The Department of Biological Sciences at Michigan Technological University is affiliated with a number of innovative, world-class research centers & institutes. These research centers and institutes are signs of entrepreneurial activities that promote interdisciplinary work involving faculty from several academic and administrative departments on campus.
All Michigan Tech Research Centers and Institutes
Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Institute (EPSSI)
Mission
The Earth Planetary and Space Sciences Institute (EPSSI) is a focus for interdisciplinary activities in earth, atmospheric, oceanographic and space sciences at Michigan Technological University. EPSSI's purpose is to enable its members to offer programs and pursue research opportunities in those disciplines that go beyond the scope of individual academic departments.
Remote sensing comprises not just instrumentation or measurement tools, but represents a perspective that employs a broad morphology of disciplines and demands interdisciplinary breadth. For example, current members collaborate on projects spanning imaging science, atmospheric science, data/signal processing, data visualization, and remote sensing instrumentation. These are typically applied to a specific problem in earth system science, ecosystem studies, limnology/oceanography, global change, and a host of other areas. At least nine different departments currently have faculty members participating in EPSSI.
EPSSI's goals are to work by consensus to promote remote sensing and related topics on the Michigan Tech campus through:
- interdisciplinary coursework and programs,
- group funding efforts for equipment and research,
- interdisciplinary seminars and short courses, and
- development of a campus culture that actively supports trans-disciplinary activities.
Ecosystem Science Center (ESC)
Mission
To promote understanding of ecosystem function through education and research at Michigan Technological University.
The Ecosystem Science Center (ESC) is designed to advance our understanding of how ecosystems function and how human activities influence ecosystem processes. The Center's two main objectives are to:
- foster ecosystem research and
- educate graduate and undergraduate students in the area of ecosystem science.
These two objectives will be met through collaboration among faculty, staff, and students interested in ecosystem science.
Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC)
Mission
To be a leader in interdisciplinary aquatic science and engineering focused on the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin in its entirety through excellence in research education and outreach.
The vision of the Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) is to become a world-class institute in interdisciplinary aquatic sciences, policy, engineering, and technology. We will develop unparalleled strength and expertise in four core areas: aquatic ecology and ecosystem dynamics, marine engineering and technology, aquatic resources and human dimensions, and education and outreach. Research at the GLRC will not only advance our knowledge in these four areas of focus but will also inform resource managers and the general public, enabling them to advance the sustainable use of freshwater resources.