The University of Toledo will highlight water quality research projects underway across campus at a Water Research Showcase at the Brady Engineering Innovation Center on Friday, Oct. 20.
UToledo won the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)’s Public Impact Research Award in 2022, in recognition of its contributions in support of the region through water quality research. The free, public showcase is an invitation to engage with student and faculty researchers whose work contributes to that public impact. They will present updates on projects that span a wide variety of disciplines, including ecology, engineering and medicine.
“Our researchers work tirelessly to advance water quality innovations and inform community stakeholders about their research findings, and we were pleased they were recognized nationally for these efforts with the APLU’s 2022 Public Impact Research Award,” said Frank Calzonetti, vice president for innovation and economic development. “We want to showcase not only the quality of their research, but also its breadth through the Water Research Showcase.”
The APLU, a research, policy and advocacy organization, selected UToledo for the Public Impact Research Award out of a membership of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Water quality research is a major focus at UToledo, which convened the UToledo Water Task Force following the harmful algal bloom-induced drinking water crisis in Toledo in 2014. The scientists, engineers, medical researchers and public health and legal experts on the task force continue to collaborate closely, publishing research in leading scientific journals, securing competitive research awards and collaborating with community partners at the local, regional and state level.
Task force members and others will share their work in nearly 50 displays addressing water treatment, wetland management, invasive species, harmful algal blooms, health effects of cyanotoxins and more during the Water Research Showcase.
UToledo President Gregory Postel; Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education; and Archie Lunsey, chief community officer for the Northwest District Office of the Ohio Environment Protection Agency, will open the event with brief remarks beginning at 2 p.m.
Attendees can peruse research displays between 2:20 and 4:30 p.m. A reception with beer, wine and light refreshments will follow between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., giving attendees additional opportunities to engage with researchers.
The Brady Engineering Innovation Center is located inside the Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex at 1510 N. Westwood Ave., Toledo. Free event parking is available in Area 20.
