From CMB to Genetic Counseling

Margaret Cubitt graduated in Spring 2025 with a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in genetic counseling at the University of Michigan.

What CMB experience had the greatest impact on your career?

My research experience with Dr. Burg had a significant impact on my career path. He gave me the opportunity to attend two national conferences, where I presented our research and learned about other work in the field. 

One class that solidified my desire to pursue a career in science was CMB156 (the research-based lab) with Dr. Hart. This was my first time doing research and then presenting it to our class.

How has your CMB education helped you in your career?

CMB has set me up for success in many aspects of preparing me for graduate school. During my graduate school interviews, I talked extensively about my CMB research project and the skills that I gained in the process. Additionally, I am currently taking classes alongside human genetics PhD and master's students, in which my CMB coursework has given me a strong foundation of knowledge going into these difficult classes.

What advice would you give current CMB students?

Keep an open mind about the many career paths available with a CMB degree! Geneticcounseling may not be the most common career path for CMB graduates, but my experience has shown me that this degree can open doors to a wide range ofopportunities in science and healthcare. I would also recommend getting involved in research as early as possible and reaching out to professors whose research interests you. Even if you are unsure of your long-term career goals, gaining research experience can help you discover new interests and develop valuable skills.