Rachel Baker (she/her) | Research Manager | rbaker@omni.org

Rachel is a Research Manager who focuses on strategic planning and evaluation in Community and Behavioral Health with concentrations in maternal and child health, substance use and prevention, as well as HIV prevention and care. In her work, she helps build and lead teams that engage in participatory social science research geared toward addressing public health and social inequities.

Prior to joining OMNI, Rachel worked as an applied anthropologist for over 10 years, creating and leading initiatives that improve community sustainability. Rachel has two Master’s Degrees in areas of Anthropology and is passionate about employing evidence-based, community-led solutions to address complex public health and social problems. She most recently co-founded an international aid agency Peacebuilding Solutions and was a researcher in the public health division of ICF International.

Outside of work, Rachel likes to read, knit, and cook.

“I love engaging in projects that emphasize community involvement throughout the research process. At OMNI, I get to participate in a variety of projects that affect communities in meaningful, tangible ways!”

EXPERTISE

Substance Use Prevention

Child and Maternal Health

EDUCATION

Georgia State University
M.A., Anthropology,
B.A., Anthropology

Universiteit van Amsterdam
M.S., Medical Anthropology & Sociology

+ Professional Experience

  • SAMHSA Youth Suicide Prevention Project
  • National Diabetes Education Program
  • National HIV Prevention Monitoring and Evaluation Service Center
  • Community Transformation Grant (CTG) Small Communities Performance Monitoring

+ Volunteer Experience

  • Peacebuilding Solutions | Co-Founder and Director of Research | 2008-2013
  • DeKalb Rape Crisis Center | Client Advocate | 2011-2012
  • Partnership Against Domestic Violence | Crisis Line Advocate | 2008-2009

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian

What is your favorite thing to "nerd out" on?
Anime, manga, true crime, and cooking/baking shows

What is the first concert you attended?
Janet Jackson