Rachel is an environmental health scientist with expertise in toxicology, epidemiology, and risk assessment.
My story
"By assessing the risks of chemicals all around us, I'm working to create a safer world."
Education & experience
Education
- Yale University: BA, Environmental Studies (2012)
- University of Washington-Seattle: MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health (2018)
- University of Washington-Seattle: PhD, Environmental Toxicology (2020)
Professional Experience
- Health Program, Environmental Defense Fund: Research Assistant (2012-2014)
- Hazardous Waste Management Program, Seattle/King County Public Health Dept: Intern (2018-2020)
- Health Program, Environmental Defense Fund: Consultant (2019-2020)
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Toxicologist (2020-2022)
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington-Seattle: Affiliate Assistant Professor (2022-Present)
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Epidemiologist (2022-Present)
Research
I have broad interests in environmental health and enjoy applying my skills across diverse, policy-relevant topic areas.
Selected topics are listed below. My full list of publications can be found here.
- Air pollution & neurodegeneration
- Glyphosate
- Children’s health & developmental exposures
- Policy & assessment
Rachel M. Shaffer, PhD, MPH 