Student Spotlight/Minor Spotlight-Double Header!!!

Student: Anna Duffy

Minor: Genetic Counseling

 

Genetic Counseling is an interdisciplinary minor housed in the College of Health Sciences. Students take courses that include Biology, Medical and Molecular Sciences, Psychology, Human Development, and more. Along with a designated major, this minor helps prepare students to pursue a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling. Genetic Counseling is the process of educating individuals and families about the risk of inheriting a genetic disorder. Professionals in this field help patients understand their genetic risk, provides them with resources to treat disorders, and counsels them through the medical and personal implications of the disease. There are different specialties within Genetic Counseling that include prenatal, pediatric, oncology, and psychiatry.

This is a growing field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students in the minor take 22 credits (along with pre-requisites) from the following courses: Program: Genetic Counseling Minor – University of Delaware – Modern Campus Catalog™

One current Genetics Counseling minor is former UST student, Anna Duffy. Anna is a junior from Goshen, NY. When she initially enrolled at the University of Delaware, Anna knew she was interested in science but was unsure about a specific direction. University Studies advising helped introduce her to numerous majors, minors, clubs, and activities that aligned with her personal interests. She had heard about genetic counseling in high school and quickly gravitated towards the community of students at UD who were working towards becoming genetic counselors. Anna notes that, “it felt almost meant to be that UD had this very niche minor along with the Future Genetic Counselors Club (FGCC)”.

After attending some FGCC meetings during her freshman year, Anna decided to declare her major as Biological Sciences with a Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics Concentration. During her sophomore year she declared minors in Genetic Counseling, as well as Women and Gender Studies. She has really been enjoying her courses and looks forward to more experiences with like-minded students interested in the future of genetics.

Anna encourages all students who are unsure about their direction to investigate specific minors and clubs UD offers because there are more than expected! She recommends getting involved with people who have similar interests, and id there’s difficult finding a niche, students can create their own community! “Putting myself out there is ultimately what I owe to my success as a student”, Anna says.

Student Spotlight-Rocco Bueti

Rocco Bueti has big dreams of becoming an actor or writer. Right now, he’s a Management Information Systems (MIS) major with minors in English (film) and Business Analytics. If careers in acting or writing don’t pan out, he plans further schooling to earn an MBA in MIS and to work within a tech department as a computer or business analyst.

The sophomore from Westchester, New York knew UD was right for him after considering a few college choices. He was attracted to UD’s business school, the size of the undergraduate class, and the fact that ample opportunities were available. What really cemented his choice was UD’s beautiful campus, which he continues to enjoy with the great friends he has made.

His UST advisor, Sarah Hutnick, recalls that Rocco came in mostly thinking about business management, but then wanted to explore various options. Ultimately, after doing independent research and listening to a family member talk about their career, he realized that his interests lied more in the MISY side of Management rather than Management itself. Sarah went on to say, “Rocco seems to have a rare knack for both the logical/analytical and the creative/artistic. It was clear that it was very important for Rocco to have both of these elements present in his studies at UD”.

At UD, Rocco says his favorite things include: the many clubs and activities you can be a part of, his wonderful professors, Main Street, and the student centers. Speaking about clubs and activities, Rocco has played on many intramural sports teams and plans to try out for UD club basketball. He is currently a member of STN 49 (a television network run by UD students) where he participates in live shows: “Bi-Weekly” and “Hens Sports Night”. Rocco plans to join a business fraternity in the future.

Rocco’s advice for UST students? “Applying yourself and being ready to learn and succeed is KEY in succeeding here, and in life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you never know where that question will lead you in life/school. Fear is the worst thing to fall to, don’t let yourself be scared to try something”.

 

Student Spotlight-Natalie Hirn

Natalie, a junior from York, PA fell in love with UD’s campus and all of the activities that the university had to offer. The study abroad programs she learned about also inspired Natalie to attend UD, as it was important for her to pick a school that provided educational traveling experiences.

When Natalie was admitted to UD, she was set on studying to become a physician’s assistant or speech pathologist and began her undergraduate career as a cognitive science major. Within the first few weeks of her first year, Natalie quickly realized her major wasn’t a match and made a change to health behavior science. From there, after taking an introductory business class, she later decided that she would rather pursue business instead! In addition, Natalie had always been in love with fashion and the fashion industry, but was afraid to take the leap into such a competitive field. After taking an introductory Fashion class, she decided to follow her dream and complete a degree she was passionate about, rather than one she was struggling with. Now, Natalie is a marketing major with a fashion management minor.

Natalie feels that University Studies afforded her the flexibility to take a wide range of classes, which allowed her to discover what she liked and didn’t. As a result of meeting with her advisor and completing her own research, she found the programs that were right for her. Natalie also realized that although she changed her mind several times before solidifying her path, spending time exploring was worthwhile. Natalie hopes to pursue a career in the fashion business. She is considering working in public relations, as a buyer, or merchandiser in New Your City. The options are limitless! Currently, Natalie is also very involved with RSOs and Greek Life on campus.

Words of wisdom for current UST students: “In the end, your major does not always define your career path! Enjoy life as a college student and take classes that are intriguing, fun, and excite you about your future.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Spotlight- Olivia Chowdhury

Olivia came to UD (from Atlantic City, New Jersey) with diverse interests, and chose the University Studies Program to help narrow down her options. Some of these interests included the environment, forensics, business, human relations, and the health sciences. Through talking with advisors and exploring her options inside and outside of the classroom, Olivia started to gravitate more towards the social and behavioral sciences, as well as creative arts and humanities. She is now a senior, getting ready to graduate this spring, with a major in International Relations and a minor in Spanish!

When Olivia isn’t studying, she stays busy with many extra-curricular activities and favorite hobbies.  Some of the groups she has been involved with during her years at UD include: We’re First, Active Minds, UNICEF, Charity Crossing, Circle K, Community Engagement Scholars, The College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council, and the UST Peer Liaisons. She enjoys cooking/baking, reading, working out, and water sports (kayaking and swimming). She also speaks four languages!

This spring, she is involved with The Semester in Washington, D.C. Program, where she will live, take classes, and participate in a capstone internship. This is a highly competitive opportunity that she earned, and she is very excited about it. After graduating in the spring, Olivia hopes to go into the workforce to gain some experience before applying to graduate school.

Olivia’s best advice for current UST students (as well as any university students): “Reach out to your professors!”