Meet the UDN Helpdesk Team
What we do
The UDN Helpdesk Team is made up of a group of research assistants led by UDN Project Manager, Paul Mazur, located at the UDN Data Management Coordinating Center (UDN DMCC) at Harvard Medical School. They work with undiagnosed individuals and their families to help navigate the UDN application, evaluation, and research process. The research assistants are all current genetic counselors in training that are highly knowledgeable about rare diseases and passionate about serving this community.
Contact us!
The Helpdesk Team is here to help answer your questions! They can be reached by phone at 1-844-RING-UDN (1-844-746-4836) or by email at UDN@hms.harvard.edu. The Helpdesk is open Monday–Friday, 9am – 5pm ET. The Helpdesk is closed on national holidays.
Meet the Team
Paul Mazur (he/him) is a Project Manager for the UDN DMCC. He brings proficiency in operations, expertise in communications, and project management to the UDN while serving the undiagnosed community to end the diagnostic and therapeutic odyssey. He does his job because it makes him feel more human. It provides him with an incredible window into the human spirit. The UDN allows him to work with others to end the odyssey for all patients and their families. He believes that innovation, collaboration, inclusion, integrity, and patient leadership are key.
Somin Hwang (she/her) is a Genetic Counseling graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and part time research assistant for the UDN DMCC. Born in South Korea, she spent her childhood in various cities in both South Korea and China. Somin is deeply committed to enhancing global access to genetic counseling and elevating awareness of marginalized populations within the healthcare sphere. Her role as a research assistant at the UDN holds profound significance as it enables her to contribute to individuals with undiagnosed diseases and uncover a deeper sense of purpose in her journey toward becoming a genetic counselor, dedicated to serving and helping people in need.
Michelle Malizio (she/her) is a Genetic Counseling graduate student at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and part time research assistant for the UDN DMCC. Michelle is passionate about helping patients in underserved communities navigate their diagnostic journey. She values patient advocacy and strives to offer positive support and guidance to UDN applicants, participants, and their families amidst the uncertainty they face.