Leighton graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics and a minor in Psychology. Shortly thereafter, she started working with the Department of Genetics at UNC as a genetic counseling intern. This position assists both the Berg Lab on their work with ClinGen, and genetic counselors (Cancer and Adult Genetics clinics) with their patients.
During her time at NC State, she was a member of the University Scholars Program and worked as a teaching assistant for the class “Principles of Genetics” for four semesters. As a TA, she completed an undergraduate honors thesis accessing the effectiveness of different teaching strategies on the students understanding of select molecular genetics concepts. She also worked alongside the Director of Biological Sciences at NC State to develop the “Life Sciences First Year Peer Mentoring Program” for freshmen.
Leighton plans to apply to graduate programs in genetic counseling this fall to pursue her dream of becoming a genetic counselor.
