SFU professor Lynne Quarmby is taking on a science policy critic role with the federal Greens, even though she hasn't run in an election yet.
Quarmby's will evaluate government legislation and policy and whether it's based on scientific evidence.
"I'm excited about it. I feel it's a tremendous responsibility, but it's also a great opportunity to bring my experience in science into the political arena," Quarmby said.
"(The Conservatives) have showed complete disregard for science, in particular, environmental science."
Quarmby, who recently moved to Burnaby, is head of SFU's molecular biology and biochemistry department and is running for the Greens in the new federal riding of Burnaby North-Seymour.
Quarmby made headlines as one of the five protesters named in a multimillion Kinder Morgan suit seeking an injunction against anti-pipeline protesters on Burnaby Mountain.
Green leader Elizabeth May is one of two Green party members who hold seats in Ottawa, but the party still appoints people to its shadow cabinet. All of the shadow cabinet members plan to run in the next federal election.
