Bio
Hi everyone! I’m Rachel. I was born and raised in the SF Bay Area, California. Currently, I continue to live, teach, research, and adventure in my hometown.
While working and competing in the performing arts, I attended the local community college. Best decision ever! I transferred to UC Santa Cruz as a marine biology major. Living and studying on the beautiful campus was pretty amazing. But my first chemistry class did not go so well, and prompted a change to the Environmental Studies Deaprtment.
The professors, classes, and learning experiences in the ENVS department were a great fit. I finished my B.A. degree in 2007. During this time, several internships fostered a love of applied science and outdoor education. I taught school kids about the ocean. Wrote a land management plan for Antonelli Pond. Prepared archives of legal documents. I also worked with a lumber company to sustainably harvest trees.
After working for a year in conservation land management and experiential education, I returned to school. At San Jose State University, I earned a M.S. in Environmental Studies in 2011. My thesis research focused on coast redwood forests. I studied their ability to survive and regrow after several wildfires.
The deparment offered me the opportunity to teach a few classes the semester after graduation. And I never looked back! Today, I continue to teach in the Environmental Studies Department at SJSU. While I teach a range of classes, my favorites are field-based! Additionally, I work with current graduate students and mentor undergraduates.
Want to know how I got interested in teaching outdoors? Then check out this post with a funny story from my childhood!