Hi, I’m Rachael! I am extremely excited to begin my PhD study at University of Aberdeen where I will be investigating the role of land use and bioclimate in environmentally transmitted pathogens in wild red and roe deer. My research interests focus on disease transmission at the wildlife-livestock-human interface and how understanding the role of wildlife in these systems can improve their conservation and management.
I am very passionate about wildlife conservation and have completed my masters at the University of Glasgow in MSc Conservation Management of African Ecosystems. My most recent project investigated the habitat selection and movement of the critically endangered Kordofan giraffe in Chad. In my undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Veterinary Biosciences, also at the University of Glasgow, I created epidemiological models of multiple wildlife hosts to investigate their role in transmission African Animal Trypanosomiasis to livestock. I am looking forward to combining all of these skills into one project during my PhD! During this project, exploring the role that deer might play in transmission of these pathogens will allow for improved herd management, and reduce the economic impact of pathogens on livestock.
Earlier in 2022, I was lucky enough to travel to Tanzania where I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and developed an interest in scuba diving! Out with academia, my interests are in rock climbing, hiking and badminton. I am also passionate about learning languages, and have basic skills in British Sign Language, and currently learning Swahili.
