DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

• #337 How to Get Your Research Published: Insight from Wiley’s Advanced Portfolio Journal Editors

  Submitting a research paper for publication can be an overwhelming process, especially for early-career researchers. How do you choose the right journal? What are editors really looking for? And how can you improve your chances of acceptance?    To answer these questions and more we are joined by two editors from Wiley’s Advanced Portfolio. Dr. Lei Lei is a Senior Manager of Wiley’s Advanced Portfolio and Deputy Editor of Advanced Science. Dr. Alanna Gannon is Deputy Editor of Advanced Science and Advanced Healthcare Materials.    They both share insider tips on navigating the peer review process, selecting the best journal for your work, and setting yourself up for publishing success, whether you’re submitting your first paper or your tenth.   On This Episode We Discuss: How to choose the right journal for your research What editors look for when screening submissions Red flags that can lead to rejection Tips for writing effective cover letters and response letters to reviewers The benefits (and challenges) of open-access publishing  How AI tools like ChatGPT are already influencing the writing and reviewing process Current trends in genetics publishing and where the field is headed   Resources:  Wiley Advanced Portfolio  Wiley’s Journal Finder Genetics and Genomics: Advanced Science Collection  Precision medicine: From new tools to innovative applications: Advanced Portfolio Cross-journal Collections Wiley's AI guidelines for Authors What Makes a Successful Submission Wiley Blog Post Eligibility for access to Research4Life  Wiley Announce Team of Editors to Lead Advanced Portfolio Journals Expansion into Life Health Sciences Wiley Expands Advanced Journal Portfolio into Life and Health Sciences Deepens Physical Science Offering Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.    While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.”   Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!    DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.    See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

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• #336 Sharpening Genetic Counseling Skills with GC+ Academy

  It’s an in-person episode! On Sarah Lawrence College’s campus, host Kira Dineen interviews former classmate Carli Andrews, MS, CGC. We explore the evolving landscape of continuing education for genetic counselors.    Carli joins us to discuss GC+ Academy, an innovative educational initiative designed to enhance professional skills and provide continuing education units (CEUs) for genetic counselors. She shares insights into the academy’s unique learning model, which integrates real-world applications, case-based learning, and flexible course structures to accommodate busy professionals. We also explore how GC+ Academy is addressing crucial gaps in genomic education by offering courses in personalized healthcare, business mindsets, systems theory, and communication strategies.   Tune in to gain valuable insights into how genetic counselors can apply systems thinking to healthcare, understand the business side of their profession, and prepare for the future of precision medicine. Carli also highlights the importance of communication training in bridging the gap between genetic counseling and the broader healthcare community. Learn how GC+ Academy is transforming continuing education for genetic counselors and how you can take advantage of this cutting-edge learning platform!   The Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership has generously provided a discount to all DNA Today listeners! Use our code “DNATODAY” for a 20% discount on all GC+ Academy courses and learning paths. In truly generosity, the code doesn’t expire, because we should always be learning!    Topics Covered in This Episode: The inspiration behind GC+ Academy and the need it fills in genetic counseling education How GC+ Academy differs from traditional CEU programs The benefits of flexible, self-paced learning paths Why understanding healthcare systems is crucial for genetic counselors The growing importance of business and financial knowledge in genetic counseling The role of communication training in genomic medicine The future of continuing education in genetic counseling   The Guest  Carli Andrews, MS, CGC. is a board-certified genetic counselor and an alumna of Sarah Lawrence College (MS ‘19). She has a rich background in both clinical and industry settings. Andrews is dedicated to making genomic information accessible and impactful for diverse populations in her role as Head of Program Development for the Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership. Carli's most recent role prior to joining the Institute was as a medical science liaison where she excelled in providing scientific and clinical expertise, supporting multiple teams including commercial operations and medical affairs, and engaging with the genetics community at national conferences. Carli views her role at the Institute as a pivotal opportunity to drive forward the mission of advancing precision medicine through genomics education and workforce development. Coming into this role at a crucial time, she is actively involved in creating innovative educational programs designed to equip the current and next generation of genomic professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the evolving landscape of healthcare. Carli earned her MS in Human Genetics from the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College and her BS in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Bioinformatics from Towson University.   Resources  20% discount on all GC+ Academy courses and learning paths by using code “DNATODAY”  Institute for Genomics Education, Workforce & Leadership   GC+ Academy  Personalized Healthcare Learning Path JOGC Article: Authentic professional learning between genetic counselor educators Contact: [email protected]  Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

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• #335 Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Us: How DNA Reveals Evolution

  This conversation is a follow-up to Episode #326: How DNA Solves Crimes – The Forensic Science Behind True Crime, where we explored the role of DNA in forensic investigations including the infamous O.J. Simpson case. Dr. Henry Erlich returns to the show to talk about human ancestry and evolution.  Dr. Henry Erlich has authored over 450 publications and spent decades applying DNA analysis to criminal investigations, missing persons cases, and ancestry research. His work has helped us trace human origins, understand genetic diversity, and uncover how DNA links us to Neanderthals and Denisovans. His lab performed the first DNA case in the US and, in 1988, the first DNA exoneration. Erlich was the Director of the Department of Human Genetics and Vice-President of Discovery Research for Roche Molecular Systems, Inc until 2013. He is currently a Senior Scientist at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute.  Topics Covered in This Episode: How PCR revolutionized genetic research and our understanding of evolution What genetic diversity within African populations tells us about human origins Debunking myths about Mitochondrial Eve and human ancestry The genetic connections between humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans How ancient DNA from medieval bones reshapes what we know about genetic bottlenecks Insights from the Pangenome Project and its potential to improve our understanding of genetic variation Relevant Episodes:  #326: How DNA Solves Crimes – The Forensic Science Behind True Crime (First Episode with Dr. Henry Erlich) #216 African American Ancestry with Nicka Smith #117 Dr. Janina Jeff on African Genomes #251 Diversifying Genetic Research with 23andMe (Explores African American Sequencing Project) #182 Dr. Eric Green on the Complete Human Genome Project and Pan Genome Project Resources and Links: Read Genetic Reconstruction of the Past by Dr. Henry Erlich Explore the National DNA Index System (NDIS) and CODIS The Innocence Project: Fighting wrongful convictions with DNA evidence GEDmatch and its role in forensic investigations Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops next Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC. 

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• #334 ACMG 2025 Recap

  To recap the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) held in Los Angeles, host Kira Dineen is joined by Karl Krahn. The conference ended Saturday so instead of waiting until Friday to share this episode we released it early.    Through this conversation, Kira and Karl reflect on their first attendance at the ACMG conference. They share insights on the sessions and events they attended, highlighting the engaging discussions and expert panels that made the conference memorable. Kira gives shout outs to a bunch of listeners she met during the conference, so tune in to see if she mentioned your name!    Karl Krahn is a genetic counselor who serves as a Clinical Analyst doing variant curations for exams and genomes at a genetic testing lab. Karl and Kira met as classmates at Sarah Lawrence College and graduated together in 2020. This is Karl Krahn’s return appearance on DNA Today, his first episode was six years ago on Episode #101 where we celebrated Match Day by providing advice on starting genetic counseling grad school.  Sessions Highlighted: 2025 ACMG Foundation Awards and Presidential Plenary Session - Genetics in the Media - Entertainment, Public Entertainment, Public Education, Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas Challenge The Experts - Pediatric and Prenatal Diagnostic Dilemmas (Rare Knowns and Unknowns) Diagnostic Dilemmas from the Undiagnosed Diseases Network  Genetic Counseling Forum: Sexual and Reproductive Health Counseling for Individuals with Intellectual Disability  The ACMG/AMP/CAP/ClinGen Standards for Sequence Variant Classification  Navigating the Current Landscape in Prenatal Genetics - Coverage, Politics and Laboratory Practice  Latest Updates in Infertility Care IVF, PGT, and Alabama Advocacy   Takeaways The ACMG conference provided valuable insights for various genetic professionals including genetic counselors  The opening session set a positive tone for the conference Networking with peers and listeners was a rewarding experience Healthy snacks and beverages contributed to a welcoming atmosphere. The 'Challenge the Experts' session was particularly engaging and humorous where geneticists showcased the thought processes of leading professionals in genetics. The importance of addressing current political issues in genetics  Sexual health education is essential for individuals with intellectual disabilities and genetic counselors are well positioned to introduce these topics and resources.  Updates to ACMG criteria aim to clarify variant classifications Legislation can significantly impact infertility care and patient access Stigma surrounding infertility remains a challenge in healthcare   Resources Mentioned Laura Hercher’s DNA Today episodes #284 IVF in Alabama #191 Overturn of Roe #157 Texas’ SB8 Recent national genetic conference recaps: NSGC 2024 and ASHG 2024  Sexual and reproductive health resources for people with intellectual disabilities    We are already looking forward to ACMG 2026 in Baltimore, and coincidentally the 2026 National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) annual conference will also take place in Baltimore. It’s worth pointing out that the next NSGC conference is November 2025 in Seattle. And Kira misspoke, the next national genetics conference she will attend will be the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) which will be in Boston this Fall. See you all there!    Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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• #333 Approaching a Down Syndrome Diagnosis with Care

  To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (which is today March 21st, 2025) our host Kira Dineen sits down with Carissa Carroll, the founder of Jack’s Basket, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating babies with Down syndrome and supporting their families. Inspired by her son Jack, Carissa launched Jack’s Basket to provide new parents with resources, encouragement, and community connections. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore: The power of celebrating every baby with Down syndrome How healthcare providers can deliver a diagnosis with compassion The essential resources and support networks available for families The profound impact of Jack’s Basket worldwide The role of education and awareness in fostering inclusion Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a parent, or an advocate, this episode sheds light on the importance of positive, informed communication and the life-changing support of community organizations like Jack’s Basket. About Our Guest: Carissa Carroll is an alumna of Bethel University and the University of Minnesota. She taught at elementary and collegiate levels before a sweet baby boy named Jack changed her heart and passion. After an abrupt and assumptive diagnosis experience, Carissa felt led to start Jack’s Basket. She wanted to make a change for future parents, ensuring that they felt their child was a reason to celebrate and have opportunities to connect within the community. Carissa presents to medical professionals about how to deliver the diagnosis without bias, works with the Jack’s Basket board to further the mission, and connects with volunteers who deliver baskets.   Jack’s Basket Resources: Request a Basket Genetic Counseling Webinar: "Communicating Unexpected News"   Other DNA Today Episodes About Down Syndrome:  #176 Glee's Lauren Potter on Down Syndrome Awareness #280 Celebrating Down Syndrome with Parent & Nurse Jenness Stock Get ready, genetic nerds—another brand-new episode of DNA Today drops this Friday! You can always count on us to deliver fresh content every Friday.  While you wait, why not dive into our library of over 300 episodes? Binge them all on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, our website, or wherever you love to listen—just search “DNA Today.” Prefer watching? We’ve got you covered! For the past four years, we’ve been recording episodes with video, including some filmed at the iconic NBC Universal Stamford Studios. Check them out on our YouTube channel!  DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM . Our Video Lead is Amanda Andreoli. Our Social Media Lead is Kajal Patel. Our Outreach Intern is Liv Davidson. And our logo Graphic Designer is Ashlyn Enokian, MS, CGC.  See what else we are up to on Instagram, X (Twitter), BluSky, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNAToday.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

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