sarah zack

Sarah Zack is joining the IISG pollution prevention team as its new extension specialist.

She will be integrating program leadership, and public engagement and developing extension and outreach activities for the pollution prevention programs, especially related to management of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment, microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes, and other emerging contaminants of concern.

For the past five years, Zack has worked in IISG’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) program and was instrumental in developing the Be A Hero-Transport Zero™ campaign. She also researched AIS best management practices for fishing tournament anglers and organizers.

“I’m very excited to begin my new role with IISG, and to work with some of you in new ways,” Zack said. “This is a great group to work with, and I’m thrilled to be able to take on a new challenge while still staying a part of IISG.”

Zack has a Master’s degree in biology with an emphasis on aquatic ecology from Loyola University Chicago.

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Looking for a fun way to teach about marine debris? Check out Me and Debry, which is a whimsical, 30‑minute, audience‑participation play created for @UWiscSeaGrant. It helps students explore what marine debris is, why it matters, and how we can make a difference in the Great Lakes.The full script (English) and participation scripts (English, Spanish, and Hmong) are free to use, along with marketing materials for performances.Bring learning to life and start a conversation about litter in our waters!Check it out at the link in bio.#TeachingTuesday
Do you work or live along the Great Lakes coasts? Watch our newly released video series collection, containing several short videos that overview the range of coastal protection options in the Great Lakes, including:- Natural processes in the Great Lakes- Hard coastal protection structures and how they interact with/alter natural processes- Nature-based coastal solutions in the Great Lakes, ranging from green to gray approachesFind our two new video series at the link in bio.
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.