Rebecca Williams reports and produces stories for The Environment Report.
She has a natural science degree from the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources & Environment, where she had close encounters with escaped boars and poison sumac. She spends her days
reporting on everything from heritage turkeys to people who live in 300
square foot houses.
She has won several national awards for her work,
including a prestigious National Headliner Award for her series on the
uber-destructive emerald ash borer.
Before getting into radio, Rebecca snapped photos of Mongolian diatoms and published a few papers in obscure scientific journals.
Rebecca still likes to look under rocks... sometimes you find really weird and amazing things there.
Q&A
How did you get involved in radio?
I listened to NPR growing up – my mom always listened to All Things Considered (ATC) while she made dinner so I think I was just immersed in radio. Whenever I hear the ATC theme song I think of tacos. Then in college I decided I’d like to try it on as a career... and I got an internship with The Environment Report, which ended up fitting perfectly with my science background. I started as an intern -- it seems like light years ago... and learned as many different aspects of the station as I could -- and here I am nine years later.
What has been your most memorable experience as a reporter?
Wrestling
very bitey Lake Erie watersnakes. Okay, so I actually watched
researchers wrestle them, but I did have one slither into my recording
bag.
What do you like best
about working in public radio?
I
learn something every day. I meet the most remarkable people and I get
to share their stories. It's an honor to get to meet people I'd
probably never otherwise meet...and get to know them...just a little.
Is there anyone in
the broadcasting or news business you find to be particularly admirable or inspiring?
Jon Stewart, hands down. He's hilarious, but he also holds people's feet to the fire and is just a genius.
What is your favorite program on Michigan Radio? Why?
This American Life. They find the weirdest, funniest, most shocking stories to tell...
What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
I love being outdoors, especially on any beach anywhere, or in northern Michigan. Hiking, kayaking, flyfishing, swimming, walking the lakeshore.
Is there a T.V. show you never miss? If so, which one?
Numbers. I love it. Using math to solve murders. Great geeky stuff.
What would your perfect meal consist of?
Crab or lobster with those little pots of drawn butter.
What's a hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?
I’m nearly unbeatable at the game of O’Hell (also often called Spit which may be more printable in the newsletter). It’s my one card game skill. Also I can throw a great spiral football.
What is one ability or talent you really wish you possessed?
I wish I knew how to hang glide.
What modern convenience would it be most difficult for you to live
without?
Ooh...I hate to admit it, but air conditioning in the hot, humid summer.
What are people usually very surprised to learn about you?
I filmed a commercial (for a mall) along with a biker dude and an elderly lady.
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