Water Institute shares new research and perspectives at Great Lakes Public Forum

Water Institute booth at the Innovation Event at the Great Lakes Public Forum displays graduate student oxygen sensor, pictured on the table at left.

On Oct. 4 to 6, Water Institute and graduate student representatives shared information and participated in discussions on the state of the lakes and binational priorities for both Canada and the U.S. at the Great Lakes Public Forum in Toronto, ON.

The Great Lakes Public Forum takes place every three years. It provides the U.S. and Canada a chance to discuss and receive public comments on the state of the Great Lakes and binational priorities for science and action. It also offers an opportunity for the International Joint Commission to discuss and receive public comment on the Progress Report of the Parties.

Master's student in the Earth Sciences (Water) program,Tatjana Milojevic, showcased her deployable oxygen sensor (currently in development with the Ecohydrology Research Group) at the Water Institute booth at the forum's Innovation Event. Information on key Great-Lakes-related research by Water Institute faculty members was shared, including work on microplastics accumulation and on nicheROVER software that helps predict the impact of invasive species.

Allison Turner (pictured on the forum's red carpet entrance at left), Master's student in the Environmental Resource Studies (Water) program, asked delegates thought-provoking questions about how social scientists and those with traditional knowledge are being consulted on the Great Lakes. As a U.S. citizen currently studying in Canada, the binational theme of the event was of particular interest to her.

Watch Turner ask her question and how delegates respond in the video below: