NE North Dakota News

Rachel Schomaker, an assistant professor at Minot State University, has built her career around a passion for biology that began in her childhood. Originally from Deland, Florida, Schomaker pursued her academic journey through Florida Southern College and the University of South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Reflecting on her early years, Schomaker shared, "I grew up in a rural town in central Florida... Clearly, I was destined to be a biologist!" Her initial interest in medicine shifted during college when she discovered microbiology. This led to a change in career path as she pursued teaching and research.

Schomaker's teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a safe environment for students to foster deeper learning. She explained, "When a student feels safe and comfortable in the classroom... they will feel more at ease learning new, challenging material." To achieve this, she collects anonymous feedback from students to adjust her instructional methods.

Among the courses she teaches, microbiology stands out as her favorite. "The critters are charismatic," she noted. In these classes, students are encouraged to develop their own research projects.

Her research interests focus on how resource availability affects organismal physiology. Currently, five students assist with studies on how diet influences gut bacteria diversity in cockroaches.

Mentoring is another key aspect of Schomaker's role. She prioritizes student development over research outcomes: "My goal with mentoring students is to always ensure that the student comes first."

Outside academia, Schomaker enjoys various hobbies such as collecting plants and engaging in creative activities like knitting and painting.

Minot State University supports excellence in education through active learning environments and community engagement.