Marinette Campus Prof. Renee Richer wants to be Michigan’s ‘Voice of Science in Policy’ – Pride Source
Renee Richer’s ties to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula run deep. So deep in fact that The Farmhouse, the building that today serves as Richer’s Gladstone-based bed-and-breakfast of the same name, has been in her family for more than a century. With connections to her community that run five generations strong, it makes sense that Richer would feel a sense of obligation to give back to her Upper Peninsula roots. In fact, she said that much of her interest in running for Michigan’s 108th House district stems from conversations with travelers right at The Farmhouse’s kitchen table.
And beyond connecting with constituents on a personal level, Richer says she wants her campaign to serve “as the voice of science in policy.” Richer earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Chicago and holds a Ph.D. in biology from Harvard University. She has spent much of her career studying environmental science and climate change both in the U.S. and around the world, and over the last 12 years, Richer has focused on human exposures to environmental neurotoxins—like Michigan’s harmful algal blooms. She currently commutes regularly to her teaching job at UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus. She said that her scientific background coupled with her social connection to Michiganders has made her a well-rounded candidate.
