Rachel Walter

Interview with Rachel Walter

BS in Biological Sciences, concentration in Human Biology
BA in Foreign Languages & Literatures, Spanish Language and Literature concentration
Anticipated Graduation: May, 2018
GPA 3.97

Fun facts about Rachel:
Rachel has studied abroad in Spain and volunteered in Ecuador.

What is your proudest accomplishment as an NC State student?
I’m happiest when I’m busy, which means I’ve pursued a lot of extracurricular activities as an undergraduate. What I’m most proud of, however, is making time for the hobbies and activities I love – I participated in University Theater’s production of Pride and Prejudice last semester and will be on stage again this semester in their production of Hairspray.

What do you love best about your department or major?
I love learning about the human body – it’s such a fascinating machine! It’s also wonderful to study in a department with faculty and staff who are so dedicated to their students.

What do you plan to do after graduating from NC State?
I plan to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching and become a high school science teacher.

Care to give a shout-out to a faculty or staff member that you would like to recognize?
Dr. Miriam Ferzli has been an incredible mentor over the past four years. She has been supportive, compassionate, and has offered sage advice through every doubt, internship application, and career change.

What advice would you give to students at the beginning of their degree program?
Take the time to explore your interests and strengths, and know that it’s ok if you don’t know what you want to pursue as a career right off the bat. I spent three years proclaiming myself a “pre-med” student before I came to the realization that what I really want to do is teach. No career path is linear, so take advantage of your time as an undergraduate to learn about yourself so that you can confidently pursue your passions in the future.

Here are a few other insights into Rachel’s extracurriculars:
• Investigated cellular and molecular mechanisms of gut morphogenesis and left-right asymmetries in the Nascone-Yoder lab at the NC State Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences.
• Shadowed in pediatrics and internal medicine as a Brody-Park Intern at ECU Brody School of Medicine.
• Conducted research on thermal conductivity of cells in Dr. Aaron Schmidt’s nanoheat transfer lab at Boston University.
• Invested heavily with Timmy Global Health service and leadership.
• Volunteered in an emergency department, and with Alliance Medical Ministry
• Member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Gamma
• Served as a University Ambassador
• Park Scholar, University Scholar