Rachel Carmickle

Rachel joined BRIT as part time Digitization Tech in late 2019 but began volunteering within research and the herbarium in 2014. In spring 2018 she worked to digitize Crataegus specimens collected in Arkansas as part of a project with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and later that year worked digitizing specimens exhibiting unusual adaptations in families such as Ericaceae, Lentibulariaceae, and Piperaceae. Prior research as a student provided opportunities to investigate ecotypes of Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) as well as interactions between a specialist herbivore and Sarracenia alata (Pale Pitcher Plant). While the majority of Rachel’s work experience has been ecological field work in wetlands, she is excited to continue learning about the morphology, taxonomy, and distribution of plants collected near and far while digitizing and curating specimens and working with BRIT volunteers in the herbarium. In her free time, Rachel enjoys rock climbing, reading, watercolor painting, and camping far from home.