Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), located in the College of Science. Her work focuses on integrating isotope geochemistry, paleoecology, and archaeological science to understand environmental and ecological changes across deep time and human history. She specializes in using stable isotopes (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen) from biological materials (e.g., bone, teeth, guano, plant remains) and geological samples (e.g., black shales, carbonate clasts) to reconstruct past climates, dietary patterns, and environmental dynamics.

Her research spans multiple disciplines including archaeology, paleontology, and biogeochemistry. Notable areas of focus include:

• Isotopic analysis of ancient agricultural practices and domestication patterns
• Environmental reconstruction using bat guano and coprolite records
• Provenance studies of glacial deposits to understand Neoproterozoic glaciation events
• Biogeochemical drivers of early eukaryotic evolution and mass extinctions

Recent work highlights innovative applications of faecal isotope analysis for both archaeological and modern ecological studies, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to understanding plant evolution and paleoclimates. Her work frequently integrates field data with laboratory-based geochemical analyses and computational modeling.

Publications demonstrate a strong focus on:

• Prehistoric human-environment interactions in East Asia
• Neoproterozoic ocean chemistry and glacial cycles
• Trophic level analysis using modern and ancient predator species
• Root-soil interactions in carbon sequestration

Rachel's research bridges earth sciences and life sciences, addressing fundamental questions about Earth's environmental history and human adaptation. She currently holds a primary appointment in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech and collaborates with institutions globally on paleoenvironmental reconstruction projects.