Rachel Roberts serves as Student Services Coordinator at the Bredesen Center providing academic advising and support to graduate students in the three interdisciplinary doctoral programs offered at UT-ORII in Energy Science and Engineering, Data Science and Engineering, and Genome Science and Technology.

Roberts is originally from Atlanta and graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in English. Roberts has lived in Knoxville since 2013 and it is where her heart will always be! Prior to the Bredesen Center, Roberts served the UT Health Science Center as medical student coordinator for seven years, working closely with third- and fourth-year medical students in fulfilling their clinical requirements. Roberts then worked for one year serving as residency program coordinator supporting general surgery residents completing training to become board-certified physicians. Prior to UT, Roberts worked at her alma mater in various student service roles. Roberts has a combined eleven years’ experience in higher education.

Roberts was drawn to the Bredesen Center for its interdisciplinary nature and ability to bridge various departments across campus in collaboration with ORNL. It is an exciting experience for her watching these programs expand and being a part of the process. Serving the students as an advisor is a dream come true for her. Roberts looks forward to engaging with our diverse student population and fostering their relationship in research.

Roberts loves watching films and her favorite genre is film noir. You can also find her cheering on her favorite sports teams with her husband. They are big Vols, Predators, and Braves fans! Outside of sports they also enjoy traveling, mountain biking, and weightlifting.