College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Community Sustainability

Advisor: Dr. Adam Zwickle

Rachel’s graduate work includes quantitative social science research through the MSU Superfund Research Program’s Community Engagement Core. In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human services, the Core works to build trusting relationships between the Department and Michigan communities impacted by dioxins and to empower communitites to make informed dioxin-prevention decisions. Rachel also supports on the annual MSU student sustainability survey. Her doctoral research focuses on collective environmental action in communities, specifically understanding the role young people play in community responses to environmental and sustainability challenges.

Rachel Szczytko is a social scientist working to improve health & well-being through our educational, environmental, and social systems. Currently, Rachel is studying collective environmental action in communities, specifically understanding the role young people play in community responses to environmental and sustainability challenges.

Rachel has over 10 years of experience in the environmental sector which she draws from in her research. She has taught education for sustainability in Whakatīwai, New Zealand, worked as a park ranger in New Hampshire, and evaluated a statewide outdoor science program in North Carolina. She has served on non-profit boards, mentored undergraduate students, and conducted independent research on diverse topics ranging from the craft beer movement to adolescent girls’ science achievement. Rachel most recently spent the past four years working in environmental philanthropy in the Bay Area.

Rachel has a M.S. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from North Carolina State University and a B.S. in Environment from the University of Michigan. She is the recipient of the Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship and the Environmental Science and Policy Program Recruiting Fellowship.

Recent Publications

Simoes Ferreira, B., Carrillo, B., & Szczytko, R. (2022). A phenomenological exploration of the craft beer movement. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 25(6), 630-651.

Stevenson, K. T., Szczytko, R. E., Carrier, S. J., & Peterson, M. N. (2021). How outdoor science education can help girls stay engaged with science. International Journal of Science Education, 43(7), 1090-1111.