CMCD Foundation

Matched Genetic Counseling Student:

Mackenzie E. Coston is first-year master’s candidate at the University of Pennsylvania Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling Program. Mackenzie hails from Bellingham, Washington, and graduated from the University of Washington in 2019 with a degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. After graduating, Mackenzie worked at the Allen Institute for Cell Science as a microscopist and chaired the Seattle chapter of the non-profit organization, Young Women In Bio. Additionally, Mackenzie has volunteered with Crisis Text Line, the American Cancer Society, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Washington. Mackenzie is passionate about expanding access to genetic care, advocating for patients, and inspiring the next generation of genetic counselors. In her free time, Mackenzie can be found baking or cooking, being active, crocheting, and reading.

Student Initiatives:

I worked with the Cortical Malformations and Cephalic Disorders Foundation (CMCD), to create two informational videos for families that explain the genetic testing process and how to understand genetic testing results, particularly variants of uncertain significance.

Proposed CMCD Foundation projects:

Outreach materials for patients and health care professionals. For patients, an educational video on what genetic testing is, why it is done, and what the end result entails. On the health care professional side, information regarding the ever changing landscape of genetic testing needs to be summarized and how there are resources, even free ones, that are out there for patients to make the process easier.