University of Minnesota Duluth

Water

Six smiling people stand on the deck of UMD's Blue Heron research vessel, a blue ship operated by the Large Lakes Observatory, docked at a pier.

Science on Deck kicks off the 2026 season

Community events offer public hands-on science opportunities aboard the R/V Blue Heron.

A person rock climbing with a view of a lake in the background.

Anchored in academics and adventure

Finding a strong foothold in research and rock climbing at UMD.

UMD's Blue Heron research vessel, a blue ship operated by the Large Lakes Observatory, docked at a pier with the Duluth shoreline visible in the background.

Scientists discover new life aboard Great Lakes research vessel

Routine maintenance leads to unexpected microbial discovery in “ship goo” on the R/V Blue Heron's rudder shaft.

a sunrise aerial image showing the R/V Blue Heron and Lake Superior.

UMD announces new director of LLO

The University of Minnesota Duluth announces Catherine O’Reilly as director of the Large Lakes Observatory.

A woman in a hard hat and reflective vest poses in front of domes structures

Positively impacting the region

Alumna keeps waterways clean from the helm of WLSSD.

fish swim near the surface of clear but brown water near a concrete and steel structure.

Research Brief: 50-year generation gap in Minnesota’s longest-lived fish

Three-year study identifies conservation concern for native Minnesota fish.

Sunflowers in full bloom in foreground and Swenson Civil Engineering building in background.

Retiring Faculty 2023-24

UMD honors and thanks these faculty for their years of teaching and service.

The ceramic art installation titled “Reliquary of the North Shore” is displayed in the main commons on the second floor of UMD’s A.B. Anderson Hall.

“Reliquary of the North Shore”

A new ceramic art installation at the University of Minnesota Duluth aims to celebrate the biodiversity of Minnesota’s North Shore region.

Two UMD students handle water sampling equipment over a hole in the ice on a frozen lake.

Ecology under ice

UMD research is advancing our understanding of lake ecology in the winter.

The sunrise casts red light on the Duluth Lakewalk and Lake Superior, with the Duluth Liftbridge in the background.

Ask the experts: mild winters

UMD specialists weigh in on the lasting impacts of winters with warmer temperatures and less snow.

Waves roll in from Lake Superior during a storm with the Duluth entry lighthouse in the background.

Expert Alert: Gales of November

Craig Hill is an expert on wave energy and the power of Lake Superior storms.

2 colleagues of University of Minnesota are wearing white helmets with life vests on, looking at a tool on a boat.

Water test: quagga mussels hijack Great Lakes nutrient

The impact that quagga mussels have on the Great Lakes food web gives deep meaning to the saying 'food for thought'

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