Rachel Sholder ’16 ’17G graduated from Lehigh with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in statistics. During her time at Lehigh, Rachel served as president of the Peer Health Advisers, was on the executive board of Alpha Gamma Delta for two years, was the student representative on six Dean of Students committees, and held jobs in three departments on campus.
Rachel was also a summer graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Research and then President John D. Simon’s graduate assistant in the President’s Office.
After graduation, Rachel backpacked through Europe with Devon Gallagher ’16 (whose photos made it to Good Morning America) and then moved to Baltimore. Rachel is currently working on mathematical modeling and cost estimating for NASA at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. On March 28th, Rachel is taking LehighU Instagram followers on a tour of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center!
Why did you decide to attend Lehigh?
RS: I definitely had a different experience than most people. I was actually enrolled and all set to go to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a roommate and everything. Then, I got in off the Lehigh waitlist and was accepted as a January admit. I was definitely confused at first and didn’t like the idea of starting college a semester late, but I ended up choosing Lehigh because I thought it would give me a great well-rounded college experience. I used that fall semester to take classes at a community college and worked two jobs. Now, I don’t even remember that I started late!
Who was your favorite professor at Lehigh?
RS: Professor Coll was definitely one of my favorite professors. I had him for Math 22 (Calculus 2) and Math 205 (Linear Methods). I really liked his teaching style and thought he was super personable. Plus, his classes really confirmed for me that I chose the right major. As a grad student, I did research with him and Professor Teboh-Ewungkem on mathematical modeling of the Zika virus so it was great to be able to work with him again.
What was your favorite course at Lehigh?
RS: Besides Math 205, my favorite math class was probably Math 312 (Statistical Computing) taught by Professor Wu. That class helped me realize that I wanted to stay a fifth year to get my master’s degree in statistics. As a grad student, my favorite class was Math 338 (Linear Models & Regression) which was also taught by Professor Wu. I currently do different types of modeling and analysis for NASA space missions at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, so Math 338 has definitely been the most helpful in the real world.
Outside of my major, my favorite classes were taught by Professor Dawn Keetley. One was a class on horror films and one was a class on Showtime’s Dexter. I have a huge passion for horror movies, so it was awesome that Lehigh offered these classes and that I was able to take them (plus Professor Keetley is amazing).
Where was your favorite place on campus to study and/or relax?
RS: I was always a big fan of Lucy’s Cafe in Linderman Library. I like the coffee shop atmosphere and love Linderman.
What is your favorite Lehigh memory as a student?
RS: My favorite memories as a grad student definitely came from my experiences and interactions with my President’s Office co-workers (John, Erik, Donna, and Dave — love you guys!). After my time as an undergrad, it was great to be able to see Lehigh from a whole new perspective as well as contribute my thoughts/ideas about student life to President Simon.
My favorite memories as an undergrad definitely came from being involved with Greek life as well as the rest of the organizations I was involved with (Chris, Jenna, Jess, Pete, Taran, and Lindsay — love you all!).
BONUS QUESTIONS
Which fan base do you enjoy teasing more: Lafayette fans or Duke fans?
RS: I was in high school when Lehigh beat Duke, so definitely Lafayette. Last year, I was part of the brains behind the “LAFAYETTE’S PRESIDENT USES MYSPACE” banner that was displayed outside of the President’s House during Le-Laf week to which President Byerly from Lafayette had an awesome response on Twitter. It was cool to be able to bring the Le-Laf fun to the presidents! Also, the President’s Office had a bed races team that week which was pretty cool :)
If you had to pick one Lehigh/Bethlehem delicacy to eat for the rest of your life (guilt-free), what would it be?
RS: Either the journalist sandwich at Blue Sky (RIP) or the Anakin from The Goose. As a post-grad, I discovered Burgers and More by Emeril in Sands Casino — it’s amazing and by far the best burger I’ve ever had. I highly recommend it.
Apples don’t fall far from trees
you would have to know her father to
truly understand the comment. But he is EXTREMELY proud of her accomplishments and I can understand why. GO GIRL:):)
As Rachel’s brother I can’t even express how proud I am, and how in awe I am of her amazing talents and abilities! I got to spend some time with her at Lehigh, and had the opportunity to meet some of her awesome friends. And, I even got to sample the journalist sandwich at the (dearly departed) Blue Sky! I’m hoping that her job will keep sending her out to Los Angeles to JPL so I can hang out with her more often 🙂 My sister is a BADASS!!!