Meet Rachel Prostko, a water quality technician at the Illinois Natural History Survey, part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI). With a BS in Marine Biology, Biology, and History from the University of Miami, Rachel’s journey includes research internships at Dolphins Plus in Key Largo, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Brookfield Zoo, where she honed her skills in animal behavior and conservation studies. Her Master’s in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston further deepened her expertise, focusing on snapping shrimp behavior. Now, Rachel brings her passion for lab and fieldwork to PRI, where she monitors water quality and studies zooplankton communities in the Mississippi watershed. Read on to learn more about her unique path, her advice for aspiring scientists, and her fascinating hobbies!
Q&A with Rachel Prostko
Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?
A: I loved working in the coral lab in Charleston, and I wanted to do more lab work. I also enjoyed going out in the field to collect animals for my master’s thesis research, so I looked for a role that would let me work in both the lab and the field.
Q: What tools are indispensable to your work?
A: Microscopes are essential, especially for observing tiny zooplankton.
Q: What questions do you get asked most frequently about your career? How do you answer those questions?
A: People often ask how much time I spend in the field versus the lab. I’d say it’s about 60–70% lab time, with the rest in the field. I’m also asked if I prefer one over the other, and I always say they complement each other. I enjoy the variety and balance they bring to my work.
Q: What advice would you give to those just starting out in your field?
A: Take your time to figure out what you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to try different things along the way.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I love to read, and I’m into fiber arts, too—I knit, spin my own yarn, and dabble in crochet and weaving. I recently got an antique floor loom, so I’ve been making rag rugs with it.