Research Interests
Rachel completed her MSc at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr. Paul Craig, where her research focused on the impacts of municipal wastewater effluent and pharmaceutical exposure on innate cytokine expression in darters from the Grand River.
She joined the Servos Lab in September 2022 as part of the SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance team and later took on a leadership role managing the program. In this role, she supervised research technicians responsible for influent sample processing, analysis, and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and contributed to data analysis and communication of results to regional health units, including the Regions of Waterloo, Peel, and York.
Rachel has since returned to fish-focused research, where she conducts laboratory exposure studies using local species such as rainbow darter and fantail darter. Her work examines the effects of mixtures of high-risk contaminants on fish physiology, including potential impacts on health, behaviour, and overall performance. She also incorporates environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to support monitoring and assessment. She regularly coordinates and conducts fieldwork, including electrofishing, to collect fish and water samples. In addition, she collaborates on international projects, including partnerships with research groups in Chile, contributing to broader efforts in aquatic toxicology and environmental monitoring.
In addition to her research, Rachel plays a key role in the day-to-day operation of the lab. She supports equipment and facility use, oversees bookings, and provides training to new users to ensure proper use of laboratory instruments. She also coordinates lab and field safety, including inspections and procedures, to help maintain a safe working environment for all lab members.
Publications
Visit Rachel's Google Scholar page to view her publications.