Rachel Richardson
About Rachel Richardson
Rachel Richardson is a Wildlife Biologist and Project Coordinator at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in avian ecology and habitat assessment. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Montana.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Rachel Richardson has worked at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Wildlife Biologist and Project Coordinator since 2011. Her role involves coordinating various research projects focused on avian populations and their habitats. Based in the Anchorage, Alaska area, she has contributed to numerous studies assessing bird populations and their ecological needs. Her work includes evaluating factors that influence bird reproductive success and monitoring health issues affecting avian species in the region.
Education and Expertise
Rachel Richardson earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she studied from 2018 to 2022. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at The University of Montana from 2008 to 2011. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in wildlife biology, particularly in avian ecology and conservation.
Background
Before joining USGS, Rachel Richardson worked as an avian field ecologist in 2011. During this time, she collected research data on the distribution and abundance of breeding shorebirds and waterfowl on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This early experience provided her with practical skills in field research and data collection, which she has continued to apply in her current role.
Research Projects and Initiatives
Rachel Richardson has been involved in several significant research projects. She assesses population sizes and factors influencing nest survival for species such as McKay's Buntings and Pribilof Rock Sandpipers on Bering Sea Islands. Additionally, she evaluates the impact of nest predation on reproductive success and habitat quality for declining landbirds in Denali National Park & Preserve. Her research also includes monitoring avian keratin disorder in wild birds, focusing on the reproductive fitness consequences of beak deformities in Black-Capped Chickadees.
Climate Change Research
Rachel Richardson investigates the effects of climate-induced habitat change on landbirds and shorebirds in the arctic tundra-boreal forest ecotone. Her research examines how these changes affect bird distribution, abundance, and demographic patterns. This work is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change on avian species and informing conservation strategies.