Research Interests: Evaluating the social drivers and determinants of health in the United States and their impact on emergency department utilization and recurrence rates. She is particularly interested in examining how case management teams and healthcare liaisons can facilitate effective transitions from acute care to sustainable long-term treatment. Through this research, Rachael aims to identify multifaceted strategies to reduce preventable emergency department visits, alleviate unnecessary financial strain on healthcare systems, and improve continuity of care for vulnerable patient populations.
Rachael Pechie is an Honors student currently pursuing a double major in Nursing and Health Psychology with a minor in Honors Studies at Eastern Washington University. She graduated with an Associate Degree in Healthcare Science in 2023 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Dean’s List, and EWU’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, a state-funded initiative to diversify the STEM workforce. Alongside her rigorous interdisciplinary coursework, she was selected for the prestigious McNair Scholars Program in Winter 2025, which supports students preparing for advanced graduate study. Rachael is a first-generation student currently working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and plans to pursue graduate education to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Her academic and professional goals reflect a strong commitment to improving access to equitable healthcare and serving her local community through compassionate, patient-centered care. She is particularly dedicated to supporting underserved and underrepresented populations who are disproportionately impacted by social drivers and determinants of health.
Beyond her academic achievements, Rachael is passionate about environmental stewardship, community engagement, and promoting accessible health education through community-based wellness initiatives. She is an active volunteer with the Idaho Trails Association, contributing to trail conservation and preservation, and has participated in EWU’s Honors Experience class studying the Spokane River and the cultural and environmental impacts of climate change. Through this work, she explored how threats posed by climate change extend beyond biophysical changes to include implications for cultural survival, community identity, and the arts. Rachael has also led community service initiatives through EWU Honors, including volunteering with a local community center to support wellness education seminars. To increase accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations and other barriers, she recorded and shared the seminars on a virtual-based platform, helping extend health education to a broader audience. Living by the motto “be the change you want to see in the world,” her community service and work ethic reflects a commitment to empowering people with knowledge and supporting underserved populations – values that continue to guide her future career in nursing.
2026 EWU Faculty Research Mentor: Coming summer 2026!
Research Title: Coming summer 2026!
Abstract: Coming summer 2026!
