Undergraduate university: Calvin University

Thesis: Identification and exploitation of metabolic reprogramming in NF1-mutant breast cancer

Mentor: Matt Steensma, M.D.

Experience: During her undergraduate studies, Rachel researched topics in inorganic chemistry, ecological biology and microbiology under the direction of Dr. Mark Muyskens, Dr. David Warners and Dr. John Wertz. Prior to attending the Institute’s Graduate School, Rachel worked in Dr. Ning Wu’s lab at Van Andel Research Institute studying the function and structure of metabolism-related proteins including GLUT1, TXNIP and CPT1.

Hometown: Peterborough, Ontario and Lithia, FL

Hobbies: Calling her mom, tattooing her friends and rescuing injured cranes