Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s Tracy Colin was named the University of Illinois Student Employee of the Year Runner Up. She has been an assistant for the communication and education components of the program for three years.

“During the time that she has worked in our program, Tracy has worked on a great variety of projects,” said Irene Miles, communication coordinator. “In every task that we assign, she asks intelligent questions to ensure that she will complete the job in a most efficient and effective manner. We are always impressed with Tracy’s attention to detail. She has also demonstrated a professional demeanor in her contact with people outside of our program, whether they be scientists, legislators, agency professionals, or the general public.”

As part of this honor, Colin was awarded a $200 scholarship and a $75 gift card to the University of Illinois Book Store. She will graduate this spring with a major in political science.

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Got a research idea worth a bigger room? The 2026 State of Lake Michigan Meeting is accepting proposals for symposia and workshops, and we want to hear yours!📅 Nov. 4–6 | Michigan City, IN⏰ Proposals due June 1 at 1 PM ETHelp shape what the Great Lakes research community discusses this year.🔗 Submit at the link in bio.
To every educator who has brought the Great Lakes into their classroom, thank you. 🍎Your curiosity is contagious. Your lessons last. And the students who learn to love these waters? They’ll protect them.Happy Teacher Appreciation Week from all of us at IISG.
Located in Washington, D.C., the Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources, and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. This is a one-year fellowship open to any student, regardless of citizenship, who is enrolled toward a degree in a graduate or professional program on the day of the deadline.Students enrolled at an Illinois or Indiana university or college should submit their applications through Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant by emailing Angela Archer at amcbride@purdue.edu. Students in surrounding states without a Sea Grant program should contact the National Sea Grant College Program at oar.sg.fellows@noaa.gov for a referral. Application deadline: June 3, 2026.To learn more about the fellowship, visit the link in bio.