June 24, 2008
Rochanda Mitchell
Fisk University, B.A. '04
School of Graduate Studies, '06, nutrition
Birthplace: South Pittsburg, Tennessee
Current home: Wickliffe, Ohio
Biology major Rochanda Mitchell came to Fisk University with the goal of satisfying her prerequisites for medical school. The size, proximity, and reputation of the private, liberal arts, historically black college won her over.
She participated in several organizations to support her interest in science and children, including a tutoring program at Nashville's Mt. Zion Church, the Big Sisters Mentoring and Etiquette Program, and Feed the Children. She joined the Pre-Health Careers Club and was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Ms. Mitchell also made time to be a resident assistant, providing leadership, oversight, and support to young women who lived in her residence hall.
Though involved in many activities, Ms. Mitchell maintained a high G.P.A. to continue to receive scholarship support. She graduated cum laude in 2004 and won the Beta Kappa Chi scientific honors club award.
Ms. Mitchell wanted to attend graduate school and decided to major in nutrition. "The field of nutrition is becoming more interesting due to the increase of preventable metabolic disorders that are associated with diet, and it complemented my undergraduate degree in biology."
Much like her decision to attend Fisk, Case Western Reserve University's emerging reputation in biomedical engineering captured her attention, as did the inviting atmosphere of the campus and faculty members she met during a visit. She received an academic scholarship and began her studies later that year.
She worked as a research assistant and focused on diabetes, neuropathy, pain, signal transduction and Schwann cells. She also worked with a research team to publish an abstract about diabetes.
Ms. Mitchell, the daughter of Willie James and Danita, completed her graduate coursework in May 2006, earning a Master of Science in nutrition. Tragically, her father died in late summer 2006.
"My experience at Fisk and Case Western Reserve has properly groomed me to advance in today's society. I have a better understanding of who I am by participating in Fisk University's rich legacy and history, and I have a greater appreciation of science and technology from Case Western Reserve University's exceptional training in scientific discovery. Both universities exemplify academia at its best."
Posted by: Heidi Cool June 24, 2008 11:07 AM
Category: Alumni
, Legacy
, School of Graduate Studies