Meet Rachel Pizzolato | Model…Maker…Mythbuster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Pizzolato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When we think about taking risks, we usually associate risk with possible failure and look at it as a bad thing. However, failure should be looked at as a good outcome. If we go into a project with an open mind, it allows us to analyze why something failed, make changes, and try again – That is how we learn! As a Mythbuster, one of our main themes is, “Failure is always an option!” The unknown can be a very scary thing, and fear of the unknown and failure tend to prevent us from reaching our goals and fulfilling our dreams. I believe that we should always Dream BIG, shoot for the stars, and never fear failure because when we fail…we learn! Those lessons learned will help us throughout our lives and be there for us when life doesn’t go as planned. So, I feel that it is important to enjoy life and, “Go for it!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multitalented, award-winning scientist and Patent-Pending inventor, published writer and poet, fashion and runway model, National Champion Trampolinist, as well as, an actor starring in Discovery Science Channel’s – MythBusters Jr. My inventions have garnered success at the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair where I won the Grand Award in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. I have competed in many National and International Competitions such as Broadcom MASTERS (2016, 2017, and 2018) Coolest Projects (2019 & 2020), the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (2019, 2020, and 2022), and the International Science and Engineering Fair – ISEF (2019, 2020, and 2022). Recently, I was selected as Top 300 for the 2022 Regeneron Science Talent Search which is the largest science fair for high school seniors in the country, and I placed 3rd at the 2022 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). In 2016, I was awarded, from MIT, a minor planet named after me called Pizzolato 33187. Recently, I also won Akron’s Global Polymer Academy’s National Award in Science and Engineering and an award for my research into reducing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, commonly known at CTE, from Tulane’s Brain Institute. My writing has garnered awards from NASA and in 2018, I won the AIAA National NASA essay competition for my article entitled, “Astronauts – The Right Stuff Indeed!”

Fashion has been a huge part of my life since I was very young, and I have walked the fashion runway for internationally renowned designers such as Stevie Boi and Brick Allen, and I have been on the covers of international fashion magazines such as Smith and Gale, Moevier, Institute, Chaarmz, and Style Cruze. One of the coolest things that have happened to me was that Style Cruz recently named me the “Fashion Industry’s New Darling.”

My dream is to be Miss Universe, and I compete in the USA pageant system. I have won numerous beauty pageants including the 2018 Miss Pre-Teen New Orleans, 2018 Pre-Teen Miss Louisiana State, and 2018 Pre-Teen Greater Gulf States Supreme. In 2020 I placed 1st Runner-Up in the 2021 Miss Louisiana Teenage USA and 2nd Runner-Up in the 2022 Miss Louisiana Teenage USA. Currently, I am the reigning 2022 Miss Pelican State Teen USA and will represent the Pelican State pageant at the 2023 Miss Louisiana Teen USA pageant in February.

Gymnastics is a huge part of my life. I am a National Champion gymnast, and my dreams include competing in the 2028 & 2032 Olympics as a trampolinist. My skills on the trampoline have allowed me to further my career in movies and acting, and I am currently working on numerous projects that allow me to do my own stunts and utilize the skills I have developed through years of competitive gymnastics.

Beyond the beauty, brains, and athleticism, I have a passion for science fiction and enjoy performing at comic cons. I can routinely be seen performing at San Diego Comic-Con, FanExpo, Wizard World, CyPhaCon, Big Easy Con, Siouxpercon, and STEM festivals around the country cosplaying an array of characters including Catwoman, Elektra, Wonder Woman, and Rosie the Riveter. Currently, I am working on my own original character that will debut sometime in 2022.

Social media is a big part of my life, and I am a social media influencer with 1.8 million followers on TikTok and 697,000 followers on Instagram. I try to use my social media presence to help others by promoting various charitable causes, and also in many ways including collecting donations for the Salvation Army’s kettle drive, delivering food to needy families, serving communities in cities throughout the country, and helping with food and clothing collections and distributions. Over the past few years, I have attended many events in Southern California to help promote The Easter Seals Foundation and St. Jude Research, and I have used my social media presence to promote those organizations around the world.

Animals have a special place in my heart, and I routinely donate my time to help animals in areas throughout the country. When not working with the SPCA to promote the humane treatment of animals, one of my favorite hobbies is talking with kids and encouraging them to dream big and to follow those dreams by participating in the activities that they enjoy and are passionate about!!! I feel that it is extremely important to cultivate young minds and show them that there are people out there that are behind them and want to see them succeed! I want to show them that if they put their minds to something, there is nothing that can’t be accomplished. I want to instill in them to ask questions and be inquisitive in all areas of their lives. I feel that it is important to encourage kids to explore their interests with a passion! Most of all, I want to encourage everyone to, “Dream Big!”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I enjoy everything about San Diego! However, the first place I would take someone, who has never been to San Diego, would be Torrey Pines Beach. The atmosphere is absolutely incredible and everyone is always having fun… Plus, the beaches are amazing with the sunny skies and the cool water of the Pacific Ocean lapping the shores. I would also trek over to the Sunset Cliffs National Park and enjoy the wonderful views and experience the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. After the beach, I would venture on over to the Gaslamp Quarter to sample some of the wonderful food that is available throughout the area. My favorite place to eat in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Rockin’ Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina, and my favorite dish is the “Epic Burrito!” It is so flavorful, and when coupled with unlimited chips and salsa, it is a meal that will both fill you up and satisfy your palate. Also, I would encourage visitors to travel to San Diego to experience Comic-Con. It is such an intense gathering of comic book and superhero movie fans. There is so much to do and see at the Comic-Con over its three-day run. As far as accommodations, I love the Marriot Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter because of its upscale amenities, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to enjoy a few nights in San Diego. Its close proximity to all the restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter heightens the appeal. Other places that I would recommend seeing are the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and finally, if sports are on the menu, I would encourage visitors to hike on over to Petco Park to catch (pun intended) a Padre’s game!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to everyone who has been there for me throughout this incredible journey,,,

First, I want to thank my dad. He has been my rock and has been there through every success and…every failure! He has always encouraged me to dream BIG and shoot for the stars!! I also want to thank my mom for everything that she does for and with me. She has been an instrumental part of all of my success. Also, I want to thank Bill Rainey for being an incredible mentor, for believing in all my dreams, and for being behind me 100%. I want to thank my photographers, Lance Houston, and Albert Ortega for capturing so many incredible images through the years and for being great friends! I want to give a special thanks to Cody and Kendrik from ChauChic fashion and Debra Ales from Dbydesignshop for always making me look “red carpet” fabulous! I also want to give a special thanks to Cherie Kelly for her incredible generosity throughout my pageant journey. There are so many others who have helped me along the way, and I would like to thank all of my fellow creators, family members, and friends for their undying support. Finally, I would like to thank Miss Cathy Boucvault, my science mentor, teacher, and friend. She was there every step of the way, throughout my middle and high school years, and she is always there for me as I continue this incredible journey through life. Thanks so much!!!

Website:  https://beautyandbrainswithatwist.com/

Instagram: Beautyandbrainswithatwist

Twitter: Braintwist2112

Facebook: Beautyandbrainswithatwist

Youtube: Rachel Pizzolato Link – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyNlnI6hQO3pVHswmGYvQxA

Image Credits
USAG