Joseph DePinto, a senior scientist at environmental consulting group Limno-Tech Inc., in Ann Arbor, was recognized in June for 35 years of work that has been the “backbone of decision-making for the Great Lakes ecosystems,” according to Robert Heath, president of the International Association of Great Lakes Research. Heath presented DePinto with the IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award during the group’s annual conference banquet.

Joseph DePinto (left) accepting the IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award from Robert Heath.

Photo by June Kallestad

DePinto’s body of work in developing computer models of Great Lakes processes has set the standard and the format for development of other models, according to Heath.

And University of Minnesota - Duluth scientists studying Lake Superior have also leaned on this body of knowledge.

UMD scientist Valerie Brady provided data for DePinto’s models to forecast the effects of proposed changes to Lake Superior water levels on wetlands. Ecologically diverse meadow marshes are particularly sensitive to these changes.

Brady said that DePinto’s work and modern technology make it possible to investigate potential effects of water levels on wetland plants and animals in a way that wasn’t possible before.

The International Association of Great Lakes Research is a group of scientists, engineers and lake managers from academia, governmental agencies and other aquatic science interests. Their annual conference is the largest meeting in the world focused exclusively on large lakes, their coastal wetlands and tributaries.

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