Rachael Gray: Geochemist & Educator Exploring the Arctic Ocean
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Gray, a brilliant geochemist, former marine technician, and current PhD candidate at Kent State University, whose work centers on understanding the Arctic Ocean’s past and its influence on our climate.
Rachael’s academic journey began with an unexpected pivot. While attending Ohio State University, a dynamic geology professor inspired her to pursue geosciences. What started as an elective led to fieldwork, mentorship, and a lifetime commitment to scientific inquiry.
Her path took her to an MSc program where she studied Arctic sediment cores, and eventually aboard the Joides Resolution as a marine technician. She later became an eighth-grade physical science teacher in upstate New York before returning to research full time.
“The Arctic holds keys to our climate’s past—studying it is crucial and endlessly fascinating.” – Rachael Gray
We discuss her current PhD research in applied geology and geochemistry, where she investigates nutrient availability, primary productivity, and how ice sheets influence nutrient delivery in the Arctic. Rachael also shares her excitement for an upcoming expedition with the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP).
Rachael reflects on the unique experience of working in male-dominated fieldwork environments and how her roles as a scientist, technician, and teacher have intersected in meaningful ways. Her story is a reminder that science careers can be multidimensional, and that passion, curiosity, and mentorship often shape the most unexpected journeys.