Dr Rachel Oldroyd

Profile

Rachel is a Lecturer in Spatial Data Science based within the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy in the School of Geography. Rachel joined the University’s academic staff in 2013 and has since completed a PhD in Big Data and Food Safety (2021), she also has an MSc in Computing Science (2012) and a BSc (Hons.) in Geographic Information Science (2011), both from Newcastle University. Rachel is passionate about widening participation and addressing underrepresentation within Higher Education. She is involved in the University’s student access and success networks, is an Access to Leeds tutor, and is frequently involved in school outreach sessions.   

Research interests

Rachel is a spatial data scientist with research interests centred around food access and safety; inequalities; and health geography. Her research has a strong methodological focus, employing machine learning, quantitative methods, and spatial data analytics on large datasets to futher understand out-of-home food environments and health outcomes. Rachel has experience working with external organisations and policy makers.

Qualifications

• PhD, Big Data & Food Safety, Consumer Data Research Centre, University of Leeds
• MSc, Computing Science, Newcastle University
• BSc (Hons.), Geographic Information Science, Newcastle University
• University of Leeds Teaching Award, University of Leeds

Professional memberships

• Higher Education Academy (Associate Fellow)
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Network

Student education

Rachel’s teaching is centred around spatial data science, applied GIS, programming (Python / R / web technologies), and quantitative human geography. She teaches across a range of modules and supervises dissertations at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Rachel also delivers CPD courses for the Consumer Data Research Centre and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics. 

Research groups and institutes

• Institute for Spatial Data Science