Photo Credit: Austin Garcia Photography

About

Hello, I’m Rachael. I just started working on a PhD in Human Ecology - Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I’m also a part-time landscape architect.

Two of my best skills are trying new things and making lists. Because I like lists so much, I think the best way to describe myself is through a couple of lists.

Current obsessions: makerspace equipment, being healthy, and organizing my life.

My goals for the year: don’t do the things I don’t want to do, feel more empathy for others when I haven’t experienced a similar hardship, and prioritize important matters over urgent matters.

Some character traits I aspire to be described as: authentic, down-to-earth, intelligent, curious, accountable, and helpful.

PUBLICATIONS

[1]    Fields, B., Skrove, Z., Tredinnick, R., Sprecher, B., Lee, J., Shields, R., Ponto, K., & Shin, J.-h. (2023). The Usability and Acceptability of the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool (ARHAT). Innovation in Aging, 7(Supplement_1), 1142-1143. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad104.3668

[2]    Shields, R. (2019). The advancement of the application of kinetics in landscape architecture. (MLA Thesis) University of Georgia. https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/shields_rachael_m_201908_mla.pdf

[3]    Shields, R., Calabria, J., Orland, B., & Vick, A. (2018). Historic Fourth Ward Park, Phase 1 Methods. The Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs1381

[4]    Shields, R., Calabria, J., Orland, B., & Vick, A. (2018). University of Georgia Science Learning Center Methods. The Landscape Performance Series. Landscape Architecture Foundation. https://doi.org/10.31353/cs1391


HONORS

  • Registered Landscape Architect - State of Wisconsin No. 864-14

  • Georgia ASLA Honor Award - Research: Evaluating Historic Fourth Ward Park

  • LEED Green Associate

  • SparkUC Innovation Challenge Finalist

  • Matterlab Research Grant - 1st Place

  • Drone Pilot - Remote Pilot License


SOFTWARE SKILLS

  • Adobe: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Adobe XD

  • CAD: AutoCAD and Land F/X

  • 3D Modeling/Rendering: SketchUp, Lumion, and Rhino

  • Analysis: JMP, SPSS, R, NVivo, Dedoose

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Environmental Cognitive Enhancement: I am interested in improving the lives of older adults by improving the design of the environments they inhabit or visit. A potentially under-utilized design consideration that could be important in the lives of older adults is novelty. Experiencing novelty can provide various benefits like cognitive enhancement, life satisfaction, happiness, and improved health. Of particular interest to me, and perhaps the specific target population, is the cognitive benefits of novelty. Cognitive decline is too often accepted as an unnegotiable symptom of aging. However, I see an opportunity for older adults to take a proactive approach from an environmental perspective.

Kinetic Landscapes: Kinetics in the built environment is movement that can range from adjustable seating to movable trees, to an urban plaza that robotically transforms shape based on need. Think of benches or crosswalks being controlled by an app on your phone. Currently, kinetics tends to stay within the realm of moving sculptures or stadium roofs, but the future holds an abundance of opportunities for kinetics in the landscape. I argue the built environment should have the flexibility to adapt to change, whether that is a changing society, environment, or user type without the need for continual demolition. Kinetic environments can aid in making the increasingly limited green space more efficient. Furthermore, kinetics can provide a powerful new addition to participatory design, putting design into the hands of the user with the ability to customize a kinetic environment to their particular needs or desires. The inspiring possibilities are seemingly endless. 

EDUCATION

  • The University of Wisconsin-Madison | PhD in Human Ecology | Expected Graduation: 2027

  • The University of Georgia | Master of Landscape Architecture | Graduated: August 2019

  • The University of Cincinnati | Bachelor of Science in Architecture | Graduated: May 2016


EMPLOYMENT

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (2022 - Present) http://www.landdesign.com/

    • Project Assistant (Madison, Wisconsin)

      • Project Management, UI/UX app design, Research involving Aging in Place, Makerspace Management

  • Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (2022 - Present) https://www.cecinc.com/

    • Staff Consultant (Remote)

  • LandDesign (2019 - 2022) http://www.landdesign.com/

    • Landscape Designer (Charlotte, North Carolina)

      • Robotic prototyping, drone flying, masterplanning, 3D modeling/rendering, and signage design

  • Streamline Architects (2019) https://streamlinearchitects.com/

    • Landscape Designer (East Moline, Illinois)

      ·       Assisted in launching the landscape architecture division of the firm

  • Carl Vinson Institute of Government (UGA Assistantship) (2018-2019) https://cviog.uga.edu/services-and-research/planning-and-environmental-services/

    • University of Georgia Graduate Assistantship (Athens, Georgia)

      ·       Masterplanning and visioning for various Georgia municipalities

  • Cambardella LLC | Environmental Planning + Landscape Architecture (2018-2019)

    • Designer (Athens, Georgia)

      ·       Wayfinding and Signage Standards

      ·       Product Development – Shipping Container Indoor Environment Control System

  • Landscape Architecture Foundation (2018) https://splash.lafoundation.org/

    • Research Assistant (Athens, Georgia)

      ·       Case Study Investigation for Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta, Georgia and UGA’s Science Learning Center in Athens, GA

      ·       Developing methods of research in landscape architecture to quantify social, economic, and environmental benefits

      ·       The research included intercept surveys with statistical analysis using JMP, census and Zillow data analysis, water quality testing, etc.

  • Aglanta (UGA Assistantship) (2018) https://www.aglanta.org/aglanta-infrastucture

    • University of Georgia Graduate Assistantship (Athens, Georgia)

      ·       Creating free and accessible construction guides for DIY farm structures.

  • Terra Tectonics Design Group (2016-2017) http://www.terratectonics.com/

    • Landscape Designer (Clearwater, Florida)

      ·       Residential Site Plans

      ·       Irrigation and Planting Plans

      ·       Streetscape and Highway Projects

  • Shields' Farm (2006-2016)

    • Farmer (Fennville, Michigan)

      ·       Supervised feedings and general care of livestock

      ·       Managed crop growing (pumpkins, corn, straw, hay, and other various fruits and vegetables)

  • Quezada Architecture (2015) https://www.qa-us.com/

    • Architecture Intern (San Francisco, California)

      ·       3D modeling (high-end residential)

      ·       Construction document production

  • Lauck Group (2014) http://www.lauckgroup.com/

    • Interior Design Intern (Dallas, Texas)

      ·       Rendering Production

      ·       Material Details

  • Gilmore Group (2014) https://www.gilmoregroup.com/

    • Architecture Intern (New York, New York)

      ·       ADA compliance

      ·       Branding