October 14, 2025
Managing nutrient pollution has been a global priority for years, and runoff from farming and livestock operations has made it one of the most urgent water quality challenges facing the Great Lakes. In-field best management practices have long been the go-to method for managing nutrient runoff, but the emergence of new solutions may revolutionize our approach. This panel discussion engages industry experts and research leaders to explore this next generation of nutrient mitigation technology.
Steve Chamberland is the Co-Founder at Water Warriors, a scientifically driven company providing innovative products and technologies to protect and bring our waterways back to health.
Parker Cohn is a soil engineering expert who helps farms increase the quality and quantity of crop yields while reducing the amount of water, energy, chemicals, and labor used. His business, Performance Resource Management, uses a unique combination of biological processes and remote sensing technologies to rebuild the soil on farms, golf courses, and professional sports fields with massive implications for global environmental conservation. These results include creating a healthier food supply, increased carbon cycling (which slows climate change), a cleaner water supply (via less toxic chemicals and runoff), and reduced carbon footprint, while allowing businesses to greatly reduce operating costs alongside improved crop health and yield. The water and energy infrastructure of agriculture in the west is a major threat to health and food security around the globe, and Parker’s systems are powerful answers we’ve been looking for to support soil carbon sequestration and move toward solving our climate crisis.
Steve Ostanek is the President and Owner of Neundorfer, Inc., where he has dedicated 40+ years to advancing the reliability and performance of electrostatic precipitators and air pollution control equipment. Over his career, Steve has guided Neundorfer’s growth from a niche provider of cost-effective service and upgrades to a company recognized for its innovative technical services, products, and strategies.
Today, under his leadership, Neundorfer combines cross-disciplinary expertise with a results-driven approach to help industrial customers optimize equipment performance and achieve lasting operational improvements. Building on this legacy of innovation, Steve is championing the introduction of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology, a breakthrough that opens new pathways for efficiency, sustainability, and resource recovery across industries. His forward-looking approach reflects a consistent vision: to equip customers with solutions that not only solve today’s challenges but also shape a more resilient and sustainable future.
Dr. Laura Johnson is Chief Science Officer (CSO) at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), making Michigan the first state in the country to include this type of position within its agricultural department. She heads a brand-new Office of Agricultural Science and Research, demonstrating MDARD's commitment to fostering improved environmental outcomes while sustaining agricultural resiliency through the implementation of adaptive, science-backed strategies. Laura is a leading expert on agricultural conservation and Great Lakes water quality, having previously directed the National Center for Water Quality Research at Heidelberg University in Ohio for nearly a decade.
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