Alaina DeRose
Battle Creek,MI
Summary
Motivated undergraduate student at Grand Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology, showcasing a strong interest in genetic counseling. Experienced in crisis intervention and emotional support through volunteer work with a mental health crisis helpline and Camp Kesem, which assists children affected by a parent's cancer. Proven leadership abilities as Vice President of the Genetic Counseling Organization and through active roles in the Honors College and student theater programs. Committed to developing essential communication, empathy, and advocacy skills to effectively support individuals and families navigating complex genetic information and health decisions.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
11.2024 - Current
- Assisted in organizing fundraising events, enhancing participant involvement and contributions.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- I go into further detail below
Library Assistant
Grand Valley State University Library
Grand Rapids, MI
03.2023 - Current
- Provide research assistance and help students locate academic materials and digital databases.
- Troubleshoot library technology and assist users with accessing online resources.
- Manage circulation services and perform administrative tasks in a high-traffic academic environment.
- Assisted patrons with information retrieval and library resources.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences, Psychology
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI05-2026
Skills
- Counseling & Communication
- Crisis intervention
- Active listening
- Trauma-informed communication
- Empathy-focused client interaction
- Professional Skills
- Leadership & team coordination
- Event planning
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Technical
- Research databases
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Academic research support
Timeline
Volunteer
11.2024 - Current
Library Assistant
Grand Valley State University Library
03.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences, Psychology
Grand Valley State University
Leadership & Campus Involvement
- Genetic Counseling Organization — Vice President: Apr 2023 – Presen: Lead programming that educates students about the genetic counseling profession. Coordinated monthly meetings, guest speakers, and professional development events. Mentor pre-genetic counseling students and provide application resources.
- Frederik Meijer Honors College Student Council — VP of Overnights: Oct 2023 – Oct 2025: Organized overnight pre-orientation programs for incoming Honors College students. Collaborated with faculty and administrators to introduce students to the Honors College community. Assisted with major Honors College events including Welcome Week and Fall Ball.
- STAGE — Technical Director: Apr 2024 – Present: Trained crew members in lighting, sound, and stage production technology. Coordinate technical teams during productions and weekly meetings. Develop funding proposals and manage production budgets submitted to student senate. Facilitate team problem-solving and conflict resolution during productions.
- Camp Kesem — Treasurer: Aug 2025 – Present: Managed organizational finances, including reimbursements and expense tracking. Monitor and maintain the chapter budget. Tracked revenue and ensure accurate financial reporting.
Additional Genetic Counseling Engagement
- Conferences, Educational Events, & Programming
- Rare Disease Day — Calvin University (Feb 2024, Feb 2025)
- University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program Interest Group (Jun 2025)
- Boston University Genetic Counseling Program Webinar (Sep 2025)
- Ohio State Genetic Counseling Program Open House (Oct 2025)
- University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program Open House (Oct 2025)
- Wayne State Genetic Counseling Program Open House (Oct 2025)
- Boston University Genetic Counseling Program Open House (Oct 2025)
- Educational Media & Literature
- Rare Like Us — Taylor Kane
- The Philadelphia Chromosome — Jessica Wapner
- Science Friday: Gene Editing Therapy
- Stuff You Should Know: Gene Editing
Genetic Counseling Exposure
- Shadowing & Informational Interviews
- Medical Genetics and Certified Genetic Counselors
- Job Shadow — Maddie Donald, MS, LCGC & Liz Pancake, MS, LCGC (Sept 2024)
- Informational Interview — Maddie Donald, MS, LCGC (Oct 2024)
- Informational Interview — Molly Lombard, MS, CGC (Apr 2025)
- Genetic Counseling Panels
- Genetic Counseling Organization
- Nov 2022
- Apr 2024
- Mar 2025
Awards
Dean’s List, Grand Valley State University — 2024