Thesis Project

All graduate students in genetic counseling complete a research project as a requirement of the master's degree. Faculty assist students in the selection of a primary faculty adviser and formulation of an original research project. Students and their primary adviser then select an expert thesis committee to help guide them through the conduct of the study.

The goals of the research project are to:

Gain a thorough understanding of the research process
Learn to critically evaluate research studies
Formulate an original research question to add to the body of genetic counseling knowledge
Implement study design and data collection
Understand research methodology and the statistical tools necessary to analyze data
Formally defend and write a thesis paper
Present the findings of the project at the annual Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling Student Research Colloquium
Have the opportunity to submit work for publication and present findings at national conferences

Preparation

Preparation for the research project begins in the fall quarter of the first year with a course in Research Methods. This course is designed to help the student gain a better understanding of qualitative and quantitative study design and interpretation.

It also emphasizes tools and skills needed for thesis development. By the end of this course, students are prepared to develop a research proposal under the guidance of their thesis committee and begin the process of obtaining programmatic and institutional review board approval.

Conducting Research

During the winter quarter, students begin the implementation of their research project, with up to $1,000 in research funding available through the program. After the project is underway, students will periodically meet with their thesis committee to review the project's progress and receive guidance. The project culminates in an oral defense to the committee, a written thesis and a presentation at the Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling Student Research Colloquium. Graduates write a formal thesis and are strongly encouraged to submit their work for presentation at relevant national meetings (such as NSGC, ASHG and ACMG) in preparation for publication.

Past Thesis Topics

Class of 2023

Cancer Genetic Counselors' Perceptions of Self-Competence and Resource Utilization when Counseling Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Examining How Newborn Screening Information is Used in the Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Death in the Young (SDY) Case Registry
Physician preparedness for Genetic Counseling in a Pediatric Cancer Center in Egypt
Make it Better: Perspectives on Mental Health Support in Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs Among Recent Graduates
Parental Experiences and Attitudes of False Positives from Lysosomal Storage Disorders Newborn Screening: Qualitative Study
Measuring Historical Variant Reclassification in Inherited Retinal Dystrophy and its Impact on Clinical Genetic Testing
Exploring the Expanding Roles of General Pediatric Genetic Counselors with Progressively Limited Collaboration from Medical Geneticists
Knowledge of Inherited Cancer Risk in Individuals with Prostate Cancer and Implications for Genetic Counseling and Testing
Genetic Counselors' Perspectives on Working with Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHCs) to Increase Genetic Counseling Visits for Hereditary Cancers
Exploring Gastroenterology Clinicians' Perspectives on Genetic Counseling and Genetic Testing for Hereditary Polyposis Syndromes
Genetic Counseling Program Directors' Perspectives on their Role in Supporting Students' Mental Health
"If I Knew More…I Would Feel Less Worried" – Filipino Americans' Attitudes and Knowledge of Genetic Disease, Testing, and Counseling
Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN) and its Contribution to a Sense of Belonging in the Field of Genetic Counseling
What's My Risk?: Experiences and Risk Perceptions of East Asian Americans with a Family History of Breast Cancer
Transition Readiness in Adolescent & Young Adult Patients with Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Assessing Genetic Counselors' Perspectives on Acceptability, Feasibility, and Readiness of Chatbots in Genetic Counseling
Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of Genetic Counseling Students and Graduates Who Identify as First-Generation Students
Characterizing Genetic Counseling Trends for Hereditary Melanoma: Consensus and Disagreement in Current Practice
What do the Female Partners Think? Exploration of Perceived Male Partner Roles by Asian American Female Partners in the Context of Prenatal Testing
Assessing Prenatal Genetic Counselors’ Perceived Mental Wellbeing and Abortion Stigma Face in a Post Roe v. Wade United States

Class of 2022

The Post-Diagnostic Odyssey of Families With Ultra-Rare Genetic Syndromes: The Bohring-Optiz Syndrome (BOS) Perspective
Function, genotype and neurodevelopmental phenotype relationships in KCNQ2-related epileptic encephalopathy
The biogenetic decision-making processes and perceived utility of genetic counseling amongst LGBTQ+ couples pursuing assisted reproductive technology
Examination of Dialogues Between Females Identified as Carriers Through Carrier Screening and the Male Pattern Who Did Not Follow-Through
Genetic counselors’ perceived preparedness for roles in the assisted reproductive technology specialty
Healthcare decision makers’ perspectives on the creation of new genetic counselor positions in North America: Making the case for psychiatric genetic counseling
Exploring primary care physicians integration of genetic counselors in the primary care setting
Exploring the utilization of sponsored genetic testing panels in pediatric epilepsy
Retrospective-Matched Analysis of Disease Progression in the Treatment of Early Onset Niemann Pick Disease Type C With Intrathecal Adrabetadex
Exploring Genetic Counselor Perspectives on Commercial Financial Assistance Programs for Hereditary Cancer Testing
Caregivers’ perspective on newborn screening for late-onset Fabry disease
A retrospective data analysis for estimation of genetic anticipation in families with Lynch syndrome due to mutations in MLH1
Exploration of Experiences and Factors Influencing East Asians to Choose a Career in Genetic Counseling
"Hope at a better chance": Perspectives on genetic counseling and testing among African Americans with prostate cancer.
"Prepare to Work Twice as Hard to be Treated Half as Well": Exploring the Impact of Microaggressions on the Genetic Counseling Supervisory Working Alliance
Racial and Ethnic Minority Student Perceptions of Cultural Competency, Cultural Humility and Anti-Racist Curriculum in Genetic Counseling Programs
Experiences of Parents With Children Diagnosed With Familial Hypercholesterolemia
The Impact of Second Sign: Investigating the Effect of a Hard Stop Genetic Testing Laboratory Utilization Management Tool

Class of 2021

Exploring Genetic Counselor and Healthcare Interpreter Perspectives: Allocation of Roles within the Genetic Counseling Encounter
Exploring the Experiences of South Asian Americans with a Personal or Family History of Cancer
Caregivers' Perspective on Abnormal Newborn Screening for Late Onset Pompe Disease
Assessing Knowledge, Use, and Perceptions of 2019 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) BRCA-Related Cancer Risk Assessment Recommendations among Health Care Providers
Exploring the Use of Expanded Sequencing Technology by Pediatric and Adult Cancer Genetic Counselors
Strategies Used by Genetic Counselors for Moderate Risk Result Disclosure and Relationship to Participants’ Risk Perception
An Assessment of Mental Wellbeing in Genetic Counseling Graduate Students and Recent Graduates
Not Just Carriers: Experiences of X-Linked Female Heterozygotes
Utility and Outcomes of ACMG-ClinGen’s 2019 Guidelines for CNVs with Unclear Classifications
Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives of Various Medical Specialties and Referrals to Genetic Counseling due to Abnormal Colorectal Tumor Screening for Lynch Syndrome
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations in Persons with Incidentally Discovered KCNQ1 Variants
An Exploration of Naturopathic Physicians' Current Practices for Ordering MTHFR Genetic Testing
Assessment of Clinical Genetic Knowledge and Desired Topics for Practitioner Education in Cardiovascular Genetics and Sudden Cardiac Death
No Longer 'Non-Traditional': The Evolution of Genetic Counseling Perceptions towards Laboratory and Industry Roles
Cytogenetic Testing for Gonadoblastoma Risk in Patients With Turner Syndrome: An Investigation of Laboratory Analysis Practices
Perspectives of Thought Leaders on the Future of Reproductive Genetic Medicine
Exploring the Challenges and Solutions to Implementing Somatic Tumor Sequencing in Medical Institutions
Exploring the Accuracy of Breast Cancer Risk Perception and Its Impact on Surveillance

Class of 2020

Exploring the Integration of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Genetic Counseling Practice
An Exploration of Genetic Counselors’ Use and Application of Family Health History Tools
Adopted Individuals’ Interest in Elective Genomic Testing
Exploring the Communication of Cardiac-Related Risk to First-Degree Relatives After the Sudden Death of a Young Family Member
Experiences and Factors Influencing Hispanics/Latinos to Choose a Career in Genetic Counseling
Examining Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives Regarding Communication with Prostate Cancer Patients
Implementation of Germline Genetic Testing for Patients with a Personal History of Breast Cancer: Perspectives of Key Healthcare Professionals
Site-Specific Analysis vs. Multi-Gene Panel Testing for Familial Cancer Variants: Current Practices of Genetic Counselors
Assessing Oncologist Preference for Results Communication in Somatic Tumor Next Generation Sequence Testing
Impact of Phenotypic Data on Reclassifying Variants of Uncertain Significance in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy
Measuring ACMG Variant Interpretation Criteria Application in Incidental Findings in White and Non-White Individuals
Charting the Laboratory Utilization Management (LUM) Landscape: Genetic Counselor Perspectives on the Structure and Efficacy of LUM Programs
Thought-Leaders’ Perspectives on the Potential Impact of At-Home Genetic Testing on Access and Disparities in Genomic Medicine
Assessing Oncologist Preference for Results Communication in Somatic Tumor Next Generation Sequence Testing
The Emotional Impact of Restrictive Abortion Laws on Prenatal Genetic Counselors
Offering Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M) for Conditions or Variants of Uncertain Significance: Ethical Insight from Genetic Counselors
An Exploration of Cancer Genetic Counselors’ Approach to Pathogenic TP53 Variants
What Women Want: General Population Perspectives and Access to Expanded Carrier Screening Preconception
Exploring Currend Practices and Perspectives of Genetic Counselors on DNA Biobanking in Oncology
How Genetic Counselors Remain Informed of Practice Guidelines

Class of 2019

Phenotype-Karyotype Relationships in Pediatric Turner Syndrome
Exploring Factors that Influences Patient Language Surrounding Pregnancy
The Effect of a Video Intervention on Research Participant Understanding and Perceived Value of Negative Gentic Test Results
Exploring IRB Attitudes regarding Direct Contact of Relatives in Genetic Studies
Assessing Obstetrician-Gynecologists’ Use of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
Clinical Laboratory Genetic Counselors’ Opinions on Implementing a Standardized Quantitative Framework for Variant Classification
Identification of Successes, Challenges, and Proposed Improvements to Familial Risk Communication after Sudden Cardiac Death of a Young Family Member
Exploration of Formal Training for Genetic Counseling Assistants
Exploring the Impact of Negative Genetic Test Results on Personal Utility and Percieved Value: Does Having a Personal or Family History of a Condition Make a Difference?
What is the Clinical Utility of Testing for Cancer Genes with No Published Medical Management Guidelines?
Pharmaceutical Industry Perspectives on Genetic Counselors
Use of BRCA-related Familial Risk Stratification Tools among Physician Assistants
Pediatric Specialty Genetic Counselors: Clinical Activities and Position Structure
Cultural Competency 101: Inerpreters’ Views in the Genetic Counseling Setting
Parental Perceptions of Potential Drug Therapise (BMN 111) for Achondroplasia
The Impact of First Trimester Ultrasound on Pregnancy Management Recommendations
Facilitators and Barriers to Utilization of Peer to Peer Support among Cancer Caregivers
Exploring the Impact of Insurance on Pediatric Genetic Counseling Testing Practices
An International Exploration of Facilitating Decision Making and Nondirectiveness in Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs

Class of 2018

The Impact of Radiation Dose and Type on Reproductive Tumor and Non-Tumor Morbidities in Mice
Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives on Population-Based Screening for BRCA-Related Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Lynch Syndrome
Quantitative Analysis of the Overlap in Clinical Roles between Genetic Counselors and Social Workers
Combined CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Genotype is Associated with INR Variability during a Long-Term Warfarin Use
Pediatricians Experience Ordering Genetic Testing
Prenatal Genetic Counselors’ Perceptions of the Impact of Abortion Legislation on Counseling and Access in the United States
Adult Onset Neurologic Disease Risks in Carriers of Recessive Conditions: Current Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes of Genetic Counselors Providing Carrier Screening
OB/Gyn Residents’ Experiences with Genetics: Assessment of Training, Attitudes, and Comfort
An Investigation of the Association between Primary Ovarioan Insufficiency and Autoimmune Disease
Behind the Scenes: Genetic Counseling Support Staff and Their Roles
Patient Comprehension and Percieved Value of Negative Results from Non-Diagnostic Genetic Testing
Utilization of Statistical Breast Cancer Risk Prediction Models by Genetic Counselors in Clinical Practice
Exploring the Use of Implementation Outcomes in the Evaluation of Pharmacogenomic Testing Programs
Exploring a Brief Medical Improvisational Performing Arts Intervention for Genetic Counseling Graduate Students
Impact of Functional Evaluation on Reclassifying Varriants of Uncertain Significance in KCNQ1
The Evolution of Language Referencing Congenital Conditions Marked by Atypical Sexual Development in Scientific Literature
Parental Attitudes Regarding the Need for Genetic Services in Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivorship Program

Class of 2017

Exploring the Status of Non-Directiveness in Genetic Counseling Training Programs
Genetics Professionals’ Attitudes towards the Clinical Implementation of Prenatal Exome Sequencing
The Impact of Tricare’s Policies concerning Prenatal Genetic Testing and Termination on the Genetic Counseling Process
Association of INR Variability during Warfarin Therapy with CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Genotypes
Attitudes and Perceptions towards Fertility Preservation among Cancer Survivor Partners
Exploring Providers’ Perceptions of Cognitive Difference among FAP patients
Exploring Prenatal Genetic Counselors’ Perceptions of Abortion Laws in their State
The Impact of Family History on Prodromal Huntington Disease
Attitudes towards Nomenclature of Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) among Physicians, Genetic Counselors, and Mental Health Providers
Clinical Predictors for Identifying Variants on Cancer Genetic Testing Panels
Transition Readiness and Quality of Life in Adolescents and Young Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Prenatal Genetic Counselors’ Practices and Confidence Level When Counseling Patients on Cancer Risk Identified on Expanded Carrier Screening
Exploring Non-Genetics Providers’ Perceived Barriers to Genetic Services at an Accountable Care Organization
Mitochondrial Replacement Techniques: Reactions and Opinions of Genetic Counselors

Class of 2016

Impact of FDA Approval of PARP Inhibitor Treatment on Genetic Counseling and Testing Practices for Ovarian Cancer Patients
Prenatal Exome Sequencing: Issues of Clinical Utility and Beyond
Classification of SCN2A variants in SCN2A Encephalopathy
The Impact of a Long QT Syndrome Diagnosis on Competitive Athletes’ Psychological Processes
Survey of Genetic Counselors’ Practice, Perceptions, and Engagement With Genetic Information and Electronic Health Record Implementation
Patient Expectations for Non-Diagnostic Whole Exome Sequencing
Evaluation of an Online Educational Tool for Carrier Screening
Genetic Counselors’ Approach of the Postmortem Genetic Testing Process After Sudden Cardiac Death
Women’s Experiences with Receiving The News of an Abnormal Prenatal Ultrasound
Developmental Pediatricians’ Current Practices in Utilizing Genetic Services for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Perceived Barriers to Incorporating Genetic Services into their Practice
Pregnant Women’s Perspectives on Expanded Carrier Screening
Examining Changes to NBS Protocol After the NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Screening Mandate
Laboratory Directors Opinions Regarding the FDA’s Proposed Regulatory Oversight of Laboratory-Developed Tests (LDTs)

Class of 2015

Assessing Reproductive Interest and Options for Women With Turner Syndrome and Their Parents
Exploring the Issues Surrounding Clinical Whole Exome Sequencing in a Prenatal Setting
Interpreting for Genetic Counselors: Identifying Common Pitfalls and Solutions
Exploring Attitudes of Adopted Individuals on the Utility and Value of Universal Carrier Screening
Athletic Trainers’ Perceptions and Assessment of Family History in Detection of Athletes at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death in Preparticipation Evaluation Screening
Comparing Pharmacy and Genetic Counseling: Education Related to Pharmacogenomics and Attitudes About Roles and Collaboration in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
Implementation of Newborn Screening for Lysosomal Storage Disorders: A Clinician Perspective
Public Decision-Making About Newborn Screening in Contexts of Treatment, Intervention, and Benefit
Parental Disclosure of Familial ALS Diagnosis and Mutation Status to Children: Perceptions of Young-Adult Offspring
Risk Assessment and Medical Management Recommendations for Patients with Mutations in Moderate Penetrance Cancer Susceptibility Genes: Current Practices of Genetic Counselors
Urologists’ Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes Regarding Individuals with a Family History of Prostate Cancer
Assessing Attitudes of Psychiatric Providers Towards Pharmacogenomic Data and Practice Implications
Evaluating the Nature and Distribution of Pathogenic/Potentially Pathogenic Genetic Variants Associated with Mature Onset Diabetes in the Young (MODY)

Class of 2014

Exploring Patient Reactions About Genetic Testing for Treatment Responses to Bariatric Surgery
Exploring Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives on the Clinical and Personal Utility of Genetic Testing
Parental Experiences Discussing Disease Progression in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Reproductive Endocrinologists’ Practices and Attitudes Regarding BRCA1/2 Gene Mutation Positive Oncofertility Patients
Assessing Patient Comprehension Using a Modified Consent Document in a Pharmacogenomics Study
Pediatric Neurologists’ Attitudes and Practices Regarding Next-Generation Sequencing for Genetic Evaluations
Physician Educational Preferences and Current Practices Regarding Ashkenazi Jewish Carrier Screening
Public Attitudes and Perceptions of Prenatal Testing for Cognitive and Psychiatric Disorders with Varying Levels of Risk
Insights into the Collective Experience of Institutions Implementing Genomic Medicine Programs
Attitudes, Perspectives, and Factors Associated with Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis In Families Affected by Hemophilia
Evaluation of Laboratory Perspectives on Multiplex Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Susceptibility by Next-Generation Sequencing

Class of 2013

Assessing the Addition of Critical Congenital Heart Disease to Newborn Screening: An Evaluation of the Process and Program in Each State of the United States
Athletes’ Attitudes Towards and Experiences with the NCAA’s Mandatory Sickle Cell Trait Testing
Preimplantation Genetic Diagonosis for Adult-Onset and Susceptibility Diseases: Perspectives of Reproductive Endocrinologists
Parent Attitudes on Disclosure Procedures of Uncertain Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Results
Preliminary Assessment of the Use, Attitudes, and Beliefs towards Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing among Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists
Disease Progression and Inheritance to the Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Perspectives of Obstetricians & Gynecologists on Universal Genetic Carrier Screening
Community Primary Care Provider’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experience with Clinical Use of Personalized Genomic Risk Information
Cardiologists’ Practices and Attitudes About Genetic Testing for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Genetics Professionals’ Opinions of Whole-Genome Sequencing in the Newborn Period
Familial Pancreatic Cancer – Genetic Counselor Practices
Practice Patterns of Endocrine Surgeons Regarding Genetic Testing in Apparently Sporadic Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Evaluating the Impact of Brochure Literature Provided to Patients in a Low-Income Prenatal Clinic