75th Schedule of Events

Friday, September 12 (8:00 – 9:00 AM) – Pre-Symposium Meet Ups

Note: Anyone attending a lab tour must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes (no sandals).

Option 1: Aquatic Animal Health Lab Tour - Learn about how the lab studies diseases affecting aquatic animals, particularly Great Lakes fishes.

Host: Dr. Tom Loch
Location: University Research Containment Facility (Hagadorn and Mount Hope) - Live Fish Facility
Capacity: 15 people

Option 2: Genomics and Chemical Ecology Lab Tour - See and learn about facilities for lamprey and zebrafish, gene editing, chemical analyses, & electrophysiology

Host: Dr. Tyler Buchinger and Dr. Anne Scott
Location: Room 45 Giltner Hall
Capacity: 10 people

Option 3: Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology Research Lab Tour - Tour the Molecular Ecology lab and get a brief demo on several techniques used in the lab

Host: Dr. Sam Brunner
Location: Room 27 Natural Resources Building
Capacity: 10 people

Option 4: FW 101L Electrofishing in Red Cedar - Meet the FW 101 Introductory Lab Class on the banks of the Red Cedar to watch students fish with electrofishing gear and observe as they sort and identify the fish collected.

Hosts: Drs. Dan Hayes & Katie LaCommare
Location: east of the Library Bridge along the north bank of the river between the Library and the Administration Buildings
Capacity: 15 people

Option 5: River Walk with FW - Take a morning stroll along the Red Cedar with fellow FW community members.

Host: Dr. Jeremy Hartstock
Location: Union entrance on Circle Drive
Capacity: 20

Friday, September 12 (8:30 – 9:45 AM) – Symposium Poster & Networking Session

Location: MSU Union (49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI)

Explore innovative work, meet FW community members, and spark new ideas— all in a welcoming atmosphere with continental breakfast.

Friday, September 12 (9:50- 11:20 AM) – Keynote Session

Location: MSU Union (49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI)

Future Forward: Science, Stewardship, and Strategy: An inspiring keynote session featuring Doug Beard, retired USGS and CASC Senior Administrator, and James Cummins, President of the Boone and Crockett Club. Together, we’ll explore bold actions needed to keep FW not just relevant—but essential. This conversation will focus on how we can deliver the science, leadership, and innovation critical to conserving our natural resources for generations to come.

Friday, September 12 (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM) – Panel Discussion

Location: MSU Union (49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI)

Turning Vision into Action: Perspectives on FW’s Path Forward: A panel of key partners will dive into what’s next for FW. This dynamic discussion will focus on ideas we can implement to bring the plenary vision to life—ensuring FW continues to lead in science, training, and impact.

Marc Gaden, Executive Secretary, Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Becky Humphries, Chair, Michigan Natural Resources Commission
Mark Rey, Executive in Residence, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University; former Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment, USDA
Tammy J. Newcomb, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the Director, Executive Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Friday, September 12 (12:30 - 1:30 PM) – Lunch & Learn Mentoring Opportunity

Location: MSU Union (49 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI)

Sign up for a casual lunch where mentors (alumni, faculty, partners, etc.) can share real-world lessons and career insights with students. Whether you're seeking advice or offering it, this is a chance to connect, reflect, and learn over a good meal.

Friday, September 12 (4:00 - 10:00 PM) – FW Fest

Location: Bengel Wildlife Center- 6380 Drumheller Rd, Bath Township, MI

Join us at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy Bengel Center for an evening of celebration and connection at FW Fest! Enjoy delicious food, engaging activities, and the chance to network with colleagues and friends in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Families are welcome!

Saturday, September 13 (8:00 - 10:00 AM) – CMERC Bird Banding and Breakfast

Location: Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center - 9422 E. Herbison Road, Laingsburg, MI

Start your Saturday with a peaceful and engaging morning at Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center. Bird banding will be taking place, and attendees are invited to enjoy coffee, bagels, and donuts while exploring the station’s trails and research displays. Faculty and students will be on hand to share insights into their work at CMERC. This informal open house is a great opportunity to experience the teaching, outreach, and research happening just minutes from campus.