2006, Development Concentration
PhD Candidate and Dean’s Fellow in International Relations, School of International Service (SIS) at American University
Rachel’s dissertation focuses on El Salvador’s unique suspension of industrial mining.
Academic Work at SGPIA: Rachel applied theories taught in socioeconomic development courses to her work with a women’s beekeeping project in Uganda while participating with the International Field Program. Rachel also served as a research assistant to Professor Michael Cohen.
Career Path: Rachel’s first position after graduating from SGPIA was with The World Bank as a Social Development Specialist. She has since expanded her work as an independent consultant on a variety of projects at The World Bank and other organizations that include The German Development Corporation and The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies.
Current Research: Rachel has dedicated both her professional work and studies over the last decade to Latin America and the Caribbean, with substantial research and development project experience in Nicaragua, Paraguay, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, El Salvador and Haiti. Rachel’s dissertation at American University investigates the unique processes, actions, and actors that drove the El Salvador to halt its burgeoning gold industry at a time when Latin America has been intensifying its reliance on resource extraction.
