Rachael Spencer is a researcher and senior technical advisor responsible for expanding the inclusive, human-centered, and community-engaged research portfolio at IREX. 

Rachael directs and provides technical support to research initiatives for the IREX Center for Applied Learning and Impact (CALI) and across IREX global programs.  Rachael supports IREX to use mixed-methods research that is intersectional and community-engaged with the aim of promoting a human-centered and multi-dimensional understanding of interactions and behavior change.

Rachael developed her approach to research over the course of her 15 year-long career providing direct services to individuals experiencing poverty, managing programs, and conducting research.  She was a Fulbright Scholar to Jordan and has worked or conducted research in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, South Korea, Nepal, and the United States for entities including the United Nations Development Programme, New York City Mayor’s Office to End Gender-Based Violence, and the United States Army.  Her work has focused on a diverse range of issues including violence prevention, family violence, family engagement in education, community mobilization, and economic policies and resulted in the publication of 21 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.   

Rachael earned her PhD in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences from Emory University.  Her dissertation focused on the impact of the United States welfare system on families and their experiences of violence.  She earned her Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, where she focused on international economics.