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Amanda Gerard – Alumna Spotlight

Amanda Gerarad headshot

Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Baylor College of Medicine

 

Hometown: Houston, Texas
BA in Biological Science and Psychology (2015)
LinkedIn Profile

 

I primarily work with pediatric patients in the genetics clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. I see patients, contribute to research within the genetics field, and train new genetic counselors as a supervisor for the Baylor College of Medicine Genetic Counseling Program. My job is immensely enjoyable and rewarding, and I hope to continue contributing to this unique and growing field of science in the future.

My interest in biology developed in high school science classes when I was fascinated by many aspects of the field—particularly the unit about genetics. My specific career path was not set when I started my undergraduate coursework, but I knew biology interested me and I chose to explore it further. I discovered my current field of genetic counseling through online research and some biology courses.

Undergraduate courses helped determine my interests and what I wanted from my future career. I enjoyed the biology department’s variety of course offerings, which allowed me to learn about different specialties within the field. Once I decided on genetic counseling as a career, I took prerequisite courses for graduate school and participated in activities to strengthen my applications. I was also a psychology major, a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, a member of the Ole Miss Band, and a frequent visitor of Big Bad Breakfast.