Water@Michigan will be kicking off the next Coffee Talks series: Envisioning Resilient Great Lakes Futures on September 8, 3:00-4:30pm in Weiser Hall 1010 in LSA.
Coffee Talks provide a monthly opportunity for U-M faculty, staff, and students interested in water, and water-interested people in southeast Michigan to connect with colleagues, learn about pressing and/or emerging water-related issues, and meet new partners.
This academic year, we are excited to Envision Resilient Great Lakes Futures—examining the future opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the region's water resources, communities, and ecosystems.
Coffee Talks are in-person convenings designed to build connections as part of the U-M Water Center's mission and programs; we are not recording sessions at this time.
Fall 2026 Schedule
Changing Michigan Winters
With: Aimee Classen, Professor LSA EEB, and Director of Biological Station
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Weiser Hall, 1010, LSA
Future Proofing the Great Lakes Compact and Beyond
Moderator: Andrew Gronewold, Associate Professor, SEAS and PI for the Global Center for Climate Change and Transboundary Waters
Panelists:
- David Naftzger (invited), Executive Director, Great Lakes Governors and Premiers
- Peter Johnson, Deputy Director, Great Lakes Governors and Premiers
- Marc Gaden, Adjunct Professor, SEAS and Executive Secretary, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- Vianey Rueda, PhD Candidate, SEAS
Tuesday, October 5, 2026 | 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Michigan League, Hussey Room
Blue Economy & Regional Economic Development
Moderator: Melissa Zaksek, Managing Director of Erb Institute
Panelists:
- Matt McDonough, CEO, Discovery Pier and Board Member for Freshwater Research & Innovation Center
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 3:00-4:30 p.m. | Location: Michigan League, Michigan Room