Genetic counseling program director’s endowed scholarship fund supports student success

Katherine Hunt Brendish has been a strong supporter of student success since she began teaching at Arizona State University in 2019.

After working as a clinical genetic counselor for 24 years, Brendish joined the College of Health Solutions as the program director for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Now, the Katherine & Myles Brendish Endowed Scholarship Fund supports the success of students in the genetic counseling graduate program. Brendish’s goal in establishing this fund was to decrease the barriers to pursuing education and a career in genetic counseling.

“My students’ passion for wanting to help others, their ambition to undertake this type of rigorous degree and the sacrifices they make to get through this intensive two-year program motivate me every day to work hard and do right by them,” said Brendish.

The fund provides assistance to students in paying for the necessary resources to complete their research projects, covering annual educational conference expenses to present research, assistance with clinical fieldwork experience costs and support for textbook and educational resource expenses for classes.

In creating this opportunity for students, Brendish hopes to pave the way for students to make great achievements without the fear of financial burden.

What inspired you to establish the Katherine & Myles Brendish Endowed Scholarship Fund?

My husband and I were inspired to establish the Katherine & Myles Brendish Endowed Scholarship Fund to make it possible for more students from a variety of communities to be able to attend graduate school. It is our hope that if we can alleviate some of the financial burdens from our students, they will be more likely to apply to a graduate program knowing that they do not have to cover all of the cost on their own. This will in turn help them feel more confident in their ability to complete the program because they can focus on their studies.

Why the genetic counseling program?

The field of genetic counseling is a newer health care profession, and as with many new fields, it takes time to grow. It is important that the profession expands so that we can provide genetic counseling services to more communities. Arizona is one of several states with a shortage of genetic counselors, and many rural communities in the United States do not have access to genetic counseling. Therefore, it is important for me, as a program director, to ensure we provide opportunities for all types of students from a variety of backgrounds, the ability to attend this type of program and be successful. And after graduation, these individuals can work in the communities where they are from to expand the access of genetic counseling to more areas.

Why do you think it is important to support students?

Students are the heart of our program, and why we work so hard. My responsibility as an instructor and program director is to ensure our students are learning and mastering the skills they need to be successful in their career. If we can provide students with support for some of the financial aspects of the program, they are better able to focus on their education and training.

What is your hope for students who are awarded your scholarship?

My hope for the students who are awarded the scholarship is that they will have less financial worries, which will allow them to focus on the rigorous education and training they need to complete as part of their degree.

What is the best advice you would offer to someone who wants to support Health Solutions students?

The best advice I can offer someone who wants to support Health Solutions students is to find a program or cause that has meaning or significance to you or your family and support this in any way you can. The amount isn’t as important as the fact that you are contributing to the future of something you believe in.

Student scholarships would not be available without the generous support of the College of Health Solutions donors. Donations can be made to support student success through the College of Health Solutions website.