June 2017 Letter from the Director
Hello from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center! 
With field season now in full swing, MAISRC has been moving at an intense pace. We’re out on lakes and rivers across the state, getting into the weeds of our AIS problems (pun intended). As with past field seasons, I have no doubt that the data collected now will advance our goals of solving AIS problems. In addition to field work, we have been analyzing data, writings up results, presenting recommendations, starting new projects, and so on…it has been busy, but exciting, times!
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Sue Galatowitsch, who, after a planned yearlong transition, is wrapping up her role as Co-Director to focus on research, teaching, and serving as head of the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. Since her leadership began in 2014, Sue has driven MAISRC forward is several critical and fundamental ways. She initiated our annual Research Showcase, developed our Research Needs Assessment process, led the creation of our strategic plan, advanced a model for competitive grant funding, and much, much more. Her leadership has positioned MAISRC to where it is today – a productive and results-oriented collaborative research program. Don’t worry, we’re not losing her expertise or acumen: Sue is launching a new research project with MAISRC very soon!
As I have transitioned to Director over the last year, I have come to appreciate the true team effort we have underway to advance science-based solutions to Minnesota’s AIS problems. From the concerned citizen to the federal government, MAISRC has been engaged at all levels to ensure our research efforts are fulfilling our mission. It has been inspirational to meet with lake associations who work tirelessly on the front lines of the AIS invasion. It has been exciting to collaborate with new and diverse researchers to form creative partnerships as well as to build upon existing networks. And it has been particularly important for researchers to work closely with managers, serving as the ‘other boxing glove in the fight against AIS,’ as Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr has said.
We are all busy and nobody can do it all – so let’s do it together.
Time to get back to the lab…
Dr. Nick Phelps
Director, Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center
