UUGPGC Spotlight

Kalynn is a second-year genetic counseling student, originally from Iowa City, Iowa. She earned her biology degree from the University of Iowa (go Hawks!) in her hometown. Initially drawn to genetic research, she worked in a laboratory investigating the gene Trpm7 and its role in zebrafish melanocyte pigmentation. During her sophomore year, Kalynn discovered the field of genetic counseling, and immediately knew it was the path for her.
After graduation, she ventured out to Salt Lake City and spent a year working at Primary Children’s Hospital in the pediatric neurology department as a genetic counseling assistant before joining the program. It was in this role that she discovered her passion for pediatric genetics.
Kalynn is deeply committed to supporting families, especially children, through their medical journeys by helping make the complex world of genetics more understandable and approachable. She has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Utah’s genetic counseling program and is grateful for everything she’s learned and the many opportunities she’s had along the way.
Outside of clinic, Kalynn loves all things outdoors including hiking, skiing, camping, and running, making Utah the perfect place for her. She’s also a big fan of live music and has attended 11 concerts since moving to SLC.

Ashley Andrews is a nurse practitioner with the Division of Medical Genetics and is associate director of metabolic services. Clinically, she primarily follows patients with a variety of inborn errors of metabolism and especially enjoys working with families throughout the lifespan. She helped in the creation of the Penelope Undiagnosed and Rare Disease program and the development of the University of Utah’s Undiagnosed Diseases Network Clinical site. She is co-chair of the Department of Pediatrics inaugural Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) council and was recently voted to be President-Elect of the national Clinical Genetics for Advance Practice Providers (CGAPP) organization. While she has been a guest lecturer for HGEN 7380 (biochemical genetics) for many years, this is her first year as co-course director along with Dr. Brian Shayota. She has enjoyed getting to know the students and, hopefully, inspiring a lasting passion for the treatment of inborn errors of metabolism.