Central Wisconsin News

Dr. Brian Barringer, chair and professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), has been recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Service Award. Barringer is known for his work in plant ecology, especially focusing on Cannabis sativa, and for leading efforts to develop new educational opportunities for students.

In 2019, after a student inquiry, Barringer began developing an interdisciplinary program focused on cannabis studies. This initiative led to the creation of the UW-Stevens Point Cannabis Science Certificate—the first such program in Wisconsin—offered online at the undergraduate level. The certificate covers topics including cannabis history, cultivation, phytochemistry, and its various uses.

Barringer's research extends beyond education into environmental science. In 2023, he proposed expanding research into how hemp plants could help remove PFAS—synthetic chemicals—from soils. Working with biology and chemistry colleagues Ann Impullitti, Joe Mondloch, Shannon Riha, and a faculty member from soil and waste resources in the College of Natural Resources, Barringer’s team received a Universities of Wisconsin Innovation Grant worth over $174,000 to support this project. The research aims to determine where toxins are stored within plant tissues and how soil properties affect remediation efforts.

Barringer’s approach is shaped by his own experiences as a first-generation college student who worked as a carpenter before pursuing academia through undergraduate research at UC-Davis. “Getting involved in research absolutely changed my life,” he said. “It gave me direction.”

He credits his early exposure to lab work and international field sites for inspiring him to continue combining teaching with discovery throughout his career. Now at UWSP since 2013—and serving as department chair since 2020—he seeks to provide similar opportunities for current students.

Dr. Amy Springer, a UWSP alumna who now works alongside Barringer as lab manager and academic colleague, described his mentorship: “Brian didn’t just grade a few assignments and send me on my way, he made a long-term investment in my life that changed the course of my future,” she wrote in her support letter. “I would not have succeeded in academia without him.”

Mary Joy Relagio, who graduated with a biology degree in 2025 from UWSP under Barringer’s guidance, also credited him with helping her regain confidence during an important time academically: “He was the first person to tell me I could do something meaningful in this role,” Relagio said. “Taking risks and trying new things really motivated me.” Under his supervision she conducted original research on lead exposure in hemp and co-presented PFAS-related findings supported by grant funding.

Barringer is also an advocate for nontraditional students through The Alliance of Non-Traditional Students (ANTS) at UWSP—a group serving about one-third of enrolled students who often juggle family or full-time work responsibilities alongside their studies. Ellen Whalley, executive board president of ANTS noted: “He gets it. We know we can count on him,” Whalley said. “He has been in our shoes.” Barringer has written letters supporting funding requests for ANTS programs aimed at retaining these scholars.

“What motivates me is opportunities for students and opportunities for me to interact with students,” said Barringer.

Since joining UWSP more than a decade ago, Barringer has received several honors recognizing his teaching and mentorship—including the Excellence in Teaching Award (2016) as well as Mentorship Awards from 2020 through 2024—and continues integrating current research into classroom instruction across ecology and plant biology courses.