Pat Charlebois leads the development, expansion, and delivery of science-based outreach programming that helps communities and individuals make informed choices when managing and interacting with natural resources. She connects Illinois–Indiana Sea Grant’s specialists with scientists and potential collaborators and strengthens partnerships with Illinois Extension.
Before becoming IISG’s program leader, Pat served for more than 20 years as the aquatic invasive species outreach specialist and coordinator. She earned both her B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology, with a concentration in aquatic ecology, from the University of Notre Dame.
Award Highlights
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Professional Merit Award. Illinois Invasive Species Awareness.
Illinois Lake Management Association Professional Merit Award. Lake Guardian.
National Sea Grant 2nd Place Award for Web-based Outreach Efforts. “Nab the aquatic invader! Be a Sea Grant super sleuth.” educational website.
Association for Communications Excellence Bronze Award for Exhibits. “Find 7 ways invasive species are spread” educational activity.
National Sea Grant Blue Ribbon Award. “Exotics to go” CD-ROM.
Agricultural Communicators Bronze Award for Educational Project. “Arrest that invader!” aquatic invasive species exhibit.
Great Lakes Sea Grant Network Outstanding Program Award. “ANS-HACCP.”
American Distance Education Consortium Outstanding Educational Program Award. Exotic species day camp education project.
Agricultural Communicators in Education Bronze Award. SGNIS and exotic species day camp posters.