A welcome from our director

Hello, and welcome! My name is Maria Gyure, and I’m the Director of UConn’s Genetic Counseling PSM Program. I still remember the nervousness, excitement, and hard work that come with applying to genetic counseling programs, so I’d like to share a little about my background, my values, and how our team approaches teaching. By following your own guided path of steps and passions, you’ll find the program that’s the best fit for you, and our UConn GC leadership team is here to support you as you consider joining the UConn Nation.

I’m a Husky myself, a Day of Pride Scholar and an alumna with a bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Genetic Sciences concentration: Cytogenetics) and a minor in Molecular and Cell biology. I earned my MS in genetic counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program. Along the way, experience and valued mentorship helped me build a toolbox of teaching methods, organizational skills, and a deep appreciation for the role of leadership in advocacy.

I’m a licensed, board-certified clinical genetic counselor specializing in pediatrics. At UConn, I teach both traditional and non-traditional students, coordinate research, create curriculum, advise students and handle administrative programmatic needs. Prior to the opening of the GC program, I developed two online graduate certificate programs for the University of Connecticut: Clinical Genetics and Genomics and Clinical Communication and Counseling. I serve as key faculty with the Health Care Genetics program and am jointly appointed on the UConn Health Center campus in both the departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Genetics and Genome Sciences. I have remained closely engaged in the profession through leadership roles with the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and the New England Regional Genetics Group. I was also a founding member and inaugural President of the Connecticut Genetic Counselors’ Association.

I’m proud that our online asynchronous program is built on Quality Matters core principles, supporting a culture of continuous improvement, strong student engagement, and responsiveness to the ever-changing world of clinical genetics. As a Latina woman, I’m committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning community. Our students and alumni are thriving. I hope you will consider becoming part of the Husky Nation community!

— Maria Gyure, MS, LCGC, Program Director