When Ellen was growing up in Menomonie, WI, she was not able to swim or fish in the nearby lake. The water was unsafe for humans and animals. Now, with help from one of the Pat Duffy/Duffy Grain WROF, Inc. Board Scholar Awards, Ellen is on her way to doing something about it.
When temperatures rise in the summer, lakes and bodies of water in Wisconsin can produce harmful algae blooms. The blue-green algae are not actually algae, but rather types of bacteria. Certain varieties can create toxins that are linked to illnesses in humans and animals and
have caused fatalities in animals.
In search of a resolution, Ellen is earning a degree in Global Health with an emphasis on Disease Biology
at UW-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. By working with waterborne diseases around the state of Wisconsin, Ellen hopes to find effective water treatments that will ensure the safety of people and animals. Her goals also include protecting bodies of water by working together with local communities. Ellen is grateful for the WROF, Inc. Board Scholar Award, which will help her reach her goal of making Wisconsin lakes safe. We can't wait for this day! Thank you, Ellen, for
deciding to address this important issue that affects so many lives in Wisconsin.
With deep admiration and gratitude to the WROF, Inc. Board of
Directors, the WROF, Inc. Board Scholar Award program is made possible by the generosity of its members, both current and emeritus, and matching gifts of the WROF, Inc.
Please stay tuned to meet additional WROF, Inc. Board Scholars in upcoming e-newsletters!