Rachel Rizzo

Hello! I am a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major in the Honors College at the University of South Carolina, and I am from Marlton, New Jersey.

I began working with my mentor Dr. Newman-Norlund the first semester of my freshman year, learning the development and programming skills necessary to make 2D video game apps. During the fall semester of 2016, I completed an independent study under his guidance in which the purpose was to create and distribute a 2D video game app designed to address social motor skills in children with Autism. It was eye opening to see such fun and accessible platforms utilized in a research setting, and it encouraged me to think of other ways video games and apps can be used to help people.

This past year I began treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder after years of battling with internalized stigma of my mental illness, so this project is near and dear to my heart. I am fortunate enough to have access to the incredible mental health services available at USC, and I would love the opportunity to provide a resource that will help improve quality of life for those who do not have access to professional mental health treatment.

Besides school and research, I spend my time devouring novels, attempting to write my own, and petting as many dogs as possible. My favorite movie is The Incredibles, my favorite TV show is Stranger Things, and my favorite dessert is a good cannoli.

Email: coolbrainfacts@gmail.com Twitter: @RachelRizzo1

March 2017