Centralight

Central Michigan University's vision for its Institute for Great Lakes Research was to establish the university as a nationwide leader in Great Lakes research. To support these efforts, CMU recruited an additional cohort of six research-intensive faculty members to strengthen its ability in undertaking large-scale interdisciplinary research projects. One of these six highly recruited faculty is no stranger to the university. A plaque on the third floor of Brooks Hall still features Deric Learman's name for an award he received as an undergraduate geology student. "For the most part the town is still the same, but my perspective now is different as a faculty member at the university," says Learman, '03. "It's like looking at the same lake from a different shoreline." Coming back to teach and conduct research at CMU was the furthest thought from Learman's mind when he graduated. He studied at Virginia Tech to earn his Ph.D. and was serving as a research associate at Harvard University when he learned of the opportunity to return to his alma mater and focus on the Great Lakes. "Being a native to Michigan, the Great Lakes mean more to me than just research," says Learman, who grew up in Harbor Beach. "The lakes remind me of my hometown, family vacations and spending time with friends. The research will be a bonus." CMU has identified research on the Great Lakes ecosystems as an area of strength and has committed to establishing the Great Lakes Research Institute to study the sustainability and management of the world's largest supply of fresh water. Learman researches the genetic and physiological responses of microorganisms that control biogeochemical cycles in various environments, ranging from lakes to soils. He focuses on describing how microorganisms interact with minerals that control numerous geochemical cycles. In addition to his research endeavors, Learman teaches alongside many of the professors he had as a student, including Sven Morgan, Kathleen Benison and Jane Matty. The classes he teaches also include some of the same ones he took as a student. "I think I'm more of one to prod the students because I've been right where they are," Learman says. "It's nice to be able to tell students that CMU provides a great education and that they should take advantage of the opportunities it provides. My CMU degree is the foundation of my education and has held up in everything I've done." • Keeping the lakes great Central Michigan University is making a name for itself as a scientific leader in research to understand the ecology of the lakes and to help sustainably manage these critical natural resources. The university's investment in Great Lakes research and the achievements of faculty members since the institute was launched recently were showcased at a special reception. "The formation of the institute was not a random choice but a careful decision to invest in an area where there were already around 15 faculty members doing high quality research and to capitalize on the university's window on the water at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island," Executive Vice President/Provost E. Gary Sharpiro said at the event. "I am very pleased with the level of activity and success that the institute has already achieved." Since the institute started in the fall of 2010, IGLR faculty members have: • Given 45 presentations and published 18 peer- reviewed papers • Submitted more than 60 proposals requesting $7.4 million • Involved 29 graduate and 82 undergraduate students in their research • centralight summer '12 19

• Cover