Katherine Andersen

Katherine grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Linfield College in 2019 earning her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate, she engaged in genetics research utilizing Drosophila melanogaster elucidating genes involved in the miRNA gene silencing pathway and organic chemistry research developing protocols for synthesis of small molecules. She earned double minors in Psychology and Religious Studies, and competed as a collegiate athlete for 4 years on the Linfield College swim team. She encouraged and supported students as a peer mentor for freshman orientation programs and as a teaching assistant in the Biology and Chemistry departments. She volunteered in the community at Henderson House, a sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy center, which provided emergency housing, counseling, and legal services to victims of sexual and domestic violence. After graduating, Katherine worked in the Willamette Valley at wineries educating guests about the history of wine in the Willamette valley and supported the growth of inclusivity and creativity in the industry. Katherine joined the Oregon Health and Science University community in 2020 as a genetic counseling assistant and clinical research coordinator at Casey Eye Institute in an Ophthalmic Genetics clinic. She managed multiple studies, including a safety registry for patients treated with the first FDA approved gene therapy for severe early childhood onset retinal degeneration. Katherine is excited to continue to improve access to genetic counseling services, especially in areas outside major medical centers. In her free time, Katherine enjoys reading with a cat or dog on her lap, catching the latest sporting event from soccer and baseball to football and hockey, and on a long weekend you might find her exploring vineyards continuing to pursue her passion for wine and winemaking.