Elizabeth LaPorte

Focus
Elizabeth LaPorte joined Michigan Sea Grant in 2001. She is involved in leading statewide education and outreach efforts to support K-12 educators and others in teaching about the Great Lakes and Michigan’s coastal resources. LaPorte is interested in using multimedia to develop educational materials that support hands-on learning and exploration about coastal habitat, water quality, fisheries, weather and climate, and other aquatic science topics.

• Member of program management team
• Director of communications and education services
• Co-Project Investigator for more than $1 million in federal grant support, matching university funds and leveraged support for outreach and education efforts
• Manage the development of science-based education and outreach products
• Identify partnership opportunities with universities, state agencies and other organizations

Expertise

• Product development (e.g., publications and websites)
• Management, budgeting and strategic planning
• Scientific communications and public outreach
• Online curriculum development and instructional design
• Expertise includes management of multi-disciplinary teams in an educational environment, developing engaging communication and education materials

Education

• Master’s Certification, Educational Media and Technology, Eastern Michigan University
• MFA, Design and Communications, Eastern Michigan University
• BFA, Graphic and Industrial Design, University of Michigan

Previous Experience

• Director of Communications for the University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center
• Communications Consultant and Senior Graphic Designer for the University of Michigan, Department of Medical Education

Projects And Awards

• Project Director, Fisheries Learning on the Web
  Awards: NAGC, Award of Excellence; Teacher’s Pick of the Month, NOAA - National Marine Educators Association; and GLIN, Site of the Month
• Project Manager, Michigan Clean Marina Classroom
  Award: Michigan Boating Industries Association
• Project Manager, Beach Safety Outreach, Rip Currents
  Awards: NOAA - National Sea Grant Best Public Safety Project; and Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Great Lakes Outreach Programming Award
• University of Michigan, Exemplary Team
• U-M Staff Recognition Award, School of Natural Resources and Environment (2009)

Affiliations And Interests

• Past Chair NOAA-National Sea Grant, Communications Network, representing 130 colleagues (2008)
• Communications Liaison, COSEE Great Lakes
• Member, Great Lakes Observing System Outreach and Education Subcommittee
• Member, Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture
• Member, Michigan Science Teachers Association
• Photography, kayaking and hiking

Selected Publications

• LaPorte, E., Daniels, J., Ariganello, S., Michigan Clean Marina Classroom, Michigan Sea Grant.
• Daniels, J., LaPorte, E., Fisheries Learning on the Web, 2008, Spring, MSTA Journal, Michigan Science Teachers Association.
• Smith, G., Guide to Great Lakes Fishes, University of Michigan Press, Michigan Sea Grant.
• Weatherbee, E., E., Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Plants, 2006, Univ. of Mich. Press, Michigan Sea Grant.

Top