rachel berns grad photoWe caught up with last year’s Cheverton’s award winner Rachel Berns ’24 to hear about her research experience this year.

Tell me a little bit about your research experience with Crean’s Physical Therapy department. 

During the summer before my first year at Chapman, I took part in a back pain research study being conducted by Dr. Jo Armour Smith on the Rinker Campus, not thinking much of it at the time. Little did I know, I’d join that same study as a research assistant in my sophomore year. It was a unique experience getting to see the research process on the back end, having first been a participant before all else.

I was lucky to spend nearly two years in Dr. Smith’s Neuromechanics of Human Movement Lab, getting into the nitty gritty of trunk biomechanics, postural control, and their contributions to low back pain in young adults. She was truly the best mentor to start me on my journey and spark a love of research in me, as she guided me through my first Chapman symposium posters, to presentations at national conferences, and still to this day teaches me more as we work on a paper for publication.

After graduating from Chapman in May 2024, I took on a more involved research role in the Department of Physical Therapy, joining Dr. Natalia Sanchez’s Gait Behavior Lab and Department Chair, Dr. Shawn Farrokhi’s, Running Lab. Since August, it’s been one big crash course in acquiring new technical skills for biomechanical research, improving my scientific communication skills, working alongside DPT students to connect community members with rehabilitative resources, and lots more fun in between!

Can you share a moment when a professor, advisor, or classmate made a big difference in your decision to pursue research?

I was on a pre-clinical route for the majority of my undergraduate experience, despite several professors/advisors pointing out that I seemed a lot more drawn to research and academia. I was really resistant to pivoting plans, after spending so much time prepping for a clinical career, but a dear friend of mine (and stellar ‘24 alumnus) said in a simple but incredibly influential text: “You were built to reach more people than individual patient care.” Her words, amongst the backdrop of encouragement for many of my mentors, put the necessary pep in my step to fully embrace research, and now here I am!

What’s your favorite hidden gem on campus or around town that new students have to check out?

While it’s not-so-hidden, I know far too many students who went their entire Chapman experience without visiting the Hilbert Museum. Especially with its recent renovations, it’s a really beautiful, educational, and most importantly, free experience on campus. Who doesn’t love having an art museum right next to their 4 PM class?

rachel berns dance show group photo

If you could describe your experience at Chapman in one word, what would it be—and why? 

If I could describe my experience at Chapman in a single word, it would be: catalyzing. The foundations I laid during college have propelled me toward success, and I feel like my personal and professional selves grew exponentially during my time at Chapman. Chapman sparked my love for research and teaching, really setting my entire career path into motion. And, as a former/future science major, I’d be remiss not to sum up my experience with a biological term!

rachel berns with pete the panther

 

What are your future plans?

I am excited to be starting my PhD in Biokinesiology at the University of Southern California (USC) in the Fall! I’ll be conducting research relating to perinatal health and the biomechanics underlying common pregnancy and postpartum-related pain in new mothers. After graduate school, I look forward to contributing further to the rehabilitation sciences as a professor at the University level, as well as in roles of educational leadership.

Congratulations Rachel! We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck at USC!

rachel berns paws up