Research

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose."
~ Zora Neale Hurston

Developing a deep understanding of the research process is critical in the rapidly changing fields of genetic counseling and medical genetics. At UCSF, Genetic Counseling students undertake a capstone research project consistent with their own interest. Along the way, they acquire skills to formulate a research question, design and conduct research studies, critically evaluate scientific literature, and learn to disseminate their findings. Research questions may be clinically or laboratory based, quantitative or qualitative, a clinical application, or provide other scholarly contribution that advances the field of genetic counseling. 

Students are supported in this process through two Research Methods courses, a research project mentor and the GC Program’s Research Coordinator. The research experience culminates in the presentation of a final capstone presentation at the end of the second year. Submission of research results appropriate for publication to a peer-reviewed journal and/or presentation at national academic meeting is strongly encouraged for each student.

As an elite research institution, UCSF offers a broad spectrum of research opportunities that support the development of genetic counseling scholars and the advancement of the field of genetic counseling. 

 

 

UCSF Student Capstone Projects

Class of 2023