Ellie Rebecca Kolb
Genetic Counseling Student
Positions
- Genetic Counseling Student
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School of Health Professions
Baylor College of Medicine
Education
- BS from Texas A&M University
- 12/2025 - College Station, Texas, United States
- Biomedical Sciences, Minors in Bioinformatics and Psychology
Professional Statement
My connection to genetic counseling began with my own family. I am what many call a rainbow child, the child born after a storm. My sister, Alison, had Trisomy-13, a chromosomal anomaly that is often fatal which was the case for her. My parents sought genetic counseling and for both Alison and me. Testing provided a diagnosis that guided their decisions for Alison and brought reassurance when my own results came back normal. Growing up as a rainbow child showed me how loss and uncertainty can shape a family’s relationship with hope and science which inspired me to pursue genetic counseling and provide that same support and understanding to others.
I am originally from Houston, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and minors in Bioinformatics and Psychology. During my undergraduate career, I developed a strong interest in genetics through four years of research in the Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory at Texas A&M, where I studied chromosome structure and abnormalities across several mammalian species. I also spent two summers at Baylor College of Medicine through the SMART Program studying the Integrator complex and its role in gene regulation.
Beyond research, I served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for introductory biology courses, where I developed a love for teaching and finding approachable ways to explain challenging concepts. I also volunteered as a Medical Accompaniment Volunteer with Scotty’s House, supporting children and families during forensic medical examinations following physical and/or sexual abuse. This experience taught me the importance of listening without judgment, adapting to each individual’s needs, and simply being present during difficult moments.
After graduating from Texas A&M, I worked as a veterinary receptionist, where I frequently supported clients through stressful and emotional situations involving sick pets, unexpected diagnoses, and end-of-life care. As a primary point of contact, I learned to remain calm during difficult conversations, de-escalate emotionally charged interactions, and adapt my communication to meet clients where they were. I am incredibly excited to continue my education as a member of Baylor College of Medicine’s Genetic Counseling Class of 2028. I look forward to growing as a genetic counselor, exploring the many specialties within the profession, and learning how I can best support and advocate for patients and their families. I am always happy to connect with prospective students and answer questions about genetic counseling, BCM, or the application process!
I am originally from Houston, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and minors in Bioinformatics and Psychology. During my undergraduate career, I developed a strong interest in genetics through four years of research in the Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory at Texas A&M, where I studied chromosome structure and abnormalities across several mammalian species. I also spent two summers at Baylor College of Medicine through the SMART Program studying the Integrator complex and its role in gene regulation.
Beyond research, I served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for introductory biology courses, where I developed a love for teaching and finding approachable ways to explain challenging concepts. I also volunteered as a Medical Accompaniment Volunteer with Scotty’s House, supporting children and families during forensic medical examinations following physical and/or sexual abuse. This experience taught me the importance of listening without judgment, adapting to each individual’s needs, and simply being present during difficult moments.
After graduating from Texas A&M, I worked as a veterinary receptionist, where I frequently supported clients through stressful and emotional situations involving sick pets, unexpected diagnoses, and end-of-life care. As a primary point of contact, I learned to remain calm during difficult conversations, de-escalate emotionally charged interactions, and adapt my communication to meet clients where they were. I am incredibly excited to continue my education as a member of Baylor College of Medicine’s Genetic Counseling Class of 2028. I look forward to growing as a genetic counselor, exploring the many specialties within the profession, and learning how I can best support and advocate for patients and their families. I am always happy to connect with prospective students and answer questions about genetic counseling, BCM, or the application process!
Selected Publications
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Ellie Kolb, Mayra N Mendoza Cerna, Brian W Davis, Roscoe Stanyon, Terje Raudsepp. " Comprehensive cytogenetic analysis of the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) and comparative chromosome painting with the domestic cat (Felis catus) " J Hered.. 2026 Jul 2; 4 (117) : 740-749.
Pubmed PMID: 41609105. -
Mayra Mendoza, Matthew Jevit, Sam Stroupe, Ellie Kolb, Shumin Li, Terje Raudsepp, Brian W. Davis. " Alpaca Chromosome-Level Reference Genome Vicpac4 Reveals a Novel Nor-Associated Satellite Specific to South American Camelids " SSRN. 2025 Aug 26;
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Nicholas T. Noto, Terje Raudsepp, Ellie Kolb, Devon W. Hague, Melissa M. Lara, Michael F. Rosser. " A rare finding of double Barr bodies and X-monosomy/X-trisomy mosaicism in a dog with presumed idiopathic epilepsy " Vet Clin Pathol.. 2023 Jul 13; (52) : 583-587.
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