Kafi Hamler was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended a performing arts high school and played the viola for her school’s orchestra department for 7 years. She fully intended on pursuing music until she signed up for an AP Biology class her junior year, and was suddenly introduced to Genetic Counseling. This led her to apply to the University of Georgia, with a major in Genetics.
While at UGA, Kafi was an active member of the GENES (Genetic Education Network and Experience Society) club on campus where she attended monthly meetings and met with various experts in the field of genetics, including researchers, genetic counselors, medical geneticists and forensic scientists. In addition to this, she was also an undergraduate member of UGA’s Genetic DEI committee and spent two years as a DEI LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Affirming Diversity) fellow. During this fellowship, she developed a passion for ensuring that all spaces, especially STEM and healthcare fields, welcome and encourage students of all educational, cultural, ethnic, and financial backgrounds.
With the intention of attending Emory University, Kafi spent years building her resume. It was very important to her that she was exposed to different types of genetic counseling. She was fortunate enough to be able to shadow a Lysosomal Storage Disease GC as well as a Cancer GC for two weeks during the Summer of 2022. In the Fall of 2023, she eagerly applied to various genetic counseling programs around the country. With immense support from professors, friends, and family, she eventually landed an interview to two programs, and matched to her #1 choice right out of undergrad. She is looking forward to attending grad school with her wonderful classmates and hopes to build and foster meaningful connections with students and faculty at Emory. As a future Genetic Counselor she hopes to encourage younger students in underrepresented communities in medicine and healthcare to pursue STEM fields and set goals to see themselves in those areas professionally. Apart from genetic counseling, Kafi has many hobbies and enjoys spending time with friends and family. She avidly practices the piano and maintains her passion for music.
She is open to any questions about her undergraduate experiences, the application process, and graduate school, so do not hesitate to reach out to her!