Students in Dr. Connie Woytowich’s Personal Genetics class at Colonie Central High School connected classroom learning with real-world experience during a visit from guest speaker Jill Lawson (Sibley).

Lawson, a Colonie Central High School graduate from the Class of 1995, shared her personal journey with genetic testing and the valuable insights she gained along the way. She spoke about the process, how genetic information can inform important health and family decisions, and the role of genetic counseling in supporting individuals and families.

“Having alumni like Jill return to speak with students brings the science to life in a deeply meaningful way,” said Dr. Woytowich. “It helps students understand the human side of genetics and how the concepts they’re studying extend far beyond the classroom.”

The visit was part of the class’s ongoing exploration of genetics, ethics, and decision-making in modern healthcare — an experience that left students with a deeper understanding of how scientific knowledge impacts real lives.