goal of a career in genetic counseling.

“My course of study in Clemson’s genetics program has given me a thorough understanding of molecular genetics, which will prepare me for the next step in my educational and professional journey.”

In being part of the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Maggie has some of her best friends in classes – study partners turning into close confidants and classmates becoming a built-in support system. Even more so, Maggie notes the faculty have become incredible mentors and role models for her during her academic career.

“Whether it be a professor or academic advisor I have never felt alone on my educational journey. There is always a helping hand if you need it! That is super rare at a large university, and I feel it makes our department special!”

On campus, Maggie is a tutor for calculus and tutor mentor at Clemson’s Academic Success Center, where she assists in training tutors that support over 70 courses on Clemson’s campus. Additionally, she plays on the women’s club basketball team.

“Our women’s club basketball team travels and plays other colleges in the US. We even qualified and competed in Nationals last year in Madison, Wisconsin.”

Another large role that Maggie holds on campus is serving as the vice president of the IPTAY student Advisory Board, where she serves IPTAY and Clemson Athletics as a liaison for the Student body. As the vice president, Maggie promotes the Solid Orange Friday message and helps plan and execute exclusive events for the IPTAY Collegiate Club, which is an organization on campus with more than 9,000 members.

“Last year I helped organize a conference with three schools within the ACC to help facilitate conversations about student athletic donorships involvement across the Southeast region!”

Maggie keeps her academic breaks busy too by acting as a genetic counselor assistant as Levine Children’s Hospital Pediatric Genetics Department during her summer and winter breaks. Here she assists both genetic counselors and medical geneticists in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.

“I help collect DNA samples from patients, order and track genetic testing, consent patients and families for genetic testing, write letters of medical necessity to advocate for patients and write letters to school systems explaining genetic conditions!”

This job aligns perfectly with Maggie’s future plans to become a genetic counselor herself. After graduation, she plans to attend a genetic counseling master’s program to become a pediatric genetic counselor.