Class of 2023

Heather Alexander

I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelors in Biological Sciences: Genetics, Cell and Developmental Biology, and a minor and psychology. During my time before graduate school, I worked as a genetic counseling assistant at Arizona Oncology. I also volunteered at Child Crisis Arizona, Choices Pregnancy Center, and was a mentor at a camp for incoming freshman at ASU. In my free time, I love to go to the gym, bake, shop, and hang out with friends and family!

Sydney Lighty

"My name is Sydney Lighty and my hometown is Normal, Illinois. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2021 with a B.S. in Biology (Genetics and Biotechnology Track) and a minor in social work. Before attending graduate school at Indiana State, I was an active leadership member for the University of Iowa's Dance Marathon, a student organization that supports pediatric oncology and BMT patients at the Stead Family Children's Hospital. I also worked in the Child Life department at the Stead Family Children's Hospital as a student employee. Some of my hobbies include reading books about science and history, spending time outdoors, watching documentaries, and hanging out with my family and friends."

Emily Miller

I am from Fort Wayne, IN and received my degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Notre Dame in 2019. After graduation, I did a term of Americorps service working with adults with intellectual disabilities in Portland, OR. I then completed an accelerated MS in Pharmacogenomics at Manchester University, where I worked in a lab studying the effect of estrogen receptor modulation on gene expression in ER+ breast cancer cells. Prior to graduate school, I explored the genetic counseling field through internships at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and Parkview Cancer Institute. I also volunteered as a counselor at Camp Kesem, which supports children whose parents are affected by cancer, and as group facilitator at Erin’s House for Grieving Children. My favorite things are spending time outdoors, ice cream, books, and finding to new ways to live more sustainably.

Brian Williamson

I was born in Winchester, Massachusetts but have spent most of my life growing up in Alpharetta, Georgia. I graduated from Georgia College & State University with a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in psychology. While obtaining my degree I worked at the Georgia College Women's Center for four years helping launch initiatives to get men on campus involved in preventing sexual assault. I also volunteered with organizations like Wills Park Baseball and Miracle League to coach and help kids play baseball. In my free time I enjoy fencing, soccer, playing bass, and enjoying some Netflix or video games.

Danielle Hohman

I was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan where I have spent most of my life. I recently graduated from Michigan State University where I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Genomics and Molecular Genetics and I also studied Microbiology. While obtaining my degree I worked in a human papillomavirus research lab and was a teaching assistant for two different courses. I also volunteered with organizations like STEM Society which aims to help encourage STEM in local youth as well as BirthRight, a pregnancy crisis center. In my spare time I enjoy painting, hiking, weight lifting, and playing with my cat Millie.

Ann Pendergast

 I am from Tinley Park, Illinois and received a  BS in Biology with a minor in business  from Benedictine University. Prior to pursuing a career in genetic counseling, I worked in polymer chemistry research and development, environmental education, and client services at a genetic testing lab. I volunteered with  the Crisis Text Line, a Children’s Farm,  and my local animal shelter as a way to hone my communication skills. As a genetic counselor I hope to be an advocate and educator for patients and their families traversing the genetic testing process. For fun, I like to hike, cook, figure skate, and read.

Alyssa Tidmore

I was raised in Erick, Oklahoma, and in 2018 I graduated from the College of William & Mary with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Linguistics. After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I moved to Hampton Roads, VA and started working in a radiation oncology research lab at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Both during and after college, I volunteered with local organizations involving peer advising, outreach programs, and an animal rescue. In my free time, I enjoy baking (especially experimenting with new techniques and flavors), reading, watching Netflix, and taking walks with my dog.

Danny Mitchell

I was born and raised in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, where I grew up with my three siblings. I went on to attend Michigan State University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in genomics and molecular genetics in 2020. During college, I spent much of my time mentoring high school students, working in a lab, and enjoying the outdoors. Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, playing spikeball, 3D printing, and playing guitar.

Class of 2022

Carlotta Rasmussen

Carlotta Rasmussen grew up in Jamestown, ND and graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Theatre. As a student, she enjoyed being involved in the college dance team, choir, student senate, new student orientation, and of course the theatre! After graduating, she began working in agricultural research where she collaborated with corn and soybean breeders to develop crops with shorter growing periods. In 2017, longing to make a more personal impact on people’s lives, she started volunteering as an advocate for the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center in Fargo, ND. Last year, in pursuit of her goal of becoming a genetic counselor, Carlotta obtained invaluable experience working as a genetic counseling assistant and she is so excited to be attending ISU to make her goal a reality. In her free time, Carlotta enjoys trying new recipes, dancing, reading, and running (so she can cook more).

Christina Kovacs 

Christina Kovacs earned a dual degree in Molecular Cell Biology and Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut this past May. Christina volunteered with Unified Sports for several years, was a member of Active Minds at Uconn, and is a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line. She decided to become a genetic counselor because she knew she wanted to help people while using a scientific background and it aligns with her interest in cancer. She is also passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and substance abuse issues.

Nicole Gostic

Nicole was born in Glens Falls, New York but grew up in McKinney, Texas. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, where she was also a NCAA Division II collegiate athlete. During her undergrad, she conducted microbiology research and studied abroad for a semester in London, England. Post grad, she became a certified Emergency Medical Technician and worked as an EMT at St. David’s Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Clinic while continuing to volunteer for Crisis Text Line and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Austin. Her passion for genetics and advocating for mental and physical health resources has only grown through these experiences. She is grateful to be a part of the ISU GC Program and she is excited for the journey ahead. In her spare time, she is an avid reader and enjoy spending time outdoors.

Kamille Clever

Kamille received her BS in biology and BA in Spanish from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI. After graduating, she worked as a clinical assistant at a local hospital while volunteering for a grief support program nearby. Kamille has been wanting to be a genetic counselor for a long time, so she is very excited to be a part of ISU’s genetic counseling class of 2022! 

Zach Ryder

Zach grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and went to Iowa State University for my undergrad.  He graduated in 2019 with a double major in genetics and psychology.

Rose Hokanson

Rose was adopted from China and was raised in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Otterbein University earning two bachelor degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Psychology and a minor in Music. During her time before graduate school, she worked as a genetic counseling assistant at the Bing Cancer Center at Riverside Hospital. She also volunteered at the Suicide Prevention Services and BuddyUp Tennis and Fitness. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing volleyball, listening to music, desserts, and watching sitcoms.

Alex Correale-Otto

Alex is from the St. Louis metro area. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomic Sciences and a minor in Public Health. Alex was a resident assistant and a crisis volunteer. Post-grad she worked as a Leadership Consultant for Sigma Kappa Sorority and traveled the country.

Morgan Carew

Morgan is a recent 2020 graduate of Indiana University where she received a Bachelor of Science in biology with an area of concentration in cell biology and molecular genetics. She also acquired a Bachelor of Arts in folklore and ethnomusicology during her undergraduate career. Morgan is extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to join Indiana State University’s Genetic Counseling cohort of 2022 and cannot wait to see what the future holds for her in the field of genetic counseling. For her, genetic counseling is the perfect combination of her two passions: genetics and close interaction with individuals.