Rachael Garrett

Dr. Rachael Garrett is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University, Associate Director of the Global Development Policy Center’s Land Use and Livelihoods Initiative, and Faculty Affiliate of Latin American Studies at the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future. Dr. Garrett’s research examines interactions between agriculture, ecosystem services, and economic development at multiple spatial and temporal scales to better define what sustainable food systems look like and how to achieve them. She is focused on finding policy, technology, and market solutions that will help feed a growing world population without comprising the well-being of future generations. Dr. Garrett is particularly interested in understanding how changing food supply chains shape environmental governance, land use, and livelihoods in the tropics. Most of Dr. Garrett’s research is centered on commercial oilseed and cattle production, particularly in South America. Dr. Garrett’s research utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods and designs, including case studies, modeling, and statistical analysis to assess the complex feedbacks between local land use decisions and global food system processes.

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