Rachel York Bridgers

Biography

Rachel York-Bridgers teaches in the English Studies department. She is an environmentalist, poet, educator, documentary filmmaker, and naturalist interested in the many ways in which art intersects with the environment and can engender an eco-centric worldview. She works with Biologists and Filmmakers to explore the relationship between climate and culture.<br><br>Rachel 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.<br><br>In 2006 Rachel was the recipient of President Obama Community Leadership award for creating a leadership program for young women in Southern California.<br>Her documentary <i>A Monumental Project</i> was completed in 2023 and won the WCU community research engagement award. Rachel was born in Yellowknife Canada, and she is currently working on documenting the stories of Dene Women from NWT.

Education

• Ph D, University of Toronto
• MA, Western Carolina University
• BA, Concordia University

Teaching Interests

Popular culture, Environmental Film, Environmental Literature,Writing and rhetoric, 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.