This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Bay Path University will spotlight the inspiring women who help shape our community and beyond. Each week, we will share the story of a community member who is making a meaningful impact in her profession, her community, and within the University.
Meet Kira Dineen, Assistant Professor, MS in Genetic Counseling
Adjunct Faculty member Kira Dineen brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, science communication, and storytelling to Bay Path University’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program. A practicing prenatal genetic counselor and award-winning podcast host, she is passionate about helping students—and the public—understand how genetics is transforming healthcare and shaping the future of medicine.
Kira joined Bay Path in September 2025 and teaches Ethical Considerations in Genetic Counseling and Reproductive Genetics. Her goal is to prepare the next generation of genetic counselors to think critically, communicate with compassion, and navigate the complex ethical questions emerging in this rapidly evolving field.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and her Master’s in Genetic Counseling from Sarah Lawrence College.
A Lifelong Fascination with Genetics
Kira’s interest in genetics began at an early age. After first learning about the subject in seventh grade, she was captivated by its ability to explain human health and disease. By high school, she was actively exploring careers in the field and created her first podcast as part of an independent study. What began as a way to deepen her own learning quickly grew into a platform for sharing science with others.
She later expanded the podcast into a radio show while attending the University of Connecticut, where she earned her undergraduate degree. Kira went on to complete her master’s in genetic counseling at Sarah Lawrence College, home to the nation’s first genetic counseling program.
Today, in addition to her podcasting, she works in maternal-fetal medicine in Connecticut, meeting with patients who are pregnant to assess family histories, discuss testing options, and provide support during what can be deeply emotional and life-changing decisions.
Science Communication That Makes an Impact
Kira is the host and producer of DNA Today, an award-winning podcast and radio show that explores how genetics impacts our health. Over the past 13 years, the show has produced more than 375 episodes featuring leaders in the field, including genetic counselors, researchers, biotech executives, and patient advocates.
The podcast has received multiple national honors, including “Best Science and Medicine Podcast” in 2020, 2021, and 2022. New episodes are released every Friday, and the program continues to air weekly on WHUS 91.7 FM in Connecticut. In addition, Kira produces several other programs through her science podcast network, Gene Pool Media.
For Kira, podcasting is more than a passion, it is a form of education and advocacy. Whether she is interviewing experts about emerging therapies or discussing the ethical implications of genetic testing, she is committed to making complex science accessible and meaningful.
Bringing Real-World Learning to Students
Kira’s professional experiences shape her teaching approach. She integrates podcasts, case-based learning, and simulated patient sessions into her courses so students can develop strong communication skills and clinical confidence. One of her recent innovations includes recording mock genetic counseling sessions to create realistic training opportunities while protecting patient privacy.
She also emphasizes that success in the field requires more than scientific knowledge. Genetic counselors must be investigators, educators, and compassionate listeners. “You have to balance a scientific mindset with empathy,” she explains. “These conversations can be very personal and emotional, and it’s important that students feel prepared to support patients in those moments.”
Mentorship and Connection
Before transitioning into higher education, Kira mentored students and supervised trainees in clinical and professional settings. Her love of mentorship inspired her to move into teaching. Although she primarily teaches online, she values building meaningful connections with students and recently met members of the program during the fall kickoff weekend.
She also encourages students from a variety of academic backgrounds to consider the profession. While prerequisites in biology and chemistry are important, she believes diverse perspectives—such as those from the arts or humanities—can strengthen patient care and communication.
Looking Ahead
Kira is especially excited about breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing, which are transforming treatment for conditions such as sickle cell disease. Through her podcast, she has interviewed patients whose lives have been dramatically improved by these therapies.
Through her work as a clinician, educator, and science communicator, Kira Dineen is helping shape the future of genetic counseling, educating students to lead with knowledge, empathy, and curiosity in a field that continues to evolve every day.
