Haley Blackwell
Graduate Student
Program
- Genetic Counseling
Education
BS, Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration in Conservation Biology, Clemson University, 2017
Biography
Hi! My name is Haley Blackwell, and I am from Chapin, South Carolina. I received my bachelor's degree in Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration in Conservation Biology from Clemson University in 2017. During my undergrad, I completed a thesis on microclimate and habitat selection in tricolored bats. Afterward, I bounced around teaching English in China, working as a Fisheries Observer in Alaska, and working at the Population Management Center at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
During the pandemic, I was inspired to transition into healthcare and gained patient care experience as a medical assistant. To prepare for graduate school I interviewed many genetic counselors in cardiology, cancer, prenatal and pediatric roles. I also volunteered with the National Runaway Safeline and interned with the wonderful genetic counselors at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
My cumulative experiences have allowed me to further my skills as an educator, a crisis counselor, and a researcher. I look forward to taking advantage of all the learning opportunities MCW has to offer. I have a specific interest in queer medicine, especially disorders of sexual development. During my free time, I enjoy crocheting, collaging, getting outdoors, and cuddling with my cat Montgomery. I am elated to be a part of the MCW community and cannot wait to be a genetic counselor!
During the pandemic, I was inspired to transition into healthcare and gained patient care experience as a medical assistant. To prepare for graduate school I interviewed many genetic counselors in cardiology, cancer, prenatal and pediatric roles. I also volunteered with the National Runaway Safeline and interned with the wonderful genetic counselors at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.
My cumulative experiences have allowed me to further my skills as an educator, a crisis counselor, and a researcher. I look forward to taking advantage of all the learning opportunities MCW has to offer. I have a specific interest in queer medicine, especially disorders of sexual development. During my free time, I enjoy crocheting, collaging, getting outdoors, and cuddling with my cat Montgomery. I am elated to be a part of the MCW community and cannot wait to be a genetic counselor!