IAGLR honors Great Lakes science leaders at annual conference

May 29, 2026

The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) honored several professionals for their contributions to large lake science and IAGLR. The following awards were announced yesterday at the association’s joint conference with the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences in Winnipeg.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Gail Krantzberg received the IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award for a career spanning more than three decades of exceptional and sustained contributions to Great Lakes research, policy, management, and service. With a career bridging disciplines, institutions, and political boundaries, Krantzberg has consistently translated knowledge into tangible environmental progress. She led landmark initiatives in remedial action plans and contaminated sediment remediation, notably overseeing the cleanup of Collingwood Harbour, which became the first Great Lakes Area of Concern to be delisted in 1994. Her leadership spans the highest levels of binational governance, including service as director of the International Joint Commission's Great Lakes Regional Office, co-chair of the IJC's Science Advisory Board, senior policy advisor at the Ontario Ministry of Environment, and president of IAGLR. A professor emeritus at McMaster University, where she joined the faculty in 2005, Krantzberg supervised nearly 250 graduate students and secured millions of dollars in research funding, including a major grant for the Global Center for Climate Change Impacts on Transboundary Waters. She was honored as a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and featured in the book Great Lakes Champions: Grassroots Efforts to Clean Up Polluted Watersheds. Krantzberg also voluntarily served on 80 committees and boards that impacted communities, while mentoring generations of scientists, policymakers, and community leaders working at the interface of science, policy, and society.

John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award
The John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award went to Joan Schumaker Chadde (Michigan Technological University) for a career dedicated to making large lake science accessible, active, and inclusive for diverse audiences. As the long-time director of Michigan Tech’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, she pioneered place-based learning that connected students directly to their local watersheds. Examples include monitoring the recovery of Torch Lake—a local Superfund and Great Lakes Area of Concern site—to using exhibits at Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium as a starting point for field trips and lessons. Chadde helped develop water quality curricula used by schools throughout Michigan, orchestrated the Lake Superior Youth Symposium, which has engaged over 2,200 students, and created programs like Ride the Waves and Water Festivals that, all combined, have reached hundreds of thousands of learners. Chadde’s work is distinguished by her tireless advocacy for equity, specifically recruiting students from underserved urban districts, Indigenous communities, and rural areas to participate in environmental stewardship. Even after her 2023 retirement, her legacy endures through the Sustainability Film Series she started, reflecting her ability to transform scientific concepts into meaningful experiences that foster a deep sense of responsibility and belonging to the Great Lakes.

The Vallentyne award recognizes important and sustained efforts to inform and educate the public and policymakers on large lakes issues, thereby raising awareness and support for their protection and restoration. Its namesake is long-time IAGLR member and environmental scientist and educator, John R. (Jack) Vallentyne, aka “Johnny Biosphere.”

Anderson-Everett Award
Scott McNaught received the Anderson-Everett Award in recognition of his long-time service to IAGLR. His tenure as treasurer from 2017 to 2021 included navigating the association through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID years, where his steady leadership was deeply appreciated. McNaught contributed thoughtfully to strategic planning, engaging in essential conversations about IAGLR's mission, vision, values, and beliefs. He assisted with planning for Lakes Letter and served as the association's representative to the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies. Colleagues describe him as someone they regularly turn to for thoughtful advice and someone who cares deeply about IAGLR and its future. His support for the next generation of Great Lakes researchers, including ongoing encouragement of graduate students to attend and participate in the annual conference, reflects his dedication to both IAGLR and the future of Great Lakes science. A member since 1993, McNaught carries forward a remarkable family legacy—his father was a member for decades, creating a multi-generational connection to IAGLR that is truly special.

This award recognizes important and continued contributions to the association over a period of years and honors the efforts of David Anderson and Margaret Everett for their significant early contributions to the association and the Great Lakes.

In addition, the following people received IAGLR Appreciation Awards for their service to the association:

• The IAGLR Board of Directors Appreciation Award went to Jada Langston (University of Michigan); Neil Rooney (University of Guelph, who graciously served an additional year as past president; and Zanko Zandsalimi (University of Virginia) who have faithfully served on the IAGLR board and completed their term of service.
• The IAGLR Conference Appreciation Award went to 2026 Conference Site Chair Pauline Gerrard (IISD Experimental Lakes Area) and 2026 Conference Program Chair Vince Palace (IISD Experimental Lakes Area).
• The JGLR Outgoing Associate Editor Appreciation Award went to Marc Gaden (Great Lakes Fishery Commission) for his service to the journal.