Dr Rachael Carrie

Profile

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.  I gained my PhD from the Environment Centre at the University of Lancaster in 2014, before conducting postdoctoral research at the University of Worcester.  Prior to working in academia, I gained broad experience of sustainability issues from my work with the Environment Agency, as an environmental consultant, and with local and international NGOs.

Research interests

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 have particular interest in the dynamic links between rural livelihoods and natural resource use, and the ways they are framed in environmental monitoring and assessment.   My current work uses GIS and livelihood approaches to explore relationships between mangroves, ecosystem services and coastal livelihoods in Northern Vietnam's Red River Delta. I have worked previously in Malawi to evaluate impacts associated with a landscape approach seeking to safeguard wetland ecosystem services and sustain rural livelihoods and wellbeing. My doctoral research explored ecological and social approaches for monitoring and assessing stream health in southern Belize, and I maintain close working links with academics, students and practitioners working in Central America. 

I am also 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. 

Qualifications

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

Professional memberships

• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Research groups and institutes

• Sustainability Research Institute
• Environment and Development