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/.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of the Lake Doctor podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch talk with Dr. Ty Hoskins, Research Assistant Professor at Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Ty breaks down PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as “forever chemicals”—explaining why their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds make them so useful in everyday products and so persistent once they reach the environment.

He shares his research on PFAS in largemouth bass living in Indiana farm ponds near fields that receive agricultural biosolids. The conversation covers how these chemicals move from wastewater sludge into soils and nearby waters, why ponds are both understudied and highly relevant, and how bioaccumulation and biomagnification can concentrate PFAS in the fish people catch and eat. Ty also clarifies the science in plain language, from surfactant properties to indicator species, giving listeners a clearer picture of a complex and important water-quality issue.

Download and view the Purdue Indiana Statewide PFAS Assessment: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=isfdocs.

Ty’s work highlights an often-overlooked piece of the water-quality picture: the thousands of small ponds scattered across Indiana farmland. By focusing on these systems and the fish that live in them, his research helps connect everyday agricultural practices to potential human exposure and shows why understanding “forever chemicals” in local waters is becoming increasingly important for both scientists and communities.

Dr. Tyler Hoskins is the research assistant professor in Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. His work mainly focuses on the effects of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals) on the environment, especially aquatic species like amphibians and fish. He attained his B.S. in Biology from Butler University and eventually went on to get his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology from Miami University in Ohio. He's published several scientific articles regarding data collected through various projects.

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 sit down with Caitlin Yoder, Watershed and Special Projects Coordinator at The Watershed Foundation (TWF). A Grace College graduate, Caitlin shares how her love of gardening and problem-solving led her into watershed work.

She walks through the TWF’s cost-share programs—Healthy Shorelines and the newer Beyond Lawns initiative—that help landowners convert lawns and shorelines into native plantings. From prairie plantings under solar panels to projects under five acres, these programs make it possible for properties of almost any size to contribute to clean water and healthy lakes. Caitlin also shares about the Native Nerds Kosciusko community group, the real-life challenges of home gardening, and why building local connections matters just as much as the plants themselves.

This episode is a hopeful look at how all communities and properties can collaborate to be part of the solution for healthier Kosciusko County lakes and streams.

Caitlin Yoder grew up in Warsaw, Indiana and attended Grace College, where she received a degree in accounting. She went on to receive a Certificate in Watershed Management from the Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy at Purdue University. Since 2021, she's worked as the Watershed and Special Project Coordinator at The Watershed Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, creating community, and helping folks take action for their lakes. She currently lives in Winona Lake with her husband, Vince, two sons, Theo and Fletcher, and Sammy the dog.

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 TJ Faur, a Grace College alumnus and environmental quality technician at the Fort Wayne Zoo. TJ shares his journey from northern Indiana lakes to the zoo, where he focuses on water chemistry and quality for animals ranging from stingrays to eastern hellbenders.

He explains how environmental audits and long-term data collection lead to real improvements—like installing a simple fan to clear a CO₂ blanket over Stingray Bay and dramatically raising oxygen levels. TJ also details the zoo’s hellbender head-start collaborative conservation program with Purdue University, raising young hellbenders for release into southern Indiana rivers, and contrasts them with local mudpuppies.

The conversation highlights parallels with the Lilly Center’s work: using data to drive action, monitoring environmental parameters, and preparing the next generation of environmental stewards. Practical, insightful, and full of real-world examples, this episode shows how zoo water quality science connects directly to healthier lakes and streams.

Guest Bio: TJ has served as the environmental quality technician at the Fort Wayne Zoo since 2024. A graduate of Grace College, TJ has a passion for the outdoors, water sports, and water. As a student, TJ interned on the Lilly Center's aquarium team caring for aquatic critters. This experience serves him well in his role at the Fort Wayne Zoo where he ensures environmental quality (water, air, temperature, soil, humidity, noise) for all the animals at the zoo. In his free time, TJ enjoys competitive disc golf and ultimate frisbee.

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, Dr. Nate Bosch gets a jump scare from guest Emily Anderson, Education Coordinator at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. Emily shares her journey from Grace College student to full-time educator and explains how hands-on experiences spark lifelong water literacy in K-12 students.

From field trips exploring wetlands and aquariums to sensory boxes, vocab exercises, and a virtual aquarium that brings student creations to life, this episode demonstrates why experiential learning creates lasting connections to local lakes and streams. Emily highlights the joy of seeing kindergartners discover tadpoles and crayfish, the importance of outdoor time, and how these programs build curiosity and stewardship in the next generation.

Join us for a fun and inspiring discussion packed with practical ideas for parents and teachers who want to get kids outside and engaged with nature. Learn how the Lilly Center is shaping future lake stewards through engaging, memorable education.

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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As we kick off Season 3 of The Lake Doctor Podcast, Suzie Light and Dr. Nate Bosch sit down with Doug and Dawn Armey to celebrate their remarkable journey into wetland restoration. What began with a simple wood duck nesting box on a mailbox led to partnering with Scott Fetters, Private Lands Biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and NRCS to convert marginal cropland into six beautiful, functional wetlands on their property.

Doug and Dawn share how these wetlands support abundant wildlife — from wood ducks and geese to Blanding’s turtles — while providing flood storage, nutrient filtration, and a peaceful refuge for their family and grandchildren. They discuss the long-term commitment of conservation easements, managing invasives like Phragmites and poison hemlock, using prescribed burns and water control structures, and the joy of passing on a love for nature to the next generation.

Their story shows how everyday landowners can turn challenging land into lasting ecological treasures that benefit water quality, wildlife, and future stewards. A perfect story of patience, partnership, and legacy.

Guest bio: Doug and Dawn Armey are Warsaw natives with deep roots in Kosciusko County. After meeting at a now defunct dance hall, the Armeys married and quickly found a shared passion for conservation. Rooted in the idea of giving more than he takes from nature, Doug worked with Scott Fetters to restore bird habitat on their property. An avid hunter, Doug trains his own bird dogs, a talent he shared with his son, Ross.

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.