Rachel Barber

Rachel Barber is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Geography and Planning at Queen’s University. She holds a PhD Candidacy, an MPlan from Queen’s University, and a BA in Geography from Laurentian University, along with a Geographic Techniques certificate. Her work focuses on left-behind places, shrinking cities, and age-friendly communities, particularly in Northern Ontario where she grew up observing urban decline impacts.

Her research examines resource distribution inequities in Northern Ontario, school closures’ socio-spatial effects, and healthcare access challenges for aging populations. Funded by SSHRC, she explores long-term solutions for marginalized communities through interdisciplinary urban studies and policy analysis.

Recent publications analyze historical regional disparities, post-industrial urban regeneration, and equitable school closure policies. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy recommendations for shrinking regions.

While no formal awards are listed, her research contributions include critical analyses of Northern Ontario’s colonial spatial patterns and smart decline strategies. She teaches GPHY 334 and SURP 855 courses, integrating field experiences with policy debates.