Class of 2019: Looking Ahead

With a new semester off to a solid start, the class of 2019 has a lot to look forward to during their time in Pittsburgh.

Hail to Pitt! Many students are excited to start
their genetic counseling careers at Pitt.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to complete my graduate studies in such a diverse and interesting city like Pittsburgh. I cannot wait to learn more about professional genetic counseling, and to create life-long friendships with our classmates!” - Samantha Afonso


“The most surprising thing about moving to Pittsburgh is that you can park your car facing whichever way you want. I’m really excited to learn about genetic counseling and science! I’m so excited to learn about my classmates and create friendships” -Natasha Robin Berman


“I am looking forward to the many opportunities, in and out of the classroom, that I will have to observe and interact with fellow professionals in the field I am becoming part of. I am excited about rounding out my education with a better understanding of public health. Having never spent much time in Pgh, I’m also excited to explore the city’s vibrant performing arts scene (and food scene!) in my free time.” -Charlotte Skinner


“I am most excited to take classes that are tailored specifically to genetic counseling students, which will equip me with a foundation of knowledge directly applicable to my future career. I also look forward to observations and clinical rotations throughout the city in Pittsburgh’s established, reputable hospitals!” -Rebecca Clark

Students are excited to get back into the classroom to add
skills to their GC toolbox.

“I am excited to be a part of a program with a wealth of knowledge and opportunities and to be in classes directly applicable to the career I am passionate about. I look forward to adventuring Pittsburgh and experiencing all the seasons (the Texan in me might freeze this winter, though).” - Megan Hoenig


“I can’t wait to join such an enthusiastic group of classmates and future colleagues. I’m excited to learn from the unique experiences that brought all us to this common path and to support each other as we go along it. As a California native, I’m also hoping I can learn a few techniques from some of them for surviving the winter.” - Caitlin Russell


“I’m looking forward to experiencing all that Pittsburgh has to offer over the next two years! There are so many museums, restaurants, galleries, hiking trails, and other exciting things to do in the city. Moving to Pittsburgh, I was surprised by how friendly everyone is here; it’s not uncommon to find yourself learning the life story of the person sitting next to you on the bus! I’m also excited to be able to expand my knowledge of Public Health Genetics during my time here at Pitt and hope to use that knowledge in the future to help improve a community.” -Meghan Cunningham

Some of our students will have to learn how to bundle up in
colder temperatures in order to survive Pittsburgh winters!

“I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can about genetics and genetic diseases so that I can help patients in my rotations, and later, in my career. I’m also excited to get to know my classmates as we share the next 2 years together!” - Maggie Hufton


“I am excited to continue my education at my favorite school (Hail to Pitt!) by learning more about genetics than I ever thought possible, and to continue exploring all that Pittsburgh has to offer over the next two years with new friends and colleagues.” - Rachel Sutton


“The most surprising thing about moving to Pittsburgh was finding out that I needed a bigger umbrella and rainboots! I’m excited to be part of a dynamic university as I learn more about genetic counseling, public health, and science. I’m eager to learn and develop skills that will last me a lifetime and maybe a little bit of that Pittsburghese (Hey, yinz).” - Alyssa Azevedo