Rachel Ali Rodriguez, Ph.D., plays a multi-faceted role that includes academic advising, major/career planning for assigned caseloads, and coordinating innovative high-impact programming/events for first-year and upper-class students. Additionally, she serves as the Honors College (HC) Peer Mentor Program Coordinator, where she provides leadership and oversight for this important initiative.

Drawing on her extensive background in teaching, research, and mentorship, Rodriguez empowers students throughout their educational journeys. She is committed to providing student-centered services by tailoring her advising strategies to meet students’ needs, adapting to their skills, personalities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, she employs an appreciative and holistic approach to academic advising to help students recognize their strengths and guide them toward success.

A proud three-time alumna of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Rachel earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience in 2021, a master’s degree in psychology in 2019, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 2014. As an undergraduate, she was a recipient of the Engelstad Scholarship and a member of the Honors College. Her research focused on neurodevelopment under typical conditions as well as in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and developmental epilepsies.

Rodriguez is passionate about making a difference in people's lives and wants to give back the extraordinary experience she had during her time at the Honors College. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, trying new foods, and exploring new places.