From Akron to Lake Erie: A Journey to Protect the Great Lakes

Dr. Lara Roketenetz, director of UA’s Field Station at Bath Nature Preserve, set sail on an adventure that blended her love for teaching with her passion for environmental conservation. Selected as one of five Ohio educators, Roketenetz participated in the 2024 Shipboard Science Workshop on Lake Erie, an initiative dedicated to fostering Great Lakes literacy.

From July 7-13, Roketenetz joined 14 other educators from across the Great Lakes region aboard the R/V Lake Guardian, a research vessel operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For a full week she lived and worked alongside scientists, conducting hands-on research that delved deep into the health of Lake Erie.

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Roketenetz shared. “We used cutting-edge tools to sample water quality, study algae, microplastics, and even the organisms living in the sediment. It’s incredible to think about the impact this work can have on our understanding and protection of these precious natural resources.”

The workshop, hosted by the Center for Great Lakes Literacy (CGLL) in partnership with the EPA and funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), was designed to immerse educators in the science of the Great Lakes. Stops throughout the week included Put-in-Bay, Ohio, at Ohio State’s Stone Laboratory, where participants furthered their research and collaboration efforts.

Roketenetz’s journey to Lake Erie was not just a professional milestone but a personal mission. Growing up near the Great Lakes, she developed an early appreciation for their beauty and significance.

“Our Great Lakes need us all working together to protect our precious natural resources,” she emphasized. “The UA Field Station is ready for the challenge, and I’m excited to integrate what I learned into our programs. This hands-on experience will be invaluable for my students, giving them a direct link to the science and stewardship of our environment.”

Roketenetz’s participation in the workshop highlighted her commitment to education and conservation. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she embarked on this voyage, eager to explore Lake Erie’s depths and return with insights that would inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

“I feel incredibly honored to be part of this,” she said. “It’s a chance to make a real difference, both in my own understanding and in the way I can engage my students with the critical issues facing our Great Lakes.”

The work by Roketenetz and everyone connected to the UA Field Station is a testament to the profound connection between educators, their communities, and the natural world, shining a light on the collective effort to preserve and protect our environment for generations to come.

RELATED:

• Photos from the trip on UA Field Station’s Instagram
• Stay updated on community events by following the UA Field Station Facebook page
• About the UA Field Station

Story by: Lisa Craig, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, lmc91@uakron.edu.