Dr. Rachel Kappler is a conservation ecologist interested in species protection, particularly within the forest ecosystem. Currently, her work involves eastern hemlock, American beech and ash species. She is collaborating with partners to work towards a future tree breeding program that can reintroduce trees with increased defense against invasive pests and diseases. This involves research in quantifying individual tree defenses towards invasive pest/disease species. Previously, she helped facilitate stakeholders tree activities related to pest/disease-resistance breeding in trees and her research was related to ecological interactions and restoration efforts within ash forests. This involved understanding the impact of emerald ash borer on natural remnant populations of green ash trees.