Biology major Mariangelie Beaudry ‘23 will study for a masters in genetic counseling at the University of Connecticut this fall, as she prepares for a career as a genetic counselor who works with couples and children.
Mariangelie is also earning a minor in politics and government and says her UHart coursework has exposed her to a variety of unique subjects that have allowed her to think critically. “I’ve been able to take my knowledge from the classroom and apply it to my interests in various projects,” she says. These include a research paper on the disparities of race in genetic testing and a paper on biochemical pathways of lysosomal storage diseases. Lysosomes are sacs inside cells that when they don’t work properly, it can cause sugars and fats to build up inside the cells.
Her current research is with Lab Supervisor Sean Congdon and involves studying the efficacy of a gene editing technique called Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). She explains their work is being applied to the Undiagnosed Disease Network in hopes of better understanding genetic disorders.
Mariangelie also works as a lab instructor for an introductory biology course for first-year students which she finds extremely rewarding. “It gives me the opportunity to reinforce material for myself and help students in the process,” she says. “I have enjoyed getting to know my students and being able to advise them on their future career paths.”
The relationships Mariangelie has made with professors have also contributed to her academic success. “The biology department is eager to help students find opportunities and I am so grateful for all of them. As a biology major, you will have endless support at UHart if you show that you are passionate and interested.” She says Associate Professor of Biology Yingcui Li’s developmental biology course was one of her favorites because she learned a lot of upper-level laboratory techniques. “I was also able to make a presentation about research I conducted on chick embryos. I really enjoyed the topics and Dr. Li is so passionate about helping her students.”
Mariangelie serves as secretary of UHart’s pre-medical club. She is also very involved with UHart’s admission activities and is a Red Key campus tour leader, a Red Cap orientation leader, and an ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences.
She says her favorite memories at UHart are the special dining or “PDR” nights. “They are a hidden gem, where students can make a reservation for a full four-course meal! The food is always delicious and it’s a great way to take a break from classes and enjoy time with friends.”
Mariangelie Beaudry ‘23, College of Arts and SciencesThe biology department is eager to help students find opportunities and I am so grateful for all of them. As a biology major, you will have endless support at UHart if you show that you are passionate and interested.