Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program Class of 2028

Allison Bradfield is from Choctaw, Oklahoma. She graduated from Rogers State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Psychology and Honors. During her undergraduate studies, she served as an officer and intern within the Honors Program while also helping establish her university’s Student Theatre Organization, where she enjoyed choreographing several musicals. She brings a deep passion for advocacy to her work, backed by years of experience supporting military children and mentoring local youth. In her free time, Allison enjoys baking, caring for her plants, Zumba, pickleball, and travelling.

Kelsey Carpenter is originally from Slidell, Louisiana, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama in 2021, majoring in biology and philosophy. While completing her undergraduate degree, Kelsey helped form and served as secretary of the Bioethics club, participated as a student-athlete, and volunteered for the Rape Crisis Center of Mobile, Alabama as a victim advocate. She also spent the summers of her undergraduate career volunteering at a pediatric healthcare center and caring for medically fragile children. Kelsey went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Medical Genetics and Genomics from Tulane University and represented her cohort in the Biomedical Science Student Association. Since 2023, Kelsey has worked at Baylor Genetics in the DNA Extraction lab where she processed and prepared samples for genetic testing. In her free time, Kelsey loves reading, dancing, running, and spending time with her friends and family.

Nicole Dayberry was raised in the Arkansas River Valley, where she nurtured her passion for science and discovery. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology. She completed the program in three years with high honors and a motivation to serve others. During her time at UCA, she collaborated with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, advocating for students and safety while working as a laboratory teaching assistant in multiple sections for Organic Chemistry I & II. Additionally, she was involved in her university’s Psi Chi chapter and Biology Club. After graduation, Nicole regularly volunteered at the Conway Regional Health System Women’s Center, serving as a patient intake receptionist. She has also been an active crisis counselor volunteer with the Crisis Text Line, providing aid and resources to people in need of support globally. In her downtime, Nicole enjoys reading, road trips, watching movies to rate on Letterboxd, and spending time with her loved ones (cats included).

Destiny Guillory was born and raised in Slidell, Louisiana. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Medicine. During her undergraduate years, Destiny was actively involved in campus leadership through the Student Government Association (SGA) and served as Chapter President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, after being inducted in Fall 2022. In 2022, Destiny participated in a Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the DuRant Laboratory at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. During the program, she conducted research on the effect of maternal disease severity on the transfer of antibodies to eggs. In her free time, Destiny enjoys being a dog mom, embracing her Louisiana roots through cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite adventures involve being on the water, especially cruising and other water-based activities.

Aspen grew up on a small hobby farm in the mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah, where her love for science and animals first took root. She graduated from Utah State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with minors in Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked in an epigenetics lab developing a breeding program for niacin‑deficient mice with targeted mutations in niacin‑producing genes, earning both a research grant and an undergraduate research assistantship. After graduation, she moved to Arkansas to work as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Highlands Oncology, gaining hands‑on experience in hereditary cancer care. A lifelong equestrian and former rodeo queen, Aspen also volunteered at a riding center for troubled teens, using horsemanship to support girls through personal challenges. She enjoys spending time with her husband, their newborn daughter, and their Maine Coon cat, Goose, and she and her husband have traveled to every continent except Antarctica.

Luke Simpson is originally from Jonesboro, Arkansas. He attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2025. In college, he worked in a neurogenetics research lab in New York, taught as a genetics lab assistant at his college, and volunteered with dementia patients at local assisted living facilities and nursing homes. He also coordinated a local food pantry for a summer, connecting his college and local churches to provide fresh foods for guests. Most recently, he has worked as a patient care technician in both a hospital and clinical setting. In his free time, he enjoys reading, bird watching, and painting. 

Allison Velie is a native of Northern Indiana and received her scientific training at Purdue University Fort Wayne. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Genetics, Cellular, and Molecular Biology, a minor in Psychology, and an Associate of Science in Chemical Methods, graduating with distinguished honors. She continued her education at Purdue University Fort Wayne, earning a Master of Science in Biology.

During her academic career, Allison participated in five research projects, including a research experience at The Jackson Laboratory. Her work utilized Drosophila melanogaster, mice, and rats as model organisms to investigate a variety of biological questions. She has presented her research at both local and national conferences and became the first student at her university to present three research posters at their annual symposium. In her free time, Allison enjoys baking, crafting, and being surrounded by friends.

Victoria Williamson was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and minors in Psychology, Medical Humanities, and Applied Neuroscience. She was also a member of the Shackouls Honors College and graduated as a Steven D. Lee scholar. She served as founder and president of the NORD: Students for Rare chapter at MSU. Alongside this, she served as a Biological Sciences Ambassador, a member of Pi Beta Phi fraternity, and a member of the Women in STEM Departmental Outreach and Mentorship (WISDOM). Additionally, she volunteered with Hearts for the Homeless, Sally Kate Winters Family Services, and the Champions Are Readers program. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring new places with her dog, Sadie.