New assistant professor in the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is thrilled to welcome Assistant Professor Rachel Barnett to the Division of Human Genetics at The Ohio State University. Specializing in genetic counseling for individuals and families affected by or at increased risk for breast cancer, Rachel is dedicated to empowering her patients with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about genetic testing, cancer screening, and prevention. She is eager to mentor Ohio State’s genetic counseling students as a fieldwork supervisor in her clinic!
Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Biology from Central Connecticut State University in 1993. Her journey into genetic counseling began during her studies abroad at the University of Bolton in England, where she wrote a paper on the subject. Inspired by her passion for science and medicine, as well as her family history—including an aunt with Williams syndrome—she realized this was her calling.
She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Biophysics and Genetics (Genetic Counseling) from the University of Colorado in 1996 and became certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 1999. Notably, she was among the first generation of Genetic Counselors to obtain licensure in Ohio in 2013.
Rachel began her career in prenatal genetics at Texas Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Fort Worth, Texas, and continued at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. Over her 18 years in this field, she witnessed advancements in screening options for expectant individuals, including first-trimester screening, expanded carrier screening, and non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). Additionally, she collaborated on creating the “Patient Fact Sheet: Absent or Shortened Nasal Bone” for the NSGC Prenatal Special Interest Group (SIG). Before joining Ohio State, Rachel worked in pediatric, adult, and cancer genetics at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys traveling, spending time with family and pets, and making blankets for children in need through Project Linus. She is excited to bring her expertise and passion to Ohio State!
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