Rachel Budavich is a dedicated educator at Oral Roberts University, committed to guiding students through critical stages of their academic journeys. She teaches general education biology for nursing and education majors, as well as biomedical ethics, equipping students to navigate the ethical challenges of healthcare and science. With a strong emphasis on study skills, time management, and a Christian worldview, Rachel encourages her students to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their studies and ethical decision-making, particularly as they face the rigorous demands of science courses.
Outside the classroom, Rachel serves as the Chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department and Director of Pre-med Advisement. She also leads a vibrant medical botany lab working closely with the Biological Sciences Center pollinator gardens, manages the Thurman Medical Botany Greenhouse, and focuses on the study of Aroids using plant tissue cultures. Her lab also experiments with growing plants in different substrates and explores various propagation methods. Her passion for plants and hands-on learning is evident in her commitment to providing students with meaningful research experiences.
Rachel has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, receiving the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award for the Department of Biology and Chemistry (2012-13) and the College of Science and Engineering (2012-13). She earned her B.S. in Biology from Oral Roberts University in 2004 and her M.A. in Bioethics from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, in 2008. Her mission is to inspire students to approach their studies with curiosity, resilience, and a vision for making a positive impact on the world.