DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

#201 Sickle Cell Disease with Lifting the Veil

It’s Sickle Cell Awareness month, so we are sharing this episode of Lifting the Veilpodcast where Beveraly Mills and Elaine Buck interview our host, Kira Dineen, about the condition!On Lifting the Veil, Beverly and Elaine cover, and uncover, the truth about African-American history. Misconceptions, lies, skewed facts, and untruths about the African-American narrative get straightened out here, once and for all.On This Episode We Discuss:Health disparities specifically in black communityBirth mortality rates of black people Funding/support for sickle cell disease research compared to other disease like cystic fibrosisHenrietta Lacks’s story and its impact on science, medicine, and her familyTreatments for sickle cell including bone marrow transplant and CRISPR clinical trials You can listen to the episode here, and check out their other episodes on New Pod City. If you’re interested, you can read the article mentioned throughout the interview, “Comparison of US Federal and Foundation Funding of Research for Sickle Cell Disease and Cystic Fibrosis and Factors Associated With Research Productivity,” here!Keep up with Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck on LinkedIn, and follow the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum on Twitter, Beverly and Elaine are the co-founders! Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on September 16th, 2022 where we’ll be joined by Ann Martin and Madhuri Hegde to discuss Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 200 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. Support for DNA Today comes from the People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (also known as PETA), whose scientists have developed the research modernization deal, a strategy to phase out ineffective experiments on animals with high-tech, state-of-the-art research. PETA has collected an abundance of evidence demonstrating that the use of animals in biomedical research hinders scientific progress and puts patients at risk. Learn more at PETA.org/NewDeal. (SPONSORED)

#200 Reflecting on a Decade of DNA Today

This is a milestone episode for two reasons. As you may have noticed, it’s our 200th episode. Technically we had about 20 episodes prior to numbering them, but these are mini lessons and not really full episodes. These started when we were broadcasting live from WHUS 91.7 FM.The other milestone is that September 1st marks 10 years of DNA Today. We released our first episode in 2012. Back then our host and producer, Kira Dineen, was starting her senior year of high school, fast forward a decade and now she has her masters in genetics and has been practicing as a genetic counselor for 2 years! As a high schooler she dreamed of reaching people around the world, little did she think she would be producing DNA Today ten years later with two Podcast Awards, ranking in top 1% of podcasts globally with 40+ sponsors. This journey has been incredible. We have had countless guests on the podcast that have brought immense insight into the field of genetics, the life of living with a genetic condition or caring for someone who does, groundbreaking advancements in genetic technology, discussions exploring the ethics surrounding this technology, and so many more important conversations. During this episode we are looking back at the last 10 years and 200 episodes. We are featuring your voices. Voices of people that make this show possible. Listeners. Team members. Guests. And more. So you will hear these voice memos sharing people’s favorite episodes, followed by clips from the episodes. We want to thank you so much. DNA Today would not be successful without you. It’s your downloads, engagement, and support that keep this show going. We are so passionate about educating the world about genetics, it’s you that keeps us going. I am humbled by your support and honored to be in this role. Shoutout to the following listeners, guests, and DNA Today team members for submitting voices memos featured in this celebratory episode: Corinne Merlino, Sophia Saladino, Ashlyn Enokian, Katie Lee, Amanda Andreoli, Daniel DeFabio, Faith McCarthy, Laura Markham, Paloma Boeck, Taila Stanford, Sanya Tinaikar, Kajal Patel, and Mahfuz Taofeeq. Episodes mentioned include…#67 Daniel DeFabio on Disorder: The Rare Disease Film Festival#87 Genetic Counseling Grad School Apps (Part 1)#97 Genetic Counseling Grad School Interviews, Ranking, Matching (Part 2)#101 Genetic Counseling Match Day#110 Gattaca, 22 Years Later#111: NSGC 2019 Recap#123 Infertility Series: Dr. Kara Goldman on Fertility Testing#128 DTC Series: Adam Rutherford on How To Argue With A Racist#131 DTC Series: Libby Copeland on Law Enforcement Use of Genetic Databases#135 NSGC 2020 Recap#164 Parkinson’s Disease with the Parkinson’s Foundation#166 Beta Thalassemia with Radhika Sawh#176 Glee's Lauren Potter on Down Syndrome Awareness#191 Overturning Roe v. Wade with Laura HercherStay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on Friday, September 9th where we will be discussing sickle cell disease in honor of the awareness month. Our host Kira Dineen is interviewed by Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck. If you want a sneak preview the episode has been released on their podcast, Lifting the Veil. New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge all 200 episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)Support for DNA Today comes from the People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (also known as PETA), whose scientists have developed the research modernization deal, a strategy to phase out ineffective experiments on animals with high-tech, state-of-the-art research. PETA has collected an abundance of evidence demonstrating that the use of animals in biomedical research hinders scientific progress and puts patients at risk. Learn more at PETA.org/NewDeal. (SPONSORED)

#199 Prostate Cancer Genetics with Heather Cheng

We have two special announcements!Next episode we will be celebrating a decade of DNA Today! That’s right, we released our first episode on September 1st, 2012. It also coincides with our 200th episode. We want to mark these milestones with you on the show. So send in your favorite episode. You can write it, or better yet, record a voice memo sharing your favorite episode and why you enjoy listening to the show. After all, our podcast would not be possible without you loyal listeners. That’s why we want to celebrate together! Send in your voice memo or written message about your fav episode of DNA Today to info@dnapodcast.com. Deadline is August 27th.Thank you to all you listeners for nominating us in the Podcast Awards, you did it! We have officially been nominated. It’s year number 6 being nominated and it might be our third time winning the Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award. BUT that’s only going to happen if you check your email inbox for an email from The Podcast Awards with the subject line, “Podcast Awards Final Slate Voting”'. If you got this email you are one of the few that were selected to be a voter. It’s imperative that you vote! There is a hyperlink to click to get to the voting page. You do have to quickly log back in. Once you do, select DNA Today in the “Science and Medicine category”, select your other fav podcasts and then Hit the “Save Nominations” button. It’s that easy. You have until September 10th to do this, but please do it now if you got the email so you don’t forget! In this episode we are educating you about prostate cancer as we are on the cusp of prostate cancer awareness month starting next week. Joining us for this discussion is Dr. Heather Cheng, Director of the Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Assistant Professor in the Division of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and Associate Professor in the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. She focuses on improving the care of patients with prostate and bladder cancers. An expert in prostate cancer genetics, she is studying ways to use genetics to guide the care of prostate cancer patients and their family members who may also be at high risk for the disease.On This Episode We Discuss:The prevalence of prostate cancerSigns of hereditary prostate cancer in family historyProstate Cancer Registry of Outcomes and Germline Mutations (PROMISE)The goals of PROMISEWho is eligible to enroll in PROMISE and what is requiredThe most common genes that are identified as having a pathogenic variantCurrent treatments available for people with prostate cancerThe lifetime risk of prostate cancerTo learn more about the PROMISE study, visit the study website and check out thisarticle!You can keep up with our guest, Heather Cheng on Twitter, and LinkedIn, and stay up to date with the latest developments in prostate cancer research by following the Prostate Cancer Foundation on Twitter and ​​LinkedIn, and Instagram.Next episode of DNA Today on September 2nd, 2022, we are celebrating 200 episodes and 10 years of the show! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge all our other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

#198 CRISPR Ethics with Sam Sternberg

We have two special announcements! Very soon we will be celebrating a decade of DNA Today! That’s right, we released our first episode on September 1st, 2012. It also coincides with our 200th episode. We want to mark these milestones with you on the show. So send in your favorite episode. You can write it, or better yet, record a 30-60 second voice memo sharing your favorite episode and why you enjoy listening to the show. After all, our podcast would not be possible without you loyal listeners. That’s why we want to celebrate together! Send in your voice memo or written message about your fav episode of DNA Today to info@dnapodcast.com. Deadline is August 27th.Thank you to all you listeners for nominating us in the Podcast Awards, you did it! We have officially been nominated. It’s year number 6 being nominated and it might be our third time winning the Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award. BUT that’s only going to happen if you check your email inbox for an email from The Podcast Awards with the subject line, “Podcast Awards Final Slate Voting”'. If you got this email you are one of the few that were selected to be a voter. It’s imperative that you vote! There is a hyperlink to click to get to the voting page. You do have to quickly log back in. Once you do, select DNA Today in the “Science and Medicine category”, select your other fav podcasts and then Hit the “Save Nominations” button. It’s that easy. You have until September 10th to do this, but please do it now if you got the email so you don’t forget! Our guest this week is Dr. Sam Sternberg, who is a protein-RNA biochemist and CRISPR expert. He runs a research laboratory at Columbia University, where he is an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. Sam's lab explores the biology of CRISPR-Cas systems and transposable elements, and develops these systems for genome engineering. In addition to publishing his research in leading journals and speaking internationally, Sam remains actively involved in public outreach and ongoing discussions on the ethical issues surrounding genome editing. Together with Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna, he co-authored a popular science book about the discovery, development, and applications of CRISPR technology. Titled A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution, which chronicles the development of CRISPR and explores bioethical aspects of the technology. Their book was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and The New York Review of Books called it “required reading for every concerned citizen.”Sam received his B.A. in Biochemistry from Columbia University in 2007 and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014. He earned graduate student fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, and was awarded the Scaringe Award from the RNA Society and the Harold Weintraub Graduate Student Award from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Sam worked as a Scientist and Group Leader at Caribou Biosciences before beginning his independent position at Columbia in 2018, and he is the recipient of the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, and is a Sloan Fellow, Pew Biomedical Scholar, and Schaefer Research Scholar.On This Episode We Discuss:Safety, ethical, regulatory considerations for using CRISPR technology Off target effects Working directly with Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Jennifer DoudnaThe 3 major areas of CRISPR applicationsFertility research Animal studies Human genetics Enter our giveaway for your own copy of A Crack In Creation through our social media! For updates on the Sternberg lab, visit their website or follow Sam on Twitter and LinkedIn! You can also read one of his most recent papers on the profiling of CRISPR RNA-guided transposition products here. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 26th, 2022! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 195 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

#197 CRISPR Quality Control with Kiana Aran

We have two special announcements!Very soon we will be celebrating a decade of DNA Today! That’s right, we released our first episode on September 1st, 2012. It also coincides with our 200th episode. We want to mark these milestones with you on the show. So send in your favorite episode. You can write it, or better yet, record a voice memo sharing your favorite episode and why you enjoy listening to the show. After all, our podcast would not be possible without you loyal listeners. That’s why we want to celebrate together! Send in your voice memo or written message about your fav episode of DNA Today to info@dnapodcast.com. Deadline is August 27th.Thank you to all you listeners for nominating us in the Podcast Awards, you did it! We have officially been nominated. It’s year number 6 being nominated and it might be our third time winning the Best Science and Medicine Podcast Award. BUT that’s only gong to happen if you check your email inbox for an email from The Podcast Awards with the subject line, “Podcast Awards Final Slate Voting”'. If you got this email you are one of the few that were selected to be a voter. It’s imperative that you vote! There is a hyperlink to click to get to the voting page. You do have to quickly log back in. Once you do, select DNA Today in the “Science and Medicine category”, select your other fav podcasts and then Hit the “Save Nominations” button. It’s that easy. You have until September 10th to do this, but please do it now if you got the email so you don’t forget! Can’t thank you all enough! Special shoutout to the following listeners for sharing after they nominated us…Heather, Dan, Janelle, Steven, Doug, Lynn, Taila, Lorraine, Katherine, Barbara, Jerry, Catherine, Kim, Ashlyn, Pricilla, Jane, Rob, Hari, Vishnu, Leticia, Meli, Wright, Mahfuz, Anne, Laura, Molly, Hibat, Rachael, Carol, Hal, Romer, JoanneJoining us this week is Dr. Kiana Aran, Associate Professor of Medical Diagnostics and Therapeutics and head of the Aran Lab at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) where she works to develop CRISPR Quality Control standards.In addition to her important work at KGI, Dr. Aran is also the Chief Scientific Officer of Cardea Bio, is a visiting Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley, and serves as a Consultant of Drug Delivery and Medical Diagnostics for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She received her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the City University of New York in 2007 and her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the Rutgers University in 2012. She then continued her postdoctoral studies in bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley and was a recipient of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral training fellowship at the Buck Institute for Aging Research in 2015. Her efforts have been recently recognized by many awards in science and STEM including the Clinical OMICs 10 under 40 Award and the Athena Pinnacle Award. Dr. Aran was also the recipient of the NSF Career Award to develop the next generation of electronic sensors, and Nature's Scientific Achievment Award in 2021.On This Episode We Discuss:What is CRISPR and how does it work? How CRISPR is different from other genetic editing technologiesCurrent standards for therapeutic applications using CRISPRPotential side effects of CRISPR treatmentsThe risk for off target CRISPR’d edits (edits in other genes that were not intended)The CRISPR Quality Control standards that Dr. Aran’s lab is developingCRISPR-ChipTMApplications of CRISPR-Cas systems beyond genome editingPredicting when CRISPR treatments will be clinically available outside of studiesCRISPR babiesDr. Aran’s most recent NIH grant and future workLearn more about Dr. Aran’s research by visiting aranlab.org and read about her 1.63 million dollar NIH grant to help set Quality Control Standards for CRISPR Therapies! You can also read the paper that she co-authored in The CRISPR Journal about applications of CRISPR-Cas systems beyond genome editing in 2021. Follow Dr. Aran on Twitter and LinkedIn, and follow the Aran lab on Instagram!Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 19th, 2022 where we’ll be joined by Sam Sternberg, co-author of A Crack in Creation (who he wrote with Nobel Prize winner, Jennifer Doudna), to continue our discussion about CRISPR! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 195 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

#196 Mitochondrial Disorders with Devin Shuman and Lissa Poincenot

This week we are joined by two mitochondrial experts who are very active in the rare disease community. We are focusing our conversation on a condition called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Lissa Poincenot is a patient advocate with the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and she has a son that has been diagnosed with LHON. Devin Shuman (she/her) is a genetic counselor at Genetic Support Foundation who also has a nano-rare mitochondrial disorder called GUK1. Lissa received a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, and an MBA from UCLA. Her professional career was devoted to developing and leading marketing teams at various large companies. In 2008 Lissa’s oldest son, Jeremy, suddenly became legally blind at age 19 due to a rare mitochondrial disorder called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Jeremy has become a World Blind Golf Champion and Professional Inspirational Speaker. Lissa is a passionate LHON Advocate, devoted to advancing the science, educating about the disorder, and developing a vibrant, collaborative LHON community. She resides in Carlsbad, California.Devin received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of California, Irvine in 2017. She currently resides in Bellevue, Washington. In addition to her role at Genetic Support Foundation, Devin currently serves on the Medical Advisory Board for the GRIN2B Foundation and volunteers as the Young Adult Coordinator for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Her prior genetic counseling roles have included working at a telehealth genetic counseling company, a high-risk maternal fetal medicine clinic, a neurodevelopmental clinic, and an autism family registry. Devin is passionate about rare disease advocacy, public speaking, and inclusive care for LGBT and disability communities. On a typical Friday night, you’ll find Devin running a virtual support group for teens with mitochondrial disease – often with her Flemish giant rabbit or African grey parrot making an appearance.On This Episode We Discuss:Function of the mitochondriaGeneral symptoms that people with mitochondrial disorders experienceHow mitochondrial DNA impacts the inheritance pattern of mitochondrial conditionsHow the percentage of affected mitochondria correlates with the severity of symptomsJeremy’s journey to a LHON diagnosisThe percentage of people with the pathogenic variant for LHON that experience blindnessWhy people assigned as male at birth are more likely to be affected by LHON than people assigned female at birthTreatments available and clinical trials underwayDevin’s diagnostic odyssey and her unique perspective as a genetic counselor/patient advocateThe support group that Devin leads for teens with mitochondrial disordersTo learn more about mitochondrial disorders, visit the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, MitoAction, and the Mitochondrial Medicine Society. You can also check out Devin’s Ted-Ed Mitochondrial DNA talk, read about mitochondrial donation, and watch this video about mitochondrial fission and fusion.To learn more about Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy specifically, visit the LHON website, and check out the LHON Facebook group. In this episode, we mentioned some of the support groups that Devin leads. If you have a mitochondrial disorder and want to connect to others in the community, check out the Facebook support groups for teens-20s and 20s-40s. Devin also runs a weekly Zoom support call for ages 16-35, you can register here.Be sure to check out FreshCrayons on Etsy for your own mitochondrial plushy pillow that Devin showed off in the video! And enter our giveaway for a mitochondrial sweatshirt on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you found this episode topic interesting, check out episode 170 for more info about mitochondrial disorders, specifically primary mitochondrial myopathy. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 12th, 2022! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge nearly 200 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)Are you interested in the rapidly growing field of genetics and want to learn more about clinical genetics, molecular genetics, and laboratory science? Then you should check out the Genetic Assistant Online Training Program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine! By taking part in the program, you will be joining both national and international learners with the same passion for genetics. Interact directly with your Johns Hopkins instructors and fellow learners throughout the program. Applications are open now for the fall cohort which starts September 12th. (SPONSORED)

#195 Genetic Testing Industry with Tod Klingler

Help us to defend our title as the Best Science and Medicine Podcast! Go to podcastawards.com and select “DNA Today” in the Science and Medicine category. Bonus if you tweet/post that you nominated DNA Today (and tag us), then we will share your post and give you a shoutout on the show as a thank you. You have the power to get DNA Today nominated again! Our guest this week is Dr.Tod Klingler, who is the head of product research and development at Genomic Life. Over his 25-year career, Dr. Klingler has held leadership roles with organizations that have successfully developed and commercialized innovative products including Illumina, Roche, XDx (now CareDx) and Incyte. Dr. Klingler has also founded start-up companies such as Prospect Genomics and Station X. On this episode, he shares insights from his decades long career in the industry!Disclaimer: DNA Today is sponsored by some genetic companies. You can view the full list of DNA Today sponsors at DNApodcast.com/sponsors. Since we are both US based our conversation will focus on the industry in America. On This Episode We Discuss:Changes in genetic testing trends over the last few decadesThe benefits of companies shifting from specializing in specific types of genetic tests to expanding into multiple areas of geneticsHow laws, professional organization guidelines/recommendations and insurance changes affect genetic testing labsThe role of genetic counseling companies in the future Types of genetic testing (ex: Liquid Biopsies, PRS, WGS)Advice for genomic companies on best practices to become successfulRecommendations for resources for people to keep up with industry changesIn this episode, Tod shared some recommendations for resources for people to keep up with all of these genetic testing industry changes which you can access here: GenomeWeb, GA for GH, and Genome.gov! You can also check out the PGx legislation and HR 2144 that were mentioned during the interview. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on August 5th, 2022 ! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 190 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

#194 Genetic Counseling Application Advice with GC Prep: Part 2

Help us to defend our title as the Best Science and Medicine Podcast! Go to podcastawards.com and select “DNA Today” in the Science and Medicine category. Bonus if you tweet/post that you nominated DNA Today (and tag us), then we will share your post and give you a shoutout on the show as a thank you. You have the power to get DNA Today nominated again! This week we’re continuing our Q and A discussion on genetic counseling program apps with Mikayla Stoecker, Founder & CEO of GC Prep, and Janelle Villiers, co-owner of GC Prep. Be sure to check out part 1 of our Q and A from last week, and if you want even more insight about genetic counseling grad apps and preparing for the first year check out episodes 87, 97, 101, and 155 of DNA Today! Janelle Villiers (she/ella) is an Assistant Program Director as well as an alumna of the Sarah Lawrence College Genetic Counseling Program. She received her BAS from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to SLC, Janelle worked in the clinical setting as a clinical supervisor at Jacobi Medical Center. She later worked in the laboratory setting at the Mt. Sinai Genetics Testing Laboratory. She was a former site visitor volunteer for the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) and was also the former treasurer for the executive committee of the Association for Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD). In addition to teaching, Janelle’s oversees the admissions and recruitment efforts for the Sarah Lawrence Program. Janelle is also on the faculty of New York Medical College where she is involved in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program.Mikayla Stoecker (she/her) graduated in 2014 with a Masters of Genetic Counseling from the Icahn School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University, where she developed a passion for genetics and for teaching. Mikayla’s primary specialties are clinical prenatal counseling, patient-facing laboratory counseling, and most recently lab analysis. She is licensed in 9 states and has worked on projects involving whole genome sequencing, research study consenting, COVID antibody testing patient support, and educational video development. Mikayla is passionate about the need for increased valuation of counselors and flexible work options, especially for those in caregiving roles, as the field of genetic counseling expands to meet the exponential testing needs of patients. Mikayla lives in Colorado and has two young children.Listener Questions Answered:How should you talk about low grades or GPA in your application?Do you have any advice/resources for navigating financial aid?What’s one thing you wished you did differently?What advice do you have for BIPOC applicants? Shoutout to Isabella, Hope, Emily and other listeners for submitting our discussion questions! Don’t forget to listen to part one of this conversation in last week’s episode 193. Resources that were mentioned in the episode include GOLDEN and the Minority Genetic Professional Network. Stay up to date on the latest opportunities and events happening at GC Prep by following them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!Be sure to check out GC Prep for more insight and mentorship as you apply to genetic counseling programs. And since you are a DNA Today listener, you can use promo code “DNATODAY” at gcprepllc.com for 20% off. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on July 29th, 2022! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 190 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

#193 Genetic Counseling Application Advice with GC Prep: Part 1

Help us to defend our title as the Best Science and Medicine Podcast! Go to podcastawards.com and select “DNA Today” in the Science and Medicine category. Bonus if you tweet/post that you nominated DNA Today (and tag us), then we will share your post and give you a shoutout on the show as a thank you. You have the power to get DNA Today nominated again! Y’all asked and we answered! Some of our most popular episodes are about the genetic counseling application process, so we are doing a QnA about it in this episode. If you want even more insight about genetic counseling grad apps and preparing for the first year check out episodes 87, 97, 101, and 155 of DNA Today. Our guests for this episode are Mikayla Stoecker, Founder & CEO of GC Prep, and Janelle Villiers, co-owner of GC Prep. Janelle Villiers (she/ella) is an Assistant Program Director as well as an alumna of the Sarah Lawrence College Genetic Counseling Program. She received her BAS from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to SLC, Janelle worked in the clinical setting as a clinical supervisor at Jacobi Medical Center. She later worked in the laboratory setting at the Mt. Sinai Genetics Testing Laboratory. She was a former site visitor volunteer for the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) and was also the former treasurer for the executive committee of the Association for Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD). In addition to teaching, Janelle’s oversees the admissions and recruitment efforts for the Sarah Lawrence Program. Janelle is also on the faculty of New York Medical College where she is involved in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program.Mikayla Stoecker (she/her) graduated in 2014 with a Masters of Genetic Counseling from the Icahn School of Medicine. She received her undergraduate degree in Physiology and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University, where she developed a passion for genetics and for teaching. Mikayla’s primary specialties are clinical prenatal counseling, patient-facing laboratory counseling, and most recently lab analysis. She is licensed in 9 states and has worked on projects involving whole genome sequencing, research study consenting, COVID antibody testing patient support, and educational video development. Mikayla is passionate about the need for increased valuation of counselors and flexible work options, especially for those in caregiving roles, as the field of genetic counseling expands to meet the exponential testing needs of patients. Mikayla lives in Colorado and has two young children.Listener Questions Answered:What activities, classes stand out in applications? How much shadowing or informational interviews are an acceptable amount? What factors were important to you when you were narrowing down what schools to apply to?How common are campus visits in grad school, and how do you recommend setting one up?Advice on how to craft a personal statement? What are the different approaches?For reapplicants, how should you showcase growth between app cycles? Shoutout to Ashley, Maya, Vivian, Leah, Bernabe, Hannah, Molly, Emily, Rachna, and Crystal for submitting our discussion questions! Don’t forget to tune in next week to part two of this conversation to see if we answer your question! Stay up to date on the latest opportunities and events happening at GC Prep by following them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!Be sure to check out GC Prep for more insight and mentorship as you apply to genetic counseling programs. And since you are a DNA Today listener, you can use promo code “DNATODAY” at www.gcprepllc.com for 20% off. Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on July 22nd, 2022 where we’ll continue this conversation with Janelle and Mikayla and answer more of your questions about GC program applications! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 190 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)Imagine a health record system that’s actually designed for genomics, available in different languages, and complete with pedigree drawing, diagnostic insights and more. Well stop imagining and start using, because PhenoTips is nothing like your EHR, it’s the world’s most complete solution for medical genetics that captures family history seamlessly, even respectfully representing trans and queer individuals in pedigrees. Visit Phenotips.com to learn more. (SPONSORED)

#192 Osteogenesis Imperfecta with The Middle’s Atticus Shaffer

Atticus Shaffer of The Middle on ABC discusses life with osteogenesis
imperfecta and his acting career.