Class of 2026
December Brickey (she/her)
I am thrilled to be joining the UW GCGP in the fall! With every genetics course and advocacy experience since high school, my passion for genetic counseling has only grown. I love that Seattle is such a diverse city, and that the UW program places such an emphasis on equity. Growing up an hour north of Seattle, I am excited to stay in the beautiful PNW. When I’m not at school, you can find me baking, hiking, paddle boarding, or making yummy coffee!
Grace Burke (she/her)
I grew up in New Jersey and graduated with a B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology and a minor in Psychology from Northeastern University. After exploring different careers in genetics research and healthcare in Boston, I found that genetic counseling aligns best with my passions, and I am thrilled to be joining the UW GCGP. As a future genetic counselor, I am committed to advocating for change in this field and learning how to increase the accessibility to counseling services. In my free time, I enjoy long walks while listening to audiobooks and exploring new areas.
Ellis Coulter (she/her)
I have dreamed about becoming a genetic counselor since I learned about this career in high school. Genetic counseling combines my passion for science with my desire to educate others and provide care. Having grown up in Washington, I am grateful I get to remain with my community while attending graduate school. I am dedicated to fostering inclusive environments and will continue learning how to practice antiracism. I have a background in cystic fibrosis microbiology research and want to expand genetic disorder research to focus more on underrepresented populations. In my free time I like to do yoga, explore new restaurants with friends, and curl up to a good show with my cat, Hoshi.
Hope Doyle (she/her)
At the age of five my family moved from Manchester, England to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Growing up between two cultures, navigating personal chronic illness, and living through the impact a loved one's health can have on a family has granted me insight into the importance of compassionately meeting everyone where they are at with dignity and respect. These experiences, alongside my background in neuroscience and psychology and post-undergraduate clinical research with the NIH-funded Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, solidified my desire to work within an interdisciplinary medical team while pursuing a career in which I help others advocate and navigate their own medical journeys. The meaningful impact a genetic counselor can have as well as the diversity of patients, diagnoses, and opportunities is what draws me to the field. Genetic counseling is my ideal blend of patient-first care and inspiring cutting-edge genomic medicine. In my free time I enjoy traveling, gardening, hiking, game nights, live music, playing the guitar or piano, yoga, and relaxing with a good book or TV series alongside my cat Juno.
Josie Friedman (she/her)
I am excited to pursue a career in genetic counseling because of the field’s emphasis on both human genomics and patient advocacy. My identity as an international adoptee has largely informed my interest in genetics and its related health insights. I hope to empower patients by making scientific concepts approachable and offering sensitive support as they learn about and make decisions surrounding their health. The UW GCGP’s dedication to diversity and anti-racism aligns with my aim of addressing healthcare inequities. I look forward to beginning my training at the UW GCGP and joining the Seattle community! In my free time, I enjoy baking, thrift shopping, trying new restaurants, and spending time outdoors.
Maya Gopalakrishnan (she/her)
Growing up I saw how much empathy and emotional support from healthcare professionals can make a difference in healthcare outcomes for patients. As I worked in cancer research, I became motivated to take a more preventive approach to treating cancer. Genetic counseling felt like a perfect bridge between my passion for preventive medicine and human centered healthcare. I am so excited to be joining the UW GCGP and work with like-minded peers to make preventive medicine accessible and equitable. I am especially passionate about furthering my work in patient advocacy and outreach for underrepresented communities. In my free time, I love to be creative through painting, drawing and ceramics. You can also find me watching movies, trying new coffee shops and exploring the outdoors.
Emily Hasser (she/her)
After completing my MPH at UW and working in newborn screening for two years, I am excited to start my genetic counseling education and interact more directly with patients and families. I am passionate about public health genetics issues such as equitable access to genetic testing and ethical implementation of new technologies. Outside of work, I love to read and spend time outdoors. I also coach gymnastics and compete with Seattle’s adult team!
Brianna Hiukka (she/her)
I knew I wanted to become a genetic counselor when I saw the crucial role they play in empowering and supporting patients to make informed decisions about their health. I am elated to join a field where I can be at the forefront of genomic advancement while using them to truly make a difference in the lives of patients. I am committed to dismantling the many barriers people face in the healthcare system, and I strive to create an equitable environment using culturally conscious patient centered care. The UW GCGP's commitment to these values is one of the many reasons I'm so excited to join their community. In my free time you can find me hiking, thrifting, exploring the restaurant scene, and going to concerts. I can't wait to see what Seattle and the PNW has to offer!
Ruby Lamb (she/her)
In joining the University of Washington 2026 cohort, I am honored to participate in a program that shares my commitment to equity and accessibility in healthcare. Ever since learning about genetic counseling during undergrad, I have been drawn to its unique hybrid of scientific communication, inclusive innovation, and patient care. Having worked with underinsured minority populations as an EMT in Denver, I have seen the disparities in who receives quality healthcare services in the United States. I am specifically interested in community-based genetics services in rural areas, having grown up in small-town Vermont and then spent time in isolated mountain villages in the Andes Mountains. Outside of pursuing genetic counseling, I love to spend time outdoors, biking, skiing, or running with my dog. I also like to take naps and stay hydrated.
Claire Latendresse (she/her)
Through my own diagnostic odyssey, I have come to understand how meaningful it can be to feel supported and understood by healthcare professionals as you manage the uncertainties in a healthcare journey. As a genetic counselor, I hope to become a compassionate guide who can help her patients feel fully informed in finding the path that’s right for them. I feel so honored and excited for the opportunity to become the best genetic counselor I can be at the UW GCGP. Their commitment to inclusion and accessibility complements my own interests in neurodiversity, disability issues, and respecting individual choice. Outside of the classroom, I’m a big fan of reading, exercising, walking my dog, hiking, playing board games, and baking!
Rita Ma (she/her)
I am really excited to be part of the UW GCGP Class of 2026 cohort! It has been my dream to be a genetic counselor because I was always fascinated by genetics, and I want to help others understand their own genetic makeup. As a Chinese-Canadian, I also recognize the importance of culturally sensitive healthcare practices. I am committed to bridging cultural gaps and learning more about how to ensure individuals from diverse backgrounds feel understood and respected throughout the genetic counseling process. I grew up surrounded by the mountains, so I enjoy snowboarding and hiking, but I am thrilled about moving to Seattle and being so close to the ocean!
Lauren McQuilkin (she/her)
Learning about my multiracial heritage sparked my initial curiosity for genetics — a passion which only continues to grow as groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in the field change the face of medicine. What especially excites me about genetic counseling is the ability to share my love of science by making genetics care accessible to patients from all walks of life. As a second-generation immigrant, my experiences have deepened my dedication to becoming a genetic counselor who emphasizes compassion, cultural sensitivity, and patient-centered care. I could not be more thrilled to join such a diverse and inclusive community at the UW GCGP. In my free time, you can find me exploring the outdoors, going to concerts, playing music, and journaling in coffee shops.
Janell Meade (she/her)
Genetic counseling stood out to me as a field that would allow me to pursue a profession in genetics that included my passions in research, education, and activism. As a genetic counselor, I’m interested in working with diverse populations to encourage informed decision-making regarding one's health and addressing the disparities in genetic testing. Being a Black woman, this means a lot to me and I want to explore more about the barriers to accessing genetic services. The commitment of the UW GCGP to diversity, equity, and inclusion aligns with my own goals, and I’m looking forward to being a part of the class of 2026. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and coffee shops, finding new recipes, and visiting theme parks.
Ketki Naik (she/her)
From a young age, my fascination with healthcare and genetics ignited a passion that led me on a journey to pursue genetic counseling. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, I've witnessed the vital role access to healthcare plays in diverse communities. With fluency in multiple languages and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, I aim to break down barriers to genetic services and raise awareness in underrepresented populations. Empowering and educating parents has been a cornerstone of my journey. Guiding them through the complexities of genetic information, I strive to provide clarity and support during pivotal moments in their lives. Through compassionate counseling and tailored education, I aspire to equip families with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions. Joining the University of Washington's esteemed Genetic Counseling Program, I'm eager to contribute to the program's mission of fostering inclusive healthcare practices. Through collaborative learning and mentorship, I look forward to honing my skills and making meaningful contributions to the field's evolution. In addition to my professional aspirations, I find joy in exploring the great outdoors, experimenting with cooking, indulging in arts and crafts, and unwinding with a good movie.
Lily Plumlee (she/her)
Genetic counseling combines my interests in health education and counseling, as well as ethical considerations and anticipation of emerging issues. As an adoptee, my fascination with genetics and family health histories is personal, and fuels my desire to empower individuals with information. I am excited to collaborate with my cohort to gain new perspectives on issues in genetic counseling! In my free time, I like photography, exercise, reading and creative writing, exploring nature, and hanging out with my cat. I also love tea and am always looking for a good boba spot.
Kinnari Shah (she/her)
Driven by a passion for genetics, a commitment to patient empowerment, and a desire to advocate and care for others, I found my calling in genetic counseling— a profession that is incredibly dynamic and ever-evolving. Growing up in India, juggling different cultures, I have understood the significance of ensuring healthcare equity and am dedicated to expanding the reach of genetic counseling services to every community. At the UW GCGP, I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills to practice and look forward to embracing and learning from cultural differences. In the future, I intend to contribute to the growth of this profession and enhance opportunities in my home country. In my downtime, I unwind by listening to music and singing, hiking and exploring the outdoors, playing board games, reading, spending time with my loved ones, and practicing yoga and meditation.
Alia Thomas (she/her)
I am excited and grateful to be pursuing my master’s degree in genetic counseling with the UW GCGP. I have been fascinated by biology and the natural sciences since I was young, and I love that genetic counseling will allow me to combine my interest in the ever-evolving field of genetics with my passion for serving others. As someone with experience in healthcare research and scientific outreach, I am enthusiastic about improving scientific communication and making science more inviting and accessible. Additionally, my multiethnic background has made me committed to improving genetics research and healthcare practices for multiracial/multiethnic individuals and families. As a genetic counselor, I look forward to being an advocate for my patients and helping them feel empowered in their knowledge and decisions. In my free time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and soccer, spending time with friends and family, and indulging in different kinds of tea.