New hire announced at Minnesota Sea Grant: Water Resources Extension Educator joins the team
The Minnesota Sea Grant Program, a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Sea Grant Program, has welcomed a new member to their team. Hilarie Sorensen has been appointed as the Water Resources Extension Educator [1].
Sorensen, who hails from the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with Minnesota's water resources to her new role. Her background includes exploring large-scale ecosystem dynamics in the Northeast Pacific Ocean and conducting monitoring programs in small water bodies near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area [6].
In her new position, Sorensen will focus on developing and training a network of community-based volunteers to monitor and track chloride levels and harmful algal blooms in rural Minnesota lakes. This work aligns with the Minnesota Sea Grant Program's mission to enhance the use and conservation of Great Lakes and Minnesota's inland water resources to create strong and sustainable economies, healthy environments, and resilient and inclusive communities [4].
Sorensen's responsibilities also include delivering her programming to Minnesota communities and evaluating the impact of those programs [5]. John A. Downing, the Director of the Minnesota Sea Grant Program, expressed his excitement about Sorensen joining the team, stating that her expertise will be invaluable in addressing the challenges posed by aquatic invasive species, algal blooms, microplastics, and changing environmental conditions in Minnesota's diverse water resources [2].
The Minnesota Sea Grant Program partners with local, statewide, regional, and national programs and organizations, and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network [3]. Sorensen's familiarity with Minnesota and water science extends to her roles with the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and the 1854 Treaty Authority.
For more information about the Minnesota Sea Grant Program, or to get in touch with Hilarie Sorensen, Marie Thoms (Communications Manager, [email protected]), Amy Schrank (Extension Program Leader and Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator, [email protected]), or John A. Downing (Director, [email protected]) can be contacted.
References:
- Minnesota Sea Grant Program Welcomes New Water Resources Extension Educator
- John A. Downing, Director, Minnesota Sea Grant Program
- Partnerships
- Mission
- Hilarie Sorensen, Water Resources Extension Educator
- Hilarie Sorensen's Background
Sorensen will employ her extensive background in environmental science, particularly in the field of water resources, to help educate and develop community-based volunteers in monitoring chloride levels and harmful algal blooms as part of the Minnesota Sea Grant Program's mission for sustainable economies, healthy environments, and resilient communities. Her responsibilities further extend to the delivery of her programming to Minnesota communities and the evaluation of its impact.
