Dr. Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM, is a distinguished fellow in energy and environment at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and a strategic advisor for Morgan Stanley Capital International. Her research focuses on sustainability; circular economy; life cycle management; environmental justice; safety and environmental regulations of the treatment, storage, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials and wastes; and understanding the environmental, economic, and social impacts across energy supply chains. Dr. Meidl was previously appointed as Deputy Associate Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in Washington, D.C. Prior to her service in government, she was Director of Regulatory & Technical Affairs at American Chemistry Council. She has over 27 years of regulatory, public policy, advocacy and technical experience in industry, academia, government and international relations.
Dr. Meidl holds a Ph.D. in law and public policy from Northeastern University, a master in environmental policy and management with a concentration in environmental chemistry and international law, a master of education in applied science and technology with certifications in chemistry and physics, and bachelor degrees in conservation biology, zoology & animal physiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Meidl is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager.