As I sit at my desk making a final proofread of this newsletter, I’m struck with a deep pride to be a part of the Center for Limnology (CFL). This newsletter gave me a chance to ponder how our work and our impact truly spans from local to global. The global scope of our work is exemplified by Emily Stanley’s recently co-authored Nature paper on global methane emissions from running waters. But beyond that, CFL researchers are engaged in diverse projects and collaborations spanning the far reaches of our world – examples from Switzerland, Mongolia, Bonaire and Belize, and Antarctica (!). At the same time, CFLers are deeply engaged in our communities in both Madison and Boulder Junction, WI whether it be The Wilkinson Lab and their “Pond Pals” in Madison, or the wild rice project in Vilas County.
Moving beyond our curent research projects, I’m also happy to share some exciting news – two CFL faculty, Hilary Dugan and Grace Wilkinson, both earned tenure this past year! We are all delighted to have the two of them as members of the CFL family. I honestly couldn’t ask for more fantastic colleagues.
In other news – Madison is hosting the upcoming Association for the Science of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) meeting, to be held June 2-7, 2024. On behalf of myself and Grace Wilkinson (as meeting co-chairs), we would love to see you at the ASLO meeting at Madison’s Monona Terrace next summer. It is sure to be a great chance to catch up with friends and colleagues from around the world.
It will also be a chance to help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of Trout Lake Station! TLS alumni are invited to make the trek north for the weekend prior to the ALSO meeting (May 31 – June 2) to help celebrate the Station’s 100th birthday. Stay tuned for more information about this event.
And finally, I extend my warmest thank you to the many generous alumni, friends, and donors who support the CFL on an annual basis. Your support allows us to continue to expand our impact – from the local to the global. I always love to hear from friends and alumni of the CFL, so please don’t hesitate to drop me a note and an update.
Jake Vander Zanden
Wayland Noland Distinguished Chair
Director, Center for Limnology
University of Wisconsin-Madison