Gillian Schatz
Graduate Student
Biography
Hi! My name is Gillian Schatz, and I am originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Genomics.
During my time at UW-Madison, I was a member of Badgers for Special Olympics (BFSO) and the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization (PGCO). Through BFSO, I participated in adapted fitness for individuals with disabilities, which strengthened my understanding of advocacy and inclusion. Participating in PGCO increased both my exposure to and interest in the field of genetic counseling. I was also involved in undergraduate research as a member of the Sharp Lab, where I developed and carried out a project on copper tolerance in mutation accumulation yeast strains.
My journey in healthcare began in my role as an inpatient pharmacy technician. This role taught me about effective patient care and communication. Ultimately, my family’s personal experience with genetic counseling and my experience in MCW’s Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop (GC-CREW) solidified that genetic counseling was the path for me within healthcare! In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, skiing, and spending time at the lake with my family and friends.
I’m so grateful to be a part of the 6th cohort of MCW’s MSGC program, and I look forward to the opportunities and lessons I will learn along the way!
During my time at UW-Madison, I was a member of Badgers for Special Olympics (BFSO) and the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization (PGCO). Through BFSO, I participated in adapted fitness for individuals with disabilities, which strengthened my understanding of advocacy and inclusion. Participating in PGCO increased both my exposure to and interest in the field of genetic counseling. I was also involved in undergraduate research as a member of the Sharp Lab, where I developed and carried out a project on copper tolerance in mutation accumulation yeast strains.
My journey in healthcare began in my role as an inpatient pharmacy technician. This role taught me about effective patient care and communication. Ultimately, my family’s personal experience with genetic counseling and my experience in MCW’s Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop (GC-CREW) solidified that genetic counseling was the path for me within healthcare! In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, skiing, and spending time at the lake with my family and friends.
I’m so grateful to be a part of the 6th cohort of MCW’s MSGC program, and I look forward to the opportunities and lessons I will learn along the way!