Rachel Zobel

Journey to GMercyU

Rachel Zobel is a 2014 graduate of Highland Regional High School in Blackwood, NJ. Her first exposure to GMercyU was when a family friend who was also a GMercyU faculty member told her about a grant the Biology department had just received that was geared towards providing scholarship opportunities to students in STEM.

“My favorite part about GMercyU was how easy it was to get involved and network with others. The University is small, providing many opportunities to develop relationships, participate in experiences, and become involved outside of your major,” Rachel said.

On campus, Rachel was a member of E-STEM, Student Government Association (SGA), Residence Life, Student Association of Science, and Campus Ministry.

Rachel’s biggest tip for students is to get involved.

There is so much to see and do at GMercyU, so keep an open-mind and always say yes to the many opportunities provided.

Experience in the Biology Program

Rachel loved her experience in the Biology program.

I was surrounded by faculty and colleagues that supported and encouraged me in both the bad and good times. I was constantly thinking and stimulated to grow.

She couldn’t just pick one faculty member that stood out because she loved each and every one.

“Dr. McEliece, Dr. Lettini, and Dr. Barbieri all stood out to me and I’m still in contact with all of them four-plus years post-graduation,” Rachel said.

Internship Experience

Rachel had the opportunity to intern at the Philadelphia Zoo while at GMercyU, where she was primarily responsible for animal behavioral research and environmental education and outreach.

She also interned for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. While there, she worked closely with Representative Mary Jo Daley on various pieces of legislation focused on science.

Founding Catherine’s Cupboard

Rachel played a crucial role in helping start Catherine’s Cupboard. She participated in a five-day leadership training in Chicago, IL at Saint Xavier University hosted by the Campus Ministry Leadership Institute (CMLI).
At the training, students developed effective leadership skills to work collaboratively to implement programs on their college campuses. Rachel’s group focused primarily on ending hunger amongst the campus community.

Our project was Catherine’s Cupboard.

"We presented our idea at CMLI, received feedback from others at the leadership training, and came back to campus to open Catherine’s Cupboard. It is continuously evolving and growing,” Rachel said.

Outstanding Undergraduate Award

During her final semester at Honors Convocation, Rachel was awarded the Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

“I have been supporting myself since before college and had to overcome a lot of hurdles throughout college to keep me going. It is often difficult to see your own accomplishments or to look through the lens of others, and winning this award meant the world to me because it was the first time I can remember being truly proud of myself and my accomplishments,” Rachel said.

Post-Graduation

After graduating from GMercyU in 2018, Rachel continued her education by earning a Master of Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated in 2020.

In August 2020, Rachel joined the University of Delaware as a PhD student. She is currently studying Water Science and Policy in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

“In between and during graduate school, I was involved with different research studies in Puerto Rico and West Bengal, India and presented at conferences and symposiums,” Rachel said.

Rachel began her teaching career in August 2019. On a random visit to GMercyU to say hello to faculty members, she was made aware of a course that needed a professor. Naturally, Rachel volunteered to fill the position. From there, Rachel was given the opportunity to teach courses that piqued her interest and were more in her field of study.

My favorite part is connecting with the students.

My experience was very different from most. I did not have the choice to fail, so I know what it is like having to take eight classes per semester, working two-plus jobs, having an internship, and more. Connecting with the students, making them feel heard, and watching them grow is without a doubt the best part,” Rachel said.