I have been an adjunct instructor at Oakton for four years, teaching general college biology (lecture and laboratory sections) and biochemistry. I also developed and currently teach Oakton's course in human genetics. Before joining Oakton, I designed the human genetics course curriculum for clinical research professionals at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I have also presented seminars in genetics to community members; composed educational materials for patients and physicians; served as advisor to other heath care providers; and delivered continuing medical education in cancer risk assessment and hereditary cancer syndromes to medical students, residents, oncology fellows and allied health professionals. While teaching at Oakton, I assisted in establishing a formal high risk cancer genetics clinic at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

I have a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Irvine, and have practiced as a genetic counselor in clinical and research settings. Board certified as a genetic counselor in 2002, I completed a certificate in clinical cancer genetics (City of Hope) in 2006. I earned my undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Northwestern University.

In my future work at Oakton, I would like to design laboratory exercises to accompany our current lecture offerings in biochemistry and human genetics. I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in genetics, biomedical research or clinical practice.

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