Rachel Carpenter, originally from Arlington, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis, recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science through the School of Natural Resources within the Herbert College of Agriculture. Now serving as a research technician and lab manager for the CoEvolution Lab in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Carpenter combines her lifelong passion for science and the outdoors in her professional journey.
Q&A with Rachel Carpenter
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’m from Arlington, Tennessee, which is outside of Memphis. I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Currently, I work as a research technician and lab manager for the CoEvolution Lab in the department. I have always loved the outdoors and science, and I knew early on that I wanted to become a scientist.
Who is the team of people you work with?
The CoEvolution Lab with Dr. Gautam Shirsekar and the two graduate students, Anugya Bhattarai and Katie Wood.
What is the primary focus of the lab?
The primary focus of the lab aims to understand how the genetic makeup of wild grape populations in the Blue Ridge Mountains influences its coevolution with a highly coevolved downy mildew-causing pathogen and vice versa.
What is your favorite lab procedure to complete?
My favorite lab procedure is gel electrophoresis because I’m a very visual person, and I find it amazing to actually see the DNA I’ve extracted from wild grape leaves. It is rewarding to see the results of my work.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working on DNA extractions and seeing the results. I have been working on optimizing a DNA extraction protocol that will be the foundation for my lab to use.
What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
As I mentioned earlier, I have always loved the outdoors and science. When I was little, I spent hours outside, fascinated by the wildlife, plants, and insects so much so that my parents bought me a microscope kit. I loved using that kit to examine soil and plants. I also experimented with freezing plants in the petri dishes. From those experiences, I knew I wanted to work as a scientist in the outdoors.
What do you consider to be one of your greatest achievements?
One of my greatest achievements happened a couple of months ago when I was offered my dream master’s position at my dream graduate school.
How did the HERO program shape your journey or influence your path?
The HERO program shaped my journey by providing the research and lab experience I wanted and needed, especially after nearly five years of trying to gain that experience. Since I already had a strong fieldwork background from my major, I wanted to build my research experience because I want a career that combines both fieldwork and lab work. I might not have been able to get into the master’s program I’m starting without the experience I gained through the HERO program.
How did your experience as a HERO scholar prepare you for this role?
My experience as a HERO scholar prepared me for this role by giving me the opportunity to start in the CoEvolution Lab. I had no prior research or lab experience, so my HERO internship allowed me to learn basic lab procedures, DNA extraction techniques, and lab protocols. I also had the unique opportunity to help establish the lab, something not many undergraduates get to experience, since Dr. Shirsekar was a new faculty member. Since I already had the background and experience in the lab, my transition to research technician and lab manager was much smoother.
Can you share a piece of advice or a lesson you have learned from your experiences?
Mistakes and failed experiments are part of research and being a scientist. They offer valuable learning opportunities, and what matters most is how you handle them. The biggest thing is being able to learn, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
If someone wanted to get to where you are now, do you have any advice for them?
For one, I would say to have perseverance. There will be times when things are really difficult, and it becomes a struggle to see the end goal, like graduating with your bachelor’s degree. Have perseverance and know that things work out eventually; they just might not go exactly how you planned. Lastly, try different things, internships, and jobs to see the niche(s) you love the most in your field. Even if you didn’t like the job or internship, you now know that it is something that you don’t want to do in your career.
What is one moment from your time as a student that you’ll always remember?
I was at the Tennessee vs. Alabama game in October 2022 when the Vols won 52-49, and I rushed the field to join the other fans. I have been a Vol football fan my whole life, so having that experience as a student was incredible.
What are two of your favorite hobbies?
I love reading books and creating art. One of my favorite art activities is painting.
What is something on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish someday?
I would love to travel to Ireland and Scotland.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey or your goals for the future?
One of my goals for the future is to become an aquatic ecologist or biologist focusing on freshwater ecosystems.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
I am so happy and excited to say that this fall, I am pursuing my master’s degree at Texas A&M University focusing on freshwater mussel ecology.
