Current Students

Josie Cleveland grew up in Neenah, WI and discovered the genetic counseling field through an internet search during her genetics unit in high school biology. After discussions with her teacher, Josie knew she wanted to be a genetic counselor. She earned her B.S. in Genetics from Purdue University in 2023. While at Purdue, Josie served as a Resident Assistant where she loved making connections and aiding peers through college life.  Josie was also heavily involved in the Purdue Pre-Genetic Counseling Club where her passion for genetic counseling only grew. Another way Josie connected with her peers on campus was through her role as an Educational Ambassador through Purdue’s Center for Advocacy, Response and Educations. In this role, she gave presentations to her peers about the importance of bystander interventions and healthy relationships. Throughout her undergraduate degree, Josie participated in genetic counseling workshops and informational interviews with genetic counselors to expand her knowledge of the field.

After graduating from Purdue, Josie spent a year as a genetic counseling assistant in Saint Cloud, MN working with cancer, cardio, and general genetic counselors to serve a primarily rural population. This experience affirmed Josie’s desire to become a genetic counselor. She also spent time volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Saint Cloud by assisting in their Reading Learning Center.  Outside of school, Josie loves to spend time with her family and friends, read, and listen to podcasts. She cannot wait to explore St. Louis during her time at WashU.

Sophia Couteranis was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Her interest in genetics began when her cousin was diagnosed with Williams syndrome. Knowing that she wanted a career helping others with rare diseases, she shadowed a genetic counselor and quickly realized this career was the perfect blend of genetics and patient interaction. Sophia earned her B.A. in Psychology with minors in Biology, Chemistry and Spanish from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2022. At UMKC, she was a member of the UMKC Child Lab where she designed and implemented her own research study, analyzing the relationship between prosocial behavior and family relationships. Additionally, she worked as a supplemental instruction leader, tutoring groups of students in a variety of traditionally challenging classes.

After graduation, Sophia moved back to St. Louis and began volunteering as a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line to develop her counseling skills. Shortly after, she began working as a combined clinical research coordinator-genetic counseling assistant in the Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine at Washington University. In this role, she coordinated various research projects, including the annual Cantu Clinic, a study that brings clinicians and families from around the world together to better understand the clinical features of Cantu syndrome.

In her free time, Sophia enjoys spending time with her family, reading, trying new local restaurants, and long walks with her dog, Chase.

Born in Bangalore, India, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pranathi Kandikonda’s cross-cultural experiences have uniquely shaped her academic journey and professional aspirations. Graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Pranathi’s academic curiosity led her to discover the transformative field of genetic counseling during her sophomore year. Intrigued by its potential to blend science with compassionate patient care, she immediately immersed herself in the field, becoming an active member of the pre-genetic counseling club and contributing to significant research projects.

The two genetic counseling focused research projects that Pranathi worked on looked at the need for genetic counselors within the Arab world and assessed the community-based participatory research being done within the genetic counseling field. Pranathi also spent time developing skills in advocacy by working as a crisis helpline specialist with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Additionally, Pranathi spent time developing wet lab research skills by working in a lab that investigated the effects of aging on metabolism, as well as a plant genetics lab that assessed the diversity among H. Lupulus populations. All of these experiences further developed Pranathi’s desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling and provide patient-centered care within this field.   

Beyond her academic and research endeavors, Pranathi likes to spend her time dancing and playing the guitar. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exploring new cities, and spending time outdoors. As she embarks on her genetic counseling degree at WashU, Pranathi is eager to continue honing her skills and knowledge, with a focus on advocating for the vital role of genetic counselors in the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Hannah Moran grew up in Sioux Falls, SD most of her life. She graduated from South Dakota State University with her B.S. in Human Biology and Microbiology and minors in Human Development Family Studies and Chemistry. During college, Hannah loved getting involved in leadership roles where she could mentor other students on her campus.

While in college, Hannah discovered her passion for mentoring adolescents which led her to seek out a mentoring program in Sioux Falls, SD. She worked with a group of sixth graders as they faced the daily challenges of adapting to a new school and facilitated conversations about emotions. 

Hannah sought out counseling-focused roles and followed her interest in helping adolescents by working as a residential counselor at a psychiatric residential treatment facility for adolescents with behavioral and mental disorders. She worked with residents by helping them develop positive coping skills. She later moved onto a genetic counseling assistant position with a local cancer institute. Working with multiple genetic counselors provided her with an outlet where she was able to continue deepening her desire to work with patients who are experiencing a difficult diagnosis or treatment and provide them with understandable information.  In her free time, Hannah enjoys exploring restaurants around St. Louis with her husband, taking care of her plants, snuggling up with a book, or watching Formula 1 races on Sunday mornings.

Jenna Russom is originally from St. Louis but spent most of her life in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2024 with a B.S. in Microbiology and a minor in Spanish. While attending UF, she explored her passion for genetic counseling by shadowing professionals and interviewing genetic counselors in different specialties.

In 2023, Jenna began work in the Alpha-1 Genetics Research Lab through the UF College of Medicine, focusing on a clinical trial that provided confidential genetic testing for the SERPINA1 gene through a blood test. This role deepened her understanding of the critical role genetic knowledge plays in patient care. She also enjoyed participating in Women Building Women, a program that involved weekly mentoring sessions with local middle school girls. Promoting domestic violence awareness and supporting Peaceful Paths, a local shelter, was also part of her undergraduate focus.

Jenna is excited to be back in her birth city during the next step in her educational career. Outside of academics, she enjoys many outdoor activities, such as pickleball and exploring new parks. Additionally, she loves listening to a variety of genres of music and reading. She is looking forward to growing personally and professionally during her time at WashU.

Madeleine Wisler is an Indiana native who graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Purdue University in Indianapolis. She also earned a minor in Medical Humanities and Health Studies. While in Indianapolis, she intentionally sought out experiences to engage her with her campus, her local community, and beyond. Madeleine first got involved on campus as a Chemistry recitation leader, working with a new group of students each semester to reinforce general Chemistry concepts. She spent a large part of her extracurricular time as part of her campus’s dance marathon program. There she gained leadership and interpersonal skills by raising funds and advocating for her local children’s hospital and the health of children nationwide. Finally, she gained research experience in an inner ear organoid research lab led by Dr. Eri Hashino in the IU School of Medicine.

Genetic counseling combines Madeleine’s loves of educating others, medical genetics, and holding space for psychosocial contributions to the medical space.  She is especially looking forward to learning more about the psychosocial skills that are relevant in the genetic counseling space. 

Madeleine spends time outside of school and work by exploring St. Louis – either by running with her dog or scoping out new places to eat. She’s also often found trying new recipes at home and spending time with her family. 

Hannah Aaron was born and raised in Hickory, NC where she also graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with a B.S in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Throughout her college career she dedicated countless hours volunteering as a dental assistant at a local ministry committed to providing dental care to those to those in need within the Hickory community. Additionally, she committed the final two years of her undergraduate studies to researching honey composition and its potential adulteration through PCR analysis and various other identification methods. She ultimately presented her thesis project at the NC Academy of Science, placing 3rd in the state in the category of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

After college she spent a few years living and working in Charlotte, NC while continuing volunteer work as a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line. During this time, she came to realize her desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling and began interviewing genetic counselors, shadowing, and participating in continuing education courses related to this vocation.

These steps led to her current role has a prenatal genetic counselor assistant for Labcorp Women’s health – a pursuit that has further fueled her passion for genetic counseling. In her free time Hannah enjoys spending time outside; whether it be hiking, biking, picnicking or gardening. Additionally, she is a huge foodie and loves to explore new restaurants or prepare different dishes for friends and family.

Margaret (Maggie) Erpelding grew up in the Twin Cities metro in Minnesota where she first learned about genetic counseling while in high school. She earned her B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish Cultural and Literary Studies from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN in 2023. During her time at UST, she participated in neuroendocrinology research studying the expression of dopamine related genes in brains of zebra finches. Her research focused on brain regions of the social decision-making network in response to pair bond behaviors and maintenance. Maggie also served as the Vice President for the Association of Women in Science at UST, implementing a partnership with a local middle school to provide after school science programming to students.

She gained additional counseling and advocacy experiences through volunteer work with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a support group facilitator for young adults with mental illnesses. Using the knowledge she gained at NAMI, Maggie worked on suicide prevention at the University of Granada during her internship with the Centro Juvenil de Orientación para la Salud in Spain while studying abroad. Together these experiences have helped grow her interest in health literacy, the role of language in counseling, and empowering individuals previously overlooked in the medical community. When not studying, Maggie enjoys running through Forest Park, reading, and trying out new crafts.

Jessica Glunt comes to genetic counseling after years of life and work experience led her to the profession. Jessica obtained undergraduate majors in Biological Sciences and Chemistry at Vanderbilt University. She then graduated from Washington University’s School of Law and University College with both her J.D. and a M.A. in Biology.

Jessica became a registered patent attorney and practiced intellectual property law at a large firm in St. Louis. But, she felt pulled closer to the lives of people impacted by genetic technology and moved to the McDonnell Genome Institute to explore different career options. While there, she became certain that genetic counseling was the vocation for her, but without a training program in the region, she felt that the best thing for her growing family was remaining in St. Louis and focusing on her role in the community.

During her time as a small business owner, Jessica grew to love working with families with medically complex children, volunteering extensively as a photographer specializing in hospital sessions, and helping develop a local support network and mentorship program. She also honed her ability to communicate with people in crisis as a counselor with the Crisis Text Line, and she is a strong believer in the power of stories and their ability to connect us and give meaning to our lives.

Jessica also has personal interests in clinical ethics and disability rights, and she is thrilled to be combining all her passions as a genetic counseling student. When she’s not working or studying, she can be found exploring St. Louis with her family. She also enjoys being outdoors, is forever attempting to learn Italian and ASL, and can never resist diving into the latest crafting fad to overtake her Instagram feed.

Tessa Holtkamp has lived in St. Louis, Missouri her whole life. She started her college career at St. Louis Community College as a first-generation student, exploring healthcare professions by focusing on science-based general education requirements. She first heard of genetic counseling in an introductory biology course and began pursuing the field during the pandemic.

After attaining her Associate of Arts degree in General Transfer Studies, she transferred to the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL) and began taking classes as a biology major. Within the last two years of her studies, Tessa served as a peer for UMSL’s Social Peers Program, a mentor program for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, and Postpartum Support International, a helpline for parents and caretakers that provides resources for perinatal difficulties. For her senior research project, Tessa taught her seminar class about the field of genetic counseling and its importance in healthcare. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biology in May of 2023, alongside the Muriel. E Babcock Award that acknowledged Tessa’s achievements in research under her genetics professor.

Outside of school, Tessa loves to read, take her dog on long walks in the parks around St. Louis, and discover new coffee shops with her friends. She is excited to continue her education at WashU and explore the opportunities the university offers to the St. Louis community.