Teacher to Scientist and Back Again

Abstract

I always wanted to be a teacher. I remember as a young girl arming myself with chalk, an old-fashioned easel-style chalkboard, various books and supplies, and even a stick to use as a pointer and heading to my playhouse to teach imaginary students the basics of reading and math. I adored my elementary schoolteachers and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Summer was always too long; I was inevitably ready to go back to school by July. Long days were filled with reading, mostly mysteries, although any series had to be read to completion—classics like The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew mysteries, and even books about the nurse Cherry Ames kept me entertained. I read short stories aloud to invisible ears, asking follow-up questions about characters and events. It was an enjoyable way to grow up in my rural Kentucky home.

About the Author

Education and Professional Career

2000:

BA Chemistry, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro, KY

2005:

PhD Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2005–present:

Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

Honors and Awards (Selected)

2012:

Belmont Student-Athlete Advisory Committee 2011–2012 Inspiration Award

Rachel is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and an active member of the Tennessee Academy of Science (TAS). The Belmont University ACS Student Chapter, which she serves as a faculty co-advisor, has received chapter awards since 2008. Rachel also serves on the TAS Executive Committee as the managing editor of the Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science.