Jed Harvey has been hired as a full-time research technician at The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. Photo provided.

WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams has recently hired a former student as a full-time research technician. The Lilly Center has welcomed Jed Harvey back to the team, but this time as a full-time staff member.

Harvey worked on the Lilly Center student research team for four years, while he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and environmental science from Grace College. After graduation, he worked for Element Labs in Fort Wayne. Harvey recently returned to the Lilly Center as the full-time research technician.

“I’m excited to develop this position as well as my own skillset as a researcher,” said Harvey. “I hope to bring a unique perspective to the Lilly Center’s research team, and through working with the students and other staff, I know the Lilly Center can grow in its role as a scientific resource in this community.”

In his new position, Harvey will monitor the daily operations of the research program and student team and help collect and record lake and stream data. He will also work extensively in the Lilly Center’s lab, ensuring high-quality water sample analysis.

“Jed was always one of our most detail-oriented students,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, director of the Lilly Center. “We’re thrilled to have him back full-time. He will further the quality of projects in the lab and help conduct relevant, in-depth research on local lakes.”

The Lilly Center is currently preparing for a busy summer sampling season. From June to August, the research team will conduct sampling on 14 lakes and seven beaches throughout the county. Water samples will be processed for microcystin, a harmful toxin produced by blue-green algae, in the Lilly Center’s lab under Harvey’s direction.

Interested community members are invited to sign up for weekly reminder emails about the microcystin toxin results at lakes.grace.edu/microcystin-data. These updates will enable individuals to make the best decisions for their friends and families, and keep themselves and others healthy.