Examples of Current Alumni Careers
Recent graduates hold the following positions:
- Project Manager, Geisinger Health System
- Community Health Specialist, Bethlehem Health Bureau
- Technical Solutions Engineer, Epic Systems
- Senior Biocurator, Clinical Genome Resource
- Program Manager for Pharmacogenomics, Pitt Pharmacy
- Research Coordinator, Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator III, University of Virginia
- Assistant Director of Operations and Regulatory Strategy, Genetic Alliance
Graduates also pursue doctoral study, medical school, and other degrees.
Swathi Balaji graduated from Rutgers University with a major in cognitive neuroscience. As a non-traditional student, she served as a clinical research professional at Columbia University Medical Center, contributing to oncology clinical trials. Motivated by the diversity and exceptional health care offered at the University of Pittsburgh, she is now dedicated to improving the well-being of diverse populations as an MPH student. In her leisure time, she enjoys watching reality TV, exploring Pittsburgh, and embracing new experiences.
Vivian Duong graduated with a BS in neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas with a concentration in medical neuroscience. She has clinical and public health research experience at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, where she studied the roles of psychological and physiological factors of persistent pain in breast cancer survivor patients after breast cancer surgery. She aspires to use her graduate education and experience to increase awareness for health disparities and promote cultural competence in healthcare and public health. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, singing, dancing, and painting!
Autumn Bryant graduated from Ohio State University with a major in molecular genetics and a minor in medical laboratory science. She’s volunteered with the Crisis Text Line and worked as a genetic counseling assistant. Autumn is from Woodridge, IL, and she’s visited 14 national parks!
Caroline Wallendal graduated from the University of Pittsburgh as a double biological sciences and history & philosophy of science major. During undergrad she worked in Alcorn Lab at UPMC Children
Karmen Reynolds graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience and a minor in French. She completed an undergraduate thesis investigating the effects of toxic stress in early childhood on physical and social development and evaluated the relative efficacy of parenting interventions at promoting child resilience. She currently works at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in infectious disease research. Reynolds enjoys traveling, weekly bachelor nation watch parties with fellow MPH students, and baking far more sweets than one person can feasibly consume. 
Kennedy Sawicki is a second year student whose passion in public health genetics lies in newborn screening and education about NBS programs. In undergrad, she was a volunteer with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and founded the Planned Parenthood Generation Action student group at MSU. She works in Dr. Robert Coulter's lab doing research on preventing LGBTQ+ youth bullying/alcohol/drug abuse and education for teachers on supporting their LGBTQ+ students. Kennedy is a part of the 2023-24 This is Public Health Student Ambassador Program so look out for her social media takeover where she will be talking all about public health genetics! 
Rebecca Terrill graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. She recently completed her practicum at DDC Clinic Center for Special Needs Children in Middlefield, Ohio where she worked to create educational materials for parents and families and worked on updating their lab and clinic websites. She is also pursuing a Certificate in Health Equity. Terrill is from Stow, Ohio and enjoys spending time with friends and finding new things to do in Pittsburgh. 
Alyssa Arreola is a graduate of Purdue University where she aided in research under the Health TechQuity lab. During her time in undergrad, she founded the Medical Humanities Book Club, served as performer and president for the Purdue Contemporary Dance Company, and mentored Women in Science. During her time at Pitt, she plans on exploring genetics research and policy. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys dancing and hanging with friends. 
Lindsey Haines graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin majoring in Biology. She is currently interested in lysosomal storage disorders after becoming familiar with them after working as a research assistant at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 2022 and after completing her undergrad research investigating insurance coverage for MPS patients at Children's Hospital. In Pittsburgh, Lindsey loves going to the museums, going on walks and hanging out with her cat. 
Eli Harter comes from a diverse research background in genetics and applied sciences. After a career in genetic sequencing at the Rockefeller University, they now hope to integrate modern transcriptomic and epigenetic screens into public health programs. 
Ashtyn Heckart is a first-year student who looks forward to exploring different topics with the field of public health genetics and has an interest in studying rare diseases and bioethics. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and watching movies. 
Patsy Holtz received her bachelor's degree from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA in 2023 with a major in genetics and counseling psychology with minors in psychology, public health and women, gender and sexuality studies. She has previous experience with genetics research and case management for victims of human trafficking. In Pittsburgh, she enjoys checking out the local music scene and finding the best food in town! 
Sarah Klotz graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a double major in biological sciences and French and Francophone studies. She has previously worked in clinical and translational research for rare, neurodegenerative diseases, transitioning into the gene therapy industry before beginning her graduate education at Pitt Public Health. Her work in both the clinic and industry setting ignited her passion for rare disease patient advocacy. Outside of work and school, Klotz enjoys yoga, baking, Penguins hockey games and spending time with her pets. 
Megan Piechowicz is an MS in genetic counseling and MPH dual degree student. She graduated from Eastern State University in 2023 as a University Honors Scholar, majoring in biology with a minor in genetic counseling. Previously, Megan interned with Middlesex Health in Middletown and Westbrook, CT to assist genetic counselors with research, screening and appointments. She loves to swim, ski, jet ski and be outside in her free time. 
Kathryn Ryan graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in biology with a concentration in genetics. During her undergrad, she worked as a research assistant in both the genetics and anthropology departments at Penn State as well as volunteered as a learning assistant for physics and chemistry. Ryan is from Clayton, New Jersey and spends her free time writing and hanging out with her cat, Robin. 
Niyati Savur graduated from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India with a B Tech in genetic engineering. She has worked as a genetic counseling assistant in Tata Memorial Hospital and volunteered with children with learning difficulties. She is from Mumbai, India and enjoys reading, painting, going for walks and doing yoga in her free time.