Jacqueline Cohen, ASHG-NHGRI Genomics Communications Fellow
Jacqueline received her MPH in Public Health Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked with the All of Us Pennsylvania research program doing community outreach and engagement in underserved communities and interned at the CDC Office of Genomics and Precision Public Health creating the content for their pharmacogenomics webpage. More recently, she worked at the University of Pittsburgh as a Program Implementation Specialist, focusing on improving access to behavioral and mental healthcare in rural counties. Jacqueline is passionate about improving genomic health communication to influence informative and equitable use of genomic research and technologies.
Jacqueline received her MPH in Public Health Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh. She worked with the All of Us Pennsylvania research program doing community outreach and engagement in underserved communities and interned at the CDC Office of Genomics and Precision Public Health creating the content for their pharmacogenomics webpage. More recently, she worked at the University of Pittsburgh as a Program Implementation Specialist, focusing on improving access to behavioral and mental healthcare in rural counties. Jacqueline is passionate about improving genomic health communication to influence informative and equitable use of genomic research and technologies.
Mike Lopez, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, NHGRI
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Hello! I’m Mike Lopez, a proud alumnus of New Mexico State University, graduating in fall 2023 with a bachelor’s in computer science, along with minors in biology and bioinformatics. My research interest sparked in my sophomore year, particularly in bioinformatics and genomics. This curiosity led me all across the country, connecting with brilliant minds globally. It’s empowered me to tackle scientific challenges head-on, diving deep into biology, bioinformatics, data science, and machine learning. Now, I’m thrilled to join the American Society of Human Genetics and the National Human Genome Research Institute as a Post-Bac Genome Analyst!
Hello! I’m Mike Lopez, a proud alumnus of New Mexico State University, graduating in fall 2023 with a bachelor’s in computer science, along with minors in biology and bioinformatics. My research interest sparked in my sophomore year, particularly in bioinformatics and genomics. This curiosity led me all across the country, connecting with brilliant minds globally. It’s empowered me to tackle scientific challenges head-on, diving deep into biology, bioinformatics, data science, and machine learning. Now, I’m thrilled to join the American Society of Human Genetics and the National Human Genome Research Institute as a Post-Bac Genome Analyst!
Sofia Martín, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, NHGRI
Sofia Martín is an undergraduate student at St. Edward’s University studying Biology with a concentration in Allied Health professions. She has conducted independent research in St. Edward’s Microbiology and Developmental Genetics labs. Most recently, she has completed a medical research internship with the Department of Nephrology at Washington University, where she used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to identify patterns of structures in human kidney tissue. Sofia has a career interest in Genetic Counseling specializing in oncology and hereditary cancer screening. She feels grateful for the opportunity to work on a multitude of NHGRI projects to expand her knowledge of genetics and genomics.
Sofia Martín is an undergraduate student at St. Edward’s University studying Biology with a concentration in Allied Health professions. She has conducted independent research in St. Edward’s Microbiology and Developmental Genetics labs. Most recently, she has completed a medical research internship with the Department of Nephrology at Washington University, where she used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to identify patterns of structures in human kidney tissue. Sofia has a career interest in Genetic Counseling specializing in oncology and hereditary cancer screening. She feels grateful for the opportunity to work on a multitude of NHGRI projects to expand her knowledge of genetics and genomics.
Maya Montgomery, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, ASHG
Maya Montgomery is an incoming fellow from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience and Global Health from Duke University, and after this fellowship, will go on to pursue a J.D. at Columbia Law School through the Columbia LEAD Fellowship. Her research experience includes exploring challenges to gene therapy access, implementing global mental health interventions, studying genetic bases of neurodevelopmental disorders, and expanding healthcare access everywhere from North Carolina to Kenya. She is interested in patient advocacy, improving genetics education, and promoting equitable access to healthcare and advances in genetic technology and research.
Maya Montgomery is an incoming fellow from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience and Global Health from Duke University, and after this fellowship, will go on to pursue a J.D. at Columbia Law School through the Columbia LEAD Fellowship. Her research experience includes exploring challenges to gene therapy access, implementing global mental health interventions, studying genetic bases of neurodevelopmental disorders, and expanding healthcare access everywhere from North Carolina to Kenya. She is interested in patient advocacy, improving genetics education, and promoting equitable access to healthcare and advances in genetic technology and research.
Jessica Reinach, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, NHGRI
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Jessica Reinach recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Neuroscience and French. Her honors thesis investigated the roles of the lateral hypothalamus and ventral pallidum in reward and how these impact affective disorders. Previously, she explored the mechanisms of cell death in HPV-positive cancers, and currently works with a team through the Immersion Science Program, Philadelphia to create community-based educational interventions for HPV vaccination. Examining the genetic basis and geographical variation of HPV infection has piqued her interest in the role of genetics and genomics in contemporary medicine and research. In the future, Jessica hopes to combine her passions for medicine, research, and public health through an M.D., Ph.D. or other graduate degree. Outside of science, Jessica loves baking, anything outdoors, singing, and reading.
Jessica Reinach recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Neuroscience and French. Her honors thesis investigated the roles of the lateral hypothalamus and ventral pallidum in reward and how these impact affective disorders. Previously, she explored the mechanisms of cell death in HPV-positive cancers, and currently works with a team through the Immersion Science Program, Philadelphia to create community-based educational interventions for HPV vaccination. Examining the genetic basis and geographical variation of HPV infection has piqued her interest in the role of genetics and genomics in contemporary medicine and research. In the future, Jessica hopes to combine her passions for medicine, research, and public health through an M.D., Ph.D. or other graduate degree. Outside of science, Jessica loves baking, anything outdoors, singing, and reading.
Elizabeth Roy, ASHG-NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy Fellow
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Elizabeth Roy (she/they) is a MPH candidate in the Human Genetics department at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. While completing their degree, Elizabeth volunteered with the advocacy organization FORCE to write plain language adaptations of clinical trial criteria for people and families with hereditary cancer. She concurrently completed research on the efficacy of community engagement in environmental policymaking, winning the master’s level school award for ‘Translation & Application of Research to Public Health Policy & Practice’. Elizabeth is completing their master’s essay on equity in insurance coverage of fertility services for people with sickle cell disease. She is thrilled to serve as the 2024-2026 ASHG-NHGRI Fellow for Genetics and Public Policy and build a career engaging in the policymaking process with sound incorporation of equitable genomics research.
Elizabeth Roy (she/they) is a MPH candidate in the Human Genetics department at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. While completing their degree, Elizabeth volunteered with the advocacy organization FORCE to write plain language adaptations of clinical trial criteria for people and families with hereditary cancer. She concurrently completed research on the efficacy of community engagement in environmental policymaking, winning the master’s level school award for ‘Translation & Application of Research to Public Health Policy & Practice’. Elizabeth is completing their master’s essay on equity in insurance coverage of fertility services for people with sickle cell disease. She is thrilled to serve as the 2024-2026 ASHG-NHGRI Fellow for Genetics and Public Policy and build a career engaging in the policymaking process with sound incorporation of equitable genomics research.
Gabrielle Villard, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, NHGRI
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Gabrielle Villard is pursuing a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics at Southern California University of Health Sciences, building on a Bachelor of Science from Trinity Washington University located in Washington D.C. Her experiences there while being recognized as a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar, she developed a passion for genetics and helping others. She is committed to bridging the gap in medical genetics for marginalized communities as well as increasing the comprehension of genetics to people outside the science community. Outside of school she curates events and volunteers as a crisis counselor to build on her compassion and crisis intervention skills. Motivated by a commitment to helping others, Gabrielle is dedicated to achieving health equity in the world of medical genetics.
Gabrielle Villard is pursuing a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics at Southern California University of Health Sciences, building on a Bachelor of Science from Trinity Washington University located in Washington D.C. Her experiences there while being recognized as a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar, she developed a passion for genetics and helping others. She is committed to bridging the gap in medical genetics for marginalized communities as well as increasing the comprehension of genetics to people outside the science community. Outside of school she curates events and volunteers as a crisis counselor to build on her compassion and crisis intervention skills. Motivated by a commitment to helping others, Gabrielle is dedicated to achieving health equity in the world of medical genetics.
Camerun Washington, ASHG-NHGRI Genetics Education and Engagement Fellow
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Camerun Washington (he/him), M.S., C.G.C., joins the ASHG from the Greenwood Genetic Center where he was a clinical genetic counselor focused on pediatric and adult neurogenetics. While at the Genetic Center, Camerun actively engaged in initiatives related to outreach, mentoring, inclusion and equity, research, and clinical care. A teacher at heart, Camerun is excited to learn new ways to connect with the general public and encourage young people to join the genetics and genomics workforce, with the long-term goal of improving the quality of care for minoritized populations. As a first-generation college student, Camerun owes the support charting this path to family, champions, and mentors. He is overjoyed to be an Education and Engagement Fellow and looks forward to being part of the future of genetics and genomics education.
Camerun Washington (he/him), M.S., C.G.C., joins the ASHG from the Greenwood Genetic Center where he was a clinical genetic counselor focused on pediatric and adult neurogenetics. While at the Genetic Center, Camerun actively engaged in initiatives related to outreach, mentoring, inclusion and equity, research, and clinical care. A teacher at heart, Camerun is excited to learn new ways to connect with the general public and encourage young people to join the genetics and genomics workforce, with the long-term goal of improving the quality of care for minoritized populations. As a first-generation college student, Camerun owes the support charting this path to family, champions, and mentors. He is overjoyed to be an Education and Engagement Fellow and looks forward to being part of the future of genetics and genomics education.
Alison Wilcox, ASHG-NHGRI Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellow, ASHG
LinkedIn
Alison Wilcox is a recent graduate of St. Olaf college with a B.A in biology and a concentration in family studies. With aspirations to pursue a career in genetic counseling or public health, she eagerly anticipates the opportunities that the fellowship program at ASHG will provide to explore and refine her professional and personal journey. Passionate about advocacy pertaining to genetic health, she aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their genetic well-being. She is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the realm of genetics, recognizing the critical importance of ensuring accessibility and representation for all. Alison is determined to contribute meaningfully to the field of genetics, advocating for compassionate and comprehensive healthcare practices that prioritize the needs and rights of every individual.
Alison Wilcox is a recent graduate of St. Olaf college with a B.A in biology and a concentration in family studies. With aspirations to pursue a career in genetic counseling or public health, she eagerly anticipates the opportunities that the fellowship program at ASHG will provide to explore and refine her professional and personal journey. Passionate about advocacy pertaining to genetic health, she aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their genetic well-being. She is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the realm of genetics, recognizing the critical importance of ensuring accessibility and representation for all. Alison is determined to contribute meaningfully to the field of genetics, advocating for compassionate and comprehensive healthcare practices that prioritize the needs and rights of every individual.