Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
About External Advisory Committee
External Advisory Committee
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s external advisory committee is comprised of industry, conservation, community, and agency leaders representing the bi-state area and broader Great Lakes region. The committee aids in defining IISG’s strategic goals, including providing guidance throughout the strategic planning process. It helps IISG assume a vital role in the science and practice of coastal restoration and management in our region.
External advisory committee members listed below will serve their term from 2025 – 2028. The leaders of the Illinois Coastal Management Program and the Indiana Coastal Management Program are ex-officio members and will remain on the IISG external advisory committee.
- Meg Kelly – Program Director, Illinois Coastal Management Program Office
- Chuck Knapp – Vice President, Conservation Research, Shedd Aquarium
- Jenny Orsburn – Program Manager, Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program
- Vic Santucci – Lake Michigan Program Manager, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Mike Searcy – Treasurer, Indiana Aquaculture Association; Owner, White Creek Farms of Indiana LLC
- Jason Taylor – Superintendent, Indiana Dunes National Park
Recent News
- Educators immerse in Great Lakes science aboard EPA research vessel
- Tomas Höök reflects on a legacy of leadership, collaboration and impact at IISG
- Freshwater jellyfish may increase in numbers as Illinois and Indiana waters continue to warm
- Tomas Höök signing off as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant director this summer
- Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant welcomes Stuart Carlton as the program’s new director
IISG Instagram
Curious minds wanted! The Students Ask Scientists program connects classrooms with Great Lakes scientists to explore how science comes alive beyond the textbook.
From burning questions to career inspiration, students dive into the wonders of the Great Lakes—one question at a time.
Learn more at the link in bio.
Tomas Höök has left an incredible mark during his time as Director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and now he’s reflecting on a legacy filled with leadership, collaboration, and impact. From expanding our aquaculture and education programs, to helping communities make sense of the effects of Lake Michigan’s shifting shorelines — his work has helped grow what we do and who we serve.
Read the full feature at the link in bio to see what he’ll carry forward in his new role as Head of Purdue’s Department of Forestry & Natural Resources.
The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative is hosting a webinar on Friday, September 12th at 11:00am CT / 12:00pm ET. Join us for the seminar "Red Swamp Crayfish Telemetry Across Seasons and Techniques" presented by post-doctoral researcher Dr. William Ota of Michigan State University. Dr. Ota will present his research on red swamp crayfish movement ecology, which involves the use of both radio and acoustic telemetry.
Register at the link in bio.
In late July, formal and non-formal educators joined @nature_indiana, @indianadnr Division of Nature Preserves, and @lakecountyparks for a workshop exploring ecological restoration in the Grand Calumet River Area of Concern.
Participants toured restored sites in East Chicago and Hammond, engaged with experts in sediment remediation and habitat restoration, and experienced a cutting-edge Virtual Reality curriculum aligned with NGSS for grades 6–12.
From industrial past to ecological renewal, educators left inspired and equipped to bring local environmental stories into their classrooms.
Learn more about the VR Tour at the link in bio.
#TeachingTuesday
