When Rachael Bazzell graduates from Indiana University High School (IUHS) this month, she’ll already be well on her way to earning a degree in biochemistry and making her dream of becoming a cancer researcher a reality.
As a child, Bazzell dreamed of becoming a doctor. In grade school, a perceptive teacher encouraged her participation in the school science fair, where she became enamored of the scientific process. Her career aspirations evolved further after watching loved ones battle, and then succumb to, cancer. “My science research projects have evolved from the typical grade school projects to my current interest in herbal treatments and the hope they hold for cancer treatment,” said Bazzell. “My last science research project involved testing the antibiotic effectiveness of several herbs in comparison to antibiotics commonly used today. Garlic proved to be very promising.”
Bazzell was determined to maximize her high school experience so that she could enter Purdue University as a biochemistry major. She took dual-credit courses in math and science at the Purdue University North Central (PNC) campus. In addition, she became a student at Indiana University High School, which was not only accredited, but which would apply Bazzell’s PNC credits toward an honors diploma. “Through IUHS, I was able to complete my high school requirements while pursuing math, chemistry, English, and Spanish courses at PNC both semesters of my senior year,” said Bazzell. “In addition to the challenge offered by this course of study, IUHS will enable me to earn a much-desired honors diploma.”
In addition to the course work Bazzell has been completing at PNC and IUHS, she also volunteers once a week in the emergency room of the local hospital. She is also a baton twirler and baton coach.
If Bazzell’s persistence in getting the best possible preparation for her future career is any indication, her future — and the future of cancer sufferers — holds a great deal of promise.
