Dr Rachael Carrie

Profile

I am an interdisciplinary environmental researcher with interests that draw on the natural and social sciences to focus broadly on the relationships between aquatic systems and society.  I joined the University of Leeds in 2017 as Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the Newton (ESRC) funded project: Harnessing multiple benefits from resilient mangrove systems and I am now a Lecturer in Environment and Society. Before joining the University of Leeds, I conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Worcester and I completed by PhD research at the University of Lancaster. Prior to joining academia, I gained broad experience of linked environment-society issues in my work for the Environment Agency, as an environmental consultant, and with NGOs in Belize.

Research interests

I am interested in water security issues, the dynamic links between livelihoods and natural resource use, and the ways they are framed in environmental monitoring and assessment.  My recent work with the MUltidimensional rISK Assessment Research Team as part of the work by the Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub explores the implementation of a water security risk assessment toolkit with conservation organisations, government bodies and local communities in Belize, Central America. Previous work has explored relationships between mangroves, ecosystem services and coastal livelihoods in Northern Vietnam's Red River Delta, evaluated impacts associated with a landscape approach seeking to safeguard wetland ecosystem services and sustain rural livelihoods and wellbeing in Malawi, and explored ecological and social approaches for monitoring and assessing stream health in Belize. 

I am interested in freshwater ecology and river health, with a specific focus on Mesoamerica and macroinvertebrate based bio-assessment. In addition to contributing new species descriptions, range information, and the freshwater macroinvertebrate checklist for Belize, my research has been incorporated in national monitoring guidance, and built local capacity for freshwater assessment. I have particular research interest in supporting efforts to enhance river management in Belize. 

I am interested in better understanding how to recognise and support wellbeing in students studying sustainability topics. I work with a research team in the Sustainability Research Institute on the Wellbeing and Resilience in Sustainability Students project.

Qualifications

• PhD Aquatic Sciences, Lancaster Environment Centre
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Monitoring and Protection, University of Hertfordshire

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Student education

I have contributed to student education in the School of Earth and Environment since 2018, including the design and delivery of lectures, seminars, workshops and assessments, and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

I currently lead an undergraduate module that aims to build understanding about the complex interrelationships between human wellbeing and the natural environment. I also lead on and/or contribute to qualitative and mixed methods education for undergraduates and postgraduates and support the provision of education and guidance to postgraduates completing research projects.

Research groups and institutes

• Sustainability Research Institute
• Environment and Development