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Consulting

I am a research psychologist with 15+ years experience facilitating global policy and product development with game studios and adjacent spaces, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies through data driven research.

I help clients navigate complex research, digital safety, and policy challenges through evidence-based analysis and strategic consultation, translating complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations tailored for different audiences—from executives to technical teams—enabling clients to make well-informed decisions that both protect users and support their business objectives.

Select Experience

  • Contributed to strategy, development, and execution of a research portfolio of more than $4M, including projects funded by Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action and the Canadian Resiliency Fund
  • Established the research department at Take This and served as its first Research Director, overseeing $1M research portfolio over five years
  • Influential voice on issues relating to trust and safety and digital technology, consulting with policy stakeholders on emerging regulatory issues, including members of the United States Congress, OFCOM, and Public Safety Canada. 
  • Worked closely with legal, product, and executive teams, to design and deliver collaborative projects across public, private, and government organizations. Partners have included Allianz, Nielsen, and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).
  • 10+ years experience serving private and public sector advisory committees and boards, including United Nations Global Mental Health Task Force, GIFCT, and Extremism in Games Research Network (EGRN)
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Rachel Kowert

Want to work together?

  • Project consultation and support: I have consulted, designed, and/or executed 100+ projects on topics relating to mental health, digital literacy, and the uses and effects of games. I am currently open to new opportunities for project-based work.
  • Workshops, guest lectures, and keynote presentations: Hosting an event? I have given more 100+ talks and workshops given across university, public, and online settings.
  • Subject matter consultation: I am currently open to new consultation opportunities. I have previously consulted Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies on issues relating to digital well-being and consumer safety. This has included drafting expert opinion reports for litigation.
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Testimonials

Rachel’s work has transformed my own professional journey in the Game-Based Learning, Esports, and Game Development spaces daily, and for years. When we first connected through the gaming research community, I was taken in by her ability to cut through industry noise with evidence-based insights that actually matter. No bells, no whistles, just relevant, meaningful research. A clear and calming tone in the clatter of egos clashing.

- Stephen Reid

Rachel Kowert is a polymath: “a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning”. She is a whip-smart researcher with expertise across psychology, gaming, and pop culture. Rachel synthesizes information with her own observations to deliver insights into what makes games & experiences tick. I’ve worked with Rachel over many years in gaming and really appreciate her approachability, her ability to simplify complex information, and her quick mind.

- Paul Snyder

Rachel is a gaming industry and game studies powerhouse. She is materful at encapsulating important and meaningful content in the area of pyschology, games and mental health in a fun and engaging way. She keynoted our conference last summer, and my 14 year old was rapt. I love her videos, cite her reseach, and have asked her to visit my class at the University of Toronto Rachel is dynamic, kind, fun, brilliant, and seems to have an endless reserve of energy!

- Paul Darvasi, Ph.D.

I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Rachel Kowert first professionally and then personally for several years. In that time, I’ve been continuously inspired by her integrity, research acumen and unwavering dedication to improving mental health, trust, and safety in digital spaces. Rachel has a unique ability to translate complex research into actionable policies and strategies that have not only transformed the gaming industry but also ignited broader conversations around online well-being and inclusivity in classrooms, communities and homes around the world.

- Fiona M

I’ve known Rachel for almost 10 years as a friend, colleague, and co-worker. Rachel is a dedicated and passionate researcher with unparalleled drive and is 100% a self-starter. She is creative, direct yet kind, and has a clear sense of the path she is on. Any team would benefit from having Rachel on their side.

- Kelli Dunlap, PsyD

Dr. Rachel Kowert is a brilliant and compassionate leader whose work has reshaped the way we understand digital games and their impact on society. With her unique ability to distill complex research into accessible insights, Rachel has helped countless individuals and organizations navigate critical issues like mental health, trust, and safety in digital spaces. Her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of these topics is truly inspiring.

- James O'Hagan