Natural Resources Research Institute

OCTOBER 2023

Grad student Anna Peterson uses radio telemetry to locate a flying squirrel collared in UMD's Bagley Nature Area.

Photo Jeremy Weizel

Engaging the Future

Hello June,

Welcome to our “student edition” of NRRI NOW. I am pleased to share stories about one of our sometimes hidden, but highly prized resources – our student contributors.

Whether undergraduate students, graduate students or post-doctoral researchers, these individuals bring a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, and an amazing dedication to the work of NRRI that enriches all of us. As you will see, some of these budding scientists/engineers even remain to become permanent contributing members of our research community.

While NRRI does not have a formal “academic role” at the University of Minnesota (we do not teach or confer degrees), the Institute offers students real-world experiences in delivering integrated research solutions to challenges concerning natural resources, the economy, and the environment.

I invite you to enjoy these stories and imagine what might be possible as we engage fresh, raw talent in discovering and shaping the economy of the future.

Little Great Lakes

Abigail Latanich at the Montreal Pier Facility in Superior, WI.

Photos Ben Austin, Abigail Latanich

Mesocosm Research on Lake Superior

By Ben Austin, NRRI Communications Intern

October 01, 2023

In a small research facility on the Superior Harbor basin, Abigail Latanich is growing algae in simulated lakes. As a research assistant at the Natural Resources Research Institute, Abigail is testing whether simulated lake environments can predict if non-native microorganisms can establish themselves in Lake Superior.

Intern to Engineer: UMD graduate launches career at NRRI

Matt Young (center) discusses engineered biocarbon materials with UMN Vice President for Research Shashank Priya (right) and Amy Kircher (left), Associate Vice President for Research.

Photo Jeremy Weizel

From college coursework to real-world application, Matt Young has built a career on a foundation of wood.

By June Breneman, Editor

Manager Marketing & Communications

October 01, 2023

Spending your days crawling around the underbelly of a bridge might not be for everyone. But for Matt Young, it launched a research career in ways he never would have expected.

Now in his 10th year working at NRRI, Young’s civil engineering degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth (’13) landed him in the emerging field of biomass conversion for new materials and bio-based energy products.

Peter Birschbach (upper left) in the field recently on the St. Louis River Estuary.

Photos Ben Austin

Aquatic ecology career calls to UMD graduate student

By Ben Austin, NRRI Communications Intern

October 01, 2023

Cyanobacterial blooms have been recognized as a problem in the St. Louis River Estuary, but in 2021 the Estuary experienced its first detected toxic bloom. Also known as ‘blue-green’ algae, some cyanobacteria can be highly toxic under the right conditions. The bloom caught the attention of scientists and the State of Minnesota which led to increased funding for estuary monitoring.

That’s where Peter Birschbach comes in.

Ecosystem Resilience

Understanding relationships between water, land and mineral resources to manage societal needs and impacts.

Future Forest Industries

Demonstrating technologies to transform renewable biomass and organic waste streams into engineered carbon materials.

Iron & Minerals of the Future

Developing carbon-neutral mineral resource extraction and processing to support a portfolio of high-value products.

About NRRI

As part of the University of Minnesota system research enterprise, NRRI employs over 140 scientists, engineers, technicians, staff and students in two industrial research facilities. Through collaborative partnerships, we deliver the innovative tools and solutions needed to utilize and sustain Minnesota’s precious natural resources.

Our Mission

Deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future.

Our Vision

Discover the Economy of the Future