Students

Srinka Arora

Srinka grew up in India, surrounded by rich cultural and traditional heritage that impacted her outlook on life. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology and a Master's degree in Human Genomics from Indian institutions. After her Master's studies, she dedicated her time as a full-time volunteer at an NGO, CanKids.... KidsCan, where she learned counseling skills from a senior psychologist. She also completed a Master's in Psychology to deepen her understanding of behavioural sciences.

To enhance her practical experience in genetic counseling, she completed a six-month Observership-cum-Training at Kamineni Hospital, India followed by clearing Board of Genetic Counseling, India level 1 and 2 certification exams. Additionally, she has worked as a Research cum Technical Assistant at Goethe University, focusing on biomedical research, and has volunteered with 1Life, an Indian NGO providing hotline counseling and crisis intervention services. Srinka is excited to be a graduate student in Genetic Counseling at the University of Rochester, seeing this as an incredible opportunity and looking forward to seeing where it takes her.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, and has a strong passion of doing Indian tribal art, that feels like meditation to her. Her upbringing back home fostered an open-minded and adaptable mindset that motivates her to broaden her knowledge and continuously strive for self-improvement. Being a part of the University of Rochester is a step towards adding on to her kaleidoscope of experiences, to grow and help the world around her.

Abigail Hamilton

Abigail graduated from Purdue University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Brain and Behavioral Sciences and a minor in Biological Sciences. During her college years, she worked as a mental health technician, volunteered as a crisis counselor for LGBTQ youth, and did research on the risk factors of Autism Spectrum Disorder. After graduating, she took a gap year while applying for genetic counseling programs to work as an oncology nursing assistant in her hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

Because of her background, Abigail is passionate about the specialties of cancer genetics and neurogenetics, but is expanding her knowledge and experiences in the many additional specialties offered at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Abigail enjoys spending time with her wonderful friends, partner, and family, taking walks during beautiful Indiana sunsets, reading fantasy novels, and finding the best places to eat in Rochester.

Jordan Lehman

Jordan graduated from St. John Fisher University in 2021 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry, Psychology, Spanish, and Spanish/Latino Culture for the Health Professions. Throughout her time as an undergraduate student Jordan was an active member on Fisher's campus as a student tutor, peer mentor, and undergraduate researcher in addition to competing for the Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams.

Jordan became a "Double Cardinal" in spring of 2023 after graduating from St. John Fisher University with a Master in Public Health. While completing her master's degree, Jordan continued competing for the SJF Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field teams and also worked as the Clinical Coordinator and Genetic Counselor Assistant for the Flaum Eye Institute's Ocular Genetics program at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

After she finishes her Master in Genetic Counseling, Jordan aspires to re-join the ocular genetics community as a Genetic Counselor to continue working with the patients and their families affected by inherited retinal dystrophies and other rare syndromic conditions affecting the eye. 

Aside from her professional interests, Jordan enjoys spending her free time outdoors during all seasons by hiking and skiing throughout the Northeast. She is very excited to continue her education here in Rochester and be a part of the University of Rochester's Genetic Counseling Program!

Elizabeth Masteller

Elizabeth attended Pennsylvania State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Science, Biological and Health Professions Option with a Minor in Psychology. She has also obtained a Master’s degree in Cancer Biology from the University of Kent in England.

Prior to beginning the MSGC Program at the University of Rochester, Elizabeth’s career was in clinical and translational research. She has worked in clinical research at two cancer institutes and one pediatric orthopedics facility. She also worked in translational research in biobehavioral health at Penn State. She earned her Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential in 2018.

She enjoys walking in nature, bike riding, swimming, cooking, reading, playing board games, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. She has a young nephew to whom she is godmother and a sweet, old dog named Rocky. Given that genetic counseling is a field that can have an immense impact on patients, she is thrilled to be entering this field. She looks forward to the impactful work she will do in this new career path.

Ben McPherson

Ben is from Oswego, New York and graduated from SUNY Geneseo in May of 2022 with a BA in Biology and a minor in Human Development. During his years at Geneseo he spent some time rowing in crew, began volunteering as a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line, and conducted research on the cooperation of selfish genetic elements in stalk-eyed flies.

After graduating, he began working as a Genetic Counseling Assistant for UBMD Pediatrics in Buffalo, New York. To prepare for genetic counseling training, he was able to interview and shadow genetic counselors, engage in webinars, take classes through the University of Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, and participate in the University of Iowa’s Genetic Counseling Mentorship Program.

In his spare time, Ben enjoys traveling and being outside, spending time with friends and family, and reading a good book. He is incredibly excited to be a part of the University of Rochester’s inaugural MSGC Program’s Class of 2025!

Emily C Miller

Emily grew up in Norman, Oklahoma and attended the University of Oklahoma as an Oklahoma State Regents Scholar where she studied Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Music. Emily is an avid pianist and singer, and enjoys teaching beginning piano students and singing in community choirs in her free time. She also enjoys reading, painting, and crocheting while snuggling her tabby cat, Penelope. A coffee and tea enthusiast, she worked as a barista at her local library coffee shop. Emily values opportunities to participate in dialogue about improving genetic testing and counseling for underrepresented communities, and working with patients from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to genetic counseling, Emily is passionate about improving mental healthcare and spent much of her senior year of undergrad volunteering at an inpatient mental health facility in her hometown. As a founding member of the Acts of Kindness Association at her university, Emily is committed to bringing a little more “sunshine” to anyone she interacts with. Her previous work includes investigating the role of the Notch4 protein pathway in hormone therapy resistant ER+ breast cancer, as well as her publication, “An Artist’s Voice, a Healthcare Hand,” discussing how artwork can be used to explain genetic concepts to Indigenous communities in the Southwestern US. As part of the inaugural class in genetic counseling at the University of Rochester, she continues her pursuit of lifelong learning and is embracing new adventures in New York.

Daysia Augustin

Daysia graduated from the University at Buffalo in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. While at college, Daysia founded and served as President of the UB Women’s Healthcare & Wellness Association, an on-campus undergraduate organization dedicated to educating the community and advocating for equitable healthcare. Daysia also worked as a tutor and peer mentor for the UB Upward Bound Program, an initiative committed to supporting high school students in the Buffalo area who are underrepresented in higher education. As a proud member of the UB Honors College, Daysia served as a peer mentor for incoming Freshmen. Furthermore, she was involved in two research labs: the Xu-Friedman Neuroscience Lab and the UB Child Health and Behavior Lab (HABLAB).

Daysia is originally from the Rochester area and is excited to return to her hometown for her master’s degree. Daysia hopes to increase accessibility to genetic counseling resources for underserved communities and to spread awareness about genetic counseling services.

In her spare time, Daysia enjoys reading books, building Legos, and playing board games with friends and family. She is a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and adores TV shows such as Game of Thrones, Criminal Minds, and The Vampire Diaries.

Stefania Cichella

Stefania graduated from York University in Toronto, Canada, in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a crisis counselor for two years, providing support to victims of sexual assault. Her passion for advocacy inspired her to develop a seminar on power, privilege and oppression to educate incoming volunteers. During this time, she obtained a Mental Health First Aid Certification, completed a Genetic Counseling Prep course from the University of South Carolina, and took a foundational counseling course at a local college to further develop her counseling abilities.

Stefania’s interest in genetics led her to volunteer and eventually work at the genetics clinic at North York General Hospital in Toronto. There, she gained experience shadowing various specialties, including an interdisciplinary Huntington's Disease clinic. After graduating, she took a gap year to work as an IVF assistant at a fertility clinic, where she deepened her interest in reproductive genetics. Stefania looks forward to learning how to best support patients through their reproductive journey, while exploring the many specialties that genetic counseling has to offer.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys watching movies, staying active, and spending time with her loved ones. She is beyond excited about the future of genetics and making a positive impact on the lives of others through their health care journeys.

Irena Ciferri

Irena graduated from Binghamton University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Biological Anthropology. During her time at Binghamton, she volunteered with an outreach program called TOPSoccer, teaching children with disabilities how to play soccer, and was a teaching assistant for a genetics lab and a health and wellness course. 

After graduating, Irena worked as a direct support professional supervisor at a community-based day habilitation program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this position, she supported a group of individuals in being valued and contributing members of the community by teaching social and functional skills through a variety of recreational and volunteer activities. Being a direct support professional has strengthened her passion for supporting others and helped her embed compassion, empathy, advocacy, and inclusion into how she provides care. She is excited to continue providing direct support in the clinical setting and to explore advocacy and education roles within the field of genetic counseling. 

Irena loves spending time outdoors and staying active through various exercise activities. She also enjoys exploring new places and trying new restaurants and coffee shops. She appreciates spending time with family and friends and loves connecting with others through music. She is very excited to be a part of the University of Rochester Genetic Counseling Program and can’t wait for her future as a genetic counselor! 

Mary Kearney

Mary graduated with her B.S. in Biology from Adelphi University in 2023. Volunteering as an ambulance driver and crisis counselor formed her interest in healthcare, and she decided to pursue genetic counseling after acceptance into the Columbia University Pre-Genetic Counselor Experiential Practicum.

In 2022, Mary became a student researcher with the Wildlife Endocrinology Laboratory of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, where she was awarded the Joseph Serio Research Award. As she studied psychosocial stressors to kiwi, an understudied species at high risk for extinction, Mary recognized the importance of spreading awareness about rare phenomena through scientific literature. This experience inspired her to pursue a role which encourages research and education as a genetic counselor.

After graduating, Mary spent her gap year working as a technical writer for an immigration company, where she helped prospective immigrants obtain their U.S. visas. She also worked as a camp counselor for a fifth summer, as she enjoys interacting with children and their families.

In her free time, Mary loves to read, create art, and spend time with her loved ones. She is beyond excited to begin her career in genetic counseling and looks forward to making a positive impact on the world around her through meaningful work, starting in the Rochester community.

Jennie Seidberg

Jennie grew up in Syracuse, New York and received her BA in both Biology and English: Creative Writing from the University of Rochester in 2024. Jennie is excited to be continuing her education at the U of R and working towards her goal of becoming a genetic counselor. During her undergraduate time, Jennie worked as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Upstate Medical University in the Department of Neurology helping patients understand their testing results. She also volunteered at Strong Memorial Hospital in the Pediatric Inpatient Psychiatric Department, where she helped adolescent patients continue their education while inpatient.

Outside of academics, Jennie is an avid photographer. In school, Jennie was a part of the photography club and spent time covering drama and musical events on campus. She also loves gardening and spends the summer helping with the family garden. Jennie is also known to get lost into a good book and loves to write fiction in the fantasy genre. Jennie is thrilled to be joining the MSGC program for the class of 2026!

Katie Stevens

Katie graduated from the University of Maine in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Psychology. While she was there, she studied abroad in Cork, Ireland in Spring 2023 which she considers to be a transformative experience, so much so that she became a Peer Advisor to help other students go abroad. After her travels, she began her undergraduate thesis work attempting to develop a zebrafish model for Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a human genetic immunologic condition. She also began working as a Wish Granter with Make-a-Wish and has helped grant wishes for two children so far. 

She is excited to learn about all the various specialties of Genetic Counseling at the University of Rochester, especially pediatrics. Since completing her undergraduate thesis, she has become interested in working with patients and families with genetic immune conditions. She enjoys spending her free time outside, playing board games, and painting or coloring. Katie is excited to be joining the MSGC Class of 2026! 

Sky Weiss

Sky Weiss is a graduate from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD where he received B.A.s in Biology and Psychology. During undergrad, he worked as a laboratory teaching assistant and patient care tech at a behavioral health hospital where he discovered his desire to teach and help others during times of crisis.

After graduating, he continued to work at the hospital as a behavioral health tech, eventually becoming a lead on an adult psychiatry unit and sat on several hospital committees to help create positive change for both the patients and staff. To help create a better hospital experience for trans and gender-diverse patients, Sky created and presented a gender affirming care education to increase staff ability to provide tailored care. He spent over a year volunteering in a preschool and served as a volunteer in an English as a Second Language classroom. Sky is ecstatic to begin his adventure with genetic counseling and continue to help others in the clinical setting as well as through efforts in advocacy and policy.

Sky grew up spending a majority of his time in the musical arts like band and show choir. As a music geek, he enjoys singing and dancing in his free time and was previously a member in a queer-inclusive choir while in Sioux Falls. He loves to find local coffee shops, breweries, or wineries with cozy, homey vibes to relax and spend time with friends as well as new restaurants to try all kinds of food.