Rachel Sodawasser

“During my freshman year, I was scared to get involved. Since then, I have immersed myself in leadership and research."

-Rachel Sodawasser

Rachel Sodawasser aspires to become a physician assistant in a neonatal intensive care unit. When she isn’t studying, Rachel enjoys playing volleyball, practicing yoga, and cooking.

Rachel Sodawasser grows through prenatal research, ER experience, networking

Nutrition has always piqued Rachel Sodawasser’s interest. As a nutritional science major, emphasizing in pre-health, she is particularly interested in how nutrition plays a major role in our overall health and wellness.

“Medicine has also been a huge passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” Rachel said.

Last May, she began working as an emergency room technician for a local hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In this position, she takes EKG tests, visits with and assists patients, and helps with transportation. The experience not only provides her with a wide range of knowledge about health care, but also with the opportunity to continuously improve her communication skills.

“I’m learning a lot about how the health care system runs. I am also way more comfortable talking with strangers than I ever was before,” she said.

Along with her job, Rachel gains real-world experience through working with Christina Campbell, professor in food science and human nutrition and primary investigator of The Blossom Project. The Blossom Project helps pregnant women integrate exercise and healthy eating into their daily routines.

Conducting research with Campbell excites Rachel because her dream job is to work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to care for premature babies and babies with health complications.

Rachel also contributes to campus through various leadership roles. She is active within the College of Human Sciences Ambassadors program, as well as the University Honors Program. Both of these organizations have allowed her to network and connect with a multitude of people.

“During my freshman year, I was scared to get involved. Since then, I have immersed myself in leadership and research,” Rachel said. “I learned that college is about taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone in order to achieve your goals.”