RACHEL GIGLIO

PROJECT COYOTE INTERN

In her role as coexistence intern, Rachel will support the team in creating a coexistence toolkit, a valuable resource for communities to foster understanding for carnivores and coexistence. As a current student in the Masters of Conservation Medicine program at Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, she is committed to helping people better understand and value the interconnection of the health of animals, humans, and the environment. Her background comprises a unique blend of experiences in wildlife conservation, veterinary science, and visual arts, all of which align closely with the mission and values of Project Coyote. 

Her specific interests are carnivore ecology and the impacts of human-wildlife interactions on biodiversity. By leading with compassion, she aims to advocate for animal voices and support holistic, community-led strategies that ensure long-term survival of carnivores, bridging gaps between management practices and community perspectives. She believes conveying scientific findings through varied art mediums can be transformative in promoting coexistence and achieving sustainability. She is intent on continuously learning from and listening to the knowledge of indigenous cultures and supporting their leadership and expertise in animal and land stewardship.

Her journey began as a veterinary assistant in emergency care and as a dance instructor. Her love of African wildlife brought her to South Africa and Mozambique as a research assistant on projects involving elephant conservation and protecting coral reefs. Prior to entering her graduate program, she was the primary caretaker of her two, young boys, volunteering in education and animal care at Zoo New England and working part-time as a visual artist for a design studio. 

She loves spending time with her family and dogs, dancing, painting, reading historical fiction, and playing piano. She also enjoys yoga and skiing!