Rachel Short

Rachel Short is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resource Management at South Dakota State University. Her research bridges ecology, biogeography, and paleontology to study ecosystem evolution and functional trait dynamics, with a focus on climate-smart agriculture and informal STEM education.

• Ph.D. in Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University (2020)
• MST in Secondary Earth and Life Sciences Teaching, University of Maine (2016)
• M.S. in Geosciences, East Tennessee State University (2013)
• B.A. in Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University (2009)

Rachel’s work explores how community structure and functional traits respond to environmental changes over evolutionary timescales. She develops ecometric models to link dental and locomotor traits with climate data, aiming to inform biodiversity conservation. A key emphasis is place-based STEM learning through field station outreach programs.

Her recent publications highlight climate impacts on carnivoran communities, hypsodonty-based paleoprecipitation estimates, and conservation strategies for African megafauna. She also investigates spatial inequalities in informal STEM access and climate-smart grazing practices.

Scientific Awards:

• National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biology (2020–2022)