Biomedical Science students at ECU learn in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Aasta loves learning. She always wanted to study at university but wasn't sure what to focus on.
She started studying occupational therapy but decided it wasn't for her.
Instead, she left university and found herself working for a human genetics research institute.
This experience sparked her initial interest in genetics.
But the spark didn't lead to a fire until later, when her second child was born with a rare syndrome.
"It was my son's geneticist who first put me onto genetic counselling. I knew it was what I wanted to do," says Aasta.
"I found my dream career at 35!"
ECU Biomedical Science graduate and Genetic Counsellor Aasta Kelly.
The course to her career
Aasta enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science), since renamed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, with a focus on human genetics, at Edith Cowan University.
As part of her degree, she completed an intensive research project, as well as a work placement with a medical genetics organisation.
These experiences confirmed her chosen path.
"I met people who could see my passions and help guide them, and I was able to tailor the units to suit my interests and goals," she says.
My degree really opened doors for the cool jobs I have now.
Two jobs in genetic counselling
Aasta now has two genetic counselling jobs, both of which she loves.
In one role, she works as a research genetic counsellor and project officer at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth, Western Australia.
Here, she talks to families about suspected genetic conditions, takes medical histories, explains DNA and genetics to them and discusses testing options.
Her other role is as a clinical genetic counsellor for Virtus Diagnostics, an Australian IVF and genetics company.
In this job she talks to people who are considering using donor eggs or sperm, as well as couples wanting to know whether they are at risk of passing on a serious genetic condition.
"I feel like I was always meant to be where I am now," Aasta says of her career.
"By understanding rare disease and the impact of it on families, we're aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of generations to come."
