Michigan State University is pairing with Lake Superior State University for an Extension-based collaboration to help connect resources with the communities and residents of the Eastern U.P.
Elliot Nelson, a Michigan Sea Grant Extension educator will be based in Sault Ste. Marie on the LSSU campus and provide education and outreach programming related to commercial, tribal, and aquaculture fisheries; coastal community development, including tourism and Great Lakes commerce; water quality; and coastal ecosystems.
“Partnerships like this one between LSSU and MSU Extension provide opportunities to build communities that make Michigan strong, prosperous and a great place to live,” said Jeff Dwyer, director of MSU Extension. “Having Nelson integrated into the LSSU community gives us a chance to expand our reach in the Eastern Upper Peninsula and allows us to learn from each other as we work on those opportunities.”
Nelson earned a bachelor of science degree from MSU and a master of science from the University of Michigan. His focus has been on natural resources and environment behavior; education and communications; and conservation ecology.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with MSU to bring Michigan Sea Grant Extension to LSSU and the Eastern U.P.,” said Thomas Pleger, LSSU president. “LSSU has a long history of research and education focused on fresh water resources and the Great Lakes. This new partnership will allow us to better serve the region in partnership with MSU, Michigan’s Land Grant Institution. Both LSSU and MSU share a commitment to outreach and enhancing the region through life-long learning.”