Monica

Monica Raveret Richter is a behavioral ecologist who investigates food choice and its broader consequences in a variety of organisms, especially insects and birds. Decades ago, as she presented her research on factors that influence honey bee food choice, a student asked, “Does any of this apply to humans?” Their question lead to an epiphany that broadened her perspective on food choice and its consequences to include her own species. She appreciates opportunities to learn from farmers, chefs, academic colleagues, students, and community members, both human and beyond.

While a professor for 34 years in Skidmore’s Biology department, Monica taught Ecology, Animal Behavior, classroom and field courses (Costa Rica) in Tropical Ecology, and food-focused classes and seminars including Ecology of Food, What to Eat?, and a variety of interdisciplinary team-taught seminars.

Monica is grateful for the access her local community provides to fresh, healthy and delicious food, loves to cook, and has delighted in exploring food choice, sharing new foods, and learning about food traditions with her students and friends. She is curious, and enjoys engaging with the natural world.