The Great Salt and Lake Institute at Westminster University is maintaining its long-standing mission to connect the public to the Great Salt Lake through dedicated research and educational initiatives. Established in 2008, the institute utilizes community field trips, curriculum development, and specialized research programs to foster stewardship of the extreme ecosystem.
Foundations of the Institute's Mission
The Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI) was founded in 2008 following the acquisition of an external grant and support from Westminster University. This initial funding allowed the institute to establish a formal structure, which included hiring a coordinator, engaging student employees, and purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate meaningful community outreach.
Since its inception, the institute has expanded its academic footprint by developing specialized curricula for both high school and college students. A key component of its educational mission is the GSLI summer undergraduate research program, which provides students with hands-on experience in studying the lake's unique biological landscape.
Research and Stewardship Efforts
The institute’s work focuses on the Great Salt Lake as one of the world's extreme ecosystems, a place where life is tested to its limits. This environment serves as a primary site for both scientific exploration and environmental stewardship.
A significant portion of the institute's research and preservation efforts is dedicated to the Spiral Jetty. The GSLI is committed to protecting and valuing this world-renowned artwork while simultaneously utilizing the site as a location for conducting valuable research on the Great Salt Lake ecosystem.
Educational Resources and Outreach
Beyond formal research, the institute provides various educational resources to the public and educators. These include teacher training programs, field trip support, and curriculum development centered specifically on the Great Salt Lake.
The institute also hosts digital learning opportunities, such as webinars and the Salty Seminar Series, to ensure that scientific findings and ecological information are accessible to a broader audience beyond the university campus.
Scientific Publications and Contributions
The institute's academic contributions include the publication of Great Salt Lake Biology, a book edited by GSLI Director Dr. Bonnie Baxter and Jaimi Butler. This work marks the first book ever focused entirely on the biology of the Great Salt Lake.
The publication features contributions from various Westminster faculty and students, exploring the lake's complex biological layers. The text covers everything from microbial diversity to invertebrates and the bird populations that rely on them, even including specialized perspectives such as the impact of tar seeps on the lake's biological health.
Leadership and Recent News
The leadership team at the Great Salt Lake Institute includes prominent faculty members dedicated to the lake's study. Dr. Bonnie Baxter serves as a Professor and the Director of the institute, while David Parrott, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor.
Supporting the administrative and coordination efforts is Georgie Corkery, who holds the position of Coordinator II. The institute continues to be active in public discourse, with recent notable news items including Dr. Baxter's commentary on the lake's outlook following a dry winter and her feature in the award-winning Sundance documentary, "The Lake."
Future Outlook and Grants
As part of its ongoing operations, the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster University continues to seek ways to address critical ecosystem research. The institute's recent history includes receiving major grants to sustain these vital research efforts and contributing to public policy discussions through op-eds regarding water management strategies for the Great Salt Lake.
