AIS specialist steps into new role as IISG’s outreach program leader

Posted November 8th, 2018 in Aquatic Invasive Species, News
Pat Charlebois sitting in a chair
After 20 years as an aquatic invasive species specialist, Pat Charlebois is taking on a leadership role in Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant's outreach program. (Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Photo/Irene Miles)

After an intensive hiring process with outstanding candidates, Pat Charlebois has been selected to lead Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) outreach program efforts. Before taking on this new role, Charlebois was IISG’s aquatic invasive species outreach specialist and coordinator for over 20 years.

“Pat has great experience as a highly successful outreach specialist and coordinator of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s aquatic invasive species program,” said Tomas Höök, director of IISG. “We’re excited to work with her as she builds on this experience to collaboratively oversee IISG’s diverse outreach programs.”

As the outreach program leader, Charlebois will lead the development, expansion and delivery of science-based outreach programming that helps communities and individuals make informed choices when managing and interacting with natural resources. She will help connect IISG’s specialists with scientists and potential partners and enhance our existing partnerships with Illinois Extension, Purdue Extension and the Prairie Research Institute.

“As I move into the role of outreach program leader, I’m excited by the prospect of using my experience to help IISG improve upon the great outreach programming that we’re known for,” said Charlebois. “I’m looking forward to mentoring our new staff as they build their own outreach programs, and I’m pleased to be helping lead the program as we continue to address Great Lakes issues.”

Charlebois has been acknowledged with several awards throughout her career, including an APEX Award for Publication Excellence, Professional Merit Awards from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Lake Management Association, and a National Sea Grant Blue Ribbon Award. She received both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology with a concentration in aquatic ecology from the University of Notre Dame.

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Get ready to explore and document the incredible biodiversity of the Great Lakes region! The Great Lakes BioBlitz is an exciting event where community members, students, and nature enthusiasts come together to observe and record the diverse species in our environment.

When: April 22 to May 19
How: Sign up on iNaturalist.
Why:
-Discover Local Wildlife: Learn about the plants, animals, and insects that call the Great Lakes home.
-Contribute to Science: Your observations help scientists understand and protect our natural world.
-Connect with Nature: Enjoy the outdoors and connect with others who share your passion for the environment.

Learn more at the link in bio.

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Get ready to explore and document the incredible biodiversity of the Great Lakes region! The Great Lakes BioBlitz is an exciting event where community members, students, and nature enthusiasts come together to observe and record the diverse species in our environment.When: April 22 to May 19How: Sign up on iNaturalist.Why: -Discover Local Wildlife: Learn about the plants, animals, and insects that call the Great Lakes home. -Contribute to Science: Your observations help scientists understand and protect our natural world. -Connect with Nature: Enjoy the outdoors and connect with others who share your passion for the environment.Learn more at the link in bio.

Applications are open! Graduate student applicants can request up to $10,000 to support research expenses, graduate student stipends, travel, or other activities that help expand the scholarly or societal impact of their research.

One of IISG’s long-term goals is to help build a community of researchers and outreach professionals focused on critically important Lake Michigan issues. The IISG Scholars programs are designed to help build this community by introducing researchers to the issues and the individuals, organizations, and communities that are affected by them.

Applications due April 9th.

Learn more about this opportunity at the link in bio.

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Applications are open! Graduate student applicants can request up to $10,000 to support research expenses, graduate student stipends, travel, or other activities that help expand the scholarly or societal impact of their research.One of IISG’s long-term goals is to help build a community of researchers and outreach professionals focused on critically important Lake Michigan issues. The IISG Scholars programs are designed to help build this community by introducing researchers to the issues and the individuals, organizations, and communities that are affected by them.Applications due April 9th.Learn more about this opportunity at the link in bio.

Join us for a seminar on the latest fish biology, ecology, and fisheries science happening in Lake Michigan.

Speaker will include:
-Anna Hill (Purdue) with an update on alewife diet and growth rates in Lake Michigan
-Charlie Roswell (INHS) with an update on Lake Michigan and Calumet River smallmouth bass movement
-Dan Makauska (IL DNR) with an update from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Learn more and register at the link in bio.

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Join us for a seminar on the latest fish biology, ecology, and fisheries science happening in Lake Michigan. Speaker will include: -Anna Hill (Purdue) with an update on alewife diet and growth rates in Lake Michigan-Charlie Roswell (INHS) with an update on Lake Michigan and Calumet River smallmouth bass movement-Dan Makauska (IL DNR) with an update from the Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesLearn more and register at the link in bio.
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