WSU biology professor Michael Delong participated in a river symposium in La Crosse, Wis., this past August.
Winona State University, University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, University of New England and the U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) co-hosted the fourth biennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science (ISRS) Aug. 24-28 in La Crosse.
La Crosse was chosen to host this year’s conference in honor of the active research being done on the Mississippi River. The first three conferences were held in St. Petersburg, Fla.; Berlin; and Beijing.
The conference brought in 256 river scientists and managers from 17 countries to discuss further advances in the understanding of rivers and the impact rivers have on history and the environment in the world. Recent WSU graduate Jarrod Sackreiter presented at the conference as well.
Professor Michael Delong, Secretary-Treasurer of ISRS and WSU faculty member, said the event not only brings river experts to the Winona community and surrounding areas, but it also hold significance to WSU’s study and dedication to the Mississippi River.
“WSU has been a significant contributor to river science for decades. This began with Cal Fremling and Dennis Nielsen and continues with my work since 1993,” Delong said. “The focal point of river science at WSU is the Large River Studies Center, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The LRSC has served as a source of information on the Mississippi and other rivers and as a venue through which biology majors can perform research to complete their capstone experience in biology.”
“It is appropriate that the theme of the conference was connectivity,” said Delong, “as the gathering in La Crosse brought together three institutions of the region, which led to a gathering of people from across the globe. Our place has now become a part of their place.”
For more information contact Michael Delong at MDelong@winona.edu.
