Tedy Ozersky

Tedy Ozersky serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he conducts research on freshwater ecosystems with a focus on the Great Lakes. He is affiliated with the Large Lakes Observatory and leads several major research initiatives examining seasonal lake dynamics, particularly winter processes.

Dr. Ozersky's research centers on limnology and freshwater ecology, with particular expertise in winter lake processes, benthic ecology, and invasive species impacts. His work investigates how climate change affects seasonal ice cover and ecosystem function in northern lakes, with significant focus on the Laurentian Great Lakes system. He examines nutrient cycling, food web dynamics, and the ecological consequences of invasive species such as Dreissenid mussels on lake sediment processes and overall ecosystem health.

His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on winter limnology, which has historically been understudied due to logistical challenges. Ozersky has pioneered winter sampling campaigns like the 'Great Lakes Winter Grab' that have generated crucial data about year-round lake functioning. His research spans both fundamental ecological processes and applied environmental concerns, connecting scientific findings to societal implications of changing lake ecosystems.

Dr. Ozersky has secured substantial research funding from the National Science Foundation, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, and the University of Michigan/NOAA Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR). His current projects include 'Collaborative Research: Advancing a comprehensive model of year-round ecosystem function in seasonally frozen lakes through networked science' (2023-2027) and 'Changing Winters and Game Fish in Minnesota Lakes' (2022-2025).

He maintains active collaborations with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly through the Great Lakes research community. His work with the Large Lakes Observatory provides a platform for international research on large lake systems, with particular attention to Lake Superior and other deep freshwater bodies. Ozersky also engages in science communication efforts, including public art initiatives that translate complex limnological concepts for broader audiences.