Aditi Kumar

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Tourette International Collaborative Genetics with Dr. Gary Heiman (Heiman Lab)

09/01/2020- 05/01/2022

• Compiled and analyzed phenotypic data to support Tourette disorder studies.
• Optimized collaboration with international scientists through data repositories.
• Research focuses on the intersection of genetics, psychiatry, and neurology.
• Explored the high comorbidity between neurological and psychiatric disorders, with unknown causes.
• Investigated potential explanations for comorbidity.
• Utilized genetic information to distinguish among these hypotheses.
• Primarily tested the hypothesis that comorbidity stems partly from shared genetic susceptibility.

Rutgers Annual Genetic Research Symposium (12/13/21, New Brunswick, New Jersey)

Creating Phenotypic Data Dictionaries on TIC Adult and Child Interviews

• TIC Genetics lab identifying various genetic factors + comorbidities that play a role in the development of CTD's.
• Developing CTD's by cleaning + sharing data.
• Team Science concept to share knowledge to scientists and researchers all over the world.

Crisis Counselor - Crisis Text Line Community (09/01/24 - Present | Remote)

• Addressed emotional challenges through effective crisis intervention.
• Employed reflective techniques to guide individuals through immediate challenges.
• Evaluating safety by identifying risk factors, including self-harm or harm to others, and escalation to emergency services when necessary
• Facilitated identification of resources, coping mechanisms, and actionable steps for situation management.
• Adhering to strict confidentiality policies to protect the texter's privacy and ensure a secure environment
• Engaging with texters from diverse backgrounds while respecting cultural differences and experiences
• Communicating with trained supervisors for guidance and support during complex or high-risk conversations
• Ensured compliance with standards by meticulously recording conversation specifics.
• Completing rigorous training on crisis intervention techniques, active listening, and mental health issues

Caretaker of Alzheimers' Patient (01/2016-11/2021)

• Patient care for my grandmother, including vital checking, showering, diaper changing, feeding
• Constant vigilance and attentiveness in case of accidents
• Quick thinking/ access to emergency contacts/ 911 in case of emergencies
• Continuous physical and emotional support
• Assigned as head of at home hospice care for end-of-life care, including responsibilities such as medication administration (via oral / suppository), oxygen intake control, albuterol/ nebulizer administration checking vitals hourly, comfort feeding, utilization of PureWick system, etc
• Provided guidance and counseling to family members so they are informed and comprehend situation
• Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of assigned station and service areas.

• Shivani Nazareth, GC, VP of Digital Health Strategy at Myriad Genetics, 05/08/24
• Ofir Feuer, MS, LCGC, 05/08/24 - 11/01/24
• Dr. Gary Heiman, PhD, Director of GCCP at Rutgers University, 11/08/24
• Justin Najimian, current University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling Student, 08/30/24 - 11/18/24

• Tala Shruti School of Dance, Dancer, 05/01/04, 07/01/18, New Jersey, Learned Indian Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam).
• Veena Vaani School of Music | Sukhadwani School of Music, Singer, 09/01/08, 08/01/16, New Jersey, Learned Indian Classical Music (Carnatic).