NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY
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Lake Superior State University is proud to announce the renewal of the SEWER grant for fiscal year 2025, reaffirming our commitment to advancing wastewater epidemiology and disease surveillance in the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP).
Led by Principal Investigators Benjamin Southwell, Derek Wright, and Thu Nguyen, this vital initiative has received $1,033,439 in funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for the period of Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.
The SEWER Network is a statewide network that monitors communicable diseases including COVID-19, Norovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). As part of this program, LSSU manages disease surveillance in Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft Counties. Through strategic partnerships with public health agencies including Chippewa County Health Department, LMAS District Health Department, and Bay Mills Indian Community, this collaborative endeavor provides valuable data to protect community health in the EUP.
“This grant renewal underscores our collective dedication to safeguarding public health through innovative approaches,” said Dr. Steven Johnson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at LSSU. “By analyzing wastewater samples from 16 locations weekly, we gain invaluable insights into the spread and prevalence of infectious diseases, empowering decision-makers to implement targeted interventions and mitigate risks effectively.”
The $1,033,439 grant allocation supports the operation of the LSSU Environmental Molecular Biology Lab. It sustains essential personnel, including two full-time staff members, Dr. Michelle Jarvie and Deidre Furlich, along with 4-6 student technicians annually. With a project total of $4.37 million, this funding enables continuous research and data analysis crucial for informed public health policies.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Muller noted that throughout this project, twenty-five LSSU students have had the opportunity to work with faculty and other grant-supported scientists. These types of engaging real-world projects bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering invaluable hands-on experiences.
Project lead investigator Benjamin Southwell, Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry, Environmental, and Geosciences commented, “We are grateful to the State of Michigan and the Department of Health and Human Services for continuing to fund this project. We are also grateful for the ongoing support of the LSSU administration, especially the efforts of Dean Johnson, whose support was essential to the establishment of the Environmental Molecular Biology Lab.”
LSSU President Dr. David Travis highlighted the importance of this funding to the University’s research efforts and the institution's efforts to serve the regional community. “Lake Superior State University is appreciative of the State of Michigan’s continued investment in the expertise of our faculty. A grant renewal of this magnitude indicates a high level of satisfaction regarding the work done to this point. The continuation of this support furthers our commitment to serving the Sault Ste. Marie community and surrounding areas. This project provides important health-related information for this area.”
Looking ahead, Lake Superior State University remains steadfast in its dedication to expanding the SEWER initiative's impact beyond the Eastern Upper Peninsula. As we move forward, we are committed to fostering new collaborations and leveraging cutting-edge research to enhance public health outcomes statewide.
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