Research

Pennsylvania Sea Grant launches research video series

Eight videos feature ecosystem and community-focused research conducted across the commonwealth

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Sea Grant, a program supported by Penn State and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has launched a new video series featuring eight research projects conducted across the commonwealth. The projects, funded by the Pennsylvania Sea Grant program, address pressing coastal, watershed and community-based issues.

The videos are available on the program’s website and on YouTube. The production was made possible through funding from NOAA. Topics include monitoring wastewater for COVID-19 and other pathogens, monitoring wastewater for pharmaceuticals as an indicator of community health, stream response to development and stormwater, the invasive Mystery Snail, Lake Erie bluff retreat, and phragmites — a reed grass — and sea level rise. Two of the videos feature multiple researchers, who share their passion for science, what led them to careers in research and guidance for individuals considering a career in research.

Since 2012, Pennsylvania Sea Grant has invested over $5.7 million in Great Lakes, coastal and watershed research. The funding supports research projects that have the potential to yield solution-based results to assist decision makers, address pressing coastal and watershed issues and develop or update statewide ecosystem management strategies.

“We are thrilled to share these unique stories, which highlight important issues happening in ecosystems and communities across the state,” said Kelly Donaldson, primary investigator on the grant that funded the videos and producer of the series. "Each research project is being applied or used, to help advance our understanding and improve the health of our watersheds and communities.”

The timing of the launch aligns with Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s recent announcement of research funding available for 2026-28 and the request for research proposals.

“Pennsylvania Sea Grant supports research that expands our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, coastlines, and watersheds,” said Sean Rafferty, research director for Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “Research projects that encourage solution-based results, contribute to enhanced water quality, and that lead to natural resource management strategies in Pennsylvania are highly desirable.”

Researchers in Pennsylvania are invited to submit pre-proposals for projects that focus on Pennsylvania’s coasts and watersheds within the Lake Erie watershed, and Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins. Deadline for pre-proposals is Friday, Feb. 14. Details about the research funding opportunity, resources for researchers and previously funded research is available online

About the videos:

  • Detecting COVID-19 and Other Pathogens in Wastewater focuses on research to better monitor wastewater for COVID-19 and other pathogens.

    • Principal investigator (PI): Heather Preisendanz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, Penn State University Park
    • Matt Jones, researcher in the Department of Biology, Penn State University Park
  • Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater as an Indicator of COVID-19 and Community Health” highlights research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on monitoring wastewater to detect pharmaceuticals as an indicator of community health. 
    • PI: Heather Preisendanz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, Penn State University Park
  • Phragmites and Sea Level Rise explores the idea of managing reed grasses differently, to protect coastal marshes and wetlands from the threats of sea level rise.
    • PI: Thomas Mozdzer, professor and chair of biology, Bryn Mawr College
  • Stream Response to Development & Stormwater in Southeastern PA” discusses  physical, chemical and biological monitoring at five carefully selected stream locations outside of Philadelphia, which drain impaired, rehabilitated and relatively pristine basins.
    • PI: Virginia Smith, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, Villanova University
    • Co-PI: Lesmes Mora Jerez, currently a postdoctoral associate/lecturer at Florida International University and formerly with Villanova University
  • The Invasive Mystery Snail” features field and laboratory studies to determine the abundance, distribution, habitat preferences, population genetic structure and contaminant burden of the aquatic invasive species, the Mystery Snail.
    • PI: Lynne Beaty, assistant professor of biology, Penn State Erie, the Behrend Campus
    • Co-PIs: Adam Simpson, associate teaching professor of biology, and Sam Nutile, associate professor of biology, both with Penn State Erie, the Behrend Campus
  • Lake Erie Bluff Retreat” focuses on understanding of the relationships between coastal processes, hazards, and sediment supply associated with bluff retreat on the Lake Erie coast.
    • PI: Anthony Foyle, associate professor of geology, environmental science and science and geoscience programs, Penn State Erie, the Behrend Campus
  • Conversations with Researchers — A Career in Research” is a compilation of researchers sharing stories and insights about their careers in science, their current research topics and guidance for students considering a career in science and research.
    • Researchers: Lynne Beaty, assistant professor of biology, Penn State Erie, the Behrend Campus; Lesmes Mora Jerez, postdoctoral associate/lecturer, Florida International University; Matt Jones, researcher in biology, Penn State University Park; Thomas Mozdzer, professor and chair of biology, Bryn Mawr College; Heather Preisendanz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, Penn State University Park; and Virginia Smith, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, Villanova University
  • Researcher Profile”  features Anthony Foyle, associate professor of geology, environmental science and science and geoscience programs, Penn State Erie, the Behrend Campus, who talks about his career in research and provides guidance for students considering a career in research. 

 

About Pennsylvania Sea Grant

Pennsylvania Sea Grant is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Pennsylvania State University. Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s mission is to enhance the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources to create a healthy environment, resilient and inclusive communities, and a strong and sustainable economy.

Last Updated January 24, 2025

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