Rachel Francis graduated from Carleton University in 2023 with an Honours Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management with high distinction, specializing in Development Policy Studies (Global Economic Relations), and minoring in Economics. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Rachel took courses from a variety of disciplines, including economics, law, political science, geography, and public affairs. These courses gave Rachel an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of international affairs and shaped her research interests.

Her research interests include the politics of international trade and the global political economy of food. In particular, she is interested in how the international trade of food and agriculture will shift due to emerging issues in the global economy, food systems, and the natural environment.

Rachel’s research interests are also informed by her four years of employment with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. Through holding a variety of roles at the CFIA, she developed knowledge of Canada’s food and agricultural sector, key risks to Canada’s food supply system, food safety practices, regulatory frameworks, and the policy development process. This experience provided her with insight into how political shifts can disrupt trade relations and how climate change impacts the viability of certain agricultural commodities.

While at the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), Rachel intends to further explore these interests through an interdisciplinary lens. Through studying at BSIA, Rachel hopes to support the advancement of equitable trade relations with the global south and contribute to promoting sustainable agricultural policies.