Darwin Argueta

I am a genetic counseling intern looking for a full-time genetic counseling position. My initiative, willingness to learn, and open-mindedness will help me fulfill the responsibilities outlined in your job description. My experiences in prenatal, cancer, pediatrics, and ophthalmology clinics prepared me to explain complex genetic concepts to patients while at the same time having compassion and empathy towards them. 

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

1. University of Maryland Hospital Pediatrics                                                                        Upcoming

Genetic Counselors: Pam Herrada MS, CGC and Megan Czekalski MS, CGC

2. Johns Hopkins Hospital Ophthalmology Genetics                                                                Upcoming

Genetic Counselors: Christy Smith MS, CGC and Kelsey Guthrie MS, CGC

3. MedStar Franklin Square Hospital Cancer                                           August 2022 - November 2022

Genetic Counselor: Emily Kuchinsky MS, CGC

• Encountered at least 50 patients with a variety of indications including family histories of cancer, personal histories of cancer, familial pathogenic variants, positive somatic tumor testing, etc.
• Discussed genetic testing options and management guidelines or lack  thereof for breast, ovarian, endometrial colorectal, stomach, pancreatic, prostrate, lung, brain, and skin cancers 

4. Johns Hopkins Hospital Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment Center        June 2022 - August 2022

Genetic Counselors: Chrissy Hertenstein MS, CGC and team

• Encountered at least 60 patients with a variety of indications including  age-related risks, existing genetic conditions, ultrasound findings,  preconception genetic counseling, carrier screening, positive NIPT results,  positive second trimester results, positive microarray for UPD and mosaicism, etc.
• Presented cases at a multidisciplinary weekly conference

BIOTECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

Variant Interpretation                                                                                            December 2022 - Present

Genetic Counselor: Kristin Maloney MS, CGC

• Identified and discussed key supporting/refuting evidence from 

literature and database resources for 5 variants 

• Assessed biomedical literature relevant to variants

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE 

Genetic Counselors' Interest in Non-English Language Training

UMB Chair: Pam Herrada MS, CGC, Amy Malinowski MS, CGC,                               Fall 2021 - Present

                     and Gila Fridkis MS, CGC                                                                          

• Assessed genetic counselors’ (GCs’) interest in non-English language education as a continuing education opportunity
• Described GCs’ motivations for participation in non-English language training
• Categorized facilitators and barriers to implementing non-English language training in genetic counseling education

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

1. Laboratory Assistant                                                                                      October 2021 – Present

University of Maryland Hospital Pathology/Biochemical Genetics Lab

• Performed general lab maintenance including reagent preparation, completing equipment/reagent inventory, etc. 
• Completed administrative duties including filing, sample accessioning, etc.

2. Admission Specialist                                                                                   December 2020 - June 2021

IVY International Schools Harmony Partner School, Cairo, Egypt

• Led orientations and gave tours to families, job applicants, etc. 
• Proctored and reviewed student assessments and facilitated virtual reality activities

3. Program Coordinator                                                                                     October 2020 - June 2021

City Schools, Sohag, Egypt 

• Initiated the Darwin Academy, a group of 30 7th - 12th grade students,  which facilitated engaging and interactive activities in biology, English, technology, etc.
• Conducted seminars and workshops designed to inspire students to become global citizens 
• Coordinated the Science Club designed for faculty mentors and students to perform new and relevant experiments tied to the school curriculum 

University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland                   Expected Graduation May 2023 

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling 

University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, Texas                                                              2016 - 2020

Bachelor of Science in Biology, summa cum laude

Minor: Chemistry and Microbiology