Senior Anna Newman is a biological chemistry major with a passion deeper than just science.

As an active student on campus, Newman is a member of the women’s basketball team, Younglife, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Boone Honors Program, and serves as the community service chair for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Now, she is the founder of The Root System, too–a public health initiative for all.

“The root system is an idea I had in early high school,” explains Newman. “Instead of treating the symptoms of an illness or disease, we should get to the root cause of the problem and prevent it by doing more research and using education to teach people what we learn about protecting their health so we can make informed decisions.”

Although The Root System might be new to the world, its concepts and ideals are not to Newman.

“The Root System is something I’ve felt called to for a really long time and one day I just decided to start,” Newman says. “I knew I didn’t have the resources to make the root system what I want in the future yet, but there is plenty of research out there that I could go ahead and start pushing out information on.”

The Root System operates with research, outreach, and service and is rooted in both science and faith.

“The mission for now is to educate people and empower them to take care of their bodies the way God intended,” offers Newman. “For now, since I don’t have many resources, I’m mainly reading research articles and trying to present them in a way that’s easier to read and put them together. This way, people are more likely to learn how to take care of their health.”

The Root System is accessible online via its website and through Instagram, where Newman publishes — about relevant, researched subjects that effect all, such as Circadian Rhythm regulation, the effects of synthetic fragrances, and more.

Newman also engages in community service projects, which she hopes to expand upon as graduation nears.

“Over winter break, I collected extra food from breakfast bags that teammates and friends were willing to donate to keep that food from being wasted and took it to the Stepping Stone Mission in Rocky Mount,” notes Newman. “Over summer, I am planning to really start pursuing the service aspect and am hoping to get connected with local service organizations and churches in my area.”

Newman hopes to further her roots in Christ this summer as well.

“I am also applying for a ministry program that would be over the summer learning how to do ministry and serving a community,” she explains. “I am really hoping to get this position and be able to serve in a community for a few weeks and learn more about how to do ministry.”

Newman’s peers could not be happier to support her efforts. First-year Brynn Ferguson, as a friend and teammate, speaks with only smiles when it comes to both Newman and The Root System.

“Anna is one of my teammates on the women’s basketball team, but also a good friend to me,” begins Ferguson. “She is a very kind person, always smiling and there to cheer you up. I think the root system is a great opportunity to help people understand how to improve their health in God’s design. I am excited to see the impact that The Root System will have and see people come to know Jesus.”

Junior Franklin Melton agrees.

“The root system is something Anna is extremely passionate about, and I couldn’t be happier for her that she’s finally getting it started. She’s putting in a lot of effort to try and start making an impact, and I think as she develops it, she is really going to be able to make a difference in people’s lives.

And an impact is just what Newman plans to have.

“In the future I want it to be a system of research, education,” she says, “and then service to prevent healthcare problems before they start.”