Hans VanSumeren – Great Lakes Water Studies  Institute

Posted by Art Hoffmann
 
The purpose of today’s presentation was to inform Rotarians of the latest status relative to ‘the world of water science.”  Hans VanSumeren, is a renowned expert of water studies who last spoke to us in 2009 and since then; the knowledge and importance of water studies has exploded.  Traverse City has become the ‘hub’ of this science pursuit due to Northwestern Michigan College’s Maritime Academy.  Michigan and the Great Lakes offer the world’s largest freshwater resources for research and study.  NMC has become the home of this knowledge and offers facilities and assets as well as experience and curriculum development to interested parties.
NMC Great Lakes Maritime Academy collaborates with all of the other Michigan universities, but especially with Western Michigan U. in sharing water studies information and training.  The growth of water technology is now a global science that is diversified in subjects related to all aspects of this most important life-sustaining resource.  Governments, industry, educational institutions and science pursuit are primary drivers of this technology.  Subjects such as:
  • Hydraulics, electronics, mathematics, research, mapping and project management are collaborative tools and studies;
  • Associate and bachelor degrees can be earned in various areas of interest;
  • Hands-on training and the real world experience offer a world of  career opportunities;
  • Recipients of the science of water technology involved in “search & discovery”, “homeland security”, “SONAR – marine engineering” and other essential topics.
NMC Marine Academy also has global connections:  For example: Earth University in Costa Rica, Yellow River Conservancy in China.