Rachel uses principles from geography, economics and conservation biology to explore what works, where and why in conservation. Using methods including archival research, spatial analysis and impact evaluation, she studies how conservation systems (including protected areas and indigenous lands, among others) change over time. This work includes pioneering research on how protected areas have been altered and lost around the world (PADDD), and the resulting ecological, economic and social impacts.

Rachel is an award-winning speaker and has published in leading peer-reviewed journals, including Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and Conservation Biology. She is an active member of the Society for Conservation Biology, Graduate Women in Science, and the Association for American Geographers. Rachel holds Ph.D. in environmental science and policy from George Mason University, an M.S. in sustainable development and conservation biology from the University of Maryland, and a B.A. in biology with a specialization in ecology and conservation biology from Boston University.