Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2027

Linnete Arceo grew up in Houston but spent a lot of her childhood in her hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco. She graduated in 2025 from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Genetics and Psychology, where she also participated in initiatives to improve accessibility as a driver of the PARA Aggie spirit bus. During her time at university, she worked as a research assistant in a chemistry lab, focusing on protein immobilization using Halo tag technology and lipidation markers to investigate how dietary lipids affect protein expression in disease pathways, while also contributing to a drug discovery project aimed at characterizing the structural and functional impacts of mutant proteins. She also worked as a caregiver for the special needs patients. During her summers, she completed a research internship at Planned Parenthood, where she conducted sample testing to support the approval of STD testing equipment by various sponsors. She has also volunteered in hospitals and participated in a medical brigade in Maya Mopan, Belize, where her team introduced the community’s first mobile clinic. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops with family and friends and likes doing all types of arts and crafts or (unsuccessfully) teaching her cat tricks.

Lauren Brown grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Anderson University (IN) in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in German Studies, and was a member of the Honors Program. She was a dual-sport student-athlete, playing both soccer and lacrosse, and captaining both teams in her senior year. Alongside these sports, Lauren served as a Peer Mentor and Peer Coordinator for her university’s first-year success program
for three years. Additionally, she worked as a teaching assistant and tutor in the biology department, participated in her school’s Grace Horizon Ministry program for survivors of violence, and was an HCAC SAAC representative. Outside of college, she has been an active volunteer with the Crisis Text Line. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, being outdoors, and exploring new places and foods.

Mackenzie Drake was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio. She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and graduated in the fall of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Bioinformatics. During her undergraduate career, she served as the treasurer and later president of the Miami University Genetics Club, where she collaborated with a student ambassador from the United Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency Foundation to coordinate a local 5K fundraiser. After graduation, she completed a yearlong Disney College Program internship in Orlando, Florida before returning to Ohio to work as a Clinical Assistant at Natera, Inc. as a part of the Horizon Carrier Screening team. While working at Natera, Mackenzie worked closely with genetic counselors, assisted with clinical research, and communicated carrier screening results to patients throughout the country. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys reading, going to the movies, nail art, and watching both elite and college gymnastics.

Megan Hawthorne grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. She graduated in 2025 from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology, and a Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology concentration. During her undergraduate program, she was a member of the Pre-Genetic Counseling Club, serving as the secretary for two years. She volunteered with the Crisis Text Line and Wishmakers on Campus and completed research through the GEP Pathways Project to annotate and publish a gene in the Drosophila genus. During her summers, she worked at Ironwood Golf Course and helped organize several advocacy-centered outings and events. In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, reading, and playing volleyball.

Johnna Hollis is from North Little Rock, Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in December of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with Chemistry and Psychology minors. During her time at UCA, Johnna participated in undergraduate research studying bacteria and amoeba symbiosis, was a member of the Student Orientation Staff and UCA Ambassadors and was part of a sorority. In her free time, Johnna enjoys quilting, playing pickleball, and spending time with her friends and family (and pets).

Tessa Hutchinson is a Northern Kentucky native with a passion for science and community. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializing in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, and earned a minor in Psychology. During her undergraduate years, Tessa served as a First Year Experience Ambassador, helping new students find their community and connect with campus resources. She then spent a year gaining clinical experience as a Patient Relations Assistant at the University of Kentucky Ophthalmology Clinic while also volunteering with Crisis Text Line, providing support to individuals in need. Outside of academics and service, Tessa enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies and shows, hiking, and baking.

Emily Reyes was born and raised in Benton, Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in STEM Education. While at UCA, Emily dedicated much of her time to student teaching high school Biology. She also participated in undergraduate research, where she spent time analyzing and interpreting student data based on the GSS Science Literacy Survey. In her free time, Emily loves to read, rewatch her favorite tv shows, attend concerts, and spend time with her friends and family.

Maddi Surles is an Oklahoma native, hailing from the city of Broken Arrow. She graduated from the University of Alabama in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies of Medicine & Leadership Communication. In college, Maddison advocated for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors at the local safe center. She mentored local middle schoolers and participated in many student organizations across campus. Maddison enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading thriller and mystery novels, and going on adventures to explore new things.

Lily Williamson, a Little Rock native, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Birmingham-Southern College in 2024. She completed the degree in three years, earning a minor in Psychology and distinction in Leadership Studies. Recruited as a collegiate volleyball student-athlete, Lily later served as Head Volleyball Coach at The Altamont School during the 2024-2025 season. In her first year, she led the varsity team to win the Area Championship. Her hands-on work at The Exceptional Foundation, serving individuals with developmental disabilities, worked to deepen her passion for patient-centered care. She also served as a rape response advocate with the Crisis Center’s Sexual Assault Support Services. It is the only site in Alabama where incarcerated individuals can report sexual assault. To prepare for a career in genetic counseling, she served as a Teaching Assistant for the Genetics course at Birmingham-Southern. She completed the University of South Carolina’s 10-week online course on genetic counseling. She then earned Columbia University’s Genetic & Genomic Assistantship certificate and shadowed counselors in pediatric and cancer clinics. Outside the classroom, Lily enjoys traveling, hiking, and time with family.