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Christopher (Chris) Winslow, PhD, is CWA’s Program Chair and Director of both the Ohio Sea Grant Program (OHSG) and Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory (Lake Erie’s Island Campus). The shared mission of these two programs is to sustain and enhance the vitality, value, and wise use of Lake Erie’s resources. In his role, Dr. Chris Winslow coordinates OHSG and Stone Lab’s research, education, and outreach efforts in partnership with both state and federal agencies and universities. In the last five years, OHSG and Stone Lab have received over $41.3 million in grant funding, which includes state and federal funds.
Chris is engaged as Executive Director of LEARN (Lake Erie and Aquatic Research Network); President Elect of the National Association of Marine Labs; US Co-Chair of the International Joint Commission Science Advisory Board’s Research Coordinating Committee; a task team member on two US EPA committees assisting with two Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement Annexes (Nutrients and Science); co-chair of Attorney General Yost’s Environmental Advisory Council; one of Ohio Lake Erie Commission’s Partner Programs; and member of the Western Lake Erie Basin Partnership.
Chris is also on the boards of Ohio’s USGS-supported Water Research Center and the Lake Erie Foundation. Chris was recently awarded the International Association for Great Lakes Research’s “2025 Large Lakes Champion”. OHSG and Stone Lab not only conduct and facilitate research relevant to Lake Erie, but they also have a strong record of disseminating research findings to educate stakeholders.
This education mission includes both formal education and informal outreach. The informal outreach allows for information exchange outside a classroom setting to legislative officials, business owners, the tourism industry, farmers, media personnel, and individual that live, work, and play in the Great Lakes watershed. Both OHSG and Stone Laboratory efforts are supported by (1) The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources and Ohio State University Extension; (2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) numerous grants, foundation support, and donations.
Chris earned his Master's and Doctorate from Bowling Green State University and his Bachelor's from Ohio University. Prior to joining OHSG and Stone Lab, Chris was an Instructor at BGSU (2002-09) and an Assistant Professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (2009-11). Chris resides in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife and two young children.
