Olivia Lopez
Where and what did you study in undergrad?
I studied Cell and Molecular Biology at Southeast Missouri State University and graduated in 2020.
What drew you to the genetic counseling field?
I love the dual nature of genetic counseling (GC) and how we get to experience both the educational and emotional side of genetics! There is so much versatility within the field and it only continues to grow. I also love how the field will never be stagnant and that I have the chance to learn something new every day. I had very positive interactions with every GC I met on my path to Wake, and I welcome the chance to work in such a collaborative environment and help foster inclusiveness and diversity for future GCs.
Why did you choose Wake?
It took me a long time to find a good fit and picture myself succeeding in a GC program. When I interviewed with Wake, I still had the normal jittery nerves, but there were none of those moments where I felt like I was failing a test, or that anyone was waiting for me to make a fumble—I could be myself around the faculty and I felt that I projected my genuine, if nervous, self. I also loved the opportunity to be part of a new program and help build it to help future students! The level of support I would receive from the program was also super important to me. I felt that every faculty member I spoke to was so receptive to hearing what the students needed and were more receptive to change.
What are your future hopes and aspirations as a genetic counselor?
I hope to be an asset to my patients and peers, both clinically and emotionally. As a genetic counselor, we will have the opportunity to shape the field and clinic environments and I hope to continue to make genetic counseling a welcoming, more diverse and inclusive field.
What is your favorite late-night snack?
I'll do everyone a favor and introduce you to cookie butter, courtesy of Trader Joe's!
If you could offer a word of advice to prospective students, what would it be?
I know it's hard, but I think the best piece of advice I can give is to try not to compare yourself to other applicants. Everyone has something unique and worthwhile to offer and will become such an asset to the field in the future. It's okay to take as much time as you need to find that level of fit in a program and to feel comfortable in speaking about your growth during the application process. Don't try to compare your timeline with anyone else's—the time will come when it's right!
Ask a Student
Class of 2025
If you're thinking about applying for the genetic counseling MS program at Wake Forest some of our current students are happy to connect and help answer your questions.
Abbie Chalfant - achalfan@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Being a first-time applicant; moving from out-of-state (Florida); living outside of downtown; having a dog in school; advocacy experiences; CV/resume; taking a gap year; transitioning from pre-med to genetic counseling; anything Wake/Winston-Salem.
Ali Bahr - abahr@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking the non-traditional student track; multiple (4) gap years; research, GCA job, and volunteering; moving from out of state; dealing with comparison when applying; finding a new church home; being a Graduate Assistant at Wake; moving with your spouse/married in GC school; living downtown in Winston-Salem; anything about the city, field, applications, matching, and Wake Forest's Program.
Erin McChesney - emcchesn@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Personal statement and CV development.
Holland Tapp - hatapp@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: First-time applicant to GC; applying/interviewing to GC during undergrad; advocacy experience/patient facing experience; cold-emailing GCs for information interviews and shadowing; moving out of state; self-doubt/mental health; having fun in grad school; making connections; Winston-Salem foodie!
Megan Johnson - medjohns@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking a gap year; moving across the country (MN -> NC); being a reapplicant; being a Graduate Assistant at Wake; being a first-generation college student; student loans; mental health; anything about the field, applications, matching, and Wake Forest's Program!
Sara Hayes - sghayes@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking multiple gap years (3); being a reapplicant (2x); working as a GCA prior to graduate school; working in a laboratory role; working in a role with direct patient care; long-distance relationships during graduate school; the match process; obtaining genetic counseling exposure; resources for genetic counseling applicants; applying to graduate school while working full-time; having pets during graduate school; living in Winston-Salem/North Carolina; questions about the Wake Forest GC program!
Savannah Moore - sanmoore@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Multiple application cycles (3x); gap years (2x); NC in general; being the program Graduate Assistant; previous GCA experience; outside graduate level courses; CV/PS; application, interviews, and matching; research; places to eat around Winston.
Vera Zanker - vzanker@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Finding Jewish community; taking a few years to work before applying; out of state applicant; if you need a pep-talk during applications/interviews; postbac coursework; general questions about the program.
Class of 2024
If you're thinking about applying for the genetic counseling MS program at Wake Forest some of our current students are happy to connect and help answer your questions.
Allyson Morgan - allmorga@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking a gap year; North Carolina as a whole; things to do in Winston-Salem; living in downtown Winston; reapplying; being a Graduate Assistant at Wake; being in a new program; moving back to where you grew up; making connections; early undergrad graduation; gaining patient-facing experience; mental health!
Angel Serafini - aserafin@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking the non-traditional student track; many gap years; post-bacc coursework; moving from out of state; overcoming fear; being in recovery; finding a new church home; student loans; being a Graduate Assistant at Wake; anything about the field, applications, matching, and Wake Forest’s Program.
Courtney Davis - cordavis@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking a couple (2) gap years; moving with a significant other; North Carolina as a whole; things to do in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas; reapplying; low undergraduate GPA; living in downtown Winston; being in a new program; research; being a Graduate Assistant at Wake; first-generation college student; anything related to applications or Wake’s program specifically.
Erika Ward - eeward@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking multiple gap years; being a reapplicant; coming from out of state (Michigander here!); moving with a significant other; navigating Winston-Salem as a NC newbie; anything about Wake’s program.
Jamie Chamberlin - jcchambe@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about:Taking a gap year; transitioning from pre-med to genetic counseling; first time applicant to GC programs; fast-tracking the application process; North Carolina as a whole; living in downtown Winston-Salem; research; volunteering; being in a new program; summer activities; cold emailing GCs for informational interviews; long-distance relationships; how much I love Wake Forest’s program!
Linnea Lundh - llundh@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking four gap years between undergrad and grad school; living in Downtown Winston-Salem (the dog-friendly version); being an out-of-state student (from the Maryland/DC/Northern VA area); having a full-time job while applying; having a heavy research background → genetic counseling; being in a new program.
Madison Badje - mbadje@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking a gap year; being a reapplicant to programs; big out of state move (I am from Nebraska); advocacy experience; being a part of a new program; learning your way around Winston-Salem.
Olivia Lopez - oclopez@wakehealth.edu
Things to ask me about: Taking multiple gap years; being a third-time applicant; being an out of state student; moving 12+ hours to a new city; anxiety during interviews/application process; imposter syndrome/mental health; living in downtown Winston; anything about Wake’s program!