Dr. Rachael E. Urbanek

Education & Experience

2012 - Ph.D. Southern Illinois University - Zoology, emphasis Wildlife Ecology

2005 - B.S. Penn State University - Wildlife and Fisheries Science & Forestry Minor

Before entering Academia as a faculty member, I gained invaluable experience while working for various types of organizations. I have spent time as a wildlife rehabilitator, kennel caretaker, zookeeper, and veterinarian's assistant. From a wildlife perspective, I have spent time as a technician working with timber rattlesnakes, ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and other species of wildlife.

Please view my CV for a comprehensive professional background.

Career Highlights

Awarded the Richard and Donna Falvo Outstanding Dissertation Award and the Richard R. Kudo Memorial Award for the best dissertation within the Department of Zoology and Graduate School at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Author on over 70 presentations at professional meetings and currently have 31 peer-reviewed publications in 18 different scientific journals.

Awarded the UNCW College of Arts and Sciences Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award in 2021.

Accepted to The Wildlife Society's Leadership Institute in 2014 and was President of the North Carolina Chapter 2019-20. Became a TWS Fellow in 2021!

Outside Interests

When I am not teaching, grading, or conducting research, I enjoy spending time with my husband Kevin and our son Rowan. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family at the beach, playing disc golf, or enjoying the outdoors.

We are very excited to be living here in Wilmington and have been enjoying everything this wonderful city has to offer!