Rachel Engstrand

Rachel Engstrand's work experience began in 2007 as a Researcher at the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History, where they worked on conservation genetics projects and conducted independent research projects on agricultural pests. Rachel then joined the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where they assisted in research on tropical plant genetic diversity. In 2010, they became a Research Assistant at the Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History, continuing their work on conservation genetics. Rachel then pursued a graduate degree in Evolutionary Biology as a Graduate Student in the Erasmus Mundus Master Programme, completing two theses at Harvard University and Universite Montpellier II. After obtaining their degree, they worked as a Research Coordinator at Asociación para la Conservación de la Cuenca Amazónica, where they coordinated and managed research activities at a tropical field station. Rachel then joined Fordham University as a Research Manager, managing the operations of a genomics research laboratory and conducting primary research projects. At Stanford University, they worked as a Conservation Researcher and later as an Assistant Instructor, conducting research on the environmental and social impacts of illegal gold mining in Peru and teaching various courses. Rachel joined Wake Forest University CEES as a Forest Conservation Consultant, where they designed and conducted forest conservation projects and contributed to the Peruvian government's gold mining policies. Rachel also worked as a Spatial Analytics Consultant, consulting with clients on satellite data and analysis for sustainable development projects. Rachel is currently working at Pachama, initially as a Forest Carbon Scientist and now as the Applied Science Team Lead. Rachel'sresponsibilities include leading the team, conducting research, and contributing to the development of forest carbon projects.

Rachel Engstrand completed their education as follows:

- From 2015 to 2021, Rachel attended Stanford University, where they earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources.

- In 2012, Rachel studied at Harvard University, obtaining a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

- In the same year, 2012, they also pursued a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Universite Montpellier 2.

- Prior to that, from 2011 to 2012, Rachel obtained another Master of Science (MSc) degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Groningen.

- Rachel's undergraduate studies were completed at New York University from 2006 to 2010, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology.

In addition to their formal education, Rachel also holds two certifications without specified completion dates. Rachel is a PADI Open Water Diver certified by PADI and has completed Wilderness/Remote Location First Aid training provided by NOLS Wilderness Medicine.