Favorite animal and ecosystem:
Great Blue Heron. Maybe not the rarest of birds, but to me they are beautiful and wild in an almost prehistoric way, graceful, patient and adaptable. Favorite habitat is probably a tie between northeastern hardwood forests and CA salt marshes.
Favorite thing to do when not working:
I have lots of favorites; gardening, hiking, paddling and hanging with my littles.
Role model:
Rachel Carson – total trailblazer for women in science!
Childhood career ambition:
An “explorer.” I think I imagined myself a female Indiana Jones meets Rachel Carson? Ziplines and caves were definitely involved.
Music that instantly puts Rachel in a good mood:
James Brown
Rachel is originally from:
Meadville, PA
Special talent:
I LOVE to cook and especially love to experiment with new foods and interesting combinations.
Most memorable experience in nature:
Banf and Jasper National Parks in B.C. was one of the most stunning nature-inspired trips we have taken.
Favorite food:
Homemade pasta and sauce – Grandma’s recipe.
Further Reading
Get to know Senior Engineering Technician Cody SmoutMeet Interdisciplinary Water Resources Engineer Emily Dubois
Get to Know Administrative Assistant Anne Berg
Jaye Hoyte Hayes reflects on his experience as a Biohabitats intern
Alyssa Burton’s experience as a Biohabitats intern
Get to know Senior Restoration Ecologist, Rachel Spadafore