annual report july 1, 2014 june 30, 2015 · 2019. 5. 18. · llyode wescoat – civil and...

Great Lakes Research Center 1 Annual Report July 2014 – June 2015

ANNUAL REPORT

July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015

Submitted by:

The Great Lakes Research Center

Contact: Dr. Guy Meadows, Director

Michigan Technological University

307 Great Lakes Research Center 1400 Townsend Drive Houghton, MI 49931 phone: (906) 487-1106 email: [email protected]

GLRC Web Page: http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/


Table of Contents 1 Introduction 3

2 Finances 3

2.1 Institutional Research and Development Account Statement ..................................................... 3

2.2 Michigan Tech Fund Account Statement ...................................................................................... 3

2.3 Demand Account Statement ......................................................................................................... 4

3 Personnel 5

3.1 Executive Committee .................................................................................................................... 5

3.2 GLRC Personnel ............................................................................................................................. 5

3.3 GLRC Membership ........................................................................................................................ 5

4 Research 7

4.1 Proposal Activity ........................................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Award Activity ............................................................................................................................. 14

4.3 Publications Activity .................................................................................................................... 20

5 Facilities 21

5.1 Geospatial Core Facility............................................................................................................... 21

5.2 Marine Research Asset Facility ................................................................................................... 22

6 Education and Outreach Activities 22

7 Other Activities 23

7.1 Strategic Planning ....................................................................................................................... 23

8 Future Plans 24

9 Appendix 24


1 Introduction This report covers the activities of the Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) at Michigan Technological

University (Michigan Tech) for the period of July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 (FY15).

2 Finances

2.1 Institutional Research and Development Account Statement

Institutional Research and Development (IRAD) Account information for FY 14 (July 1, 2013 – June 30,

2014) and FY 15 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015).

In FY 15, the GLRC Institute received $122,821.26 in transfers-in (revenue) as a result of a negotiated

Institutional Research and Development agreement with the Vice President for Research office to

provide resources to stimulate institutional growth and success in securing additional externally

sponsored awards. In FY13, the Center for Water and Society (CWS) formally affiliated with the GLRC

Institute. Through this partnership, the GLRC received an additional $1,762.86 in center IRAD return. To

support institutional operations, growth and programming.

During FY15, the GLRC incurred expenses to support salaries and wages, services, supplies and travel to

advance Institute initiatives, and business and program development. This included $5,000 in faculty

support; approximately $12,600 in staff support; $4,200 in clerical support; $800 is student support; and

$7,100 in applicable fringe benefits. Supplies and services included the partial purchase of an

underwater camera to support near-term seed research with underwater dissolved oxygen sensors and

for long-term development of a cabled underwater observatory. Service expenses were also incurred

for unfunded use of the Agassiz Research Vessel and travel costs supported outreach by the Director

and staff to present on Institute capabilities at regional meetings.

2.2 Michigan Tech Fund Account Statement

The following account table reflects gifts received by the Great Lakes Research Center. This fund was

established to support the University’s financial match obligation for the construction of the physical

Center and has supported non-construction related costs including technology equipment and furniture.

IRAD ACCOUNTJuly 1, 2013 -

June 30, 2014

July 1, 2014 -

June 30, 2015

Revenue

Carry Forward -$ 35,404.52$

Transfers-In 37,540.80$ 124,584.12$

Total Revenue 37,540.80$ 159,988.64$

Expenses

Salary & Wages 401.10$ 29,875.26$

Services 107.44$ 3,540.81$

Supplies 27.92$ 11,126.71$

Travel 1,599.82$ 2,406.66$

Total Expenses 2,136.28$ 46,949.44$


Funds received as gifts have also been transferred to an on-campus demand account to support hourly

student interns, travel, and activities that build and support collaboration.

2.3 Demand Account Statement

Through philanthropic contributions, the GLRC is investing in people and equipment to advance research

activities. Gifts provide support for equipment acquisitions, maintenance and repairs, as well as

financial support for staff to assist in advancing unfunded research concepts where preliminary data and

knowledge provides proof of concept evidence in proposals to external agencies and organizations.

Demand account detail for FY13 – FY15.

FUND ACCOUNTJuly 1, 2008 -

June 20, 2009

July 1, 2009 -

June 30, 2010

July 1, 2010 -

June 30, 2011

July 1, 2011 -

June 30, 2012

July 1, 2012 -

June 30, 2013

July 1, 2013 -

June 30, 2014

July 1, 2014 -

June 30, 2015

Beginning Balance -$ 1,496.36$ 5,290.95$ 155,279.94$ 162,706.46$ 122,685.86$ 52,036.64$

Gifts Recevied 1,496.36$ 3,794.59$ 149,988.99$ 7,562.50$ 67,991.15$ 32,350.78$ 31,053.41$

Transfers-out -$ -$ -$ 135.98$ 108,011.75$ 103,000.00$ 80,408.01$

Ending Balance 1,496.36$ 5,290.95$ 155,279.94$ 162,706.46$ 122,685.86$ 52,036.64$ 2,682.04$

Transfers-out Detail

Transfer to Demand -$ 53,762.50$ 72,000.00$ 55,000.00$

Direct Expenses 135.98$ 18,991.40$ -$ 408.01$

GM Ride the Waves -$ 30,000.00$ 31,000.00$ 25,000.00$

135.98$ 102,753.90$ 103,000.00$ 80,408.01$

Investment Fees Paid 3.64$ 85.41$ 1,243.01$ 4,012.50$ 4,217.70$ 1,891.22$ 377.73$

DEMAND ACCOUNTJuly 1, 2012 -

June 30, 2013

July 1, 2013 -

June 30, 2014

July 1, 2014 -

June 30, 2015

Revenue

Carry Forward -$ (29,372.69)$ 1,701.59$

Transfers-In 50,162.50$ 75,000.00$ 57,000.00$

Total Revenue 50,162.50$ 45,627.31$ 58,701.59$

Expenses

Salary & Wages 2,847.82$ -$ 1,610.46$

Equipment 26,952.24$ 14,667.50$ 9,681.33$

Services 23,928.69$ 8,296.23$ 2,531.89$

Supplies 24,843.94$ 14,620.94$ 8,535.85$

Other 6,250.00$ 12,500.00$

Travel 962.50$ 91.05$ -$

Total Expenses 79,535.19$ 43,925.72$ 34,859.53$

Balance (29,372.69)$ 1,701.59$ 23,842.06$


3 Personnel

3.1 Executive Committee

The GLRC Executive Committee represents the membership, providing advice to the Director and

University on issues that impact Institute growth and development. The following faculty and staff

served on the Executive Committee in FY 15:

Mike Abbott (Vice President of Research Office) – Facility Operations

Amy Marcarelli (Biological Sciences) – Aquatic Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics

Colleen Mouw (Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences) – Marine Technology and Engineering

Nancy Langston* (Social Sciences) – Aquatic Resources and Human Dimensions

Marty Auer (Civil and Environmental Engineering) – Education and Outreach

Noel Urban (Civil and Environmental Engineering) – Center for Water and Society

* Replaced Emma Norman in August 2014.

3.2 GLRC Personnel

The following personnel supported the operations and development of the GLRC facilities and Institute:

Dr. Guy Meadows – Director, Great Lakes Research Center, Robbins Professor of Sustainability in Marine

Engineering, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Mike Abbott – Director, Great Lakes Research Center Operations

Jamey Anderson – Coordinator of Marine Operations

Carol Asiala – Website and publication support

Beth Frederick - Custodial

Cathy Jenich – Administration

Christopher Pinnow – Electronics/Computer Engineer

Tom Polkinghorn – Building Mechanic II

Stephen Roblee – Research Vessel Captain

Darleen Saari – Administration

Richelle Schwaller – Administration

Colin Tyrell – Marine Operations Specialist

Travis White – Relief Captain

3.3 GLRC Membership

The following list includes the faculty membership of the GLRC during FY 15:

Dr. Yushin Ahn – School of Technology Dr. Robert Anderson – Biological Sciences Dr. Martin Auer – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Nancy Auer – Biological Sciences Dr. Melissa Baird – Social Sciences Dr. Brian Barkdoll – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Jennifer Becker – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Leonard Bohmann – College of Engineering Dr. William Breffle – School of Business and Economics


Dr. Joseph Bump – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Gary Campbell – School of Business and Economics Dr. Molly Cavaleri – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Rodney Chimner – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dr. Rupali Datta – Biological Sciences Dr. Mary Durfee – Social Sciences Dr. Gary Fahnenstiel – Biological Sciences Dr. David Flaspohler – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Robert Frose – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. John Gierke – Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Dr. Hugh Gorman – Social Sciences Dr. Sarah Green – Chemistry Dr. Michael Gretz – Biological Sciences Dr. Jason Gulley – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Kathleen Halvorsen – Social Sciences and School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. David Hand – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Casey Huckins – Biological Sciences Dr. Chandrashekhar Joshi – Biological Sciences Dr. Martin Jurgensen – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Evan Kane – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Charles Kerfoot – Biological Sciences Dr. Donald Lafreniere – Social Sciences Dr. Latika Gupta Lagalo – School of Business and Economics Dr. Nancy Langston – Social Sciences Dr. Eugene Levin – School of Technology Dr. Carol MacLennan – Social Sciences Dr. Nina Mahmoudian – Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics Dr. Amy Marcarelli – Biological Sciences Dr. Patrick Martin – Social Sciences Dr. Alex Mayer – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Audrey Mayer – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Lynn Mazzoleni – Chemistry Dr. Tom Merz – School of Business and Economics Dr. Daisuke Minakata – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Colleen Mouw – Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Dr. Daya Muralidharan – School of Business and Economics Dr. Blair Orr – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Wayne Pennington – College of Engineering Dr. Judith Perlinger – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Mark Rouleau – Social Sciences Dr. Timothy Scarlett – Social Sciences Dr. Chelsea Schelly – Social Sciences Dr. Eric Seagren – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Bruce Seely – College of Sciences and Arts Dr. Robert Shuchman – Michigan Tech Research Institute Dr. Robert Turpening – Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Dr. Noel Urban – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Craig Waddell – Humanities


Dr. Joe Wagenbrenner – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Dr. Zhaohui Wang – Electrical and Computer Engineering Dr. David Watkins – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Veronica Webster – Civil and Environmental Engineering Dr. Adam Wellstead – Social Sciences Dr. Richelle Winkler – Social Sciences Dr. Pengfei Xue – Civil and Environmental Engineering

GLRC activities are also led and supported by research, administrative and scientific staff:

Carol Asiala – Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Audrey Barnett – Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Colin Brooks – Michigan Tech Research Institute Joan Chadde-Schumaker – Civil and Environmental Engineering Liza Jenkins – Michigan Tech Research Institute David Millie – Michigan Tech Research Institute James Schmierer – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences Amy Schrank – School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences David Schwab – Michigan Tech Research Institute Ken Vrana – Isle Royal Institute Llyode Wescoat – Civil and Environmental Engineering Foad Yousef – Biological Sciences Lucille Zelazny – Biological Sciences

4 Research

4.1 Proposal Activity

The following metrics represent proposal submission activity by Great Lakes Research Center (including

CWS submissions) faculty, staff and graduate students during FY 15.

By the numbers:

51 Proposals Submitted

25 Principal Investigators

10 Colleges, Departments, or Centers Active

27 Different Funding Agencies or Organizations

$10,091,226 Requested Funds

1. Collaborative Research: What Hydro Geochemical Processes Control Weathering in the Deep

Critical Zone of Unburied Karst Landscapes?

PI: Jason D. Gulley

Sponsor: National Science Foundation

1407019P1 Awarded (07/01/2015) $194,940 (8/1/2015-7/31/2017)

2. CAREER: Autonomous Underwater Power Distribution System for Continuous Operation


PI: Nina Mahmoudian


1407042P1 Awarded (05/15/2015) $500,442 (7/1/2015-6/30/2020)

3. Assessment of Global Change and ASEP Impacts in the Arctic

PI: Judith Perlinger

Sponsor: Belmont Forum & G8 Research Councils Initiative on Multilateral Research Funding

1407051P1 Declined $438,073 (1/1/2015-12/31/2017)

4. Lake Erie Phosphorus Modeling

PI: Martin T. Auer

Co-PI: Pengfei Xue

Sponsor: Battelle Memorial Institute

1408001P1 Awarded (08/28/2014) $73,418 (7/30/2014-9/30/2014)

5. A Holistic Decision Support Framework for Urban Water System Adaptation Strategies in

Response to Climate Change: Focus on Water Quality Implications and Water Reuse

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Co-PIs: Daisuke Minakata, David W. Watkins, Noel R. Urban, and Robert Michael Handler

Sponsor: US Environmental Protection Agency

1408005P1 Declined $1,000,000 (8/17/2015-8/16/2018)

6. Sustainable Water Resources for Irrigated Agriculture in a Desert River Basin Facing Climate

Change and Urban Growth: From Characterization to Solutions

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Sponsor: University of Texas at El Paso

1408012P1 Awarded (04/02/2015) $500,000 (3/1/2015-2/29/2020)

7. CRII: CIF: A Pilot Study for Multi-Scale Environment-Adaptive Underwater Acoustic Networking

PI: Zhaohui Wang


1409093P1 Declined $174,886 (1/1/2015-12/31/2016)

8. Collection and Identification of Larval Fishes

PI: Nancy A. Auer

Sponsor: Arcadis SENES Canada Inc

1406060P2 Tabled $3,145 (7/15/2014-10/31/2015)

9. OA2015 Interacting Drivers of pH Variability and Change in the Laurentian Great Lakes

PI: Noel R. Urban

Sponsor: US Dept of Commerce

1410036P1 Pending $401,418 (9/1/2015-8/31/2018)


10. Collaborative Research: Visualization Analysis and HPC Modeling of Subglacial Hydrology from

High-Resolution 3D Conduit Scans Acquired with a Novel Sensor

PI: Jason D. Gulley


1410041P1 Awarded (06/10/2015) $23,673 (7/1/2015-6/30/2017)

11. Collaborative Research: Discriminating Between Local and Non-Local Controls on Water Pressure

and Ice Velocity of the Greenland Ice Sheet

PI: Jason D. Gulley

Co-PI: Yushin Ahn


1410042P1 Declined $596,389 (1/1/2016-12/31/2018)

12. FACTs & Careers: Scalable v Intensive Educational Programs at a Public Aquarium to Increase

STEM Career Choices

PI: Joan Schumaker Chadde

Co-PI: Lloyd Tucker Wescoat

Sponsor: Wayne State University

1410082P1 Declined $103,157 (7/5/2015-5/6/2018)

13. Retrieving Remotely-Sensed CDOM Composition Abundance and Distribution in Bering Sea Waters

PI: Brice Grunert

Co-PI: Colleen Mouw

Sponsor: University of Michigan – Michigan Space Grant Consortium

1311040P2 Declined $5,000 (5/1/2015-4/30/2016)

14. Assessing the Spatial Distribution and Physical Drivers of Cyanobacterial Blooms in Western Lake

Erie

PI: Angela W. Yu

Co-PI: Colleen Mouw


1411056P1 Awarded (06/09/2015) $5,000 (5/1/2015-4/30/2016)

15. Designing a Sustainable Future Institute for Grades 4-12 Teachers



1411082P1 Awarded (06/09/2015) $5,000 (5/1/2015-4/30/2016)

16. Belle Isle Aquarium: Teacher Education & School Field Trips for Grades 3-8 Students



1411084P1 Declined $9,756 (5/1/2015-4/30/2016)


17. Dissolved Organic Carbon Movement Across Terrestrial-Stream-Lake Interfaces: How do

Snowpack and Flowpath Dynamics Affect Dissolved Carbon Exports from Forested Watersheds?

PI: Evan S. Kane

Co-PIs: Amy M. Marcarelli, Colin N. Brooks, and Robert A. Shuchman

Sponsor: US Dept of Energy

1412012P1 Declined $459,884 (9/1/2015-8/31/2018)

18. Innovative and Multifaceted Control of Invasive Eurasian and Hybrid Watermilfoil Using

Integrative Pest Management Principles

PI: Casey J. Huckins

Co-PIs: Amy M. Marcarelli, Colin N. Brooks, and Erika Hersch-Green

Sponsor: Michigan Dept of Natural Resources

1412024P1 Awarded (05/29/2015) $331,979 (3/1/2015-10/30/2016)

19. A Science & Technology Center (STC) for Sustainable Ecosystems in Ice-Bound Coastal

Environments (SE-ICE)

PI: Guy A. Meadows

Co-PIs: David R. Shonnard and Donald K. Atwood


1412037PP Declined (6/1/2016-5/31/2021)

20. Development of a Stream Crossing Upgrade Prioritization Tool

PI: Joseph W. Wagenbrenner

Co-PIs: Casey J. Huckins and David W. Watkins

Sponsor: US Dept of the Interior

1412042PP Declined $104,650 (8/1/2015-12/31/2017)

21. NRI: GUARDIAN (Generic Underwater Autonomous Robot for Diver-Integrated Assistance and

Navigation)

PI: Jason D. Gulley

Sponsor: Bishop Museum

1501004P1 Declined $212,068 (1/1/2016-12/31/2018)

22. Coupling Experimental and Theoretical Molecular-Level Investigations into the Effect of

Background Natural or Dissolved Organic Matter on the Fate of Degradation of Organic

Compounds in Aqueous Phase Advanced Oxidation Processes

PI: Daisuke Minakata

Sponsor: Oak Ridge Associated Universities

1501013P1 Awarded (05/15/2015) $5,000 (6/1/2015-5/31/2016)

23. TWC: Small: Collaborative: Defending Against Eavesdropping Attacks in Underwater Wireless

Networks

PI: Zhaohui Wang



1501030P1 Declined $297,660 (9/1/2015-8/31/2018)

24. You Really Otter Prevent Marine Debris in the Great Lakes!


Co-PIs: Amy J. Schrank and Sarah A. Green

Sponsor: US Dept of Commerce

1501037P1 Declined $74,401 (9/1/2015-8/31/2017)


PI: Nancy A. Auer

Co-PI: Colin N. Brooks


1406060P3 Awarded (04/27/2015) $217,163 (7/15/2014-10/31/2015)

26. Understanding Spatial Variation of Surface Melt Patterns on Debris-Covered Glaciers with Respect

to Geomorphology

PI: Jason D. Gulley

Co-PI: Jordan R. Mertes

Sponsor: National Aeronautics & Space Administration

1501086P1 Declined $30,000 (9/1/2015-8/31/2016)

27. CDOM Variability and its Influence on Phytoplankton Distribution in a Sub-Arctic Basin

PI: Colleen Mouw

Co-PI: Brice Grunert


1502002P1 Awarded (06/30/2015) $30,000 (9/1/2015-8/31/2016)

28. NEORSD Integrated Clean Water Act Evaluation - Stage 3

PI: Martin T. Auer

Co-PIs: David W. Watkins and Pengfei Xue

Sponsor: Wade Trim

1306035P3 Awarded (04/28/2015) $149,899 (1/1/2015-12/31/2015)

29. Native Fish Species Stewardship Restoration and Research

PI: Nancy A. Auer

Sponsor: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

1502019P1 Awarded (02/12/2015) $90,025 (1/1/2015-1/31/2017)

30. Global to Local Multi-Model Approach to Investigate Urban Wetland Resiliency to Climate Change

PI: Pengfei Xue

Sponsor: Loyola Marymount University

1502020PP Pending $103,669 (2/1/2016-1/31/2018)


31. CyberSEES: Type 2: Collaborative Research: Towards Sustainable Water Supply: A Holistic

Framework for Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring and Pollution Detection

PI: Zhaohui Wang

Co-PIs: David W. Watkins, Keat G. Ong, and Pengfei Xue


1502052P1 Declined $759,900 (9/1/2015-8/31/2019)

32. Development of Underwater Thin-Film Thermophone Transducers

PI: Andrew Barnard

Sponsor: US Dept of Defense

1503003P1 Declined $551,486 (6/1/2015-5/31/2018)

33. Documenting Quagga-Related Productivity Declines & Benthic Carbon Fluxes

PI: W Charles Kerfoot

Co-PIs: Foad Yousef, Gary L. Fahnenstiel, and Sarah A. Green

Sponsor: University of Michigan – Michigan Sea Grant

1503012PP Declined $229,696 (2/1/2016-1/31/2018)

34. REF-RS: Keweenaw Spatial Data Infrastructure

PI: Donald J. Lafreniere

Sponsor: Michigan Technological University

1505028P1 Awarded (05/01/2015) $15,000 (7/1/2015-8/31/2016)

35. Creating Water Resource Stewards to Promote Clean Water & Healthy Urban Watersheds



1503013P1 Declined $79,757 (8/1/2015-7/31/2017)

36. Prediction of Future Resilient Coastal Communities

PI: Pengfei Xue

Co-PI: Guy A. Meadows


1503015PP Declined $217,782 (2/1/2016-1/31/2018)

37. Characterizing impacts of spatial and temporal pCO2 variability on macroporosity generation in

carbonate platforms: reassessing mixing dissolution paradigms

PI: Jason D. Gulley

Sponsor: American Chemical Society

1503021P1 Pending $110,000 (6/1/2016-8/31/2018)

38. Basin-Wide Decision Support for Connectivity Restoration: Expanding an Online Tool to Facilitate

High-Resolution Species-Specific Analyses

PI: Joseph W. Wagenbrenner

Co-PI: Casey J. Huckins and David W. Watkins


Sponsor: University of Wisconsin - Madison

1503022P1 Awarded (09/22/2015) $84,776 (1/1/2016-12/31/2017)

39. Community Guide to Minewater Geothermal

PI: Richelle L. Winkler


1312039P2 Pending $74,946 (6/1/2015-5/31/2017)

40. CI-TEAM Demo: Environmental CyberCitizens: Engaging Citizen Scientists in Global Environmental

Change through Crowdsensing and Visualization

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Co-PI: Robert Pastel


1103036P7 Awarded (04/13/2015) $32,000 (5/15/2015-9/1/2015)

41. IDR: Collaborative Research: Sustainable Water Resources for Communities under Climate

Change: Can State-of-the-Art Forecasting Inform Decision-Making in Data Sparse Regions?

PI: Alex S. Mayer


091213P4 Awarded (07/20/2015) $63,877 (7/1/2015-8/31/2016)

42. FEW: Coupled Production-Consumption Systems for Climate Change Mitigation: Designing

Equitable Food Energy and Water Conservation Strategies

PI: David W. Watkins

Co-PI: Kathleen E. Halvorsen


1503064P1 Awarded (07/24/2015) $47,200 (7/1/2015-12/31/2015)

43. RET Site: PLACE - Promoting Learning about Computational Tools and the Environment

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Co-PI: Noel R. Urban


1504023P1 Awarded (10/01/2015) $599,590 (1/1/2016-12/31/2018)

44. Implementation of the GLOS Nearshore Observing System Network

PI: Robert A. Shuchman

Co-PIs: Guy A. Meadows and W Charles Kerfoot

Sponsor: University of Michigan

1302073P4 Awarded (09/17/2015) $166,000 (6/1/2015-5/31/2016)

45. The Alliance for Coastal Technologies: Verification and Validation of Sensors for Coastal and

Ocean Observing Systems

PI: Guy A. Meadows

Co-PI: Sarah A. Green


Sponsor: University of Maryland

1405037P2 Awarded (08/07/2015) $25,000 (6/1/2015-5/31/2016)

46. Developing a Talent Pipeline: Inspiring Future Naval Engineers and Scientists Using Real-World

Project Based Instruction

PI: Andrew Barnard

Co-PI: Guy A. Meadows and Nina Mahmoudian

Sponsor: US Dept of Defense

1504047P1 Awarded (08/25/2015) $599,620 (8/1/2015-7/31/2018)


PI: Nancy A. Auer



1406060P4 Tabled $54,526 (7/15/2014-10/31/2015)

48. Phytoplankton Enumeration for Les Cheneaux Water Quality Studies

PI: Amy M. Marcarelli

Sponsor: Les Cheneaux Watershed Council

1305011P3 Awarded (06/30/2015) $1,796 (6/1/2015-5/31/2016)

49. Understanding Water Use in the Michigan Residential Water Use Sector

PI: Alex S. Mayer


1505065P1 Pending $149,817 (2/1/2016-1/31/2018)


Erie

PI: Angela W. Yu

Co-PI: Colleen Mouw


1505062P1 Pending $82,762 (2/1/2016-1/31/2018)

51. Governance Approaches to Foster Great Lakes Literacy Identity and Stewardship: An Integrated

Assessment


Sponsor: Michigan State University

1506045P1 Awarded (05/21/2015) $5,000 (10/1/2014-6/30/2015)

4.2 Award Activity

The following metrics represent awards received during FY15 by Great Lakes Research Center faculty,

staff and graduate students.


By the numbers:

36 awards received with an average award value of $91,861. Distribution by award value:

$1 - $10,000 (6)

$10,001 - $25,000 (7)

$25,001 - $50,000 (4)

$50,001 - $100,000 (10)

$100,001 - $250,000 (5)

$250,001 - $500,000 (4)

$500,001 – greater (0)

16 Principle Investigators

14 Awards with Co-PIs

7 Colleges/Departments/Centers

20 Funding Agencies/Organizations

$3,215,126 Funds Awarded

1. Phytoplankton Enumeration for Les Cheneaux Water Quality Studies

PI: Amy M. Marcarelli

Co-PI: Gary L. Fahnenstiel

Sponsor: Les Cheneaux Watershed Council

1305011P3 Awarded 06/03/2015 $1,796 (06/01/2015-05/31/2016)

2. Sustainable Water Resources for Irrigated Agriculture in a Desert River Basin Facing Climate Change

and Urban Growth: From Characterization to Solutions

PI: Alex S. Mayer


1408012P2 Awarded 04/20/2015 $3,000 (03/01/2015-02/29/2016)

3. Coupling Experimental and Theoretical Molecular-Level Investigations into the Effect of

Background Natural or Dissolved Organic Matter on the Fate of Degradation of Organic Compounds

in Aqueous Phase Advanced Oxidation Processes


Sponsor: Oak Ridge Associated Universities

1501013P1 Awarded 05/15/2015 $5,000 (06/01/2015-05/31/2016)

4. Governance Approaches to Foster Great Lakes Literacy Identity and Stewardship: An Integrated

Assessment


Sponsor: Michigan State University

1506045P1 Awarded 05/21/2015 $5,000 (10/01/2014-06/30/2015)


Erie

PI: Angela W. Yu


Co-PI: Colleen Mouw


1411056P1 Awarded 06/09/2015 $5,000 (06/09/2015-06/08/2016)

6. Designing a Sustainable Future Institute for Grades 4-12 Teachers



1411082P1 Awarded 06/09/2015 $5,000 (06/09/2015-06/08/2016)

7. Development of Novel Detection and Prediction Algorithms for Microcystis Blooms

PI: Colleen Mouw

Sponsor: University of New Hampshire

1210080P3 Awarded 09/16/2014 $10,407 (09/24/2012-07/31/2015)

8. Developing a Guide for Harnessing Low-grade Geothermal Energy from Mine Water for Heating

and Cooling Buildings



1312039P1 Awarded 08/07/2014 $14,490 (09/01/2014-08/31/2015)

9. REF-RS: Keweenaw Spatial Data Infrastructure

PI: Donald J. Lafreniere

Sponsor: Michigan Technological University

1505028P1 Awarded 05/01/2015 $15,000 (07/01/2015-08/31/2016)


PI: Martin T. Auer

Co-PI: Pengfei Xue


1408001P1 Awarded 08/28/2014 $21,052 (08/01/2014-07/15/2015)

11. Development of Novel Detection and Prediction Algorithms for Microcystis Blooms

PI: Colleen Mouw


1307020P3 Awarded 04/01/2015 $21,129 (03/01/2013-02/29/2016)

12. Collaborative Research: Visualization Analysis and HPC Modeling of Subglacial Hydrology from

High-Resolution 3D Conduit Scans Acquired with a Novel Sensor

PI: Jason D. Gulley


1410041P1 Awarded 06/10/2015 $23,673 (07/01/2015-06/30/2017)

13. Restoring Retrofitting and Recoupling Michigan's Great Lakes Shorelands in the Face of Global

Climate Disruption


PI: Guy A. Meadows

Sponsor: University of Michigan

1306023P2 Awarded 01/07/2015 $25,000 (09/01/2013-11/30/2015)

14. CDOM Variability and its Influence on Phytoplankton Distribution in a Sub-Arctic Basin

PI: Colleen Mouw

Co-PI: Brice Grunert


1502002P1 Awarded 06/30/2015 $30,000 (09/01/2015-08/31/2016)

15. CI-TEAM Demo: Environmental CyberCitizens: Engaging Citizen Scientists in Global Environmental

Change through Crowdsensing and Visualization

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Co-PI: Robert Pastel


1103036P7 Awarded 04/13/2015 $32,000 (09/01/2011-08/31/2015)

16. Parameterizing Spectral Characteristics of Optically Active Constituents in Inland Water for

Improved Satellite Retrievals

PI: Colleen Mouw


1208033P2 Awarded 08/27/2014 $41,494 (12/3/2013-12/2/2016)


PI: Martin T. Auer

Co-PI: Pengfei Xue


1408001P2 Awarded 09/16/2014 $42,104 (08/01/2014-07/15/2015)

18. Angler Demographics: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis


Sponsor: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

1405065P1 Awarded 02/19/2015 $50,771 (03/01/2015-02/29/2016)

19. CNH: Managing Impacts of Global Transport of Atmosphere-Surface Exchangeable Pollutants in

the Context of Global Change

PI: Judith Perlinger


1211086P2 Awarded 07/01/2014 $52,550 (09/01/2013-02/28/2017)


PI: Nancy A. Auer




1406060P1 Awarded 08/21/2014 $61,203 (07/15/2014-03/01/2015)

21. Interpreting Ecological Variability Using Remotely Observed Optical Properties and Ocean Models

PI: Colleen Mouw

Sponsor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1205053P3 Awarded 10/30/2014 $73,032 (11/15/2012-11/14/2016)

22. Standard Research Grant: Toxic Mobilizations: Contaminants and Iron Mining Histories in the Lake

Superior Basin

PI: Nancy E. Langston


1401083P1 Awarded 07/28/2014 $87,619 (09/01/2014-08/31/2017)

23. Standard Research Grant: Historical and Spatial Aspects of the Migration of Toxic Iron-Mining

Contaminants into the Lake Superior Basin

PI: Nancy E. Langston


1401083P2 Awarded 06/03/2015 $88,831 (09/01/2014-08/31/2017)

24. Native Fish Species Stewardship Restoration and Research

PI: Nancy A. Auer

Sponsor: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

1502019P1 Awarded 02/12/2015 $90,025 (01/01/2015-01/31/2017)

25. Sustainable Water Resources for Irrigated Agriculture in a Desert River Basin Facing Climate

Change and Urban Growth: From Characterization to Solutions

PI: Alex S. Mayer


1408012P1 Awarded 04/02/2015 $92,000 (03/01/2015-02/28/2016)

26. CAREER: Autonomous Underwater Power Distribution System for Continuous Operation

PI: Nina Mahmoudian


1407042P1 Awarded 05/15/2015 $98,337 (05/15/2015-04/30/2020)

27. Collaborative Research: Underwater Distributed Antenna Systems: Fundamental Limits and

Practical Designs

PI: Zhaohui Wang

Sponsor: University of Connecticut

1402086P1 Awarded 09/18/2014 $100,000 (04/01/2014-12/19/2014)

28. Huron Creek Watershed Improvements Phase 1: Reducing Copper Loads from Stamp Sand

Deposits in the Keweenaw Peninsula with Permeable Reactive Barriers

PI: Alex S. Mayer


Co-PI: Rodney Chimner and Rupali Datta

Sponsor: Michigan Dept of Environmental Quality

1310032P1 Awarded 08/29/2014 $144,710 (08/01/2014-09/30/2016)

29. Experimental Frameworks for Evaluating the Net Effects of Hydrological Service Payments on

Coupled Social-Ecological Systems in Mexico

PI: Alex S. Mayer

Co-PI: Kathleen E. Halvorsen


1211077P2 Awarded 04/22/2015 $145,932 (01/15/2014-12/31/2017)

30. NEORSD Integrated Clean Water Act Evaluation - Stage 3

PI: Martin T. Auer

Co-PI: David W. Watkins, Pengfei Xue

Sponsor: Wade Trim

1306035P3 Awarded 04/28/2015 $149,899 (09/01/2013-12/31/2015)


PI: Nancy A. Auer



1406060P3 Awarded 04/27/2015 $173,729 (07/15/2014-12/31/2015)

32. Parameterizing Spectral Characteristics of Optically Active Constituents in Inland Water for

Improved Satellite Retrievals

PI: Colleen Mouw


1208033P3 Awarded 02/13/2015 $241,766 (12/03/2013-12/02/2016)

33. Implications of Changing Sea Ice on Phytoplankton and Zooplankton Biomass and Community

Structure in the Bering Sea

PI: Colleen Mouw


1406043P1 Awarded 07/28/2014 $256,946 0(7/16/2014-07/15/2016)

34. Coupling Experimental and Theoretical Molecular-Level Investigations to Visualize the Fate of

Degradation of Organic Compounds in Aqueous Phase Advanced Oxidation Systems


Co-PI: Mark Rouleau


1402053P1 Awarded 08/01/2014 $330,000 (09/01/2014-08/31/2017)

35. Innovative and Multifaceted Control of Invasive Eurasian and Hybrid Watermilfoil Using

Integrative Pest Management Principles


PI: Casey J. Huckins

Co-PI: Amy M. Marcarelli, Colin Brooks, and Erika Hersch-Green

Sponsor: Michigan Dept of Natural Resources

1412024P1 Awarded 05/29/2015 $331,979 (05/29/2015-10/30/2016)

36. NRI: Co-Robots to Engage Next Generation of Students in STEM Learning

PI: Nina Mahmoudian

Co-PI: Michele H. Miller and Mohammad Rastgaar Aagaah


1401050P1 Awarded 08/21/2014 $359,652 (09/01/2014-08/31/2017)

4.3 Publications Activity

The GLRC is tracking the peer-reviewed literature published by researchers associated with the GLRC.

Each publication is given a sequential number, and the following statement will be included in the

Acknowledgements section of each paper: "This is Contribution No. _ of the Great Lakes Research

Center at Michigan Tech." As of June 2015, the GLRC has assigned contribution number 24. Numbers

assigned but not yet published are excluded from this report.

No. 11 Millie, D. F., G. Weckman, G. Fahnenstiel, H. Carrick, E. Ardjmand, W. Young, M. Sayers and R.

Shuchman. Using Artificial Intelligence for Cyano-HAB niche modeling: Discovery and visualization of

Microcystis- environmental associations within western Lake Erie. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and

Aquatic Sciences. 71(11): 1642-1654.

No. 14 S. Pothoven and G. Fahnenstiel. Declines in the energy content of yearling non-native alewife

associated with lower food-web changes in Lake Michigan. Fisheries Management and Ecology.

21(6):439-447.

No. 15 Gagnon, Valoree. 2014. Managing impacts of global transport of atmosphere-surface

exchangeable pollutants (ASEPs) in the context of global change. A Talking Circles Event: Synthesis and

Community Brief.

No. 16 Bouckaert, E.K., Auer, N.A., Roseman, E.F., Boase, J. 2014. Verifying success of artificial

spawning reefs in the St. Clair–Detroit River System for lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque,

1817) Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 30(6):1393-1401.

No. 18 Pothoven, S. and G. L. Fahnenstiel. Spatial and temporal trends in zooplankton assemblages

along a nearshore to offshore transect in southeastern Lake Michigan from 2007-2012. Journal of Great

Lakes Research. 41(3): 95-103.

No. 19 Xue. P and E. Eltahir, 2015. Estimation of the Heat and Water Budgets of the Persian Gulf Using

A Regional Climate Model, Journal of Climate. 28(13): 5041-5062.

No. 21 Scanlan, A.M., Millie, D.F., Weckman, G., and Carrick, H.J., 2015. Abrupt shifts in stream algal

biomass and diatom taxonomic composition along a gradient of changing land use. Fundamental and

Applied Limnology. 186(1-2): 153-169.


No. 22 Lambert, R.S., Auer, M.T., Effler, S.W., Greene, M.R., Downer, B.E. and Kuczynski, A., 2015.

Onondaga to Ontario: Management of bioavailable phosphorus in municipal wastewaters for control of

Cladophora. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 41(4): 1106-1113.

No. 23 Corcoran, Miles, Nancy A. Auer, and Martin T. Auer, 2015. Measuring the Effects of Food

Availability on Lake Superior Diporeia Consumption Rates Using Radiolabeled Algae. Journal of Great

Lakes Research. 41(2): 510-515.

No. 24 Ashley A. Coble, Amy M. Marcarelli, and Evan S. Kane, 2015. Ammonium and glucose

amendments stimulate dissolved organic matter mineralization in a Lake Superior tributary. Journal of

Great Lakes Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2015.05.015.

5 Facilities The Great Lakes Research Center facility houses a number of shared use laboratories and two Core

Facilities- the Marine Research Asset Facility (MRAF) and the Geospatial Information Systems Laboratory

(GIS).

5.1 Geospatial Core Facility

In response to a growing need for geospatial data and application of spatial perspectives in research

being done by many faculty, staff and students at the GLRC, the University established the Geospatial

Core Facility in September 2014. This facility consists of two spaces; room B003 and room 316, both

located in the GLRC. To manage and archive GIS data, a dedicated geospatial data server, storage facility

and technical expertise has been developed with the Core Facility designation and funding.

Geospatial Information Systems Laboratory

2015 Expenditures

FY15 Core

Operations FY15 Lab Account FY15 Use Account

Salary, Wages and Fringe 5,564.31$ -$ -$

Equipment 6,324.13$ -$ -$

Supplies 8,092.29$ -$ -$

Travel -$ -$ -$

Internal Services -$ -$ -$

Total Expenses: 19,980.73$ -$ -$

2015 Income

Core Facility Grant 29,715.00$ -$ -$

Other Revenue -$ -$ -$

Equipment Use Fees -$ -$ -$

Carryforward -$ -$ -$

IRAD Return on Use Fees -$ -$ -$

Total Income: 29,715.00$ -$ -$

Balance: 9,734.27$ -$ -$

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2015.05.015


The Geospatial Research Lab, located in B003 of the GLRC, has twelve computer workstations, one

instructor machine, a projector and a large drop-down screen to aid in instruction. Each workstation is

loaded with a suite of geospatial analysis software, including ESRI’s ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine, ENVI,

Maptech and Google Earth Pro. In 2014 each workstation was also updated with the latest Adobe

Creative Suite. A copy of Geospatial Core Facility Annual Report & Budget Proposal is attached to this

annual report.

5.2 Marine Research Asset Facility

During FY15, the R/V Agassiz was outfitted with a new navigational system. The system includes:

Integrated Radar

Chart Plotter

Geospatial Position System

Automatic Identification System

In addition to the navigational system, extensive work was performed on the vessel’s diesel engines. A

copy of the March 2015 Marine Research Asset Facility Annual Report & Budget is attached to this

annual report.

6 Education and Outreach Activities Through the Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, the following education and outreach

activities were held in FY15:

Marine Research Assets Facility

2015 Expenditures

FY15 Core

Operations

FY15 Agassiz Use

Accounts

FY15 Osprey Use

Accounts

Salary, Wages and Fringe 8,766.71$ 28,919.67$ 2,836.86$

Equipment 5,620.00$ -$ -$

Supplies 12,828.94$ 20,294.86$ 3,230.90$

Travel -$ -$ -$

Internal Services -$ 6,291.00$ 2,710.00$

Total Expenses: 27,215.65$ 55,505.53$ 8,777.76$

2015 Income

Core Facility Grant 25,000.00$ -$ -$

Other Revenue -$ 1,850.00$ -$

Equipment Use Fees -$ 62,928.75$ 5,375.00$

Carryforward -$ (8,911.51)$ (786.85)$

IRAD Return on Use Fees -$ 8,623.01$ 1,010.91$

Total Income: 25,000.00$ 64,490.25$ 5,599.06$

Balance: (2,215.65)$ 8,984.72$ (3,178.70)$


7 Other Activities

7.1 Strategic Planning

During FY15 the faculty, staff and graduate students affiliated with the GLRC participated in extensive

strategic planning. Over a four month period, multiple meetings were held to develop the Institute’s

2016-2019 Strategic Plan (see Appendix). During this process, a new Vision and Mission were

developed.

VISION: The Great Lakes Research Center will lead as a global institute that inspires and advances

knowledge and innovation in interdisciplinary science, engineering, technology, and policy, focused on

the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin.

Program Prorgam Description Number of Participants

After School Classes and Science Camps GLRC and Great Explorations Programs

at area schools15 classes; 167 students

Outdoor Science Investigations Field

Trip Program

Marsin Nature Center Monitoring

Program

175 field trips/classes; 16 schools; 4260

students

Family Science, Engineering, and Forest

Nights 14 events; 1279 students and parents

Teacher Workshops (School-Year) Water quality, earth force, forestry and

transportation10 workshops; 200 teachers

K-12 Teacher Summer InstitutesScientific research, design a sustainable

future2 institutes; 30 teachers

GM Ride the Waves and shipboard

educational scientific excursions27 excursions 423 students and adults

Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative14 schools; 77 K-12 teachers; 2153 K-12

students; 40+ community organizations

Green Film and Lecture Series6 films and lectures; 343 community

participants

Lake Superior Celebration 160 participants

Lake Superior Water Festival 893 students grades 4-8

Community Outdoor Nature Program 14 programs; 176 parents and youth

Western U.P. Science Fair & Festival11 schools; 256 participants and 250

families

STEM Career Tours at Michigan Tech

11 schools; 209 students; 19 high school

students from Detroit on campus for 5-

days

Lake Superior Youth Symposium Trip to Thunder Bay, ON61 students engaged for 40 hours of

learning

STEM Diversity Outreach Initiative

National Society of Balck Engineers and

the Society of Hispanic Professional

Engineers student sections at Michigan

Tech support family engineering

programs in Detroit

600 K-12 students and family members


MISSION: The Great Lakes Research Center delivers action-based education and discovery of new

knowledge through community and partnership in interdisciplinary water research and outreach.

Three primary goals were identified:

1. Strengthen sponsored program activities

2. Grow the water community

3. Expand the institute’s role as a global resource

8 Future Plans With the completion of the GLRC Strategic Plan the institute will begin working to achieve the goals

identified through the strategic planning process. Specifically in FY16 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016):

Add additional staff to support business and program growth

Formalize business processes for the efficient operation and strategic growth of the Institute

Continue to identify opportunities to grow GLRC membership and increase the depth and

breadth of freshwater research

Conduct elections of the Executive Committee

9 Appendix The following documents are included with this annual report and provide additional information:

Geospatial Information System Annual Report and FY16 Budget Proposal

Marine Research Asset Facility Annual Report and FY16 Budget Proposal

2016-2019 Great Lakes Research Center Strategic Plan

1

Geospatial Core Facility

Annual Report & Budget Proposal 2015

Don Lafreniere (SS), Patrick Martin (SS), Guy Meadows (GLRC)

Preamble

The use of digital geospatial data and analyses has become pervasive in the academy, business,

and everyday life. Along with this explosion of common uses, spatial data analysis is absolutely

critical to effective practice and scholarship in much of the natural and social sciences. While

various groups within MTU (SFRES, SOT, CSA, COE and research centers) have been engaged in

geospatial data analysis and teaching for years, we have reached and perhaps exceeded our

space on campus for instruction in geographic information systems (GIS). Up to the present,

each of these entities has operated independent systems in relative isolation. Furthermore,

there is little support or coordinated effort that spans the various units for archiving,

managing, and sharing the abundant digital spatial data that researchers across campus are

creating and analyzing. The increasing recognition that the collection of geospatial data and

application of spatial perspectives is essential for much of the new work being done by

multiple research groups through the GLRC and elsewhere on campus makes the problem even

more acute.

Therefore, the Geospatial Core Facility was created in September 2014 to increase access to

research and teaching facilities for geospatial techniques and analysis by enhancing the

development and use of two spaces in the Great Lakes Research Center; Room B003 and Room

316. In addition, we have been actively creating a shared, open access mechanism through

which geospatial resources and data can be archived and shared in an interdisciplinary fashion

by researchers and students from any unit across campus. This is being accomplished by

creating a geospatial data server and storage facilities and adding expert technical staff to

manage the data resources and provide critical technical support and tools for the entire MTU

research community.

2

Description of Current Geospatial Core Facility and Completed Enhancements since

September 2014

The Geospatial Research Lab (B003) has 12 computer workstations, plus one instructor

machine, along with a projector and drop-down screen. Each workstation is loaded with a

suite of geospatial analysis software, including ESRI’s ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine, ENVI, Maptech,

Google Earth Pro, which facilitates spatial analysis and remote sensing from the introductory

to advanced levels. These licenses are currently being funded through university-wide site

license agreements. In October 2014, each workstation received licenses for the full Adobe

Creative Suite for making production-quality maps and posters after geospatial analysis is

complete.

All workstations in this lab received upgrades from 4GB of RAM to 16GB of RAM to support the

heavy memory use that spatial analysis/modelling and the processing of remotely sensed

images demand. Each workstation also received a second 23” high-resolution monitor. The

dual monitor capabilities allow users to manipulate tabular data on one screen while

observing the spatial relations of the datasets on the other. This dual monitor arrangement

facilitates geospatial research at the highest level.

During the process of installing the hardware upgrades, we noted that there was not enough

space on the existing desk surfaces to accommodate the dual monitor arrangement. Working

with Scott Ackerman (IT Services), we found a set of suitable desks that would not only

accommodate the dual screens but also provide additional desktop space for users for note-

taking or reference materials. The original desks in B003 were swapped with the new set and

are expected to be utilized in another computing facility on campus this semester.

The instructor machine received the capabilities (through the networking package LanSchool)

to share the screen of any of the student workstations on the projection screen, as well as the

capability to share the instructor’s screen in a window on the student workstations. This

capability helps facilitate an active learning environment that encourages student

collaboration and peer teaching. Don Lafreniere has been utilizing this new capability

regularly in a graduate level introductory GIS course and finds it an invaluable for

3

demonstrating new techniques and for sharing student successes and common challenges with

the rest of the class for discussion and exploration.

In addition to the hardware and software upgrades completed in B003, progress has been

made to create a geospatial repository and server to archive and share spatial data for use in

the GLRC as well as across campus. Discussions began in October with Gowtham, Director of

Research Computing, about harnessing one of the existing computing clusters on campus

rather than using a stand-alone GIS core facilities server. This approach allows us to establish

a low-cost startup while testing the best hardware and networking solutions. It also

overcomes the long-term maintenance costs of a dedicated server as well as providing

increased security, data backups, and power stability, and harnesses the advanced technical

support already in place on campus. After an extensive investigation, Gowtham made a

recommendation and set the process in motion to establish a virtual machine on the core

campus storage with 30 GB of processing memory and 2 TB of backed-up data storage

capacity. This virtual machine is just coming on line now and will available for our use in the

coming week.

We have completed a review of server software options and best practices with the assistance

of benchmarking data compiled by Michael Billmire (MTRI) and in consultation with Colin

Brooks (MTRI). We elected to go with ESRI’s ArcGIS for Server as it affords easy integration

with other ESRI products (the main GIS suite used on campus as well as worldwide), allows for

both novice and advanced uses, is scalable as the data quantities increase, and integrates with

web servers for public engagement and dissemination. As well, ArcGIS for Server is included at

no cost with our existing site license. Mike Hyslop (SFRES), the ESRI site license

representative on campus, has secured a copy that will be installed next week.

A significant portion of the yearly budget for this core facility is used to fund the appointment

of a part-time lab manager. In early fall 2014, we brought Jamey Anderson (GLRC) on part-

time to lead the daily coordination of the core facility and to provide technical support for data

collection, maintenance, and analysis. He has been working with MTRI and Gowtham on the

server implementation and has developed the facility’s operating charter and procedures.

4

Current Users

The recent enhancements provided by the Geospatial Core Facility have been immediately

utilized by a diverse group of researchers and their students from across campus. Known

users include:

Martin Auer (CEE), Amy Marcarelli (BS), Don Lafreniere (SS), John Gierkie (GEO),

Joan Chadde (GLRC/CLS), Colleen Mouw (GEO), Guy Meadows (GLRC), Pengfei Xue (CEE)

Leadership

Dr. Don Lafreniere, Assistant Professor of Geography and GIS from the Department of Social

Sciences, leads the Geospatial Core Facility in coordination with Guy Meadows, Director of the

GLRC. In fall 2014, we established a Coordinating Board to oversee the broad direction of the

facility. The board represents units from across campus with a mix of interests in teaching and

research:

Don Lafreniere (SS), Pat Martin (SS), Gary Schlaff (CEE), Thomas Oommen (GEO),

Yushin Ahn (SOT), Mike Hyslop (SFRES), Colin Brooks (MTRI)

FY 2016 Enhancement Plan and Funding Request

The major funding request for FY 2016 is to support the funding of the part-time technician for

the Geospatial Core Facility. A budget of $32,000 is requested to support this salary with the

remainder being funded by the GLRC. This is an increase from the $22,000 requested for FY

2015 and is to reflect the continued shift of Jamey Anderson’s time away from Marine

Research Assets Facility to the Geospatial Facility as we anticipate the need to move him closer

to full-time to support the increase in users from across campus. In addition to managing the

upcoming roll-out of the geospatial data server, Jamey Anderson will be coordinating two in-

house workshops in spring/summer 2015 with Don Lafreniere. The first will be a launch of

5

the Geospatial Core Facility, introducing its assets and capabilities to the MTU community. The

second will be an introductory GIS workshop to introduce interested non-users to the

potentials of incorporating geospatial techniques into their research and teaching. These

events will help highlight the core facility program and encourage researchers to utilize and

support the facility in their funded research activities.

The major one-time hardware acquisitions in FY 2016 are to support a critical need for spatial

data collection and map/poster production. We request $6,500 for a Contex HD iFlex large

format, A2 sized flatbed scanner to allow researchers and students to digitize large format

printed maps, fragile archival documents, or anything in a bound volume. Three research

projects currently underway in SS, SOT, and VPA can immediately benefit from access to this

equipment. Funding is requested for a 44” HP DesignJet Z3200 post script plotter and supplies

for creating high-quality posters and large-format maps for dissemination and field work

($4,400). These two pieces of equipment will be installed in the Remote Sensing Lab (Room

316) of the Geospatial Core Facility, as the room has been prewired for this hardware. Finally,

current users of the Geospatial Research Lab (B003) have noted a need for a color laserjet

printer for printing reports, small-format maps, and drafts of large-format outputs (saving cost

on printing drafts on the plotter). Note that this room currently has no printing capability.

This printer should be capable of printing up to 11” x 17” sheets. A small table will also be

needed for the printer. Cost for the printer and table are $1,600. These additions will help

move the GIS Core Facility closer to a world-class geospatial research facility.

Brief Description of Future Enhancements in FY2017-2019 (Years 3-5)

Our original Geospatial Core Facility proposal also called for increasing the geospatial field

data collection capability of the lab. We advocate purchasing a class set of mid-grade GPS

units in FY2017 (~$3600) as well as a set of high-capacity removable hard drives to store

field-collected data or to move very large datasets from the core facility to other research

facilities on campus (~$500). Also in FY2017, we propose further increases in technician

support (for a total of $35,000/year). To facilitate expected capacity increases, we propose

outfitting the Remote Sensing Lab (Room 316) with 5 additional workstations (~$7,500).

Room 316 is currently configured as a collaborative research space, with space for 10

6

workstations around the perimeter of the room and a large central worktable, with conference

phone. There is a high-resolution projector that can utilize input from any of the workstations.

The current 4 workstations are “owned” by individual researchers from the GLRC and most

feature external hard drives to maintain and move data. This seems an appropriate model, but

could be meaningfully enhanced by the addition of 5 more computers to be shared under the

umbrella of the GIS Core Facility. Finally, in year 3, we propose upgrading the video cards in

the Geospatial Research Lab from their current 1GB capacity to 2GB or more (~$3,900).

In FY2018 and 2019, we expect further increases in technical support, moving near full-time

and bringing the annual salary to the $40,000/year range. By early FY2018 we expect to

outgrow the data storage and processing capabilities that central campus computing can

extend the facility and will need to purchase a storage node that will be installed in the

Superior super-computing cluster at the GLRC. The cost of this upgrade is ~$15,000. Future

budgets should also include supplies for the plotter, GPS batteries, and software upgrades.

Further hardware upgrades or replacements should be budgeted in these later years.

7

Requested FY2016 Budget

Technician $32,000/year Report and Map Draft Printer for B003 (Color LaserJet Pro CP5225n)

$1,300

Table for Laserjet $300 Large Format (A2) Flatbed Scanner (Contex HD iFLEX)

$6500

44” Printer/Plotter (HP DesignJet Z3200PS) $4400 Supplies/Install Costs $1500 TOTAL $46,000 Estimated FY2017-2019 Budgets

FY2017 Technician $35,000/year GPS units 12 @ $300=$3,600 Computers for 316 5 @ $1,500= $7,500 Removable Hard Drives 5 @ $100= $500 Update/Replace Computers B003 (video cards) 13 @ $300= $3,900 Supplies $2,500 TOTAL $58,250 FY2018 Technician $40,000/year 48 TB Storage Node for Superior $15,000 Maintain/update/replace $10,000 Supplies $2,500 TOTAL $67,500 FY2019 Technician $40,000/year Maintain/update/replace $10,000 Supplies $2,500 TOTAL $52,500

Marine Research Assets Facility

at the Great Lakes Research Center

(MRAF-GLRC)

Annual Report & Budget Proposal

March 2015

The Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) offers a unique set of shared use marine assets with direct

access to Lake Superior. Both surface and sub-surface assets are available for use by university faculty,

staff and students, as well as collaborative partners, as a shared-resource. Four surface vessels and four

sub-surface vehicles along with a variety of specialized equipment and trained operators make the

Marine Research Assets Facility at the GLRC an ideal base of operations for research on, under, or

related to, the Great Lakes, winter or summer.

Equipment

The R/V Agassiz is our flagship vessel. Custom built in 2002 for Michigan Tech, the Agassiz is an ideal

great lakes sampling and investigation vessel. Current use is split approximately 60/40 between

research and education. The Agassiz is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel and is piloted by one of two

licensed captains on our staff. The Agassiz recently passed a U.S. Coast Guard stability test and was

approved for 20 person use (crew and passengers combined). More details on the Agassiz here:

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/fleet/agassiz/

The newest addition to our fleet is the Survey Vessel Osprey, a 24 foot, long-cabin vessel designed for

near-shore Great Lakes work requiring interior work space out of the elements. The Osprey is designed

to get on station and provide a safe and comfortable platform for a variety of scientific work. The GLRC

staff pilot S/V Osprey for users.


The S/V Polar is an open 22 foot vessel powered

by a 150 hp. Mercury four stroke outboard. It is

ideal for quick trips out into Lake Superior for

QA/QC work on deployed costal research

platforms (environmental monitoring buoys,

underwater tripods, etc.) and for work on inland

waterways. More information about the Polar

here:

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/fleet/polar/

S/V Husky Traveler is our smallest vessel at 17 feet. It is an open

Boston Whaler, which is designed for near-shore work in the Great

Lakes and inland waterways. It is easily moved from site to site by

trailer. More Husky Traveler information here:

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/fleet/traveler/

Both S/V Polar and Husky Traveler are equipped with advanced

bottom mapping sonar systems. All three S/Vs are “trailerable” and work annually in all five of the Great

Lakes.

The IVER3 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV):

The IVER3 is truly a first-of-its-kind AUV, proudly displaying

serial number 001 to confirm it. With this brand-new AUV,

GLRC researchers have access to a host of new technologies,

including:

High-resolution, forward-looking video/still digital

camera

LED lighting

EdgeTech 2205 digital, ultra high resolution, side scan and mapping sonar

Acoustic Doppler current profiler and Doppler Velocity Log for enhanced navigation.

The IVER3’s sonar system uses a dual frequency EdgeTech side-scan sonar operating at 600 and 1,600

kHz simultaneously, making it the most versatile sonar imaging system available. The ultra-high-

resolution EdgeTech sonar provides unrivaled imaging resolution and full three-dimensional mapping

capabilities.

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/fleet/polar/

http://www.mtu.edu/greatlakes/fleet/traveler/

http://www.iver-auv.com/

IVER3’s more-than-300-foot-depth diving capabilities coupled with its 12 hours of operating time

provides unsurpassed underwater survey capabilities to Center researchers.

The MRAF recently added an EdgeTech 4125 Side-Scan Sonar towfish to compliment the AUV based

system.

This vehicle is towed behind one of the survey vessels and

contains a pair of dual frequency transducers. At 400 kHz,

the sonar range is 150 meters, and at 900 kHz the range is

75 meters. The towfish was utilized during FY2015 to

support research conducted by the Michigan Technological

University’s Department of Biological Sciences for an EPA

project involving research on invasive Eurasian Water

Milfoil.

The MRAF maintains and operates two Outland 1000 ROVs. These

vehicles can dive to depths of up to 1,000 feet. Both are fully

equipped with a collection of sampling tools, including:

Scanning imaging sonar

One-function articulated arm for selective sampling

http://www.outlandtech.com/rov100.php

Three low-light video cameras

Flood lights

The Outland 1000 ROVs are designed for light-to-medium work tasks and selective sampling. One

vehicle, with 1,000 feet of tether, is designated for use on the RV Agassiz while the other is available for

remote applications and carries a 500-foot retractable cable reel.

The GLRC offers a light-duty VideoRay ROV, capable of acquiring underwater video with lighting at up to 250 feet of depth. This technology gives researchers an underwater eye—perfect for exploring the depths of the Keweenaw Waterway or shallower areas of the Great Lakes. The GLRC recently purchased a Nortek AWAC, which collects current profiles, ice thickness with wave height and direction data from a single sub-surface instrument. This instrument has been deployed to measure ice thickness off the South Entry Light for a DoE funded investigation and in Lake Erie to measure water currents pertaining to Cladophora research. A MRAF has basic fabrication equipment and electrical diagnosis and repair capabilities. GLRC staff operate all equipment in the laboratory. The GLRC also operates and maintains a 2013 GMC, ¾ ton, crew cab, 4X4 pick-up truck for use as a

support vehicle for researchers and their work. The truck is used to transport survey vessels and their

crews to and from various deployment locations. The truck is equipped with a covered bed for secure

hauling of other pieces such as ROVs and the IVER3.

Leadership

Dr. Guy A. Meadows, Director of the Great Lakes Research Center and Robbins Chair of Sustainable

Marine Engineering, leads the Marine Research Assets Facility. Meadows has served as Professor of

Physical Oceanography for 35 years, and directed the Ocean Engineering and Marine Hydrodynamics

Laboratories at the University of Michigan before joining Michigan Tech.

Staff

GLRC staff members will devote time to the operation and maintenance of the MRAF. All are well

versed and trained in marine operations including marine safety and deployment of assets.

Mike Abbott is the Director of GLRC Operations and has oversight responsibility for the Great Lakes

Research Center’s physical plant, personnel and shared use equipment.

Jamey Anderson is the GLRC Coordinator of Marine Operations and is responsible for the direct

coordination of our MRAF and its operation. He is also available for work on research grants/proposals.


http://www.videoray.com/

Colin Tyrrell is the GLRC Marine Operations Specialist and brings a unique set of talents and hands-on

ability to the facility based on his extensive marine background. He is also available for work on

research grants/proposals.

Chris Pinnow is the GLRC Electronics/Computer Engineer and just joined our team. Chris will maintain

all new and existing electronics and advanced systems. He will also design new electrical systems to

facilitate and enhance research, and is also available for work on research grants/proposals.

Captain Stephen Roblee is the primary captain of the Agassiz and has an extensive background in sailing

and vessel safety. He holds a commercial license and coordinates our activities with the U.S. Coast

Guard, including all inspections and safety drills.

Captain Travis White is the secondary captain of the Agassiz. Travis is fully qualified and holds a

commercial license to operate the Agassiz.

Access

Access to the MRAF is coordinated through Director Meadows. Operation of the individual pieces,

including shop equipment will be by GLRC staff. The R/V Agassiz and S/V Osprey have an approved use

charges while all other assets are available on a time and materials or consumables used basis. All

assets will be maintained to the highest operational standards by the GLRC staff. Scientific equipment

will be kept to calibration standards.

Safety

The R/V Agassiz is a U.S. Coast Guard inspected vessel and is subject to all applicable Coast Guard

regulations. Our staff is fully trained in Coast Guard regulations and other matters of marine safety and

will be responsible for all necessary safety training for users of the MRAF. The most recent safety

inspection of the facility was conducted on 29 January 2014.

Marine Facilities Proposed Budget and Phased Plan

The MRAF-GLRC maintains, operates and provides a wide range of very costly, advanced scientific

marine assets. The purpose of this effort is to enhance, stimulate and encourage collaborative, multi-

disciplinary marine research on the Great Lakes and coastal oceans and to provide high-end shared

tools, generally not available to single or small groups of investigators. This approach offers significant

advantages in safety and in economy of operations, but requires permanent staff to be successful.

Phased Approach

It is not possible to satisfy the maintenance, replacement and upgrade and needs of the MRAF within a

single year, while at the same time reducing user costs. Hence, a three-year, phased approach is

proposed as the GLRC research portfolio continues to grow. It is anticipated that by year 3, substantial

cost savings to the user community will be realized.

FY2015 (Year I)

During FY2015, the R/V Agassiz was outfitted with a new and updated navigation system (from the

originally installed 2002 system). The system includes: integrated radar, chart plotter, GPS, and AIS

(Automatic Identification System). Core Facilities funding provided the $15,000 cost of the navigation

equipment and $5,000 towards the cost of installation. Since R/V Agassiz is approaching mid-life and

has seen a dramatic increase in use with the opening of the GLRC, extensive work was also performed

on the diesel engines of the vessel. These funds were allocated from the R/V Agassiz overhead return

fund.

Total FY2015 Funding Received: $20,000

FY2016 Request (Year II)

The technical staff will maintain all of the MRAF assets, support research conducted through the GLRC,

aid in grant/proposal writing, and provide redundancy for research is conducted away from the Center.

We request to continue to support the GLRC technical staff, which now includes an

electronics/computer engineer, with a requested $48,400 in staff funding. This funding will be used to

supplement the FY2015 staff funding to complete the installation for the R/V Agassiz new integrated

navigation system as well as maintaining and upgrading other shared use equipment.

We request $4,000 for electronics test equipment to support the work of the new electronics/computer

engineer who will not only support the MRAF but also the research faculty and staff of the GLRC. To

enhance safety, we intend to install the AIS (Automatic Information System) system on all three survey

vessels: Polar, Osprey, and Traveler. Cost of the three additional AIS systems is $3,000 and installation

and training will be provided from the requested MRAF staff funding. AIS tracking will allow for remote

observation of the vessel’s position at all times and large commercial vessels will also know the position

of our small vessels. Additionally, we intend to upgrade both Outland 1000 ROVs by replacing camera

modules for higher quality video and enable 2 channel functionality (record video and take stills at the

same time). ROV upgrades will cost $1,600. We also plan to add a magnetometer to our underwater-

shared use sensors. The magnetometer will build capacity related to locating unexploded ordinance and

other ferrous targets. The magnetometer will be purchased with $10,000 in funding from Core Facilities

and $12,000 from other GLRC fund sources.

Total FY2016 Request $67,000

FY2017

During FY2017, we expect to be able to begin to provide cost reduction to the users of the MRAF while

still maintaining the extensive array of equipment available through the facility. In addition, we will

continue to add new equipment as funds become available from a combination of research grants,

returned overhead, and core facilities support.

Anticipated Total FY2017 (Year III) Request $67,000

Future Considerations

A recent examination of the R/V Agassiz’s engines indicates probable engine replacement will be

required within 4 years at an estimated cost of $22,000 per engine. Both main engines (Volvo, turbo-

charged, marine, high speed, diesels) are currently at ~2,800 hours each. The average estimated life of

these engines is ~5,000 hrs. Under the current high use rate, approximately 80 operational days per

year, we will reach the expected life span in 2019. This anticipated cost will impact future Core Facility

budgets.

Summary

In summary, during FY2015, MRAF funding supported GLRC Faculty Researchers through enhanced

safety and effectiveness of the R/V Agassiz including upgraded navigational and tracking systems. The

GLRC continues to support research with its shared use equipment and shared use technical staff. For

example, the newly acquired EdgeTech 4125 was utilized to support research on invasive Eurasian

Water Milfoil and other collaborative projects. GLRC staff operated the 4125 and conducted both the

sonar survey and post processing work, and conducted the survey/vessel operation. The Nortek AWAC

was utilized to support research on cladophora in Lake Erie as well as DoE offshore ice assessments.

GLRC technical staff supported the research by deploying and recovering the AWAC, participated in

sampling, and conducted the survey/vessel operation. Furthermore, the support of GLRC technical staff

will allow us to stay on top of equipment maintenance and operational issues, improving the reliability

of the equipment and lending validity to results obtained. With the addition of an electronics/computer

engineer to our staff, we will expand our support of research and equipment maintenance, and provide

redundancy in our staff as research is conducted further from the GLRC. Our goal is to have all Marine

Research Assets Facility equipment fully operational whenever needed.

Great Lakes Research Center

2016 - 2019 Strategic Plan



Cultivate a community of research inspiration to solve problems, address challenges, and develop new knowledge

Strategically invest in people and facilities to develop depth in programming

Promote sustainable and ecological solutions to global challenges through sound science, engineering, technology, and policy

Strengthen relationships that foster community and partnerships to develop and implement innovative solutions

Increase research and the development of new knowledge to address the world’s water challenges

Build year-round programming to promote learning and innovation through efficient management and administration of externally funded activities

INTELLECT

INSPIRE

INNOVATE

Vision The Great Lakes Research Center will lead as a global institute that inspires and advances

knowledge and innovation in interdisciplinary science, engineering, technology, and policy,

focused on the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin.

Mission The Great Lakes Research Center delivers action-based education and discovery of new

knowledge through community and partnership in interdisciplinary water research and

outreach.



2016 - 2019 INITIATIVES

Water.

External Advisory Board

Advisory Committee

Space Allocation

Equipment Use

Proposal Support

2013-2015*

96 proposals

48 awards

21 sponsors

17 investigators

$82,000 average award

2016 - 2019

RESEARCH

GOALS

4 M awards/year

3 NEW sponsors

3 NEW researchers *Includes award data from July 1,

2012 to March 1, 2015 and excludes

classified awards



Goal 1. Strengthen sponsored program activities

Increase external support for research, scholarly, and creative activities with dedicated staff

effort to support team coordination and proposal development

Facilitate learning events for faculty, staff and students to increase proposal development and

research communication skills

Grow the number of faculty and staff pursuing sponsored activities by cultivating a community

of research inspiration, productivity, and excellence

Increase the number of unique external sponsors and the size of sponsored awards

Foster relationships to support program sustainability and diversification

Increase development and optimize maintenance of shared facilities and equipment

Develop space allocation/assignment process

Secure funding support to allow more students to engage in discovery-based education and

innovation through sponsored activities

Formalize the institute’s role in K-12 education and outreach

Intellect

Goal 2. Grow the water community

Add research faculty positions to build depth in water research

Leverage departmental hires to grow the water community

Develop and promote externally funded testing capabilities

Seek gifts and gifts-in-kind to support institute activities

Establish the External Advisory Board

Build external relationships with people and agencies

Position faculty and staff on industry committees and working groups

Expand and support external presence at off campus meetings and events

Increase opportunities for students to learn from and engage in research



Inspire

Goal 3. Expand the institute’s role as a global resource

Expand the summer education program

Engage visiting lecturers, researchers and agencies in on-campus activities

Support student growth and development in partnership with centers and departments

Develop as a national center

Develop tools and methods for communicating with external stakeholders

Facilitate communications to ensure awareness of institute capabilities and activities

Build on-campus partnerships and leadership to leverage institute priorities



Innovate

annual report july 1, 2014 june 30, 2015 · 2019. 5. 18. · llyode wescoat – civil and...

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