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Gabrielle Villard, a recent graduate of SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG), has been selected for the prestigious Post-Baccalaureate Genomics Analyst Fellowship, offered by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).
This highly competitive two-year program provides exceptional early-career scientists with hands-on experience in genomics, allowing them to engage in groundbreaking research, policy development, and advocacy. Fellows are placed at either NHGRI’s Extramural Research Program in Bethesda, MD, or at ASHG in Rockville, MD, where they contribute to critical projects shaping the future of genomic medicine.
Gabrielle’s journey into genetics was not a conventional one. Initially pursuing a different career path in medicine, she realized that her true passion lay in genetics.
“I decided to pursue the MSHGG program because I recently graduated and was pursuing a different career path in medicine, but I quickly realized I did not enjoy it. So, it took me a while to figure out what brought me into science, and I realized it was genetics,” said Villard.
SCU’s MSHGG program provided the ideal foundation for Gabrielle’s transition into genomics. The program’s rigorous curriculum, combined with a genetic counseling certificate, played a crucial role in shaping her career direction.
“The MSHGG program gave me an edge because it took me back to the beginnings of genetics and allowed me to hone in on information that I hadn’t focused on in my undergraduate biology studies,” Villard said.
Despite the challenges of graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabrielle found a supportive and engaging academic environment at SCU.
“The professors were very understanding. Even though it’s an online program, the students were still able to collaborate and help each other. I enjoyed the discussions and readings, which gave me a deeper understanding of genetics,” said Villard.
Gabrielle’s passion for genetics, particularly in the clinical setting, led her to explore various career opportunities in the field.
“I love the fact that you can use science in a clinical sense. I love science, and I love working with clinical providers and patients. Genetic counseling allows me to combine these interests in a rewarding way,” Villard said.
Gabrielle’s selection for the ASHG-NHGRI fellowship was a rigorous process. Although she initially applied without expecting much, she soon realized her potential when she advanced to the interview rounds.
“I was very excited when I got the first email for the interview. Moving to the second round was nerve-wracking, but it also made me realize that something about me stood out among so many applications,” said Villard.
Her persistence paid off, and she was thrilled to be among the few selected for this opportunity.
“I hesitated about applying since I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, but I realized that sometimes you just have to go for it. After getting accepted, I was excited to learn that I was the only one from my area selected, and I got to meet my cohort from across the country,” Villard said.
As part of the fellowship, Gabrielle is a program analyst for two major genomics initiatives at NHGRI: the Gregor Consortium and the Human Pan Genome Reference Consortium. Her role involves working with multiple research institutions and engaging with prominent scientists.
“I get to access a tremendous amount of information and work with researchers from different institutions and even internationally. I also get to attend ASHG’s annual meetings and network with experts in genomics,” said Villard.
Beyond research, the fellowship emphasizes professional development, offering guidance on public speaking, resume writing, and graduate school applications.
“The supervisors are very supportive, willing to answer questions, and help us connect with the right people for career development. It’s exciting to be part of this new program that bridges ASHG and NHGRI,” said Villard.
Gabrielle’s experiences have broadened her understanding of genetics, especially in Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) research.
“I want to pursue genetic counseling, but this experience has also introduced me to research on how genetic counselors can contribute to genomics studies. ELSI research is integral to ensuring that genomics is ethical, inclusive, and impactful across diverse populations,” Villard explained.
Gabrielle’s ultimate goal is to make genetic counseling more accessible, particularly for marginalized communities. She hopes to use her expertise to bridge the gap between genomics research and clinical applications, ensuring that all patients benefit from advancements in genetic science.
“This fellowship has given me confidence in my place in the world of genetics. As a first-generation student, it can be difficult to envision yourself in these spaces, but this experience has shown me that there is a community of people who want to see me succeed,” said Villard.
SCU is proud of Gabrielle Villard and her outstanding achievement. Her journey inspires students and aspiring geneticists, demonstrating that passion, resilience, and the proper educational foundation can open doors to incredible opportunities in the world of genomics.
Please visit SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics program page for more information and start your journey today.