Sarah Lawrence College

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Master’s & Dual Degrees
MS Human Genetics
Master of Science in Human Genetics Program Overview About the Director History of the Program Courses Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Fieldwork Training Faculty Thesis Project Application Process, Tuition and Financial Aid Alliance for Genetic Counseling Fellowship Alumni Resources Faculty & Alumni Publications Genetic Counseling Information Sessions and Events Request More Information
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Laura Hercher

Director of Student Research

  • Although there are currently no clear directives in place regarding disclosure of misattributed paternity, Hercher argues that the increased use of genomic testing may require a greater emphasis on the value of carefully planned disclosure.

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  • With CRISPR/Cas9 and other genome-editing technologies, successful somatic and germline genome editing are becoming feasible. To respond, an American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) workgroup, including Hercher, developed this position statement, urging a cautious but proactive view on gene editing.

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  • This article highlights research by Genetic Counseling alumni to examine the relationship between APOE and the risks of contact sports.

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  • This paper serves as a reference on parental rights and autonomy, rights of the future child, the right not to know, possible adverse effects on childhood, and the need for genetic counseling in relation to prospective parents testing their future child for adult-onset conditions.

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Claire Davis

Director of Curriculum

  • Commonalities and contrasts: North American program directors' perspectives on genetic counseling education - Baty - Journal of Genetic Counseling - Wiley Online Library

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  • Coffee and conversation: A genuine dialogue on authentic professional learning between genetic counselor educators - Randall Armel - Journal of Genetic Counseling - Wiley Online Library

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  • Davis and her co-author analyze data from a pre-conference symposium at the 2014 NSGC Annual Education Conference, in order to examine how genetic counselors make career decisions.

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  • This article, co-authored by Davis, describes preliminary and continuing work to develop a model through which to view genetic counselor advanced training and career advancement opportunities.

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    Baty, B. J., Davis, C., Erby, L., Hippman, C., & Trepanier, A. (2019). Genetic counselors with advanced skills: I. Refining a model of advanced training. Journal of Genetic Counseling.

    Davis, C., Baty, B. J., Hippman, C., Trepanier, A., & Erby, L. (2019). Genetic counselors with advanced skills: II. A new career trajectory framework. Journal of Genetic Counseling.

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Erin Ash MS ’00

Alumna

  • In this article, Ash argues that genetic counseling is an emerging area of utilization for the method of motivational interviewing.

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Michele Disco MS ’07

Alumna

  • In this article, Disco outlines her shift from a career in theatrical lighting design to genetic counseling, reflecting on lessons she learned and strategies she has found helpful in her career transition.

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Yakira Begun MS ’22 and Lila Strange MS ’22

Alumni

  • This study, co-authored by two alumni based on their thesis work, explores script concordance testing as a way to measure clinical reasoning skills in genetic counseling trainees.

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    Begun, Y. S., Stange, L. R., & Davis, C. R. (2023). Script concordance testing in genetic counseling training: A pilot study. Journal of genetic counseling, 10.1002/jgc4.1752.

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Grace Getchell MS ’22 and Sofia Horan MS ’22

Alumni

  • This research, co-authored by two alumni based on their thesis work, explores the impact of evolving abortion restrictions on genetic counseling practice and patient care.

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    Getchell, G., Horan, S., Sagaser, K. G., & Hercher, L. (2023). Prenatal genetic counseling in states hostile to abortion in the final days of Roe v. Wade: A qualitative study. Journal of genetic counseling, 32(3), 584–597.

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Tihana Moorthy MS ’21 and Huyen Ngyuen MS ’21

Alumni

  • This article, co-authored by two alumni based on their thesis work, elucidates the perceptions of psychiatric professionals regarding polygenic risk scores and the application of polygenic risk scores in psychiatry.

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    Moorthy, T., Nguyen, H., Chen, Y., Austin, J., Smoller, J. W., Hercher, L., & Sabatello, M. (2023). How do experts in psychiatric genetics view the clinical utility of polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia?. American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics, 10.1002/ajmg.b.32939. 

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Christina Chen MS ’16

Alumna

  • This study examines the role of Intimate Partner Violence screening, counseling, and intervention in genetic counseling practice.

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Caitlin Cooney MS ’14

Alumna

  • This study, completed as thesis work by Caitlin Cooney '14, evaluates the impact that anti-abortion provisions have had on genetic counselors in different regions of the country.

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Emily Suskin MS ’15

Alumna

  • This study, co-authored by Suskin, examines the use of noninvasive prenatal screening in current practice among prenatal counselors in the United States, in order to inform strategies for the optimal use of both new and existing screening techniques.

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Stephanie Andriole MS ’03, Alumna

Screening and Testing in Multiples

This review, co-authored by Andriole, examines current research on pre-natal screening and testing in multiples, outlining associated risks.

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Caroline Rung Elsas MS ’13, Alumna

Attitudes Toward Discussing Approved and Investigational Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis in Prenatal Genetic Counseling Practice

This study examines the attitudes of prenatal genetic counselors regarding discussion of novel and experimental treatment options for cystic fibrosis.

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