Science rooted in community
How Jennifer Garner’s upbringing drives her nutrition research
Jennifer Garner, the John G. Searle Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences, reflects on growing up in rural Michigan, learning “strategically applied stubbornness” from her parents, and finding an unexpected path from dietetics to academia. Through mentorship and community-based research, she builds a career in food security, policy and science communication—grounded in care, curiosity and purpose.