Mitchell Dillon graduated in 2010 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Integrative Biology. As an undergraduate, he worked in a molecular genetics plant breeding laboratory developing disease and pest resistant soybean lines. He was also a vanguard at the Sojourner Center for domestic violence, volunteered with Special Olympics, a camp counselor for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and a tutor for an elementary student in an after school program. Mitch enjoys the outdoors and geocaching, traveling, music-movies-computers, and spending time with friends and family.

Jamie Armour earned her BS in Biology from the University of Toledo. As an undergraduate researcher, she studied the role of p53 in response to novel chemotherapeutic agents. After graduation Jamie worked as a research coordinator through the Department of Pediatrics at Wayne State University for several projects involving children with autism, Pompe disease and other pediatric conditions. It was working closely with these families that solidified her decision to pursue genetic counseling as a career. Jamie was a founding advocate of SASEA (Sexual Aggression Student Educators and Advocates), a peer advocacy and helpline program to combat sexual aggression on Wayne State University’s campus. Originally from Massillon, Ohio, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, has a passion for art and dance and is an avid runner.

Katherine Kerschbaum graduated in 1998 from Eastern Michigan University with a BFA in Graphic Design. Katherine worked as a graphic designer for seven years before deciding to pursue a career in genetic counseling. She returned to school at the University of Michigan, where she enjoyed taking organic chemistry, genetics, and statistics courses. Katherine served as a crisis line counselor at Ozone House youth and family services, working with teens at risk of homelessness and their families. She has also served as a birth doula for low-income clients and provided support to clients expecting a baby with an adverse diagnosis. In her free time, Katherine enjoys reading, playing piano, traveling, and spending time with her husband and children.

Gina Robinson‐Haase graduated in 2011 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a BS in Biology. As an undergraduate, her research focused on the frequency and distribution of meiotic crossovers in the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster. She volunteered for various American Cancer Society-partnered organizations, including Colleges Against Cancer, a student group that planned Relay For Life and other cancer awareness events. Gina gained advocacy experience volunteering at Tubman, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence, and traveling to Costa Rica and Nicaragua to provide free healthcare with Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures. She also worked as a Homecoming 2010 Intern and a personal care assistant for a child with autism. Gina is an optimist and self-proclaimed comedian. In her spare time, she enjoys watching TV, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Sienna Wallace graduated summa cum laude from Saginaw Valley State University in 2010 with a BSc in Biology. While attending SVSU, Sienna worked as a crisis line volunteer for the Underground Railroad of Saginaw, where she provided resources and support for survivors of domestic violence. She also volunteered for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was actively involved in Relay 4 Life and the Battle of the Valleys Fundraising competition, where she raised money for local charities including the Sexual Assault Center of Saginaw and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to volunteering, Sienna earned experience communicating health-related information to fellow students as a Peer Health Educator. She also served as a student representative for SVSU’s Student Association and participated in endocrinology-related research. Sienna enjoys Sunday dinners with her family, running, and riding her handsome horse, Spats.

Sheila Zwiesele, born and raised in metro-Detroit, graduated magna cum laude with a BSc in Biology from Oakland University in 2009. During her time at Oakland University, she worked at a semi-independent living center for patients with traumatic brain injuries, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. Since graduation, she has been working as a veterinary assistant and volunteering at SandCastles grief support for children and teens, both of which she loves and continues to be a part of whilst pursuing her passion for genetic counseling. She also volunteered at the Eye Research Institute at Oakland University where she used bioinformatics to identify potential changes in gene expression in carotid atherosclerosis. Sheila enjoys being outdoors, staying active, traveling and spending time with her family.