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
- Join Sea Grant to oversee program research and reporting
- 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
IISG Instagram
The Center for Great Lakes Literacy has launched a beautifully redesigned website. The star of the show is the Resource Library!
Whether you`re teaching in a classroom, leading a community program, or just passionate about the Great Lakes, the new hub makes it easier than ever to find lesson plans, activities, videos, and stewardship ideas tailored to your needs.
🔗 Visit the link in bio to dive in!
#TeachingTuesday

This summer, 15 Great Lakes educators swapped lesson plans for life jackets as they boarded the Lake Guardian, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s research vessel, and set sail on Lake Michigan. Through the Shipboard Science Immersion program, 5–12 grade formal and non-formal educators worked side by side with Great Lakes scientists for a week—an experience they say will ripple back to their classrooms for years to come.
Read more at the link in bio.

Looking for engaging, place-based literacy resources this school year? The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock is a beautifully illustrated dive into the geology, ecology, and history of our Great Lakes—perfect for sparking curiosity in learners of all ages.
📖 Learn more at the link in bio.
#GreatLakes #BookRecommendation #TeachingTuesdays
@brosenstock

Last month, Illinois and Indiana educators gathered for a two-day, professional learning workshop hosted by @duneslearning, @indianadnr, @thengrrec, and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant to dive deep into water’s role in Earth’s systems
Using @projectwet’s newest guidebook, Water in Earth Systems, participants explored the unique ecosystems of @indianadunesnps and engaged in hands-on aquatic science activities—bringing Great Lakes learning to life in the classroom!
Thanks to all who joined us in connecting science, stewardship, and the Great Lakes!
Read More at the link in bio.
