​Rachel's studies began with research on women's leadership in Palestinian refugee camps, a project for the UN Women's Program in Lebanon (UNRWA, 2008). ​

​​

Her current PhD project was Rise: An exploration of risk, inclusion + psychological safety in mountain guiding + avalanche professions worldwide. They are pioneered feminist research in the mountain guiding and avalanche profession by bringing voices from the margins to the centre. This project focuses on applying hard-fought lessons learned from 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC, female, and trauma-affected guides to culture change.

​

Their MA research on wildland fire leadership, The Wildfire Within: Firefighter perspectives on gender and leadership in wildland fire, offered a ground-breaking and industry-changing perspective. It was the first project of its kind to engage firefighters in open dialogue about gender, using technology to create a safe space, in the midst of a wildland fire community. 

​

It was nominated by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for the Nelson Mandela Award (2016), awarded the recommendation of distinction by Royal Roads University (2017), and nominated for the Governor General's Gold Medal Award (2017).

​

​​

For Rachel's work on diversity and inclusion in the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, she was awarded the Silver Distinguished Member Service award.

​

For custom workshops, research assistance, or speaking engagements, contact her here.

​