Biography:

Canada Research Chair Tier II
-in Environment and Health Risk Communication

Michelle Driedger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences. Dr. Driedger obtained her PhD in Geography from McMaster University. Her research interests are in the research transfer and dissemination of evidence from science to policy concerning risk issues in environment and health using qualitative research methods. Her particular focus is on how risks are constructed, communicated and interpreted by scientific experts, policymakers, the lay public and the media. Dr. Driedger brings to the discussion of science-policy debates an understanding of the interplay between power and authority surrounding the construction of risk issues. As technology is constantly changing and we become even more dependent on information and evidence, it is critical that researchers seek to understand very complex relationships and interactions between expert and lay audiences. Knowledge translation and risk communication are key elements to these processes.
Dr. Driedger currently has graduate student funding opportunities through her SSHRC and CIHR grants.