UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute receives prestigious award from Board of Regents
Last Friday, the UW System Board of Regents honored this year’s recipients of the Academic Staff Excellence Awards at its meeting in Madison. These awards recognize exceptional service to the university and are the UW System’s highest recognition bestowed on members of its academic staff.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute was among those selected, making it the first non-instructional academic staff program at UW-Superior to receive the award.
“I can think of no other unit more deserving of this program award than UW-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI),” said Jacalyn Weissenbuger, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Over the past 50 years, LSRI has involved over 550 undergraduates in freshwater research, generated over $60 million dollars in funded grants and contracts, and made critically important contributions to students, the regional community and communities beyond.”
Currently directed by Dr. Matthew TenEyck, the LSRI conducts environmental research and provides services that benefit the people, industries, and natural resources of the Upper Midwest, the Great Lakes region, and beyond. Its researchers study and provide guidance on water resources, as well as air and soil quality. Staff have diverse expertise ranging from biological assessment, restoration, trends analysis in plants and aquatic organisms, and environmental toxicity.
LSRI benefits students by sponsoring self-directed undergraduate research projects and providing annual scholarships in partnership with the UW-Superior Foundation and Advancement Office. Many LSRI students have gone on to pursue post-graduate education and/or careers in the sciences. LSRI has developed strong partnerships with more than 150 local, state, federal, and tribal governments. It is one of only five labs in the state certified to conduct certain tests related to water quality. In collaboration with its partners, including the Environmental Protection Agency, LSRI has achieved an international reputation for environmental research.
“This award means a lot to the staff at LSRI,” said TenEyck. “It shows that our hard work has been recognized by the highest governing body in a large organization, the UW System. This award will serve as a source of motivation to continue the good work and training of students that was started 50 years ago.”
Award recipients are selected for superior performance resulting in significant contributions to the department and institution; use of positive personal interaction to manage work changes; and a consistently creative approach that improves productivity and work quality. Each award is valued at $5,000 per recipient.
The Academic Staff Excellence Awards selection committee members included Regents Janice Mueller, Robert Atwell, Drew Petersen, and Bryan Steil.
