Genetic Counseling alumnae Colleen Muraresku ’09, ’11M and Elizabeth McCormick ’09, ’11M, genetic counselors and researchers for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)’s Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier program, published “Mitochondrial Disease: Advances in Clinical Diagnosis, Management, Therapeutic Development, and Preventative Strategies” in Current Genetic Medicine Reports. Their research, conducted and written alongside the Mitochondrial Medicine Frontier program’s attending physician Dr. Marni Falk, explores different methods of diagnosing and treating mitochondrial diseases.

Muraresku and McCormick, who returned to Arcadia to teach Biochemical Genetics, are dedicated to helping students get firsthand experience in genetics, mitochondrial disorders, and metabolic disorders. Strengthening the bridge between Arcadia and CHOP, Muraresku and McCormick involve students directly in patient care, treatment, and research on diagnosis and management.

“One of my favorite things about teaching is learning new things from the students,” said Muraresku, who chose genetics because the field blends patient care with research and learning opportunities. “Their fresh eyes and new perspectives are invaluable.”