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Allison Steiner: Associate Professor of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering
College of Engineering

Algae has been an increasing problem in Lake Erie over the past decade, and they can create toxins that impact a critical source of drinking water, recreation, and fishing. U-M professor Allison Steiner is leading a research team funded by the National Science Foundation that’s trying to pinpoint the main drivers of harmful algal blooms, how to better predict them, and how to develop usable information for coastal stakeholders.

Steiner is giving an overview of the project this week at the Coalition for National Science Funding’s annual Capitol Hill exhibition.

“We will be highlighting this interdisciplinary project that brings together physical and social scientists to develop strategies for reducing harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie,” said Steiner. “We are understanding how climate influences freshwater ecosystems, and have scientists and stakeholders working together to improve coastal decision-making and sustainability.”

The research team includes:

Allison Steiner (right), associate professor of climate and space sciences and engineering, and earth and environmental sciences, was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to discuss her research on harmful algal blooms.

• Allison Steiner, PI, University of Michigan
• Don Scavia (co-I), University of Michigan
• Dan Obenour (co-I), North Carolina State University
• Frank Lupi (co-I), Michigan State University
• Maria Carmen Lemos (co-I), University of Michigan
• Christine Kirchhoff (co-I), University of Connecticut
• Margaret Kalcic, Ohio State University
• Rebecca Muenich, Arizona State University
• Isabella Bertani, University of Michigan
• Awoke Teshager, University of Michigan
• Nate Manning, University of Michigan
• Colleen Long, University of Michigan
• Yu-Chen Wang, University of Michigan

Paula Sorrell is the Director of the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan.
(Photo by Mike Waring, Washington Office)

Paula Sorrell, director of the U-M Economic Growth Institute, speaks to a Capitol Hill briefing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday about the benefits of a U.S. Department of Defense-funded program coordinated by the institute that assists small and medium-sized defense supply manufacturers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program has had an outstanding record of keeping many of these companies alive and thriving.

The Science Coalition presented U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., with its Champion of Science Award, recognizing his commitment to funding the basic research that keeps the United States and the state of Michigan at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery and technological innovation. Brittany Greeson | MLive.com(Brittany Greeson | MLive.com)

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Science Coalition presented U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., with its Champion of Science Award on Monday, March 12, recognizing his commitment to funding research that keeps the U.S. and Michigan at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery and technological innovation.

“Federal investments in basic science research are the cornerstone of our nation’s innovation economy, and I’ve been proud to champion stronger investments in research in the U.S. Senate,” Peters said. “I am honored to be recognized by The Science Coalition, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, and I look forward to continue working to maximize research opportunities and encourage scientific entrepreneurship for future generations.”

Peters said the research conducted by universities in Michigan and across the country generate new technologies and advancements that will save lives and create jobs.

Author: Martin Slagter

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