Rachel joined EMEC in the summer of 2019 whilst completing her Masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Nottingham Trent University, starting a full time position in February 2020 after her graduation with Distinction. She gained extensive ecological experience over the 2018 survey season on placement in Devon and is enthusiastically building her experience as an ecologist in her new role. Prior to her masters degree, Rachel enjoyed many volunteer roles in environmental education and practical conservation in the UK, and pursued a passion for birds studying ornithology in Canada. She plans to build her diverse ecological skills and licences, including botany and birds, in her career.