Newswise — As one of the extreme ecosystems of the world—where life is tested at its limits—salt lakes provide new territory for exploration, learning and stewardship.
Salt lakes are common on every continent and are of considerable economic, ecological, cultural and scientific value. Research into salt lakes may produce important discoveries ranging from new energy sources to pharmacology, to the possible existence of life on other planets.
Located just minutes away from the largest saline lake in the western hemisphere, Great Salt Lake, Westminster College has tapped into this natural resource to create a new organization that will provide a valuable repository for scientists around the world. Today the college formally announced the creation of the Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI).
The new institute endeavors to increase the appreciation and understanding of Great Salt Lake (GSL), with interdisciplinary emphases on research, education, commerce and the environment. With grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Labor, GSLI has developed programs for biotech industry internships, research experiences for Westminster undergraduates, and educational outreach to K-12 students and teachers. One of the most exciting initiatives underway is an effort to sequence the genes of GSL directly from water samples. These data will be made public through the GSLI website and accessible to the scientific community at-large.
"We are very excited about establishing an institute that will involve researchers from all over the world, as well as from our own backyard." said Dr. Michael Bassis, Westminster College president. "Great Salt Lake is a unique, understudied and undervalued national landmark."
Once an ancient inland sea, GSL has a rich history, both geological and human. Today GSL is a critical site for migratory birds, and important resource for industry and recreation, and a valuable laboratory for learning about the biology and chemistry of hypersaline systems.
"Despite its unique qualities, GSL has received little academic attention, and it, therefore, offers new opportunities for discovery and potential insight," said Dr. Bonnie Baxter, Westminster Associate Professor of Biology and Director of GSLI. This special place holds great promise as a source of inspiration art and literature, as well as for research and scholarship in a variety of disciplines."
"GSLI is capturing this opportunity," she continued. "We began with significant undergraduate research and educational efforts at Westminster College. But our mission has broadened beyond academia and beyond our campus: We now support an international network of partners interested in all aspects of the lake, including non-profit and industry."
The Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development has been one of the early supporters of GSLI.
"Our partnership with the Great Salt Lake Institute and Westminster College provides a wonderful opportunity to encourage our young students to pursue career paths in science, technology and engineering areas," said Tamara Goetz, the State Science Advisor for the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
Lynn De Freitas, President of Friends of Great Salt Lake, a local non-profit organization, also spoke in support of the institute. "The collective talent we have in the Great Salt Lake community holds the promise of good things. GSLI will provide a heartland of resources and inspiration that will help extend the awareness and appreciation about our hemispherically important neighbor."
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster's unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit http://www.westminstercollege.edu. For more information on GSLI, visit http://www.greatsaltlakeinstitute.org.
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