Rachel was born and raised in Whitehorse, and has spent much of her life here. She holds a BSc in Environmental Sciences from UNBC (2001) and an MSc in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies also from UNBC (2016). Her undergraduate thesis investigated metal levels in plants around the former lead/zinc mine at Faro. Her Masters thesis involved co-pyrolysis of organic feedstocks with mine tailings intending to create the beginings of an artificial soil (biochar/tailings) mixture using varying content ratios, temperatures, and organic sources. Among many lessons learned, perhaps the most importatnt was: if life ever presents you with an electron microscope at your disposal, take the opportunity and bring some dead bugs.
Most of Rachel’s career has been loosely based around environmental assessment, environmental regulation, environmental effects of development (specifically transportation infrastructure and mining), and management and remediation of mine sites. Currently, she applies her skills as a research professional with the Climate Change Research group. She is working on developing agricultural related research and various other initiatives.
Rachel is food-motivated and likes to travel. Unlike most personal bios at YukonU, Rachel does not really enjoy outdoor winter sports. Consequently, she spends much of February wondering why she lives here but is rather attached to the place. In summer, there is nowhere she would rather be. She persists in attempting to grow tomatoes without a greenhouse and has recently branched out into various questionable fruit and berry choices for this climate.