Rachael Messenger-Lehmann
Tell us about yourself
I received my undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo. I graduated from my Masters of Applied Science program also at UW this year in August. My research and masters program focused on fluvial geomorphology and river hydraulics. I will be starting to work consulting for River Restoration Engineering projects in January. I love spending time outdoors and protecting the environment, specifically river systems, is my passion.
What is your research about?
My research explores maintaining and creating space for rivers in landscapes affected by human activities. To investigate these topics we developed a scaled model of a river within a flume. Alfalfa was grown to mimic the stabilization provided by floodplain vegetation, and a series of experiments were completed on the river to determine the effects of constriction.
What excites you about your research?
My research is really exciting for multiple reasons. Firstly, the research helps shine a light on the importance of creating and maintaining riparian buffers alongside river systems. Secondly, it was exciting to get to design an innovative lab experiment that helped to advance our knowledge on vegetated flume experiments. Very few people have done similar methods in a lab study so it was both nerve wracking and exciting to get to help advance those methods. Lastly, getting to immerse myself in learning of complex river systems is always exciting. Going into the lab every day for 3-months and getting to observe river processes was invaluable.
What broader importance does your research have for society?
Flume studies like mine, offer a valuable tool to investigate river processes by providing a tactile, physical representation of a complex system. They are great educational tools, helping to engage a broader audience that can influence the environmental policies we need to protect our rivers. My research specifically helps highlight the reasons that robust riparian buffer policies and regulations need to be adopted by governing bodies globally. Without these policies and regulations, greedy profit driven industries have the potential to continue negatively affecting riparian ecosystems, lowering biodiversity and destroying habitat abundance, increasing flood risks, and making flooding more costly for infrastructure and human health.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
I love spending time outdoors, and through hiking, paddling and swimming I've experienced first hand how water can be both beautiful and destructive. These moments propelled me to pursue a field where my personal interests and career aspirations intersected. That path ultimately led me to fluvial geomorphology!
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
I don't currently plan to pursue a PhD or postdoc, but following my masters, I have decided to pursue a consulting career in river restoration engineering. I plan to learn as much as I can and hopefully leave all rivers better than I find them.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue?
I think I would make a non-profit with the help of other educators and activists that focuses on educating people/organizations/governments about the importance of water systems and how we can work with them instead of against them to improve our lives and the environment.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love baking, making pottery, exploring nature, and travelling!
Email: rachael@hyperweb.ca