Rachael Petersen

Research Analyst, Global Forest Watch at World Resources Institute

Washington, D.C.

Rachael Petersen stumbled into data science while trying to save the planet. She currently works as a Research Analyst for Global Forest Watch, a project that harnesses satellite imagery, cloud computing and big data to track deforestation in real time. Previously, Rachael was a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, travelling to remote indigenous communities to learn how technology, maps, and data were impacting their cultures.

Rachael is excited about the potential to apply data for social good, and loves findings new ways to teach complex concepts to students. She enjoys learning new languages (both human and computer) and playing piano. She graduated from Rice University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Anthropology.