Rachel Kristensen
Manager, Knowledge Broker, NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, University of Western Australia
E: rachel.kristensen@uwa.edu.au
Bio
Rachel Kristensen is an environmental lawyer and ecologist. She specialises in bridging the legal, policy and natural science sectors to enhance and optimise positive outcomes for nature and society. She is a co-chair for the BiodivRestore Nature Restoration Law Knowledge Hub and an observer on the European Union Biodiversity Platform Nature Restoration Regulation Expert Group.
She has a long history in the legal and environmental sectors both nationally and internationally, with her previous work experience covering a range of private and public entities, including the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority, Goldfields Land and Sea Council, Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Herbert Smith Freehills, Gowling WLG, BHP, Queensland University of Technology, Copenhagen University and the Department of Agriculture and Food.
In her role as Manager, Knowledge Broker for the Resilient Landscapes Hub, she draws on this diverse background to translate research into action, maximise positive impacts and to foster meaningful partnerships through knowledge weaving and collaborative empowerment.
Current employment and positions
- 2025: Manager, Knowledge Broker, Resilient Landscapes Hub
- 2024: Co-chair, BiodivRestore Nature Restoration Law Knowledge Hub: Implementation Task Force
- 2024: Observer, European Union Biodiversity Platform Nature Restoration Regulation Expert Group
Certifications
- 2017: Officer of the court (lawyer), Supreme Court of Western Australia
Highest qualifications
- 2024: Master of Science in Nature Management, Copenhagen University
- 2022: Graduate Diploma of Law, Policy and Government, University of Western Australia
- 2017: Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law, Western Australia
- 2013: Bachelor of Law (Hons), Queensland University of Technology
- 2013: Bachelor of Applied Science, Ecology (Distinction), Queensland University of Technology
Volunteer involvement
Rachel believes in caring for her community. She has been involved in several volunteer and pro bono initiatives, including:
- Australian Conservation Foundation volunteer
- Environmental Defenders Office volunteer
- Law Mentor, Queensland University of Technology
- Inclusion and Diversity Committee Member, Herbert Smith Freehills
- Study Board Member, Copenhagen University
- Nature Management Admissions Committee Member, Copenhagen University
- Mothers group and kids club leader, Subi Church
Memberships
- 2018 – present: Society of Ecological Restoration
- 2017 – present: The Law Society of Western Australia
