Cadence Howard
Strafford
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Informational Interviews
- Zoom Call with Clauda Borodziuk (Ophthalmology GC) – Mass Eye and Ear Sept 2025
- Online Call with Lauren (2nd Year GC Student) – MGH IHP Sept 2025
- Zoom Call with Jenna Albrecht (Former Prenatal/Current Cancer GC) - Maine Health Oct 2024
Genetic Counseling Webinars & Informational Sessions
- JEMF Master Genetic Counselors Series - National Society of Genetic Counselors Aug 2025
- Viewed three 30-minute educational sessions followed by three 10-minute interviews in each of the following specialties: cardiovascular genetics, cancer genetics, and prenatal genetics.
- MS-GC Program-Led Webinar Application Requirements & Getting Ready to Apply – MGH IHP July 2025
- MS-GC Program Led Webinar: Application Q & A - MGH IHP September 2025
- Genetic Counselors, the Future of Genomic Medicine – Columbia University Dec 2024-Nov 2025
- Genetic Counseling Informational Sessions & Open Houses Bay Path University, Rutgers, Boston University, and UConn.
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at Maine Health
01.2025
- Shadowed in-person with eight Certified Genetic Counselors: Jenna Albrecht, Lee Ecker, Emma van Hook, Joseph Pagliarulo, Jessica Cary, Stephanie Sharp, Jeryl Erickson, and Luana Labonte.
- Observed a variety of genetic counseling sessions, including positive results (BRCA2 and CHEK2), negative results, and initial consultations.
- Attended cancer prevention sessions by Drs. Judith Hiemenga and Susan Miesfeldt, gained insights into oncology risk assessment and prevention strategies.
- Observed interdisciplinary collaboration among genetic counselors, genetic counseling assistants, and medical geneticists.
- Practiced constructing pedigrees using patient family histories.
- 32 hours (16 cases)
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at Mass General
10.2024
- Shadowed in-person with Kathleen Steinberg (LCGC).
- 8 hours (3 cases)
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at New England Cancer Specialists
09.2024
- Shadowed in-person with Kelsey Fusco (LCGC).
- Observed an initial consultation for a patient with a family history of Lynch syndrome.
- 8 hours (3 cases)
Research Associate Intern
University of New Hampshire Institute for Health Policy and Practice
01.2025 - Current
- Implement the National Core Indicators Aging and Disabilities – State of the Workforce Survey in NH, coordinating data collection with 150+ agencies to guide state aging and disability policies.
- Conduct literature reviews on substance use, self-care, and behavioral health to support Project ECHO’s CARE2 initiative, providing educational programs to rural healthcare professionals in ME, NH, and VT.
- Serve as a member of the Race and Equity Committee, contributing to inclusive practice.
Peer Advocate
The SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy
10.2023 - Current
- Staff a 24/7 crisis hotline, providing in-person and phone support to survivors of interpersonal violence.
- Completed 45 hours of training, over 2,000 hours on-call, 13 virtual calls, and 2 in person responses.
- Offer trauma-informed crisis intervention and create a safe, confidential space for survivors to share their experiences.
- Present survivors with comprehensive resources, including academic accommodations, reporting options, SANE exams, housing support, safety planning, and other supportive measures.
- Assist with the center’s confidential chat and text helpline.
Licensed Nursing Assistant
Carriage Hill Assisted Living
06.2022 - Current
- Support 12 residents with emotional support, bathing, dressing, toileting, and transferring.
- Provide compassionate end-of-life care to hospice residents.
- Develop strong interpersonal relationships with patients with diverse clinical backgrounds, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, and cancer.
- Communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to advocate for patient needs.
- Obtain vital signs such as blood pressure, blood glucose, pulse, and temperature.
- Train new staff members in patient care and safety protocols.
- Completed 1,500+ hours of direct patient care experience.
Licensed Nursing Assistant
The Edgewood Centre
07.2021 - 03.2022
- Supported 6-10 long-term care residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including feeding, mobility, personal care, and psychosocial support.
- Assisted adults with developmental disabilities and older adults, delivering compassionate, individualized care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science, Minor in Psychology
University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Durham, NH05.2026
Skills
- Biochemistry Techniques: PCR, DNA Extraction, SDS-PAGE Gel Electrophoresis, Bradford Assays, Affinity and Gel Chromatography, Protein and Enzymatic Spectrophotometric Assays, Protein Purification
- Chemistry Techniques: UV Spectrophotometry, Distillation, Recrystallization, Serial Dilutions, Paper Chromatography, Rotatory Evaporation, and pH Titration
- Microbiology Techniques: Microscopy, Inoculation and Interpretation of Biochemical Media, Gram Staining
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Suite, Qualtrics, SPSS
Certification
Licensed Nursing Assistant Certification – LNA Heath Careers Oct 2021-Current
Interests
New York Times Puzzles, Distance Running, Yoga and Mindfulness, Paddleboarding, Alpine Skiing, Travel, and Hiking in the White Mountains
HONORS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Dr. E. Elizabeth French Memorial Scholarship, Given to the Biomedical Science: Medical Laboratory Science senior with the highest academic achievement in hematology and immunohematology., Martin Mitchel Scholarship, Dickie Family Scholarship, COLSA Undergraduate Scholarship, Dean’s List - Highest Honors, National Merit Scholarship, UNH Presidential Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, George N’ Cate Scholarship, Mensa Foundation Scholarship
PREREQUISITE COURSES
- BIO 101/BIO 101L General Biology I & Lab, Quinnipiac: A
- BIO 121/BIO 121L General Biology II & Lab, SNHU: A
- CHM 110/CHM 110L General Chemistry I, Quinnipiac: A
- BMS 507 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, UNH: A
- BMS 508 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, UNH: A
- GEN 604 Principles of Genetics, UNH: A
- BMS 644 Clinical Hematology, UNH: A
- BMCB 605 Principles of Cell Biology, UNH: In Progress
- CHEM 404H General Chemistry II, UNH: A
- CHEM 545/546 Organic Chemistry & Lab, UNH: A
- BMCB 658/659 General Biochemistry & Lab, UNH: A
- PSYC 401 Intro to Psychology, UNH: A
- PSYC 561 Psychopathology, UNH: A
- SOC 402 Statistics, UNH: A
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Peer Led Team Learning
- Peer Leader
- Lead collaborative learning sessions for 12 students in Anatomy & Physiology.
- Simplify complex content into accessible explanations to enhance student comprehension.
- Facilitate student development by attending weekly classes on metacognition, human learning, leadership techniques, and activity design.
Timeline
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at Maine Health
01.2025
Research Associate Intern
University of New Hampshire Institute for Health Policy and Practice
01.2025 - Current
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at Mass General
10.2024
Shadowing
Cancer Genetic Counseling at New England Cancer Specialists
09.2024
Peer Advocate
The SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy
10.2023 - Current
Licensed Nursing Assistant
Carriage Hill Assisted Living
06.2022 - Current
Licensed Nursing Assistant
The Edgewood Centre
07.2021 - 03.2022
Informational Interviews
Genetic Counseling Webinars & Informational Sessions
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences: Medical Laboratory Science, Minor in Psychology
University of New Hampshire (UNH)