I am a benthic ecologist conducting research and providing scientific advice on deep-sea and inshore ecology, collaborating with a wide variety of science, policy, and industry partners.
- I have a keen interest in deep-sea ecology, particularly the benthic ecology of seamounts and hydrothermally active habitats. My ecology research includes the environmental drivers of biological community structure, functional ecology, and population connectivity.
- I explore research questions that increase our knowledge of marine environments and address ways in which maritime activities can minimise environmental impacts, drive technological innovation, inform policy and regulatory development, and maximise synergies amongst Blue Economy sectors.
- I have also conducted research on the environmental, technological, and policy aspects of the deep-sea mining sector through multiple projects working with scientists, engineers, and regulators. My research in this area includes environmental impact assessment, regional environmental assessment, and cumulative impact assessment.
- I have training in good practice stakeholder participation by Dialogue Matters and experience working with stakeholders, including convening workshops and facilitating working groups.
Research and Academic Positions
2021 – Present. Benthic Ecologist at Planning and Environmental Advice – Ecology and Conservation, Marine Scotland Science, Scottish Government. Aberdeen, UK.
2021 – Present. Visiting Fellow at Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton. Southampton, UK.
2021. Independent Researcher & Consultant trading as ‘Boschen-Rose Oceans’. Southampton, UK.
2018 – 2021. Senior Project Officer at Seascape Consultants. Romsey, UK.
2018 – 2020. Affiliate Researcher at Department of Biology, University of Victoria. Victoria, BC, Canada.
2018. Guest Lecturer at School of the Environment Geography and Geosciences, University of Portsmouth. Portsmouth, UK.
2017. Teaching Assistant at the Department of Biology, University of Victoria. Victoria, BC, Canada.
2016 – 2017. Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Canadian Healthy Oceans Network II. Department of Biology & School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria. Victoria, BC, Canada.
2014. Teaching Assistant at the School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington. Wellington, New Zealand.
2012. Visiting Scientist at the Swedish Natural History Museum. Stockholm, Sweden.
2010. Research Intern at Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton. Southampton, UK.
2009. Research Intern at the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Centre, University of New England. Biddeford, ME, USA.
Education
PhD in Marine Biology at the School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand & the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand. August 2012 – October 2015.
Integrated Master of Science (MScI) in Marine Biology: Graduated top of the year with First Class Honours from Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, UK. September 2008 – June 2012.
Dr Rachel Boschen-Rose 