Abigail Rakowitz

Children's Healthcare, Illness, Legacy, and Loss Lab at Vanderbilt University (8/15/24-present); Mentor Dr. Jessika Boles

Explored interventions and services that would enhance pediatric healthcare by focusing on the experience of hospitalized children. Interviewed 4 siblings of PICU patients, transcribed their experiences, and helped make conclusions for implementing further support for them. Attended weekly lab meetings and collaborated with graduate students with interview practice. Received 3 hours of course credit for 10 hours a week of research.

St. Jude Research Hospital Philanthropy Chair, Delta Delta Delta August 2023- August 2024

70 hours. Appointed the chair position within Delta Delta Delta in charge of all communication to St. Jude to facilitate philanthropic events and volunteering. Raised $4,000 through a combination of profit-sharing workout classes, dunk tank events, organization-wide fundraising initiatives, and other activities.

Group Leader for Volunteers for Health Fall 2022-Present

55 hours. Led a team of four students to design and teach weekly health education lessons for kindergarteners in schools without health programs in the Nashville area, covering topics like exercise, emotional health, oral hygiene, and nutrition while organizing lesson plans and practice sessions to ensure effective delivery.

Family Relations Committee Member for Anchorthon Fall 2023-Present

40 hours. Supported families and children from Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt during AnchorDay, a 10-hour fundraising event, by organizing and providing entertainment such as festival games and hourly dances while ensuring each family's needs were met throughout the day. Together with other committees helped raise over $164,000 in one day.

Outreach Committee Member for Camp Kesem Fall 2022-Present

60 hours. Collaborated with Nashville companies as part of the Outreach Committee for Camp Kesem, sending emails and establishing contacts to secure donations for a fully free, student-organized summer camp supporting children through and beyond their parent's cancer. Raised over $3,000 personally so that 6 children could go to camp.

Peer Mentor for Pre-Dental Society Fall 2024-Present

10 hours. Mentored two underclassmen, offering guidance on coursework and academic planning. Shared personal experiences and insights into pre-dental studies to support mentees in navigating their academic and career paths effectively.