Get to know Amanda Gerard
Please discuss your path since graduation and career goals at this point.
I primarily work with pediatric patients in the genetics clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. I see patients, contribute to research within the genetics field, and train new genetic counselors as a supervisor for the Baylor College of Medicine Genetic Counseling Program. My job is immensely enjoyable and rewarding, and I hope to continue contributing to this unique and growing field of science in the future.
How, when, and why did you decide to study biology?
My interest in biology developed in high school science classes when I was fascinated by many aspects of the field—particularly the unit about genetics. My specific career path was not set when I started my undergraduate coursework, but I knew biology interested me and I chose to explore it further. I discovered my current field of genetic counseling through online research and some biology courses.
How did your experience at Ole Miss help shape your interests and future career path?
Undergraduate courses helped determine my interests and what I wanted from my future career. I enjoyed the biology department’s variety of course offerings, which allowed me to learn about different specialties within the field. Once I decided on genetic counseling as a career, I took prerequisite courses for graduate school and participated in activities to strengthen my applications. I was also a psychology major, a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, a member of the Ole Miss Band, and a frequent visitor of Big Bad Breakfast.