Rachel York Bridgers

Rachel York-Bridgers is an Associate Instructor in the Department of English Studies at Western Carolina University (WCU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Education and Environmental Humanities from the University of Toronto, an MA in English from WCU, and a BA from Concordia University. Her work bridges art, environment, and community empowerment through documentary filmmaking, poetry, and education.

Education:

• PhD: Education and Environmental Humanities, University of Toronto
• MA: English, Western Carolina University
• BA: Concordia University

Research & Teaching: Focuses on environmental film, literature, and storytelling as tools for eco-centric worldview development. Collaborates with biologists and filmmakers to explore climate and culture intersections. Current projects include documenting stories of Dene Women from the Northwest Territories.

Awards:

• WCU Community Research Engagement Award (2023) for documentary A Monumental Project
• President Obama Community Leadership Award (2006)
• Sandburg Livesay Poetry Award
• School of the Environment Award for Best Practical Environmental Design

Other Work: Created a leadership program for young women in Southern California. Active in community art and environmental projects. Teaches outdoor learning, rhetoric, and popular culture.