About
Daniela grew up in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Human Biology and Society, and a minor in Spanish. As an undergraduate, Daniela volunteered at the Stein Eye Institute where she presented cow-eye dissections to elementary school students which cemented her love for science education and accessibility. Daniela also volunteered at Cedars Sinai with the cancer genetic counselors, where she shadowed appointments, input genetic test results, and created a “Progeny How-To Guide” for patient use. In 2022, Daniela joined Dr. Terence Keel’s BioCritical Studies Lab at UCLA, where she analyzed autopsies of individuals who died during police encounters and while incarcerated. After graduation, Daniela worked at Los Angeles General Medical Center as a genetic counseling intern with the cancer genetic counselors. There, she shadowed Spanish-speaking appointments, entered pedigrees and genetic test results into Progeny, and assisted with data extraction for research projects. Daniela also worked at Olive View Medical Center’s MRI clinic, where she scheduled appointments, and explained MRI consents and procedures in Spanish. These experiences ignited her passion to expand genetic counseling and testing services to medically under-served populations. In Daniela’s spare time, she enjoys going to concerts, reading, practicing yoga, spending time with friends and family, and walking her dogs Salma and Canela.