Rachael’s research investigates kinetic design and how individuals can customize the exterior built environment. Furthermore, she is studying the many benefits kinetic design could offer, including efficiency of space, improvements on cognitive performance, environmental solutions, and alternative forms of participatory design. She is a licensed Landscape Architect and spent several years working in the land development industry before starting this doctoral program.
She currently manages the School of Human Ecology Digital Fabrication Lab and is working with a team to build an app that uses AR features to help people assess and measure homes for accessibility purposes.
Certifications
Drone Pilot
Registered Landscape Architect
LEED Green Associate

Department
- Design Studies
Degree Program
- PhD Human Ecology: Design Studies
Education
- MA, Landscape Architecture, University of Georgia
- BS, Architecture, the University of Cincinnati
Contact
Phone: 616-610-3562
Email: rshields2@wisc.edu