Winter 2025 • Issue 24

Science and Hope

Published February 2025

In exploring the theme of Science & Hope, we consider the importance of hope, especially during difficult times. We discover that hope isn't just optimism or wishful thinking; it requires facing challenges and taking action. By sharing stories of success—like that of Poppy, the talented pup on our cover who detects oil spills under ice—we can guide ourselves toward a brighter future. Join us as we explore the transformative impact of hope.

Read Articles Online Download Issue PDF

Features

Science elicits hope, joy depending on the audience

Research shows that while the public associates science with hope, scientists associate it with joy. Understanding these differing emotional lenses is crucial for effective science communication and engagement.

Biodiversity after a Phragmites invasion

Long-term monitoring of wetlands in Ontario reveals that while secondary invasions occur after Phragmites control, native plant communities eventually recover, highlighting the importance of sustained monitoring and collaboration.

Reintroducing species

Research from the Freshwater Restoration Ecology Centre explores how soft-release strategies can mitigate transport stress and improve survival rates for reintroduced lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes.

Academic publishing at a crossroads

New lead editor Margaret Docker discusses the future of the Journal of Great Lakes Research, emphasizing community, peer review integrity, and the value of society journals amidst changing publishing landscapes.

The future of Great Lakes research

The IJC Science Advisory Board is developing a decadal science strategy to address aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and emerging threats through a collaborative, basin-wide plan.

Sniffing for oil under ice

A groundbreaking experiment at IISD Experimental Lakes Area shows that trained detection dogs can locate oil spills under ice with 100% accuracy, offering a rapid and cost-effective solution for winter response.

Lake Erie and Aquatic Research Network

The LEARN program demonstrates how meaningful collaboration between researchers and management professionals in Ohio fosters trust, adaptive monitoring, and hope for freshwater futures.

Departments

Member Spotlight

Julia Obuya

A Ph.D. candidate at Bowling Green State University, Julia Obuya uses molecular techniques to study harmful algal blooms, translating complex data into actionable strategies for communities in Africa and North America.

Member Spotlight

Anna Hill

A Purdue master's student studying alewife in Lake Michigan, Anna Hill bridges the gap between scientific research and community stakeholders to make fish ecology findings accessible to anglers and the public.

Member Spotlight

Molly Wick

An EPA postdoctoral fellow, Molly Wick studies cultural ecosystem services along Great Lakes.

Research Brief

Lake trout restored in Lake Superior

After nearly 70 years of effort, native lake trout populations have been fully restored in Lake Superior, marking a major conservation triumph through sea lamprey control and stocking.

Research Brief

Refugia of hope: Life in submerged karst sinkholes

Submerged sinkholes in the Great Lakes harbor unique, biodiverse microbial mats that offer insights into early Earth life and potential pharmaceutical compounds, representing hidden refugia of hope.

Research Brief

Bringing back Arctic grayling (Nmégos) to Michigan

A coalition of partners is reintroducing Arctic grayling to Michigan streams using streamside incubators to ensure imprinting, reconnecting Anishinaabe people with their cultural heritage.

Research Brief

Volunteering for the love of suckers

A citizen science program engages volunteers to document sucker fish migration, revealing temperature as the primary trigger and demonstrating the power of public engagement in fish conservation.

Research Brief

Hope through Indigenous leadership

A Keweenaw Bay Indian Community climate study shows that despite challenges, climate impacts are strengthening cultural knowledge transmission and community bonds, offering a path forward for Indigenous-led research.

Research Brief

Choosing hope

An editorial reflecting on the theme of hope in the face of scientific challenges, emphasizing the role of storytelling and collaboration in sustaining the Great Lakes research community.