Rachel has lived and worked in Northern Australia for over 20 years. In this time, she has worked as an Environment Manager of a consultancy firm, a marine scientist with the NT government and is currently working with Charles Darwin University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science in a Research Fellowship role. Rachel has a Professional Doctorate degree in marine resource management and has developed a proficient understanding of marine estate matters, and environmental and indigenous policy, including Sea Country planning and meaningful program development with Indigenous groups.

Rachel has worked on marine resource management with diverse Indigenous communities in northern Australia and PNG including Torres Strait Treaty villages in PNG, the Wik, Girringun and Boigu Island people of North QLD, and the Larrakia, Anindilyakwa, Li-Anthawirriyarra, Crocodile Islands, Dhimurru and Thamarrurr Rangers in the NT. She has also led numerous marine research and impact assessment programs in Australia and overseas (UAE, PNG). Her knowledge and experience include the design of monitoring and research projects, leading teams of scientists and Indigenous rangers, conducting marine environmental impact assessments, policy evaluation and improving resource management informed by science.

Rachel has an extensive network of collaborators across NT communities and technical streams. Wherever possible she collaborates with technical specialists and the appropriate community members and stakeholder groups on research programs to value-add, influence, and provide rigour.