Katherine Bauman was born and raised in Clinton, NC, a rural community in the southeastern part of the state. Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, she began her undergraduate education at Clemson University in the Fall of 2020. Katie graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2024 with a major in Genetics and minors in Psychology and Biology.
During her college years, Katie found joy in volunteering as a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line, as a CU-REACH (Clemson University Reaching for Equitable and Cultural Heights) mentor/tutor, and as a children’s church leader for preschool aged children. In addition to her volunteer positions, Katie gained valuable patient care experience over the summers as a Medical Assistant at the family medicine clinic in her hometown.
It wasn’t until her junior year at Clemson that Katie began to consider a career in Genetic Counseling. The seed was planted by her father, a family physician, who mentioned the long delays for genetic counseling referrals and the need for more of these practitioners. Katie sought out opportunities to gain exposure to the field. Ultimately, she obtained a position as a Genetic Counseling Assistant at Gibbs Cancer Center in upstate SC, a role she held from November 2023 until June 2025. It was this rewarding experience that solidified her determination and desire to pursue the field of Genetic Counseling.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out with her beloved Maine Coon cats (Lacy and Reign), binge watching TV shows, soaking up the sun, and baking sweet treats.
Katie would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to her family and to her mentors at Gibbs Cancer Center who supported her throughout this journey. She is excited to join the Emory University genetics community in pursuing a Master of Medical Sciences in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling and welcomes questions from any prospective students.