Rachel Caesar is a name that resonates in the worlds of medical anthropology, public health, and user experience (UX) research. With a career that blends academic excellence with real-world impact, she has carved out a unique space where she tackles some of society’s most pressing health challenges. Whether it’s through her groundbreaking research on substance use or her innovative consulting work, Rachel is a trailblazer whose contributions are shaping the future of health and technology.
So, who is Rachel Caesar? She’s an Assistant Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine, a qualitative research expert, and the founder of Culture of Health+Tech Consulting. With a PhD in Medical Anthropology from UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, she brings a deep understanding of how culture, society, and technology intersect with health. Her work focuses on critical issues like cannabis use during pregnancy, opioid harm reduction, and health equity topics that matter to individuals, communities, and policymakers alike.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at Rachel Caesar’s life and career. From her early days in Los Angeles to her current role as a thought leader, we’ll explore her education, research, and contributions. Expect an easy-to-read journey filled with insights, tables, and a handy FAQ section to answer your burning questions. Let’s dive in!
Background and Education: The Making of a Researcher
Rachel Carmen Ceasar was born and raised in Los Angeles, California a city known for its diversity and energy. Growing up in this vibrant environment, she was surrounded by a mix of cultures and perspectives that sparked her curiosity about human behavior. Why do people make the choices they do? How do their surroundings shape their lives? These questions would later become the foundation of her career.
Early Years and Undergraduate Studies
As a young student, Rachel was fascinated by the complexities of the human mind. This led her to enroll at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Graduating in 2006, she explored topics like social psychology and cognitive development, building a strong base in understanding human behavior.
But Rachel didn’t stop there. She added a minor in Spanish, honing her ability to connect with diverse communities a skill that would prove invaluable in her future research. Her time at UCLA wasn’t just about academics; it was about discovering her passion for understanding people on a deeper level.
Doctoral Journey in Medical Anthropology
After UCLA, Rachel knew she wanted to dig deeper into the social and cultural factors that influence health. She set her sights on medical anthropology, a field that blends anthropology with a focus on health and medicine. In 2006, she joined the Joint Medical Anthropology Program at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco one of the top programs in the country.
Over the next eight years, Rachel immersed herself in her studies. She was particularly drawn to how technology and design intersect with health an area that’s increasingly relevant in today’s digital world. Her dissertation explored how people navigate their well-being in the context of emerging technologies, setting the stage for her later work in UX research.
In 2014, Rachel earned her PhD, equipped with a powerful toolkit: qualitative research skills, a passion for health equity, and a vision to make a difference. Her academic journey was complete, but her real-world impact was just beginning.
Career: From Academia to Consulting
With her PhD in hand, Rachel Caesar stepped into a career that blends teaching, research, and practical solutions. She’s not just a scholar she’s someone who bridges the gap between theory and action.
Assistant Professor at USC Keck School of Medicine
Rachel’s first big move was joining the USC Keck School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences in 2014. Based in Los Angeles, this role allows her to wear multiple hats: researcher, educator, and mentor.
At USC, she dives into projects that tackle substance use and health disparities. She’s known for her hands-on approach, working closely with students and colleagues to explore how social factors like race, income, and access to care shape health outcomes. Her classroom isn’t just a lecture hall; it’s a space where future public health leaders are born.
The Maternal Cannabis Lab
One of Rachel’s standout achievements at USC is founding the maternal cannabis lab in 2020. With cannabis legalization spreading across the U.S., more pregnant individuals are using it yet there’s little research on its effects. Rachel saw this gap and stepped in.
Through the lab, she studies why pregnant people turn to cannabis, how it affects them and their babies, and what this means for public health. Her work is helping shape policies that balance safety with compassion, making her a key voice in this emerging field.
Qualitative Research Consultant at SC CTSI
Beyond her role at USC, Rachel serves as a qualitative research consultant for the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI). Here, she guides other researchers both seasoned faculty and new investigators on how to use qualitative methods effectively.
Think of her as a coach for research design. Need help crafting interview questions? Analyzing focus group data? Rachel’s there with practical advice, ensuring studies capture the human side of health issues. Her expertise makes complex research more approachable and impactful.
Culture of Health+Tech Consulting
In 2018, Rachel took her skills to the next level by founding Culture of Health+Tech Consulting, a Los Angeles-based firm. This boutique consultancy is where her anthropology background meets real-world problem-solving.
She works with tech companies, healthcare providers, and nonprofits to create solutions that are culturally sensitive and user-friendly. For example, she’s helped design health apps that speak to diverse audiences think features like multiple languages or content tailored to specific communities. Her goal? Make health and technology work for everyone, not just a select few.
Research Focus: Substance Use and Health Equity
Rachel Caesar’s research is all about understanding the “why” behind health behaviors. She digs into the messy, human side of public health, focusing on substance use and the inequities that shape it.
Cannabis Research: A Maternal Perspective
Cannabis is a hot topic, and Rachel’s work puts her at the forefront. Her maternal cannabis lab at USC explores why pregnant individuals use cannabis often to manage nausea, anxiety, or stress and what the outcomes are. Her studies use interviews and focus groups to hear directly from those involved, revealing a mix of personal choice and societal pressures.
For instance, one study found that many see cannabis as a natural alternative to medications, but they often lack clear guidance from doctors. Rachel’s research pushes for better education and support, not judgment, to help mothers and babies thrive.
Opioids and Harm Reduction
Rachel also tackles the opioid crisis, with a focus on harm reduction. She studies how people who use opioids especially in underserved communities navigate treatment and survival. Her work highlights barriers like stigma, poverty, and limited healthcare access.
In a project with safety-net clinics, she uncovered the struggles providers face in treating pain and addiction together. Patients, meanwhile, often feel misunderstood. Rachel advocates for integrated care models ones that treat the whole person, not just the substance use.
Health Equity: A Core Commitment
At the heart of Rachel’s research is health equity. She believes everyone deserves a fair shot at good health, regardless of their background. Her studies often focus on marginalized groups, asking how social factors like housing or discrimination affect their well-being.
Using qualitative methods, she brings these stories to life. It’s not just data; it’s people’s voices, shaping policies and practices that aim to level the playing field.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Rachel Caesar isn’t just a thinker she’s a doer. Her projects have real-world impact, from academia to industry.
Maternal Cannabis Lab Breakthroughs
Since launching in 2020, the maternal cannabis lab has produced eye-opening findings. One study showed that cannabis use during pregnancy is more common than many think, driven by a need for symptom relief. Rachel’s team is now working on guidelines to help healthcare providers talk about it with patients openly and without bias.
Opioid Research in Safety-Net Settings
Her opioid work is just as impactful. In 2022, she published a study on opioid use in safety-net healthcare settings, revealing gaps in care for low-income patients. Her recommendations? More training for providers and less stigma for patients. It’s practical advice that’s catching attention.
Health Tech Innovations
Through Culture of Health+Tech Consulting, Rachel has left her mark on health technology. Take her work with a mental health app startup: she conducted user research with diverse groups, ensuring the app met their needs. The result? Features like bilingual content and culturally relevant tools proof that tech can be inclusive.
Publications and Recognition
Rachel’s ideas don’t stay on her desk they’re shared widely. She’s published in top journals on topics like cannabis, opioids, and qualitative methods. Her conference talks, from the American Public Health Association to anthropology summits, draw crowds eager to hear her insights.
Teaching and Public Speaking: Sharing Knowledge
Rachel Caesar isn’t just about research she’s passionate about passing the torch.
Teaching at USC
Every spring, Rachel teaches PM 587, a qualitative methods course at USC. It’s a hit with students, who love her real-world examples and interactive style. She covers everything from designing studies to analyzing data, making research feel less daunting and more exciting.
Her students often say she’s inspiring someone who shows them how to turn curiosity into action. Many go on to use her methods in their own projects, carrying her influence forward.
Workshops for All
Outside the classroom, Rachel runs workshops for researchers, healthcare workers, and even community groups. She’s taught doctors how to listen better to patients through interviews and helped nonprofits use focus groups to understand their audiences. Her mission? Make qualitative research a tool anyone can use.
Speaking Engagements
Rachel’s a regular on the conference circuit, sharing her work with experts and everyday folks alike. She’s spoken at events like the Society for Applied Anthropology conference, breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable takeaways. Her talks often spark discussions proof she’s not just talking, but connecting.
Personal Life and Interests: The Human Side of Rachel
Rachel Caesar’s work is impressive, but she’s more than her résumé. Her personal life adds depth to her professional story.
Love for Nature
Rachel’s an avid camper, often escaping to California’s mountains or coastlines with her family. Whether it’s hiking in the Sierra Nevada or pitching a tent by the Pacific, she finds peace in nature a balance to her busy career.
A Reader at Heart
She’s also a bookworm, especially when it comes to fiction. Authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Gabriel García Márquez top her list. Rachel sees stories as a way to understand people a mindset that shines through in her research.
Exploring Los Angeles
In her downtime, Rachel bikes around LA or hops on public transit to explore new corners of the city. She’s big on sustainability, cutting waste and supporting local spots. It’s a lifestyle that mirrors her values of equity and community.
Key Milestones in Rachel Caesar’s Journey
Here’s a quick look at her standout moments:
|
Year |
Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2006 |
Earned BA in Psychology from UCLA |
| 2014 |
Earned PhD from UC Berkeley/UC San Francisco |
| 2014 |
Joined USC Keck School of Medicine |
| 2018 |
Founded Culture of Health+Tech Consulting |
| 2020 |
Launched maternal cannabis lab at USC |
| 2022 |
Published opioid research in safety-net care |
Rachel Caesar’s Research Areas
Her work spans several key fields here’s how they break down:
|
Research Area |
Focus |
Methods |
|---|---|---|
|
Substance Use |
Cannabis, opioids |
Interviews, focus groups |
|
Health Equity |
Social determinants of health |
Mixed methods, community work |
|
UX Research |
Health tech design |
User-centered design |
FAQ: Your Questions About Rachel Caesar Answered
Got questions? We’ve got answers straightforward and to the point.
What is Rachel Caesar known for?
Rachel’s a leader in medical anthropology and public health, famous for her work on substance use—like cannabis and opioids and pushing for health equity through qualitative research.
Where does Rachel Caesar work?
She’s an Assistant Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine and runs Culture of Health+Tech Consulting in Los Angeles.
What’s her research about?
Rachel studies how social factors shape substance use and health outcomes, focusing on cannabis during pregnancy, opioid harm reduction, and fairness in healthcare.
What’s the maternal cannabis lab at USC?
It’s Rachel’s project to research why pregnant people use cannabis and how it affects them, aiming to guide better health policies.
How does she help with qualitative research?
She teaches it at USC and consults for SC CTSI, helping others design studies that capture real human experiences.
What’s Culture of Health+Tech Consulting all about?
It’s her firm that helps organizations create health and tech solutions that respect cultural differences and meet diverse needs.
A Closer Look: Expanding on Rachel’s Impact
Let’s dig deeper into what makes Rachel Caesar’s work so special. Her career is a masterclass in blending curiosity with purpose, and her contributions deserve a closer look.
Cannabis Research: Beyond the Headlines
Rachel’s maternal cannabis lab isn’t just about numbers it’s about people. Take her study on pregnant cannabis users: she found that many turn to it for relief when traditional options fail. One participant shared, “It’s the only thing that stops the nausea without making me feel worse.” Rachel’s approach listening without judgment turns these stories into data that can change lives.
Her findings are shaking up the conversation. Doctors often don’t know how to advise patients about cannabis, and policies lag behind reality. Rachel’s pushing for education that empowers both, ensuring mothers get support, not shame.
Opioids: A Human-Centered Approach
Her opioid research is just as compelling. In safety-net clinics where resources are tight she’s uncovered a disconnect. Providers want to help but lack training, while patients feel judged. Rachel’s solution? Integrated care that treats pain and addiction together, with a dose of empathy.
One case study from her work stands out: a patient who’d been on opioids for years but couldn’t access rehab. Rachel’s interviews revealed systemic barriers like no transportation or childcare that keep people stuck. Her work is a call to action for healthcare that meets people where they are.
Health Tech: Designing for All
Through her consulting, Rachel’s transforming how we think about health tech. That mental health app she helped design? It’s not just functional it’s personal. She spent hours with users from different backgrounds, learning what they need. The result: an app that feels like it’s made for you, whether you’re a Spanish speaker or a first-time tech user.
This isn’t just about apps, though. Rachel’s worked with nonprofits to rethink outreach, using her anthropology skills to craft messages that resonate. It’s health equity in action making sure no one’s left behind.
Teaching: Building a Legacy
Her students at USC rave about her. “She makes research feel alive,” one said. In PM 587, Rachel doesn’t just teach methods she shows how they solve problems. A student project on food insecurity, inspired by her class, even won a university award. That’s the kind of ripple effect she creates.
Her workshops extend this impact. A healthcare provider who attended one said, “I never thought I could use interviews like this it’s changed how I see my patients.” Rachel’s not just teaching skills; she’s shifting mindsets.
Why It Matters
Rachel’s work matters because it’s human. She’s not chasing trends she’s asking questions that get to the root of health challenges. Her research informs policy, her consulting shapes tech, and her teaching builds the next generation. In a world where health disparities are stark, she’s a voice for change.
The Future: What’s Next for Rachel Caesar?
Rachel Caesar shows no signs of slowing down. What’s on the horizon? She’s hinted at expanding her cannabis research to look at long-term effects on kids a project that could redefine maternal health policies. She’s also keen to grow Culture of Health+Tech Consulting, taking on bigger clients to tackle global health issues.
Her students and colleagues see her as a visionary. “She’s always three steps ahead,” one peer noted. Whether it’s new research, innovative tech, or inspiring talks, Rachel’s future looks as impactful as her past.
Wrapping Up: Rachel Caesar’s Lasting Legacy
Rachel Caesar is more than a researcher she’s a force for good. From her Los Angeles roots to her USC classroom, she’s spent her life understanding people and using that knowledge to make health better for all. Her work on cannabis, opioids, and equity isn’t just academic; it’s personal, practical, and powerful.
Through her maternal cannabis lab, she’s giving mothers a voice. Through her opioid studies, she’s fighting for fairer care. And through her consulting and teaching, she’s building a world where health and tech serve everyone. Rachel’s story is one of curiosity, compassion, and impact a reminder that one person can change the conversation.
So, next time you hear her name, remember: Rachel Caesar isn’t just studying health she’s redefining it.
