Rachel manages the Marine Spatial Planning section within the Shetland UHI department, Marine Science and Technology. The section undertakes applied research and consultancy projects relating or informing marine management and decision making and is also responsible for delivering the Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan.

Over the last 15 years Rachel has developed an international reputation in linking interdisciplinary marine science with real-life management opportunities and challenges, including marine planning. Rachel is a regularly invited speaker to conferences and workshops to provide keynotes in the area of marine planning, ecosystem-based management, and integration of local values in marine planning. Rachel’s research sections achievements include:

• development of decision support tools to guide commercial decision making (e.g. offshore renewables, oil and gas, harbour management)
• development of one of Europe’s first and most advanced marine plans in Shetland
• integration of cultural ecosystem services into decision making
• marine value mapping
• inclusion of local knowledge in decision making

Rachel is particularly interested in how different data types can be used as an evidence base to inform effective decision making, and how stakeholder engagement can improve data quality and acceptance.

Rachel is currently accepting PhD students.