Lake Champlain Basin Program Launches Meet the Scientist Video Series
Grand Isle, VT – The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), working with Peregrine Productions, has launched Meet the Scientist, a new video series that spotlights scientists who are working to better understand the water quality, ecology, and history of Lake Champlain and its watershed.
These videos explore the scientists’ research and their personal stories. They provide a glimpse into their day-to-day activities in the field and how they help turn knowledge into action that protects and restores clean water and habitat in the Lake Champlain Basin.
The initial release of videos includes profiles of five scientists working in a variety of disciplines and at different stages in their careers:
· Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Vermont State Climatologist and Professor in the Department of Geography and Geosciences at the University of Vermont: climate change and community preparedness
· Ellen Marsden, Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont: fish and behavioral ecology.
· Mindy Morales, Assistant Professor of Environmental Sciences in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont: microorganisms and ecosystem function
· Chris Sabick, Archaeology Director at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum: Lake Champlain maritime history
· Brendan Wiltse, Water Quality Director at the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College: winter road salt and lake health
LCBP Communications Coordinator Ryan Mitchell said, “The work these scientists do is, of course, vital to the health of the lake. What are their motivations? Their challenges and rewards? How did their professional journeys lead them to where they are now? These videos highlight their fascinating research and offer a window into their experiences for future scientists who are exploring career opportunities.”
Peregrine Productions’ Vince Franke worked with the researchers for two years to help share their stories. After documenting their field work in cold Adirondack winters and on hot, humid summer days, he wanted the films to capture their dedication and resourcefulness.
Franke said, “Research is a juggling act. With the intricacies of fieldwork, communicating their findings, applying findings to broader management questions, and developing partnerships to affect change, these scientists balance so many demands. My goal was to provide insight into the people and their passion, as well as their work to better understand our lake and our ecosystem.”
The videos are available on the LCBP website at lcbp.org/meet-the-scientist.
For more information, contact Ryan Mitchell, LCBP Communications and Publications Coordinator, at rmitchell@lcbp.org or (802) 372-3213.
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The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel and finances. LCBP is a program partner of NEIWPCC. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit www.lcbp.org.
