Rachel York Bridgers

Biography

Rachel York-Bridgers, is an environmentalist, poet, educator, filmmaker, and naturalist interested in the many ways in which art intersects with the environment and can engender an eco-centric worldview. She holds a doctorate in Education and Environmental Humanities from the University of Toronto, and an MA in English from WCU. She taught at University of Toronto, Los Angeles College, and Southwestern before returning to WCU to teach in the English department in 2016. She is the recipient of writing awards, including the Sandburg Livesay poetry award, and School of the Environment award for best practical environmental design, as well as many film, community art, and environmental projects. In 2006 Rachel was the recipient of President Obama Community Leadership award for creating a leadership program for young women in Southern California. Rachel is currently in post production of her documentary project, A Monumental Project, and working on documenting the stories of Dene Women in Yellownkife, NWT, Canada, for future generations.

Education

• Ph D, Foreign Institution
• MA, Western Carolina University
• BA, Foreign Institution

Teaching Interests

Environmental Literature,Writing and rhetoric, Environment and Media Arts, Outdoor Learning.

Research Interests

Interests include how storytelling and media arts can empower communities and promote change; also the many ways art intersects with the environment and can engender an Eco-centric worldview.