Undergraduate Spotlight: Rachel Meeker – A Force in Biophysics

Since arriving at K-State in Fall 2021 as we emerged from COVID, Rachel Meeker ('25) has truly made her mark. Rachel came to K-State with a strong scientific background and a love for the arts, having spent 11 years dancing ballet and benefiting from wonderful science teachers in the Wichita area. Interestingly, she's a second-generation K-State physics enthusiast, even though her mom pursued journalism.

Rachel started her academic career as a physics and math dual major, later shifting to a math minor and adding biology. Reflecting on her path, she'd likely pursue a double major in physics and biology if she could do it again – a testament to her evolving scientific interests.

K-State provided Rachel with opportunities to branch out, fostering collaboration with fellow students in classes like Mechanics and through the Physics Club. She was an active member of the department's Women in Physics group, where she forged strong friendships and attended three Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CuWIP) events, gaining valuable insights and having a lot of fun.

Rachel's undergraduate research experience is extensive. She conducted research with Professor Jeremy Schmit and also participated in two prestigious Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs: one at the University of Michigan in an experimental biochemistry lab, and another at Vanderbilt University focusing on a mix of experimental and theoretical work. Her time at Michigan even helped her realize that experiments do work! Beyond research, Rachel contributed to the department as a grader throughout her undergraduate career, after teaching a lab in her freshman year.

Among her favorite undergraduate courses were a biology course called "Phage Hunters" and Professor Schmit's "Biological Physics." Rachel has made steady progress throughout her academic journey and is now looking ahead to her future. While biophysics research funding challenges have impacted graduate school admissions nationally, Rachel remains hopeful for her graduate school dreams. If those aren't immediately realized, she sees herself thriving in the biotech industry. We wish Rachel all the best in her exciting future!