olfaction, gustatory, vestibular, and proprioception). She can view things at a microscopic level or smell things by chemical composition. She also appears to have the ability to detect when people are lying, by judging microexpressions, increased sweat, pupil dilation, and increased heart rate. Rachel also seems to have extensive knowledge of chemicals, food ingredients, and fabrics. Dr. Rosen speculated that she's been aware of her Alpha abilities since birth. In the episode "Never Let Me Go", she confided that her family always wanted to "cure her" of her condition's "unusual side-effects" (such as sensory overload, selective sound sensitivity, and extreme sensitivity to germs) directly caused by her Alpha ability. She lived with Alpha teammate Nina Theroux for a while before moving back with her parents while Dr. Rosen was locked up for trying to reveal the existence of Alphas to the world. Her family are Afghan immigrants, where her father was a doctor but his medical license is not recognised in the United States. He is now the owner of a dry cleaning business for many years. A recurring plot line is Rachel's family trying to find her a husband. Her friendship with Nina is ruined when Nina, overwhelmed by her abilities, pushes Rachel to kiss her at a club, and took many episodes for her to forgive her. She can overcome exposure of someone if she has repetitive contact with them. John Bennett is currently trying to establish a relationship with her. Nina Theroux (Laura Mennell) – A carefree individual who has the Alpha ability to 'push' people into doing whatever she asks of them. This form of persuasive mind control requires her to not only provide verbal commands, but she must also have eye contact with the individual she is pushing. It is revealed that Nina cannot push everyone she pleases. As her abilities work like hypnosis, some individuals are more resistant to the influence of her suggestions. It is revealed that Alpha partner Gary is just such an individual. It is also revealed that she is not immune to the influence of other pushers. It is alluded to that out of all of the groups she has been with Dr. Rosen the longest. Because of her time with Rosen, Nina constantly expresses her fears of being the next to be institutionalized. She later reveals that she pushed her ex-boyfriend to suicide by accident during a time when