Explore Alliance Ambassadors - Rachel Freed

Exploring the Universe of Education: The Journey of Rachel Freed 

Rachel Freed, PhD
President, Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InStAR)

Rachel Freed is a dynamic force in the realm of astronomical education. As the co-founder of the Institute for Student Astronomical Research (InStAR), she is dedicated to integrating authentic scientific research into secondary and undergraduate education. Her mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists by providing them with hands-on research opportunities and a deep understanding of the cosmos.

Rachel's academic journey began with a degree in Biology from UC Davis, where she developed a keen interest in the intricacies of life at the microscopic level. She furthered her studies at U.C. San Diego, utilizing electron microscopy to delve into the mysteries of hippocampal synaptic transmission. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to Northwestern University, where she earned a Master of Science in Neuroscience. Here, Rachel explored neural transmission through advanced techniques such as confocal microscopy and electrophysiology. Most recently Rachel completed a PhD in Astronomy Education and she is a PostDoc at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

With a solid foundation in biological sciences and neuroscience, Rachel transitioned to teaching, spending 15 years as a high school chemistry and astronomy teacher. Her passion for education drove her to innovate within the classroom, conducting research on chemistry education. She played a pivotal role in designing, building, and evaluating an online formative assessment system for high school chemistry, revolutionizing how students learn and interact with scientific concepts.

Rachel's expertise extends beyond traditional teaching. She is heavily involved in curriculum design and implementation, with a particular focus on integrating technology into education. As a faculty lecturer in the School of Education at Sonoma State University, she trains educators on using technology as a transformative tool in the classroom. Her efforts ensure that teachers are well-equipped to foster a tech-savvy learning environment that prepares students for the future.

An avid amateur astronomer for over 15 years, Rachel is passionate about bringing the wonders of the universe to the general public. She is a prominent figure in public outreach, frequently engaging communities in astronomy and spectroscopy. Her role on the Science Organizing Committee for the annual conference on Robotic Telescopes, Student Research, and Education (RTSRE) highlights her commitment to promoting student involvement in astronomical research.

Rachel's dedication to education extends to a global scale. As a public speaker, she advocates for providing students around the world with access to telescopes and astronomical research tools. Her work is not only about teaching the science of astronomy but also about inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe.

Rachel's interdisciplinary background in biology and neuroscience enriches her approach to education. She leverages her scientific expertise to develop educational tools and curricula that are both innovative and effective. Her outreach programs and teacher training initiatives are designed to create a ripple effect, spreading the benefits of scientific education far and wide.