Colleen Castellani

I am a passionate and dedicated genetic counseling student at Sarah Lawrence College, where my academic journey has been shaped by a profound interest in pediatric, cancer, and general genetics. As I embark on the next chapter of my professional journey, I am excited about the prospect of relocating to the New England area.

My genetic counseling experience includes an ongoing internship at the Montefiore Division of Reproductive and Medical Genetics, where I provide comprehensive prenatal and preconception counseling for high-risk pregnancies and conduct cancer genetic counseling sessions with a diverse patient population. I am also involved in the Genetic Counseling Student Webinar Series at GeneDx, gaining insights into the role of genetic counselors in industry laboratory processes. Additionally, I interned at Northwell Health Laboratories, engaging in discussions about genetic testing options and presenting in cancer case conferences and journal clubs.

In terms of research experience, my current focus is on my Human Genetics capstone project at Sarah Lawrence College, where I am examining the knowledge and attitudes of Soldiers regarding the Army’s mandatory sickle cell trait screening program. I am also a Research Fellow at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, where I assist with various research protocols, uphold IRB requirements, and manage databases. My additional responsibilities include collecting and analyzing human physiological and psychological data. 

I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Genetics at the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program, Sarah Lawrence College, with an expected graduation in May 2024. Prior to this, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Sociology in May 2019.