Rachel Emanuel

I am a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a B.S. in Biology and a Certificate in Global Health, currently seeking a full-time Medical Assistant or direct patient care position before applying to Physician Assistant school. As a Certified Nursing Assistant at the William S.

Middleton Memorial Veterans

Hospital, I gained hands-on experience providing compassionate care in a fast-paced medical-surgical unit while collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Through this experience, I developed strong clinical, communication, and organizational skills and discovered my passion for supporting patients during vulnerable moments. I am eager to continue expanding my clinical knowledge, assist providers in delivering exceptional patient care, and contribute to a collaborative healthcare team.

I am a quick learner, highly motivated, and committed to making a positive impact on both patients and the organizations I serve.

Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician at U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) (2025-09 – Present)

• Provided direct patient care for veterans on a 16-bed medical-surgical unit, supporting patients recovering from surgery, preparing for procedures, and managing acute medical conditions
• Collected and documented vital signs, blood glucose measurements, intake/output records, bladder scan results, and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to assist in patient monitoring
• Documented patient assessments, clinical observations, and care activities in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)
• Assisted patients with activities of daily living, mobility, ambulation, and personal hygiene while reporting changes in condition to nursing team
• Assisted with patient admissions, transfers, and discharges by preparing rooms, gathering supplies, orienting patients to the unit, and ensuring efficient transitions of care in a high-turnover, fast-paced medical-surgical environment
• Responded to patient needs with compassionate, patient-centered care while maintaining patient safety and supporting fall-prevention initiatives

Undergraduate Researcher at UW Laryngeal Physiology Laboratory (2024-02 – 2025-07)

• Conducted acoustic voice research using MATLAB and Audacity to analyze nonlinear voice measures and vocal fold physiology
• Performed data collection, acoustic analysis, statistical analysis, and scientific manuscript writing for a study evaluating nonlinear acoustic measures across phonemes, vocal intensities, and recording environments
• Co-developed a 37-slide scientific presentation on vocal fold physiology in gender-affirming voice surgery presented at the International Association of TransVoice Surgeons (IATVS) Conference in Seoul, South Korea
• Contributed to grant writing and literature reviews supporting the implementation of microlaryngoscopic surgical simulation training in otolaryngology residency programs
• Collaborated with physicians, graduate students, and fellow researchers to communicate findings, meet project deadlines, and prepare research products for publication, grant submission, and scientific presentation

Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of Wisconsin - Madison (2026-05)

Certificate in Global Health – University of Wisconsin - Madison (2026-05)