Assistant Director

Bio Summary

Rachael Herpel is the assistant director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) and the Nebraska Water Center (NWC), providing leadership in the development and administration of research, education, and engagement programs and events. Through this joint appointment she shares best practices and lessons learned to the benefit of both entities.

After starting out at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Herpel earned a B.A. in Political Science and a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she specialized in environmental planning and water quality issues. She served as a graduate assistant for NWC’s assistant director throughout grad school.

Rachael joined NWC in 2008 after serving as the community programs director for the Groundwater Foundation, working on projects promoting source water protection, water policy education, private well maintenance, and the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Between 1999 and 2006 she facilitated over 100 source water protection workshops in 32 U.S. states. She has been a part of DWFI since it was established in 2010.

Rachael Herpel grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and Emerson in northeast Nebraska before moving to Omaha. Summers were spent at the Emerson pool and Lake of the Woods, Canada. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, and traveling with family. She lives in Lincoln.

Rachael Herpel

Contact Information

2021 Transformation Drive Ste. 3220
P.O. Box 886204
Lincoln NE 68588-6204
402.472.4977
Email: rherpel@nebraska.edu