The State of HAB Monitoring – Session One- Data-Driven Approaches to HAB Management

The State of HAB Monitoring is a series of interactive panel discussions that engage cross-sector experts in an exploration of approaches to collecting, managing, and leveraging data related to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Topics in this free, virtual forum will range from emerging technology trends to the application of HAB data for impact.
Presented by Great Lakes HABs Collaborative and Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA), this series aims to demystify HABs data for the public and empower managers with knowledge about the next generation HAB data tools.Data-Driven Approaches to HAB Management

Panelists‍

Elizabeth Cute | Senior Program Manager, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
Liz has worked at BNW for just over 8 years and is currently a Community Engagement Senior Program Manager, where she oversees the implementation of the organizations water quality monitoring program 'Riverwatch' which include volunteer baseline water chemistry monitoring, HABs monitoring and public outreach, PFAS surface water testing and E. Coli monitoring efforts as well as microplastic data collection, currently focusing on Nurdles. Liz manages the Young Environmental Leaders Program, which engages local high school districts, and environmental organizations to implement place-based environmental justice programming for college credit. Liz is also highly involved in the organizations PFAS and Plastic Pollution policy and advocacy efforts.

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Jennifer Boehme | CEO, Great Lakes Observing System
Jennifer became GLOS’ chief executive officer in 2023 after serving as the board chair. Previously, she served as an environmental scientist at the International Joint Commission (IJC)’s Great Lakes Regional Office in Windsor, Ontario and assisted the IJC in advising governments of the United States and Canada on water quality issues affecting the Great Lakes. She served as Secretariat to IJC’s Health Professionals Advisory Board, which provides guidance to the IJC on current and emergent clinical and public health issues in the area of Canada-US transboundary environmental health. Prior, Jennifer spent 10 years as a research scientist for the University of Maine and the Smithsonian Institution, and, before joining the IJC, delved into science policy and communication at the National Science Foundation via a fellowship with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She holds A Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of South Florida and a B.S. in Chemistry from Emory University.

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Justin Chaffin | Research Coordinator, The Ohio State University/Ohio Sea Grant
Justin is the research coordinator for Stone Laboratory and conducts his own research on cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Erie. Justin’s duties as research coordinator include arranging visiting researchers’ visits to Stone Lab, coordination of Stone Lab’s REU program, upkeep of Stone Lab’s analytical equipment, maintenance of the lab’s atmospheric mercury monitoring system, and serving as the Lab’s chemical and laboratory safety officer. Justin is also a licensed captain by the United States Coast Guard.

Justin’s research interest is Lake Erie phytoplankton ecology with particular interest in cyanobacterial blooms (cHABs). His recent and ongoing research projects include linking experiments and models to predict cHAB toxicity, investigations into central basin cHABs, determining drivers of benthic algal blooms, the effectiveness of data buoys at measuring cHAB biomass, rapid microcystin tests, and saxitoxin production in inland lakes. Since 2013 Justin has coordinated with charter boat captains who collect water samples once a week for his lab to analyze, and then the captains get a weekly update on Lake Erie water quality.

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Bretton Joldersma | Lake Huron Coordinator, Michigan EGLE
Bretton Joldersma is the Lake Huron Coordinator for Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. As the Lake Huron Coordinator, Bretton works with federal, state, provincial, tribal, and local partners to advance efforts to meet the requirements of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. His work focuses on helping to facilitate and coordinate efforts to protect and restore the environmental integrity of Lake Huron, this includes being an active member of the Saginaw Bay Monitoring Consortium. Bretton has worked for the State of Michigan for the past 19 years and holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from American University and a master’s in Natural Resource and Sustainable Development from the United Nation’s University for Peace.

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Moderator‍

Max Herzog | Deputy Director of Programs and Partnerships, CWA
Max Herzog is an impact professional dedicated to engaging diverse stakeholders in the development of tools and strategies that drive community innovation and resilience at the regional level.
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