Sophia Kelsey grew up in Seattle, Washington and attended Chapman University in Southern California. She graduated in May 2022 with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a BA in Psychology. During her time at Chapman, she competed on the women’s swim team, worked as a biology tutor and academic mentor, and got involved in research working in a structural biology lab studying protein-protein interactions using crystallography.
Sophia has always had an interest in science communication and genetics, but first heard of genetic counseling through an online career panel in the summer of 2020. During the summer before her senior year, Sophia solidified her interest in genetic counseling while working as a Genetic Counseling Intern at Providence St. Jude in Fullerton, CA in the Breast Cancer Center.
Furthering her interest in science and health communication, Sophia completed a psychology thesis focused on empathy shown by health care professionals and the effects on patients’ anxiety, satisfaction, and trust as well as the effects on health care professionals’ job satisfaction. She also took the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Art of Science Communication course hybrid with a cancer biology course where she got the opportunity to present current research to cancer survivors and patient care takers using the skills learned in the course.
In her free time, Sophia loves finding the best coffee shops and listening to live music. She loves Atlanta so far and is excited to find some hiking and nature parks in the area.