Mentors: Juli Dyble Bressie and Craig Stow
Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) has significant water quality issues, including the accumulation of benthic algal deposits (commonly called “muck”) on the beaches. This fellow will be a part of a larger project to understand the ecology of benthic algae in Saginaw Bay and how that contributes to the deposition on the beaches. Specifically, the fellow will be helping to complete surveys of the beaches around Saginaw Bay to better understand the timing, distribution and composition of these algal deposits as well as sample benthic algae and other water quality parameters in the bay. This is a field work intensive project and the fellow must be willing to spend most of the summer working in Saginaw Bay, doing both beach and boat-based sampling. This position is located in Au Gres, MI with housing provided.

Mentors: Margret Chriscinske and Don W. Schloesser
This fellow will assist researchers on a multi-year project that assesses burrowing mayfly populations at sampling stations in the western basin of Lake Erie and in Lake St Clair. The fellow will work with the mentors to determine a suitable independent project falling within the scope of the ongoing study. Some of the areas that the fellow may wish to explore include mayfly ecology, invertebrate community trends, or the effects of parasites on mayflies. This position will primarily involve sample processing in the lab, but there will be a field component as well. Data gathered by the fellow will be used in analyzing Hexagenia population dynamics and health in the lakes sampled. For this position, the following skills would be appreciated, but are not mandatory: ability to spend extended periods of time working at a dissecting microscope or magnifying light, familiarity with the fundamentals of invertebrate taxonomy, experience with field work on small boats in open waters, basic knowledge of statistics. This position is based at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI, and will require occasional daily as well as some overnight travel when necessary.

Mentors: Chuck Madenjian, Bo Bunnell, and Jeff Holuszko.
This fellow will assist with field sampling for native piscivores aboard a large research vessel, determine the diets of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and burbot (Lota lota) in Lake Michigan, enter the diet data into a computer database, analyze the diet data, and prepare a report on the findings. Laboratory training on processing of piscivore stomachs will be provided. This work will contribute toward the larger project of the rehabilitation of lake trout in Lake Michigan, which is an important component of the Deepwater Science program of the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC). The GLSC has played a major role in the lake trout rehabilitation effort on all five Laurentian Great Lakes. Diet of lake trout appears to be related to lake trout reproductive success, and therefore results of this study are directly applicable to the lake trout rehabilitation effort in Lake Michigan. In addition, better information on burbot diet would be very useful in quantifying the role of burbot predation on fish in the dynamics of food web in Lake Michigan. This position is located at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI, but will involve some field work on Lake Michigan.

Mentors: Doran Mason and Scott Peacor.
This fellow will be involved in a project examining the effect of the invasive spiny water flea (Bythotrephes) on their zooplankton prey, and indirectly on larval fish. Bythotrephes both consumes prey, and induces them to migrate to darker, colder waters, both of which could negatively affect fish recruitment. Field sample collection (from ships) and laboratory experiments will compose the bulk of the responsibilities. Experience spending time on boats is highly desirable. This position is located at the NOAA Lake Michigan Field Station in Muskegon, MI.

Mentors: Tom Johengen and Juli Dyble Bressie.
Nutrient inputs are a significant contributor to the many water quality problems in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron). Sources of nutrients to Saginaw Bay include the watershed and internal loading from sediments. This project seeks to better quantify the nutrient load from these various sources through sampling and experimentation. The fellow on this project will help sample various tributaries in the Saginaw Bay watershed for nutrients, help with experiments to determine nutrient processing by dreissenid mussels and assist in laboratory measurements of nutrients and other water quality parameters. The project will be field work intensive, including driving around the Saginaw Bay watershed and boat-based sampling on Saginaw Bay. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Cathy Green.
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the primary repository for shipwreck artifacts owned by the State of Michigan. This fellow will assist in the implementation of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s (TBNMS) conservation and interpretation initiatives and assist with summer field projects. Duties will include, but are not limited to: 1) Assist with artifact research, documentation, and data entry; 2) Under the supervision of trained staff, the student fellow will be involved in all phases of artifact processing, including conservation procedures; 3) Support TBNMS outreach events, such as Thunder Bay Maritime Festival and other community events (may include holidays and weekends); 4) Assist with archaeological field work, including shipwreck documentation, field schools, and day camps (NOAA or AAUS Scientific Diving certification preferred); 6) Student fellows may assist Sanctuary staff in other duties as assigned including education and outreach, and historic research. Computer and writing skills are recommended for this position. This position is located in Alpena, MI.

Mentors: Meng Xia and David Schwab.
This fellow will assist GLERL scientists in comparisons of current meter data, drifter trajectories, and aerial photography with far-field transport and dispersion of the Grand River plume. Required skills include familiarity with Fortran computer programming languages, particularly as applied to hydrodynamic models of coastal circulation, and experience in analyzing geophysical data sets. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: David Schwab.
Two (2) positions are available to assist GLERL scientists in developing computer-based hydrodynamic models of nearshore circulation in the Great Lakes. The data analysts will assist in running hydrodynamic models and visualization of results using computer graphics. Desired skills include familiarity with IDL and Fortran computer programming languages, particularly as applied to hydrodynamic models of coastal circulation, and experience in analyzing geophysical data sets. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Steve Ruberg.
The primary focus of this project will be analysis and database assembly for an 18 year record of temperature data collected from southern Lake Michigan. The data set will be used by GLERL researchers in understanding the implications of climate variability on lake ecosystems and in the development of 3D temperature models. The student will also assist the engineering staff in deployment and maintenance of real-time coastal observation buoys and remotely operated vehicle instrumentation systems. Engineering undergraduate students with Matlab or programming experience will meet the requirements for this position. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Brent Lofgren.
This fellow will work on creating systems to process output from a regional climate model and analyze its results. Desired skills are atmospheric physics, geospatial analysis, and computing experience including Linux, Fortran, and GrADS. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Brent Lofgren.
This fellow will experiment with modifications to an existing hydrologic model of the Great Lakes Basin, and compare to the hydrologic results from the global climate models that it uses as input. Data handling and computer use will be extensive, but actual programming will be minimal and closely overseen by the mentor. Experience with Excel is necessary. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Carlo DeMarchi and Brent Lofgren.
This fellow will assist in developing, running, and analyzing the results of a set of algorithms to create meteorological time series that are based on coarse-scale (40-250 km) models, but statistically match observations at local scales. Input models include regional climate models, and general circulation models both in reanalysis mode and in multi-decadal climate outlook mode. The candidate should have a good knowledge of statistics and possibly of geo-statistics. It is also desirable that the applicant have experience in using a Unix/Linux operating system and in graphical systems such as NCAR Graphics or IDL. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Carlo DeMarchi and Brent Lofgren.
This fellow will assist in developing, running, and analyzing the simulation of Great Lakes water levels by a Regional Climate Model under present climate conditions and compare them with observed data. The candidate should have a good knowledge of statistics and possibly of geo-statistics. It is also desirable that the applicant have experience in using a Unix/Linux operating system, graphical systems such as NCAR Graphics or IDL, and GIS. This position can be located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI or Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Mentors: Carlo DeMarchi and Brent Lofgren.
This fellow will assist in analyzing the impact of climate change scenarios on the depth distribution in the Great Lakes. This task involves merging high resolution coastal bathymetry maps with lower resolution maps, building routines for transforming water levels time series from regional climate models into depth-frequency maps at different resolutions, and analyzing model results. The candidate should have a good knowledge of statistics, good computer programming skills, and knowledge of GIS. It is desirable that the applicant has experience in using a Unix/Linux operating system and in graphical systems such as NCAR Graphics or IDL. This position can be located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI or Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Mentors: Carlo DeMarchi and Brent Lofgren.
The DLBRM is a watershed hydrology and water quality model under development at the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. The summer fellow will assist in calibrating and validating DLBRM simulation of temperature, sediments, and nutrients for watersheds in Michigan (Grand River) and Ohio (Maumee River/Sandusky River). Knowledge of a programming language, especially FORTRAN, and ESRI GIS is highly desirable. This position can be located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI or Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.

Mentors: David Reid and Rochelle Sturtevant.
This fellow will work with an online database of nonindigenous species in the Great Lakes region http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/ncrais/glansis.html. Tasks will include reviewing scientific literature to develop or update species information and outreach materials, developing and testing new capacities within the online database, reviewing the system for consistency and improving content, and working with external scientists to 1) review existing species in the database and 2) to identify and evaluate new species for possible addition to the database. There is also a possibility of making presentations at public events. Candidates who have completed advanced coursework (200 level) or have equivalent experience in a related field -- biology, ecology, communications -- are strongly preferred. Familiarity with general functions of a database a plus, but not required. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Cathy Green.
This fellow will assist in development and implementation of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s (TBNMS) Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center (GLMHC) education initiatives and assist with summer field projects. Duties will include, but are not limited to: 1) Assist in developing and implementing GLMHC formal and informal education programs in conjunction with local and regional institutions, and the general public; 2) Work with TBNMS staff in responding to constituent requests for information, products, services, and expertise; 3) Support TBNMS outreach events, such as Thunder Bay Maritime Festival and other community events (may include holidays and weekends); 4) Develop and write summaries of TBNMS field projects and research activities for distribution to a diverse constituent audience on multimedia platforms; 5) Assist with archaeological field work, including shipwreck documentation, field schools, and day camps (NOAA or AAUS Scientific Diving certification preferred); 6) Other duties as assigned. Computer and writing skills are recommended for this position. This position is located in Alpena, MI.

Mentors: Margaret Lansing
This fellow will assist in supporting GLERL and the Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health (CEGLHH) communications and outreach activities including: 1) Developing and writing short summaries of GLERL & CEGLHH research activities for distribution to a diverse constituent audience; 2) Working with GLERL scientists and support staff in responding to constituent requests for GLERL products, services, and expertise; 3) Supporting and organizing GLERL outreach events such as laboratory open houses, tours, tabling events, seminar presentations, and related activities; 4) supporting development of web-based outreach products and promoting NOAA in the Great Lakes activities. Candidates should have a strong background in Great Lakes or marine science and demonstrated training or experience in journalism and/or communications. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Jennifer Day
This fellow will be assisting the NOAA Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Team in completing the needs assessment for the Center of Excellence for Great Lakes Restoration, which is in the second phase of its development. The fellow’s work will be used to analyze the next steps for Great Lakes restoration coordination and collaboration, as well as to develop action items. Some time will also be spent developing outreach products and materials for the Center of Excellence for Great Lakes Restoration as well as the Regional Collaboration Team as a whole. Desired skills include excellent communications and interpersonal skills, familiarity with the Great Lakes Region’s issues, ecology, and some course work in political science. This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Nathan Hawley
This fellow will assist in retrieving 16 instrumented moorings that were deployed over the past winter in Lake Huron. The rest of the summer will be spent downloading the data from the sensors, analyzing the data, and preparing the data for entry into a data base. Candidates must be willing and able to participate in the retrieval of the moorings (an 80’ vessel will be used) and should have a working knowledge of a high level programming language (preferably Matlab). This position is located at NOAA-GLERL in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentor: Jill Wingfield
The purposes of the Study, commissioned by the International Joint Commission, are to investigate whether possible physical changes in the St. Clair River are affecting levels in the Upper Great Lakes and to evaluate potential improvements to the regulation of Lake Superior outflows through control structures on the St. Marys River. The summer fellow will assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of a range of multi-media communication and outreach activities related to the IUGLS. Specific projects will include, but are not limited to: improving access to study information and products; evaluating a variety of online communication tools to identify and engage target audiences; and, developing interactive public consultation processes via the web. Candidates should have experience working with video, audio, and web media devices and software programs. A basic understanding of Great Lakes environmental and/or water level issues is desired. This position is located in Ann Arbor, MI.

Mentors: Kurt Kowalski.
This fellow will use multiple software packages and techniques to analyze data collected by a high-resolution acoustic camera (DIDSON – Dual-frequency IDentification SONar) deployed in a Lake Erie coastal wetland complex. The data were collected for a research project exploring wetland habitat rehabilitation strategies and their impact on Lake Erie fish. Preliminary analyses generated a number of new research questions that the fellow will be exploring. The fellow will have the opportunity to visit the study site and participate in other field-based activities related to the DIDSON research. Depending on the interests and skills of the fellow, additional GIS or field-based activities (e.g., plant and fish sampling) may be available. This position is geared toward providing the student with exposure to wetland science, fish ecology, and hydroacoustics; it should be viewed as a learning/training opportunity, as well as a means of financial support. Knowledge of hydroacoustic principles, hydroacoustic software (e.g., Echoview), and Great Lakes fish ecology and/or experience conducting aquatic field research is desired. This position is located at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI and may involve day trips to coastal wetlands in western Lake Erie.