By Kellie Britch, College of Arts and Sciences
Stefania Alastre Arcusa, a genetic counselor at Moffitt Cancer Center and one of this
year’s Outstanding Young Alumni, has always wanted to help people in need. It was her time in the College of Arts
and Sciences that not only revealed a way to fulfill this passion but also gave her
the tools to make a lasting impact.
Alastre Arcusa, who is also certified as a medical interpreter, graduated with a bachelor’s
degree in cell and molecular biology from the Department of Molecular Biosciences and a minor in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies in 2017 before completing her Master of Science in Public Health with a concentration in genetic counseling at the USF College of Public Health in
2021.
It was a USF professor who gave her the idea to pursue a career in genetic counseling.
“I was a junior in college, and I was trying to figure out what I was going to do,”
said Alastre Arcusa. “I was taking a human genetics course with Dr. Johnny El-Rady, and he talked about genetic counseling. It felt like the perfect fit. The USF College
of Public Health was opening a genetic counseling program, and I was able to apply.
“I’m so thankful for Dr. El-Rady for talking to us about professions that were different
than just med school,” she added.
As a genetic counselor, Alastre Arcusa meets with patients to discuss what genetic
testing can do for them and their family. If they decide to move forward with the
testing, Alastre Arcusa is the one who calls them with the results and ascertains
whether they need any additional services or support.
“While I would like to take some credit for her outstanding accomplishments — and
who wouldn’t — I simply cannot,” said El-Rady. “It’s all on Stef. I am extremely proud
of her career trajectory, and very happy that our paths crossed.”
In her current role at Moffitt, Arcusa is able to give back beyond supporting cancer
patients.
In 2025, Alastre Arcusa was one of six recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. (Photo courtesy of Tim Hoffman)
Alastre Arcusa regularly gets requests to speak to students about genetic counseling, specifically cancer genetics. (Photo courtesy of Stefania Alastre Arcusa)
“I’m heavily involved in community outreach, which is my true passion,” Alastre Arcusa
said. “I get to educate people and help them get access to genetic counseling services
that they otherwise may not receive.”
Aside from her work in the community, Alastre Arcusa teaches and supervises USF graduate
students during their genetic counseling rotation at Moffitt. She has also created educational resources for future and current
genetic counselors to support their career journey.
“For me, community outreach and working with students are both super fulfilling,”
Alastre Arcusa said. “I always walk away feeling refreshed and on cloud nine because
of the impact I’ve made.”