Sea Grant and Lake Michigan University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute

In this final podcast Chris and Doggus head once more for the shores of Lake Michigan. Things don’t quite turn out as planned – but before they get home, you will hear the famous singing sands of Lake Michigan from a very unusual perspective, and also find out how Sea Grant is sowing the seeds for future science. Sea Grant helps support the Lake Sturgeon Bowl, a regional academic competition sponsored by the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Liz Sutton, a regional coordinator for the Sturgeon Bowl, is interviewed by Chris during an actual competition, and she explains how the Sturgeon Bowl works, and the many benefits it brings to students of freshwater science.

In this episode, Chris continues his discussions about Lake Michigan with scientists the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences. Dr. J. Val Klump and his graduate student, Shelby LaBuhn, explain their ground-breaking attempt, using known techniques from atmospheric science that take advantage of the Doppler effect, to analyze changes in current velocities that can reveal changes in the underwater ecosystems of Lake Michigan. They also discuss numerous other phenomena affecting the lake, including the quagga mussel invasion and the hypoxia that can result in fish kills. Finally, Val talks about his unique experience being the first man to reach the very deepest part of Lake Michigan in a manned submersible.

Chris wraps up his interviews at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences in this episode, where he speaks at length with Dr. John Janssen. Along with sharing insights from his Sea Grant-sponsored work with lake trout and yellow perch, Janssen relates this research to a bigger picture about how Lake Michigan functions (“like a brewery”, according to Janssen) and how people perceive lakes and water in general. Janssen also explains the presence of reefs and quarries in and around the lake, and offers a simple solution to improve the water quality of Lake Michigan.

In this episode, Chris and Doggus head to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences. Interesting things unfold outside, which call to mind unusual opportunities of employment for dogs, as well as some common sense things about feeding birds and owning dogs. Jane Harrison, an environmental social scientist working for Sea Grant, joins them for a walk and a chat about her work before Chris heads inside.

Chris enters the halls of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences where he meets up with Professor Harvey Bootsma and his graduate student Caroline Boseley. They explain to Chris the dramatic changes happening to Lake Michigan's food web due to the arrival of invasive species, in particular the zebra mussel and the quagga mussel.

In this episode, Chris and his dog stop at Harrington Beach State Park, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Listening to the gulls at the beach and seeing the warning signs about bacteria and beach closings, Chris recalls an informative conversation he had with Dr. Sandra McLellan and a graduate student from her lab, Amber Koskey. They reveal the science and challenges behind monitoring bacteria at beaches – the process that helps determine whether beaches are safe for swimming. Their work is vital for the health and safety of everyone who enjoys swimming in Lake Michigan waters.