Dr. Rachael Gallagher

Biography

Rachael Gallagher is a plant ecologist and conservation biologist dedicated to ensuring that plants are protected and recognized for their vital contributions to society. Her work focuses on the vulnerability of plants to threats such as climate change and invasive species using a combination of data science approaches, modeling, and experiments. Rachael enjoys collaborating closely with industry partners to create novel solutions to pressing environmental issues, including restoration and the impacts of species extinctions and urban expansion. As an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellow and a Senior Lecturer in Plant Ecology at the Department of Biological Science, she leads a vibrant Plant Conservation Ecology Group, mentoring Master’s and PhD students, and working closely with early career scientists in plant science. Additionally, Rachael is the Deputy Chair of the New South Wales Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), where her research informs conservation policy and action to advocate directly for the conservation of Australian plants under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act. She is currently coordinating national prioritization of plant species affected by the catastrophic bushfires of the 2019-2020 summer, which further informs the work of the federal Threatened Species Commissioner amidst an unprecedented biodiversity crisis. Rachael is passionate about sharing her scientific work with diverse audiences and building global networks of researchers sharing common goals through initiatives like the Open Traits Network.

Research Interests

Experience