The Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research is a center of excellence that serves as a focal point for collaborations between the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency and University researchers in the Great Lakes region. The research mission of the institute is to improve the understanding of the fundamental physical, chemical, biological, ecological, social, and economical processes operating in the Great Lakes region. CILER also promotes educational training opportunities in the region, through opportunities such as postdoctoral fellows positions and student summer fellowship program.

CILER researchers are developing a new methodology for managing the impacts of multiple stressors in coastal ecosystems. The project addresses the interactive effects of stressors such as climate change, invasive species, and land-use on water quality, fisheries production, and human dimensions on the Saginaw Bay ecosystem.
The 2008 Great Lakes Summer Student Fellowship Program will be hosting 22 students in a diverse array of projects with leaders in Great Lakes science, policy, and communications. Hosting institutions include NOAA GLERL, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, USGS Great Lakes Science Center, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Dr. Carlo DeMarchi attributes his passion for research in hydrologic processes, water quality modeling, remote sensing to hydrology and water quality, and development of decision support systems for water resources management towards to his birth in Venice a few days after a disastrous flood submerged the city and the surrounding region.