Lake Erie Area Research Network: The Advancement of LEARN

Session: 28. - Pilot Projects and Future Visions: Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Applied Research

Emily Burbacher, Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Laboratory, [email protected]
Christopher Winslow, Ohio Sea Grant College Program, [email protected]
Kristen Fussell, Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Laboratory, [email protected]

Abstract

Communities, environmentalists, governments, academics, and corporations are increasingly recognizing that the availability of water as a clean and abundant resource could introduce conflicts over its use and misuse. Stressors such as climate change, land use, and population shifts operate on a large scale, thus solution sets must be grand. Therefore, our long-term goal is to better manage and sustain Lake Erie in light of human-driven stressors through the creation of a consortium of researchers and field stations, the Lake Erie Area Research Network (LEARN). For LEARN to be successful it will require (1) involvement of diverse skill sets, (2) tremendous assets, (3) collaboration, and (4) communication. The skill sets needed include (but not limited to): engineers, social scientists, database managers, soil scientists, hydrologists, biogeochemists, agronomists, modelers, microbiologists, and ecologists. In 2016, we facilitated a two-day workshop, a series of webinars, and survey work to assess the needs of Lake Erie area researchers. From initial discussions, objectives for network website development as well as bylaws and committees have been ongoing. With over 50 researchers from 17 institutions around Ohio investing their time into the development of this new Lake Erie consortium, we will continue to expand awareness and involvement in LEARN.

1. Keyword
Lake Erie

2. Keyword
planning

3. Keyword
organizations

4. Additional Keyword
consortium

5. Additional Keyword
network