Meet your QCNR Senator — Rachel Chamberlain
It is not uncommon to see the Quinney College of Natural Resources’ Senator Rachel Chamberlain living it up in the great outdoors. Whether it’s mountain biking, trail running, snowboarding, or bumping a volleyball, she’s there with a smile. This love for nature began as a child, however, has recently grown to be more than just a few fun hobbies, but rather, the start of a career as well as an avenue to improve Utah State University.
Rachel was born in California and raised in Salt Lake City before moving to Logan to attend USU. For her, the school seemed like an obvious choice because of its beautiful location and its short distance from home, but more than anything, the Natural Resources department. She felt it was ‘well-established’ and offered many opportunities, such as scholarships and internships, that she knew she wanted to be a part of. She is currently a senior set to graduate next fall with a degree in Conservation and Restoration Ecology along with a minor in Sustainable Systems.
“I think I’ve kind of always just had [and] felt a connection with being outside. Growing up, just hiking, camping, and different things like that.” Rachel explained, “And once I found out that you could get a job where you could be outside all the time and also, learn about… [and] understand how plants grow and interact with each other and animals, really interested me.”
This interest has driven her to succeed within her major, turning heads along the way.
“Rachel is an excellent student, hard worker, and has been diligent in making the most of her undergraduate experience.” Said Shelly Kotynek, Rachel’s academic advisor for the past four years as well as her QCNR student council advisor, “She has done undergraduate research, worked as a member of a faculty lab, has participated in a study abroad to the Great Barrier Reef and been a contributing member of the undergraduate student body not only as a Senator but throughout her entire experience.”
Prior to her sophomore year, Rachel had no experience with student government. Yet, motivated by her passion for the department, she joined the Natural Resources’ Student Council. It was through this experience that she was able to work closely with the previous NR senator and get a taste for the level of responsibility required for the position as well as the impact it could have.
“… It seemed like a good way to to help improve the college that I’m passionate about.” She said when asked about her inspiration for running for Senator. “One of my main motivations was to help push sustainable issues and environmental issues, whether it be in our college or in the university—kind of more so the university…also [to] improve student access to different resources…”
Rachel was elected by the student body of the College of Natural Resources last spring and officially began the position at the start of the fall semester.
As a senator, she attends weekly meetings with senators from the other colleges in order to present and debate legislation that will improve the University as well as to report on the progress made within their respective councils. Her position as senator puts is as the head of the QCNR student council that works to better the college and plan events to promote relationships with the community. They also work to help students gain scholarships, grants, and be given access to opportunities for internships and research.
“Rachel is one of the most motivated and ambitious people I know, and never shies away from tackling a problem even though others may be complacent. She has a lot of innovative ideas and is fiery enough to see them all through.” Said Maria Catalano, a friend of Rachel’s as well as fellow council member.
Catalano continued, “I think Rachel is an amazing senator and is doing a lot to help the college. Although she has planned new and fun events, she goes beyond that responsibility to make true changes in the college. She is working closely with the dean to increase representation and diversity, as well as update some of our outdated curriculum. She has also been incredibly passionate about the important issues, climate change for example, while still being respectful of the wide range of opinions she balances across the college and university. I think that she has set a precedent of fighting for important changes at our university and [I] hope that this sticks with the NR for years to come.”
Shelly Kotyenek agreed, explaining, “She has gone the extra mile to engage the undergraduate student body. She has been on a team that coordinated a Climate Strike, submitted a Women of the Year Grant, and coordinated an undergraduate research week, just in the first three months of the semester. She is extremely productive…”
Rachel would like to encourage anyone interested in the major to reach out and take part in all the college of Natural Resources has to offer: a wide range of scholarships, internships, and research opportunities.
Although Rachel is not sure exactly what she will be doing after graduation, other than something she enjoys regarding the environment, her future looks bright, as a senator and beyond. Shelly Kotyenek put it perfectly, “…I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!”
@daramarie815