GLEC's Algal Taxonomy Laboratory Growth
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Since 2015, GLEC’s dedicated algal taxonomy laboratory, led by Dr. Julianne Heinlein, has provided critical taxonomic data for state and federal agencies, non-profits, and corporate contractors. From national-scale US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assessments to localized phytoplankton surveys, our lab is committed to supporting vital bioassessments of the nation’s waterways, hazardous algal bloom monitoring, and various algae-related research projects.
Our capabilities continue to evolve. In 2022, through a US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant, we added macrophyte identification to our services, allowing us to conduct full aquatic plant surveys in near-shore areas of the Great Lakes. These surveys will continue into 2027. Additionally, we are currently contracted with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to identify macroalgae specimens collected through their long-term monitoring program.
We are excited to highlight our growing team and expanded capabilities:
- Dr. Anna Nesterovich: We have expanded our capabilities to include marine phytoplankton, thanks to the addition of Dr. Anna Nesterovich. Dr. Nesterovich is a published taxonomist with extensive experience in diatom and soft-algae identification and is currently training in zooplankton taxonomy under the mentorship of Dr. Mary Balcr. Since joining GLEC, she has also earned her species-level diatom certification through the Society for Freshwater Science Taxonomic Certification Program (SFSTCP).
- Anna Briem: We welcomed Anna Briem, M.S., to our staff this year. Ms. Briem brings a diverse background in environmental sciences, including specialized knowledge in fish, macroinvertebrate, and macrophyte taxonomy. She was recently certified in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) genera through the Society for Freshwater Science Taxonomic Certification Program (SFSTCP) and is currently serving as the field taxonomist for our USFWS macrophyte surveys.
- Dr. Julianne Heinlein: Dr. Heinlein continues her leadership within the field, serving on the North American Diatom Certification Committee (the body that created and curates the SFSTCP Diatom Certification Exams), as the diatom representative on the SFSTCP, and by leading workshops and developing special sessions for national conferences.
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