Miranda MacCormack

Background

About Miranda MacCormack

I am a co-op student studying Molecular Biology and Genetics with a minor in Environment and Society. I completed my thesis in the SyM3 lab completing a metagenomic analysis on antimicrobial resistance genes in tree swallow (T. bicolor) gut microbiomes. I am ultimately planning on becoming a genetic counsellor, and plan to complete my masters in genetic counselling after I complete my undergraduate degree. My first co-op position was at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where I was a genetic counselling assistant for the Cancer Genetics Clinic. There, I was expected to keep track of patient results, draw pedigrees, perform risk assessments, and answer any patient inquiries. I learned a lot of very important skills relating to the career, such as patient care, time management and critical thinking. At McMaster, I am involved in several extracurriculars. I am the co-captain of the McMaster Competitive Lifeguard Team, where we compete in many athletic and first-aid events against other clubs and universities and clubs in Southern Ontario. I also work part time at the McMaster pool as a lifeguard. I volunteer as a member of Co-op Student Advisory Committee, where we provide feedback to the McMaster about possible improvements to the Co-op program. I am also a Co-op student mentor for lower-year students, providing them advice, giving them feedback on their resumes and cover letters, and even doing mock interviews. Away from school, I volunteer for Kids Help Phone as a Crisis Texter, where I respond to people in emotional distress, comfort them, and potentially give them additional resources to help with their issues. All of these experiences have given me excellent time management, organizational, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills which I hope to translate to my future work experiences.