Research experience prepares senior Haley McDaniel for career in genetic counseling
The competition is fierce to get into graduate programs in genetic counseling.
Haley McDaniel says the hands-on learning opportunities she’s had at Indiana University Kokomo will help her stand out as she works toward that goal.
“My whole experience has been really rewarding, and I feel like I’ve gained applicable experiences, like performing DNA extractions in the lab,” she said. “It was interesting to see what that looks like, and how it’s done.”
That work was part of a research project with fellow biological and physical sciences major Gracie McClain and Christian Chauret, professor of microbiology. Their project will be featured in the February 18 Regionals at the Rotunda event at the Indiana Statehouse, showcasing work by student researchers on IU’s regional campuses.
Their study involved DNA extraction and metagenomic analysis of metalworking fluid from auto plants to determine the presence and identity of bacteria in the fluid. The results help to address whether contamination is present at the sample sites – an important step in addressing potential public health concerns for Indiana and Ohio auto workers.
“The research I did was really troubleshooting a new process,” she said. “Learning what kind of data you get back was very beneficial, and I learned how you should digest that quantity of information.”
She’s happy to have been one of the 10 IU Kokomo students selected for Regionals at the Rotunda, and said it gave her a confidence boost.
“I am excited to be in that professional setting,” McDaniel said. “I’m a little nervous going into it, but I know I’ll come out of it more confident. It makes me feel like I’m more knowledgeable than I thought I was. It makes me feel like I have credibility. I’m excited to talk about what I did, why it will benefit me, and to talk more about genetic counseling.”
McDaniel also participated in an online genetic counseling internship through Johns Hopkins University, which included weekly seminars and a project with a mentor.
She chose her career field from her own personal experience with genetic testing. When she was in high school, one of her cousins was diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare genetic disorder that can cause severe disability and even death in childhood forms.
When she learned she had a 50 percent chance of carrying that gene, and potentially passing it to future children, she saw a genetic counselor for testing — a process that gave her peace of mind.
“I decided in that moment I wanted to be that person who gave me the comfort I got when I went, and tested negative,” she said. “I had thought about becoming a mental health counselor, but I really like biology. I found out this career meshes mental health and biology, teaching people every day about genetics, and you’re also counseling people.”
McDaniel said there aren’t many graduate programs in genetic counseling, and only one in Indiana. She believes her research experience makes her a more attractive candidate.
“I thought a lot of colleges require undergraduates to do research, but I learned from Dr. Chauret that it’s not that common,” she said. “I’m very glad IU Kokomo requires it, because you get a valuable experience and one-on-one work with a professor.”
Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.