What makes a reference lake ‘reference’?

The Problem

• In order to adequately determine the change that occurs in lakes over time, it is necessary to first establish a benchmark against which new data can be compared – referred to as ‘reference lakes’.
• However, the choice of reference lakes is not always clear, leading to uncertainty when assessing lake health.

Research Question

• What makes a reference lake ‘reference’?

Approach

• Quantify the differences between reference and non-reference lakes in Michigan included in the EPA’s Survey of the Nation’s Lakes.

Funding

MSU Honors College Professorial Assistantship Program

Current Employment/Schooling

Kim was last known as a student at MSU