This year, the University of Minnesota celebrates its 175th anniversary while also celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). Four of the Water Resources Center's staff members have been with CFANS since the very beginning. These staff members reflected on their personal journeys, their favorite memories, and what it means to dedicate a career to a calling.
David Gustafson
Onsite Sewage Treatment Educator
Joined in 1990 as an Extension engineer
Role: I help Minnesotans make decisions on proper wastewater, so when they get home they can relax without impacting the Minnesota environment we all enjoy.
Memorable moment: Working with the community of Hazel Run (population 55) to develop their community solution for wastewater infrastructure. It was a fun project with great Minnesota homeowners that worked together to create a sustainable solution.
Word he lives by: Our Minnesota water resources take everyone's help to be enjoyed the way Minnesotans expect. By doing the right little things, you can make a BIG difference.
Ann Marcelle Lewandowski
Senior Research and Extension Coordinator, Water Resources Center
Joined in 2003 as a research fellow in the soil, water, and climate
Role: I’m a connector. Healthy water and healthy agriculture are complex systems, so we can only protect both through the collaboration of farmers, ag industry, government, environmentalists, and a variety of academic disciplines. My job is to bring these people together to do practical research and outreach.
Why she loves CFANS: I love working for water and agriculture at the same time. I like the puzzle of understanding how water quality and the ag sector are intertwined at a down-to-earth and human level. That is part of why CFANS was created – to treat agriculture and natural resources as a single system.
Pride point: I’m most proud of those times I’ve filled the in-between space – leading the work that is hard to do from a traditional academic or administrative position.
Daniel Wheeler
Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Manager
Joined in 1996
Role: I spearhead septic system education and research across Minnesota and beyond.
Pride point: I just completed my 21st year teaching ESPM 3221 Soil Conservation and Land-Use Management course, and getting to connect with and learn from my students every year is incredibly rewarding.
Words he lives by: In our program, we teach Minnesotans around four vital principles: KISS, KINN, KILL, and KIGG — Keep It Simple, Keep It Natural, Keep It Level, and Keep It Going.
Memorable moment: I actually met my wife here! We even got to work together for several years within the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate and the Water Resources Center.
Sara Heger
Onsite Sewage Treatment Program Researcher and Instructor
Joined in 1997
Role: Conduct training and research to treat wastewater back into the water so it can be used again.
Pride point: The Onsite Sewage Treatment Program is known across the country for our impacts in teaching and research
Memorable moment: Getting my PhD while working full time!