Dr. Rachel Shaffer graduated from Yale University with a BA in Environmental Studies (with a concentration in Environmental Health). After college, Shaffer worked in the Health Program at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in Washington, DC. Shaffer contributed to projects related to the reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), risk assessment, systemic review, conflict of interest in chemical review panels, emerging methods in toxicity testing, and Latino health community engagement.

Shaffer has an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health and a PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the UW Seattle School of Public Health. Shaffer's MPH thesis evaluated the association between phthalates and gestational diabetes. Shaffer's Ph.D. dissertation research focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and dementia.