About
A Southern California native, Courtney graduated cum laude from UCLA in 2022 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. As an undergraduate, she was a research assistant for a genome-wide association study identifying genetic variants in the placenta and appetite gene GDF15 linked to hyperemesis gravidarum. After graduation, Courtney furthered her passion for genetics at City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute as a research associate, recruiting participants for clinical research studies and developing liquid biopsy biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of gastrointestinal cancers. It was then that she discovered how genetic counseling could educate patients in understanding the mechanisms of genetics as well as provide support and guidance for individuals at risk of an inherited condition. Courtney thereafter began a genetic counseling internship at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she assisted with genetic pedigree data entry, shadowed clinical cancer genetic counseling, and attended genetic counseling clinical case conferences. During this time, she also volunteered as a crisis counselor and provided emotional support to clients through text while identifying resources and coping strategies. Courtney is thrilled to continue her genetic counseling journey at UCLA and hopes to advance awareness and accessibility of genetic counseling services. Outside of work and school, Courtney enjoys reading, baking, and trying out new cafés and boba shops.