Vanessa Andrea Gomez
Genetic Counseling Student
Positions
- Genetic Counseling Student
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School of Health Professions
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas, US
Professional Statement
My academic and research experiences have shaped my passion for understanding the genetic basis of disease and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful patient care. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biology with a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Science from the University of Houston, where I developed a strong foundation in genetics, molecular biology, and biomedical research. As a research assistant Baylor College of Medicine, I have studied a range of genetic and disease processes, including neurodevelopmental conditions and peroxisomal disorders. My work at Baylor College of Medicine has allowed me to bridge research and clinical care through patient enrollment, rare variant analysis, and functional modeling, including my work with the Community Texome Project to advance genomic diagnosis for underserved families. Through presenting my research at national conferences and contributing to peer-reviewed publications, I have developed a deep appreciation for the potential of genomic medicine to improve our understanding and diagnosis of rare disease. Beyond the laboratory, my experiences in autism advocacy and mentoring students from underserved communities have strengthened my commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and empowering individuals through education.
As a genetic counseling student, I am eager to expand my knowledge of genetics and genomics while developing the counseling and patient advocacy skills needed to support individuals and families through complex medical decisions. I hope to guide patients throughout their diagnostic journeys, increase accessibility to genomic medicine, and help translate advances in genomic research into meaningful improvements in patient care. Ultimately, I hope to bridge the relationship between research and patient care by combining my scientific background with compassionate, patient-centered counseling.
As a genetic counseling student, I am eager to expand my knowledge of genetics and genomics while developing the counseling and patient advocacy skills needed to support individuals and families through complex medical decisions. I hope to guide patients throughout their diagnostic journeys, increase accessibility to genomic medicine, and help translate advances in genomic research into meaningful improvements in patient care. Ultimately, I hope to bridge the relationship between research and patient care by combining my scientific background with compassionate, patient-centered counseling.
Selected Publications
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Gomez VA, Kanca O, Jangam SV, Srivastav S, Andrews JC, Wangler MF. " Distinguishing PEX2 and PEX16 gene variant severity for mild, severe and atypical peroxisome biogenesis disorders " Dis Model Mech. 2025 Jul 1; 18 (7)
Pubmed PMID: 40621817. -
Jay KL, Gogate N, Hall PI, Ezell KM, Andrews JC, Jangam SV, Pan H, Pham K, German R, Gomez V, Posey JE, Wangler MF, et al.. " Resolving SLC6A1 variable expressivity with deep clinical phenotyping and Drosophila models " HGG Adv.. 2025 Jan 15; 7 (1)
Pubmed PMID: 41174879. -
Baldridge, D., Kaster, L., Sancimino, C. et al.. " The Brain Gene Registry: a data snapshot gene variant severity for mild, severe and atypical peroxisome biogenesis disorders " J Neurodevelop Disord. 2024 ; 16 (17)
Pubmed PMID: 38632549. -
Butler DF, Yuan W, Hashimoto H, Hoang H, Sheehan JH, Gomez V, Rosenfeldet JA, et al.. " Cross-species functional analysis of a de novo DCLK1 variant associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder " Res Sq [Preprint]. 2026 Jul ;
Pubmed PMID: 42539103.
Languages
Spanish
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