Maggie Brand, Clinical Research Assistant
Maggie Brand, the new Clinical Research Assistant at the Massachusetts General Hospital Myhre Clinic in Boston, talks about her new role and love for medicine.
Originally from Hampton, New Hampshire, Maggie graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2024 with a degree in diagnostic genetic sciences. During her undergraduate studies, Maggie maintained a strong interest in inherited and rare conditions and the upcoming promising research in gene therapy. She also completed an internship in a clinical laboratory, where she gained experience testing for certain genetic conditions.
In her free time, Maggie loves to explore mini golf courses around New England with her family and is a big lover of sports. She loves to watch football in the fall and go to Bruins games in Boston whenever possible!
In the next few years, genetic counseling school is on the horizon. While she has always thought prenatal counseling was her route, her work with Myhre Syndrome has already opened her mind to other specialties. “Already, in the first few weeks, Dr. Angela Lin, Co-Director of the MGH Myhre Syndrome Clinic, has demonstrated to me the importance of genetics in all specialties, so I am looking forward to continuing to expand the breadth of my knowledge. I am inspired by the Myhre Syndrome community, as the dedication and passion of everyone involved is tremendous.” Maggie also has a strong personal connection to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, so she will always be an advocate for this population. Maggie has learned some ASL, which she hopes to develop further.
Maggie explained that genetics interests her because of the “continually evolving” information. “While there is so much we have discovered about DNA, and single genes in particular, there is still much the genetics community does not know. The ability to work in a field where impactful information is constantly being brought to light is exciting. Espec ally in a rare condition, such as Myhre, the ability to do research that could make a significant impact in people’s lives is what I have always wanted to do. I believe that rare conditions need more interest from the genetics community, so I look forward to combining my interest in molecular genetics and genetic counseling to impact the Myhre community.”
Dr Lin is delighted to have Maggie onboard. “She has an excellent background in molecular genetics and research methods. Maggie is an enthusiastic, quick learner who perfectly fits the position. She is eager to meet people and families with Myhre syndrome at the upcoming Myhre syndrome conference, which she’ll attend with me. Maggie will follow in Eleanor’s footsteps to expand our Myhre patient database. Just as Eleanor had a special interest in the brain and imaging for Myhre syndrome, Maggie will develop her own project. She is already interested in the genetic counseling process, which includes information about how the SMAD4 gene is explained.”
As for the future, Maggie is looking ahead to genetic counseling school, but the Myhre community has already made a big impact. “A few years from now, I hope to be a genetic counselor and continue to advocate for and impact the Myhre community. Whether through counseling in a certain specialty or bringing awareness to the rare conditions that need more research and funding, I feel lucky to have this experience to meet all the wonderful members in this community.”