Rachel LaBella

Rachel LaBella has held a variety of roles in the fields of research and education since 2010. Rachel began their career as a Lab Assistant at UCLA in 2010, followed by a Fisheries Observer position at QuanTech, Inc. in 2012. In the same year, they also worked as a Shark Research and Conservation Research Assistant at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where they spearheaded an independent project on population and feeding dynamics of green sea turtles and tiger sharks. In 2013, LaBella was a Research Assistant at the New England Aquarium, assisting with ongoing research in the John H. Prescott Marine Laboratory. Rachel then worked as a Research Assistant at Northeastern University in 2014, helping with current graduate student research projects in the Dr. Jon Grabowski lab. In 2015, they were the Head Coach at Gentle Giant Rowing Club. From 2016 to 2021, LaBella worked at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where they served as a Teaching Assistant for Intro to Biology, a R Technician Data Carpentry Workshop, and a Research Assistant. In 2021, they took on the role of Research Technician at Travera.

Rachel LaBella earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2011, majoring in Marine Biology and Conservation Biology. In 2016, they began their Master of Science degree at UMass Boston, majoring in Biology, General and is expected to complete it in 2021. In 2013, they obtained a Dive Master certification from PADI and in 2012, they obtained a Boating License from NJSP Marine Service Bureau. Rachel also holds certifications in CPR/AED from the American Red Cross and Emergency First Responder from PADI.