In this episode of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch welcome Dr. John Korstad, retired limnology professor from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies and Nate’s first limnology teacher. John shares how a chance summer class in 1972 redirected his career, leading him to the University of Michigan, Oral Roberts University, and eventually Au Sable, where hands-on lake science and community engagement became central to his teaching.

The conversation explores mentoring, field-based learning on a homemade catamaran raft, early connections with lake residents, and the discovery of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil that helped spark local lake associations. John and Nate reflect on how student research reports, volunteer boat captains, and clear communication of science to the public have shaped both Au Sable’s work and the Lilly Center’s approach today—including the annual Beneath the Surface reports. A warm, full-circle conversation about faith, stewardship, and the lasting impact of investing in the next generation of lake scientists and lake-minded citizens.

Dr. John Korstad is the perfect example of staying loyal to your career. Although he's retired now, he was a professor of biology at Oral Roberts University for 47 years. He's taught the Lake Ecology and Management course at Au Sable Institute in Michigan since 1996 and has always had a strong passion for limnology. He passed this love on to Dr. Bosch who attended his Au Sable course as a student several decades ago and the two have stayed in touch over the years. Recently his research has focused on creating biofuels out of algae. He's married to his wife Sally and the couple has four grown daughters.

Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/.

Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below.

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In this episode of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch welcome Chad Schotter, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kosciusko County. Chad explains how his agency partners with private landowners to address resource concerns—from erosion and nutrient management to wildlife habitat and wetland restoration—through both technical expertise and financial assistance.

The conversation covers regenerative agriculture practices like cover crops and no-till, water-and-sediment control basins (WASCOBs), and permanent wetland easements that restore hydrology while allowing quiet enjoyment of the land. Chad and Nate also share how their personal connection (sparked at Rural King over chicken feed) grew into professional collaboration that supports healthier pastures, cleaner water, and the Lilly Center’s Lake Rx program. Listeners learn how everyday landowners can access practical help to improve their property while protecting downstream lakes and streams.

Chad Schotter is married to Amanda and is the father of triplets. Originally from Southern Indiana, Chad has been working in Kosciusko County for over a decade. He's currently employed at the Soil and Water Conservation District as their NRCS district conservationist, where he educates landowners about healthy soil practices. During his free time he enjoys hunting and kayaking down the Tippecanoe River.

Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/.

Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below.

Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.

In this episode of the Lake Doctor podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch welcome Jodi Wray, Technical Environmental Specialist at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). A Grace College graduate who spent four years working at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, Jodi now writes industrial wastewater permits that regulate point-source discharges into Indiana’s lakes and streams.

She explains how NPDES permits work, what “designated uses” mean for water bodies, and how data collected by groups like the Lilly Center helps set protective limits. The conversation also revisits her student research on zebra mussels, the importance of quality-assurance standards, and the difference between point-source and non-point-source pollution. Jodi shares practical advice for homeowners and reflects on the professionalism and hands-on experience she gained at the Lilly Center that now shape her work protecting Indiana’s waters.

Guest Bio: Jodi Wray attended Grace College, where she received her BS degree in environmental science as well as a Master's in nonprofit management. While at Grace, she worked as an intern on the field research team at the Lilly Center. Currently she works as a technical environmental specialist for IDEM and has been with the agency for four years. Her love for God's creation has led to a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband, Brandon. When not working, she likes to travel.

Learn more about the Lilly Center's work at https://lakes.grace.edu/.

Have a question we could answer on the podcast? Send an email to lakes@grace.edu or submit a comment below.

Help us improve the podcast by filling out this short survey: https://forms.gle/MzGSXHcnkEQC8T74A.