Associate Professor Betty Dunn, M.S., GG (ASCP)CM, also received the Joseph Waurin Excellence in Genetics Education Award from the Foundation for Genetic Technology.
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Betty Dunn, M.S., GG (ASCP)CM, associate professor and director of the Cytogenetics Program at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, has been installed as president of the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) at the national organization’s 35th annual meeting June 3-5 in Phoenix, Ariz.

During the meeting, Dunn also was presented the Joseph Waurin Excellence in Genetics Education Award from the Foundation for Genetic Technology. According to the foundation, the award honors genetic educators who have demonstrated outstanding professional capabilities in teaching undergraduate or graduate students.

“I feel truly honored to be selected by the members of AGT to lead the organization during this time of change,” Dunn said. “I’m especially humbled to have been nominated for this education award by the award founder, who established the award a few years ago in honor of his father, who was an educator. I also want to thank my colleagues who have supported me and the Cytogenetics Program, as well as my participation in the AGT and other professional organizations, through the years.”

Highly complex scientific specialty
Founded in 1975, the Association of Genetic Technologists is composed of approximately 1,300 members, primarily technologists, supervisors and lab directors who are involved in the field of genetics. Most members are involved in either classical cytogenetics, or molecular or biochemical genetics.

Cytogenetics is a highly complex specialty in the clinical laboratory. It involves the study and analysis of genetic material at the microscopic and submicroscopic level to help physicians determine whether patients have inherited chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, or acquired chromosome-linked cancers such as chronic myelocytic leukemia. Molecular and biochemical geneticists study, compare and analyze DNA and RNA samples from individuals and groups to help physicians diagnose complex diseases or conditions. These include assessing the risk of familial cancer, discovering neurological disorders, identifying microbial agents and answering forensic questions.

Unifying the profession
Dunn is involved in leadership of the AGT at a pivotal time. The association supported a merger during 2009 of clinical laboratory certification agencies so that the different clinical laboratory professions are now certified by a single agency, the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. “This is a critical first step in unifying the diverse clinical laboratory professions to speak with a unified voice regarding professional recognition and salary issues,” she said.

During her three-year term as president, Dunn said she plans to involve more individuals from different backgrounds in organizational management and meeting presentations.

Dunn has a long history of service to her profession and has been a member of AGT since 1980. She previously served for eight years as the AGT representative to the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences as a voting member of their board of directors. The agency accredits all clinical laboratory educational programs in the U.S. In addition, she has participated in organizing annual meetings and has presented invited lectures, workshops and breakout sessions numerous times.

Health Science Center Cytogenetics Program
In the School of Health Professions, Dunn has served as the Cytogenetics Program director since 1996. As the sole faculty member of the program, Dunn involves many other faculty members throughout the university to provide a comprehensive program for her students. She has been an active participant on several departmental, school and university committees including the Promotion, Tenure and Appointments Committee.