The Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award provides an annual award to one or more current and prospective genetic counseling graduate students. The mission of The Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award is to increase access to the profession of genetic counseling for traditionally underrepresented or minority populations through financial support. Lauren’s professional work focused on supporting initiatives that would build a more diverse and inclusive community, and increase equitable access to genetic counselor services.
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About Lauren
Lauren Ryan was a Certified Genetic Counselor, Outstanding Volunteer, mentor and champion for access to the genetic counseling profession for underrepresented prospective students. Lauren earned her BS in biological sciences and a minor in leadership and public service from the University of Missouri in 2007, and received her MS in genetic counseling from California State University, Stanislaus in 2010.
Her professional interests focused on operational success, leadership and management, scalability of genetics services, increasing health equity, education, public advocacy, diversity and access to healthcare services. Lauren was an active volunteer and leader on the NSGC Access and Service Delivery Committee and the Industry and Leadership and Management SIGs. Her goals were to foster business case skills and resources, improve diversity and inclusivity and develop leadership skills within the NSGC membership. Lauren tragically died in a car accident in December 2022 and this award was established in her honor the following year.
Mission
The mission of the Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award is to increase access to the profession of genetic counseling for traditionally underrepresented or minority populations by providing financial support to current genetic counseling students. Lauren’s professional work supported initiatives that would build a more diverse and inclusive community while also increasing equitable access to genetic counseling services. A central goal of Lauren’s work with NSGC was to help the organization move from the current problem identification phase towards a results phase that focused on solutions and actions. This type of “action over talk” detailed work is what Lauren loved doing most. This award aims to fulfill one of Lauren’s action items by providing necessary financial support to current genetic counseling students.
One (1) $2,500 award is being offered to a current student in 2025
- Applicants must be a first-year current genetic counseling student enrolled and in good standing in a genetic counseling master’s program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC);
- Applicants must self-identify as meeting one or more of the following criteria:
Applications for the Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award are now open! Applications are due by Sunday, April 20 at 11:59 pm CT.
Apply today
Contact Information
Please contact Isabella Thomases, NSGC Operations Senior Associate, Lauren Lichten, MS, CGC, NSGC Awards Committee Chair, or Terri L. Blase, MS, CGC, NSGC Awards Committee Vice-Chair if you have any questions.
Donations
To make a charitable tax-deductible donation to the Lauren Ryan Genetic Counselor Access Memorial Award, please visit the donation page for more information. To donate by mail with a check, please download and complete a donation form. Your donation will provide support for current and prospective genetic counseling students.
All donations are tax deductible. The Genetic Counseling Foundation Tax ID number is 204468704. Please check to see if your employer or spouse’s employer provides matching funds for charitable donations. Any questions can be directed to laurenryangcaccessaward@gmail.com
Advisory Board
Mary Bloszies
MaryAnn Campion, EdD, MS, CGC
Elizabeth Duff
Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC
Carmelina Heydrich, MS, CGC
Rachel Hodan, MS, CGC
Carla McGruder, MS, CGC
Cindy Morgan, MS, CGC
Diego Quintero, MS
Lily Servais, MS, CGC