Rachel D'Agui

Stanford University | MA, BA

I am a research professional with a passion for the environment. At Stanford, I acquired research and technology experience while earning an M.A. in Earth Systems and a B.A. in Philosophy. During my education, I developed strong skills in problem solving, programming, environmental science, data science, and ethics. In my free time, I enjoy DIY projects, roller skating, and looking for frogs. My diverse background and expertise make me a unique and valuable asset to any team.

Featured Projects

Know Your Neighbors

Know Your Neighbors is a React-based field guide app providing information and photos about wildlife local to the Bay Area.

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Mapping Potential Conservation Easements in the Salinas Valley

Using geographic data and R, my team identified ideal locations for conservation easements in the Salinas Valley, accounting for important species, agricultural value, and wildlife corridors. From this analysis, we developed a policy brief.

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Mapping a Frog's Journey

For this project, I mapped a frog's journey through the rainforest in QGIS and presented the data in an ArcGIS StoryMap.

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Poison frog dietary preference depends on prey type and alkaloid load

For this article, published in PLOSone, I aided Dr. Nora Moskowitz by performing behavioral research trials and data collection.

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Autistic Joy as The Meaning of Life

This capstone research paper represents the culmination of my philosophy education. It proposes a new, autism-inspired paradigm for understanding how we compose meaning in life.

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Work Experience

I have a diverse employment background, with experience in laboratory science, field conservation, and education. Through these experiences, I have developed skills in problem solving, teaching, research, analysis, and leadership.

Teaching Assistant

Stanford University

Sept '22 - Present

Courses: Physiology, Environmental Communication

Responsibilities and Achievements:

Delivered twice weekly lectures to groups of ~20 students
Created lesson plans and lectures
Assessed student performance and communicated constructive feedback
Designed materials to simplify difficult content
Maintained and updated Canvas course site
Organized events and arranged honoraria payments for guests

Conservation Technician

Stanford Conservation Program

Jan '22 - Present

As a Conservation Technician with the Stanford Conservation Program, I am responsible for executing stewardship tasks in order to manage and restore the ecosystems within the permanent conservation easements on Stanford land. Many vulnerable species live on Stanford land, including California tiger salamanders, California red-legged frogs, western burrowing owls, western ponds turtles, and San Francisco garter snakes.

Responsibilities and Achievements:

Conducted field surveys, including pitfall trapping, disease sampling, bird surveys, and endangered species surveys.
Relocated animals from dangerous locations to safe habitats.
Performed grassland restoration experiments.
Managed irrigation and water supply at critical conservation sites.

Researcher

O'Connell Laboratory of Organismal Biology

Mar '21 - Mar '23

The LOBSU is a Stanford biology laboratory which studies how genetic and environmental factors contribute to biological diversity and adaptation.

In the lab, I researched the behavior, neurology, and ecology of poison frogs. I conducted my own original research and also assisted a Ph.D. candidate with her doctoral thesis.

Responsibilities and Achievements:

Contributed to research published in PLOSone.
Conducted, designed, and led independent behavioral research.
Analyzed data in R.
Presented research.
Designed and led a Philosophy of Science workshop for lab members.

Vice President

Stanford Disability Alliance

Feb '21 - June '22

SDA is a locus for disability advocacy and community at Stanford.

Responsibilities and Achievements:

Organized educational and community events.
Led advocacy efforts.
Communicated and cooperated with campus administration.
Designed and produced communication materials
Managed social media.

Education

Stanford University

M.A. Earth Systems

Areas of focus: Environmental Communication and Conservation Biology

Related coursework: environmental sciences, conservation biology, practical science, communication

My capstone project involves facilitating personally significant interactions between humans and wildlife.

Stanford University

B.A. Philosophy

Related coursework: programming (C++, Python, Java, R), logic, applied ethics

Santa Catalina School - Monterey, CA

H.S.

Santa Catalina is a private school for young women, where I developed my love of education and the environment. I am a dedicated supporter of all-girls secondary education.