Rachel has had psoriatic spondylitis for about 12 years and psoriasis since she was born. Her mother, grandfather, and several other relatives also have spondylitis, and spondylitis can be traced back at least 5 generations in her family. Rachel grew up in the Indianapolis, IN area with her mother and brother. When she was 6 Rachel decided that she was going to be a research scientist and find a cure for spondylitis. She is still working toward that goal. Rachel is a graduate student at University of Michigan working towards a PhD in immunology. She is currently working on her dissertation in Dr. David Fox's lab. In her spare time Rachel enjoys singing, cooking, walking, talking with her mom, and activities at her church. She enjoys teaching and hopes to become a professor, but in the meantime enjoys teaching others about spondylitis.