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Floyd School of Medicine

  • Class of 2026

Our Students

Students pursuing a career in genetic counseling build unique experiences as they prepare for graduate education. Each of our students has something special to offer from their undergraduate, post graduate and extracurricular experiences as they merge to become a team of learners.

What Does it Mean to be a Genetic Counseling Student?

At the University of South Carolina it means you become part of the team from day one: an engaged learner in our genetics center. You'll have an experienced faculty who are open door mentors in your preparation for this career. You'll have access in the classroom and in the clinic to the genetic counselor faculty and geneticists in our rotation network of twelve genetic centers. The world of genetic counseling will unfold for you in two very busy years.

Our goal is to provide a strong foundation in genetic concepts and interpersonal communication to prepare our students for the dozens of roles open to genetic counselors today. Upon graduation, our students will demonstrate advanced knowledge in genetics, genomics and psychosocial skills and will be equipped to collaborate with an interprofessional team to provide patient centered care in a variety of settings.

You can meet our faculty and learn more about the genetic counseling profession in our Genetic Counseling Online Course.

Class of 2027

Photo of Maggie Andrews

Maggie Andrews

Maggie Andrews is originally from Maiden, North Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate career, Maggie was actively involved both on and off campus. At Clemson’s Academic Success Center, she tutored calculus and served as a Tutor Mentor, where she trained and supported over 80 fellow tutors. She was also a member of the IPTAY Student Advisory Board, advocating for the student experience within Clemson’s Athletic Donor organization.  Beyond campus, Maggie volunteered with Safe Harbor, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, raising awareness, and promoting equitable responses to domestic violence. She also gained valuable hands-on experience as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Levine Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Genetics Clinic. Maggie is thrilled to join the University of South Carolina’s Genetic Counseling Program. She was especially drawn to the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) track and is eager to further explore her interests in higher education and genetic counseling education. Maggie welcomes any and all questions regarding the application process or USC’s program! Maggie.Andrews@uscmed.sc.edu

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Lauren Campbell

Lauren Campbell is from Asheville, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024 with a major in Biology and a minor in Health and Society. During her time at UNC, Lauren volunteered with the Orange County Special Olympics as an assistant coach for the soccer and softball teams, and with the Boys and Girls Club as a tutor for elementary and middle school students. These experiences sparked her passion for community service. Lauren also worked as an in-home caretaker with CareYaya, providing compassionate care to patients and their families. After graduation, she gained additional counseling experience as a genetic counseling assistant at Geisinger in Danville, PA. In this role, she supported five genetic counselors in the medical genetics clinic and five in the prenatal and reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinics. During her time at Geisinger, Lauren participated in Journal Club, the Mentorship Program, and the Genetic Counseling Educational Series. She also shadowed genetic counselors across various specialties to further deepen her understanding of the field. Lauren was drawn to USC’s genetic counseling program because of its emphasis on community engagement, supportive faculty and staff, and tight-knit cohort. She is excited to be part of the Class of 2027 and looks forward to connecting with future applicants!

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Christina Koenig

Christina Koenig is from a small town north of Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated summa cum laude with leadership distinction from the University of South Carolina in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences & Psychology and a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate student, Christina was a member of the Tri Beta Biological Honor Society and the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She served as a peer leader and orientation leader, volunteered as a crisis counselor, and tutored organic chemistry, Spanish, and English as a Second Language.During her time at USC, she got involved as an undergraduate research assistant in the SC Family Experiences Lab with Dr. Jessica Klusek. Following her graduation, Christina continued with the lab as a full-time research specialist, which allowed her to work with carriers of the FMR1 premutation and mothers of children with Fragile X Syndrome. This experience deepened her knowledge and passion for supporting families affected by genetic conditions, and she looks forward to expanding this further as a member of the Class of 2027. She is happy to answer any questions you may have! Christina.Koenig@uscmed.sc.edu

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Mia Lane

Mia is from Lexington, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2024 with a B.S in Biological Sciences and minor in Psychology. At USC, Mia was an active member of the community service organization, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and co-instructed a leadership course for Capstone Scholars. During the summers, she worked as a therapeutic recreation counselor at a summer camp where she further developed her passion for working with adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After graduation, Mia served as a one-on-one support in an elementary school, working with a child with a genetic condition to promote communication and inclusion. Mia solidified her interest for genetic counseling through shadowing, USC’s Career for the Future Course, and her role as a genetic counseling assistant with USCGCP. She knew USCGCP was a great fit after witnessing the support of the faculty as the GCA and because of their emphasis on community engagement. Mia is so excited to be apart of USCGCP class of 2027 and is happy to answer any questions about the program or CDR graduate assistantship track! 

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Evelyn Leary

Evelyn Leary is from Vernon Hills, Illinois. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a B.S. in both biological sciences and psychology. While at USC, she completed her Honors College thesis on genetic counseling as an emerging global profession and worked as a genetic counselor assistant. She also worked as a research assistant at the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab, where she coded videos of children with Fragile X syndrome, children with autism spectrum disorder, and neurotypical children. She was an active member of her service sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and served as an officer for multiple years. Outside of school, she worked at a day camp for children and teens with intellectual disabilities for six summers and carried out leadership roles within the camp for four of those summers. She also volunteered for the Crisis Text Line and completed USC’s Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future summer course. Evelyn is so grateful to be a part of the USCGCP and LEND fellowship and is happy to answer any questions! evelyn.leary@uscmed.sc.edu

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Sophie Macner

Sophie Macner is from Plattsburgh, NY and graduated from Russell Sage College in 2023 with her B.S. in biology and a minor in psychology. As an undergraduate, Sophie was a TA for Anatomy & Physiology Lab I & II, a physics tutor, and a volunteer for a local pregnancy care center. Sophie also worked in her university’s lab assisting with a research project that aimed at studying polymorphisms in the dopamine genes of spotted hyenas and how certain variations could influence hyena personality traits. After graduation, she moved to Vermont and began working as a clinical research coordinator in the pulmonary and critical care division of the local hospital system. During this time, she was a board member for the Genetic Counseling Prospective Student Network and volunteered for the Crisis Textline and a local equine therapy program for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Sophie is thrilled to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2027 and is happy to answer any questions about the program or the application process! sophie.macner@uscmed.sc.edu

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Kathryn Maholick

Kathryn Maholick is from Nazareth, Pennsylvania. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in May 2025 with a major in Biological Sciences and minor in Business Administration. While at USC, Kathryn was a member of the Society of Pre-Health Professionals in Genetics, where she served as the President and Social Media Chair. She was a Peer Leader for the Fundamentals of Genetics Lab.During the summer of 2024, Kathryn worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant (GCA) with USC, and completed their online course, Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future, where she gained valuable insight into the career. In addition to her GCA position, Kathryn shadowed prenatal and cancer genetic counselors in her hometown over summer and winter breaks which solidified her love for genetic counseling. Outside of class, she volunteered with the Crisis Text Line and Be My Eyes, an online organization that aids the visually impaired. Kathryn is delighted to be part of the USCGCP class of 2027 and welcomes any questions. Kathryn.Maholick@uscmed.sc.edu

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Jade Mattress

 Jade Mattress is from Anderson, SC, She graduated from Coastal Carolina University in May 2024, where she completed a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Spanish for Health Professions. During her time at Coastal Carolina she was a dancer for Teal Temptations, a mentor for first-year students, and a member of TriBeta Biological Honors Society. She also was a research assistant for SC Inbre where she looked for natural ways to control bacterial blooms in bodies of water in tourists areas using bacteriophages. After graduation, she was a summer intern at Greenwood Genetic Center where she was able to shadow different genetic counselors and specialties. This experience is one that was beyond valuable and will stick with her forever. Before starting the program at USC, she worked as a special education teaching assistant for children with moderate to severe needs at an elementary school in her hometown. Jade has always had a passion for helping and volunteering for her community, and she has always wanted to give a voice to those who are underrepresented. The reason she chose USCGCP is because of their community engagement and drive to bring awareness of this profession to all communities and backgrounds. She is elated to be a part of the class 2027, and she welcomes any questions! jade.mattress@uscmed.sc.edu

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Abby Patten

Abby is from Winston-Salem, NC, and graduated from Furman University in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she interned with SWITCH, a nonprofit dedicated to combatting human trafficking in Upstate South Carolina, as well as PRISMA Health, where she worked alongside cancer genetic counselors and discovered her passion for the field. Abby also completed a thesis that explored the relationship between alcohol consumption and physical activity among college students, which she presented at the APA conference in Chicago. After graduation, Abby worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and interned with the NBIA Disorders Association, deepening her commitment to supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. She is thrilled to join the USC Genetic Counseling Class of 2027 and serve as one of the LEND trainees. She’s always happy to connect and answer any questions about the program! awpatten@uscmed.sc.edu

Class of 2028

Siena Abercrombie

 Siena is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2025 from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior. During her undergraduate experience, Siena discovered her passion for genetic counseling in the classroom while also remaining active with her love for the arts, through an a-cappella group, Beyond Unison, and Bucknell's Dance Program. Firstly, she had the opportunity to carry out her own mentored research study as a part of Bucknell's Biology and Chemistry Undergraduate Research Program. The study focused on macronutrient consumption in relation to anxious and aggressive behavior in the Zebra Fish species. This experience was pivotal to Siena discovering genetic counseling, where it sparked her interest to pursue a scientific career with a discipline that can also incorporate research. Siena also served as treasurer and secretary in Bucknell's newly founded, student-run Pre-Genetic Counseling Society. She had the privilege of helping to establish the organization and coordinating collaborations with other college-level genetic counselor groups. This experience not only reinforced her career aspirations but also allowed her to educate fellow undergraduate students about the rapidly growing field. After graduation, Siena gained clinical experience as a genetic counseling assistant at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania. During this role, she supported genetic counselors in both the prenatal realm, including maternal fetal medicine and fertility, as well as the research realm, through Gesinger’s MyCode Community Health Initiative research project. While at Geisinger, Siena shadowed genetic counseling appointments in specialties ranging from cancer, prenatal, pediatric, cardiac, neurology, and research. She also participated in the Mentorship Program, the Genetic Counseling Education Series, as well as the program’s Journal Club. Siena is excited to continue broadening her understanding of genetic counseling through the University of South Carolina’s program, where she was especially interested in the Preparing Future Faculty Track. She hopes to further explore her passion for contributing to higher education through collaborative teaching skills, scholarly research, and service. She is happy to connect with any future applicants and answer any questions anyone may have about the program!

Kaitlyn Ayebah

Kaitlyn is from Pembroke Pines, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in May 2026 with a B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science and a minor in Communication Studies. As an undergraduate, she held leadership roles in many cultural organizations and served as a Senior Ambassador and Service & Volunteer Hours Director in the Dial Center Ambassador Leadership Program, coordinating outreach that increased student engagement. Kaitlyn gained hands-on experience as a Genetic Counseling Intern with the UF Health Hereditary Cancer Program in her last year, where she assisted with patient intake, family history collection, pedigree construction, and the genetic testing workflow. She also completed extensive shadowing of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists at UF Health and University of Miami Hospital across many different settings. Outside of clinical experiences, she volunteered at the Jessie Trice Community Health Center, supporting women in transitional housing, and at the Child Advocacy Center of Gainesville. These roles deepened her commitment to advocacy and serving underserved communities. Kaitlyn would be delighted to answer any questions!

Madelyn Boyce

Georgia is from Mukilteo, Washington. She graduated from the University of Portland in May 2024 with a B.A. in biology and a minor in chemistry. During her time at UP, she spent several years working for her university's Anchor Program, which was designed to acclimate first-year students to their first semester of college. In the summers, she also worked as a program assistant at her hometown's Boys and Girls Club chapter and helped to care for children of differing ages and abilities. After graduation, she moved out to Wisconsin and began working as a genetic counseling assistant at the Marshfield Clinic. In this role, she supported 3 genetic counselors, a nurse practitioner, and a geneticist in their general medical genetics clinic. Georgia really enjoyed the opportunity to gain exposure to multiple genetics specialties, as well as to what it was like to work in a genetics clinic serving a rural area.  During this time, she also worked as a volunteer for Crisis Text Line. Georgia is elated to be part of USC Genetic Counseling Program and LEND fellowship, and she is more than happy to answer any questions!

Georgia Duke

Casey is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024 with majors in Biology and the Romance Languages. At UNC, Casey worked for the Carolina Center for Public Service, served as an undergraduate learning assistant in the Chemistry Department, and researched epigenetics in the Hathaway Lab. She discovered her passion for genetics and community service through these experiences. Following graduation, Casey worked as a Medical Writer at PreventionGenetics and interned for the All Access DNA podcast to gain experience in the field of genetic counseling. She also enjoyed getting involved in her local community through Special Olympics and the Ronald McDonald House. Casey is excited to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2028 and is happy to answer any questions! 

Casey Lepley

Casey is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024 with majors in Biology and the Romance Languages. At UNC, Casey worked for the Carolina Center for Public Service, served as an undergraduate learning assistant in the Chemistry Department, and researched epigenetics in the Hathaway Lab. She discovered her passion for genetics and community service through these experiences. Following graduation, Casey worked as a Medical Writer at PreventionGenetics and interned for the All Access DNA podcast to gain experience in the field of genetic counseling. She also enjoyed getting involved in her local community through Special Olympics and the Ronald McDonald House. Casey is excited to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2028 and is happy to answer any questions! 

Addie Phillips

Addie is from Lexington, SC, and graduated from Columbia College (S.C.) in 2026 with a B.S. in Biology. While at Columbia College, she was a member of the Dr. John Zubizarreta Honors Program and served on the Honors Executive Board. For her honors capstone project, she planned and executed an expert panel event focused on colorectal cancer awareness and prevention to bridge the gaps in understanding within her college community. Additionally, through the honors program, Addie participated in the Nobel Peace Center’s international “Partners in Peace” project. At Columbia College, the project focused on addressing healthcare disparities in the surrounding community through educational programming, donation drives, and other wellness initiatives. She also served as a peer tutor, an undergraduate teaching assistant, and an honors orientation leader while completing her degree. Outside of school, she worked as a server and aide at an assisted living and memory care facility. She also has volunteered as a youth volleyball coach for the past six years, working with children from ages 8-17 from a wide variety of backgrounds. During the summer of 2025, Addie worked as the summer intern for the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program. Through shadowing, interviewing, and completing targeted assignments, she gained valuable insight into the field and further developed her understanding of genetic counseling. Addie is so grateful to be a part of the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program and encourages anyone with any questions about the program or the application process to reach out! 

Lauren Poyck

Lauren is from Boiling Springs, South Carolina, and she graduated summa cum laude from Clemson University in 2025 with a B.S. in Genetics and a minor in Biological Sciences. During her time at Clemson, Lauren participated in research focused on environmental genomics and reproductive technology in cattle. During the summers, she volunteered at Camp Spearhead, facilitating recreational and social activities for children and adults with disabilities, and served as a peer mentor with the Eating Disorder Foundation. Lauren also worked as an in-home caregiver, providing individualized support and companionship to individuals with disabilities. Before joining USCGCP, Lauren spent a year working as a genetic counseling assistant at Gibbs Cancer Center, where she supported three cancer genetic counselors with patient preparation and testing coordination. She also served as a survivorship outreach coordinator, connecting with breast and colon cancer survivors to discuss their health, emotional well-being, and ongoing care needs. Lauren knew USCGCP was the right fit for her after working alongside several exceptional program alumni and experiencing their passion for genetic counseling and commitment to their patients. She is thrilled to be part of the USCGCP class of 2028 and is happy to answer questions about the program or the CDR graduate assistantship track!

Sloan Rohrbaugh

Sloan is from Greenville, SC, and graduated from Furman University in 2022 with a B.A. in Sociology. During her undergraduate years, she served as an executive officer in her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and was a member of the international sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta. These experiences helped her develop leadership skills and fostered a strong commitment to service and collaboration. While interning with genetic counselors at the Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Sloan was introduced to the field of genetic counseling and discovered a passion for supporting patients through complex medical decisions. After graduation, she spent a year in Gold Coast, Australia, working as a teaching assistant, where she strengthened her communication skills and gained valuable experience adapting to new environments and perspectives. Upon returning to the United States, Sloan joined the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as a genetic counseling assistant in the pediatric genetics clinic. Working closely with patients, families, and providers in a clinical setting deepened her understanding of the impact genetic counselors have on patient care and confirmed her desire to pursue the profession. She later helped establish a new genetic counseling assistant role within Vanderbilt’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program, expanding opportunities for prospective genetic counselors. Through this experience, she developed a greater appreciation for the intersection of research and clinical care and for the unique journey of patients seeking answers to undiagnosed conditions. She is ecstatic to be joining the USC Genetic Counseling Class of 2028 and serve as one of the LEND trainees. She’s always happy to connect and answer any questions about the program! 

Breyonna Spires

Breyonna is from Lexington, South Carolina. She graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and leadership distinction in research. While at USC, she completed research in Dr. Watt’s evolutionary genomics lab, studying enzyme functions in Colias Eriphyle butterfly colonies. She also worked as a resident assistant (RA) for 3 years and was involved in leadership for organizations such as the Alliance for Women in STEM and Green Quad Sustainability LLC. During her gap year, she worked as a GCA for Lexington Oncology and was a FORCE social media ambassador. She also completed USC’s Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future summer course and shadowed several genetic counselors. Breyonna is so excited to be a part of the USC Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2028 and is happy to answer any questions about the program or the application process! 

 

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