Posted on July 23, 2025

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Tj Golka, ’26

B.S. Biology, Florida Atlantic University (2022)

Email: awgolka@uncg.edu

Pronouns: He/him/his

My name is Tj Golka and I am from DeBary, FL. I graduated from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) with a degree in Biology and Research Honors in 2022. My research involved preforming lifespan experiments using the model organism C. elegans to study the effects of aging.  During undergrad I was a Peer Mentor for newly admitted freshmen, volunteer notetaker for students with disabilities in select science courses, and a licensed Pharmacy Technician. During my senior year I volunteered with my university’s Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, mentoring a child with autism in the local community.  

I found out about genetic counseling in my junior year of undergrad and knew this was the field I wanted to enter after interviewing a few genetic counselors and attending a perspective student session hosted by the Florida Association of Genetic Counselors. After graduation, I got a job as a genetic counseling assistant at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. My time at Moffitt further cemented my desire to become a genetic counselor and helped prepare me to attend a genetic counseling program. I was fortunate to work with a number of great people who I am proud to call my role models and friends.  

When I have some free time, I enjoy watching sports (Premier League soccer, football, or hockey), reading a book, or exploring the different breweries Greensboro has to offer. If you’re a perspective student and have any questions, please feel free to contact me.