As part of Project NePTWNE (Nano & Polymer Technology for Water Networks of Erie), Gannon University invites the community to explore Lake Erie, local wildlife and the night sky through a new series of free, family-friendly educational programs hosted at the Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) inside the Blasco Library. Running January through May, these handson, Sunday programs are designed to spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and deepen environmental awareness for learners of all ages.
“Project NePTWNE and CLEER is about helping our community better understand the systems that sustain Lake Erie and our region,” said Sam Mason, Ph.D., director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University. “By inviting people of all ages to explore found objects, local wildlife and even the night sky, these programs turn curiosity into awareness and awareness into stewardship of our shared environment.”
“Found Objects” Exhibit Series – Sundays: Jan. 11, 18 and 25 | 1 to 3 p.m.
What was this object before it washed up on the shore of Lake Erie — and how did it get there? That’s the question posed in “Found Objects,” a series inviting children, families and educators to examine real items collected from Lake Erie’s shoreline and help uncover their origins.
Each Sunday will focus on a different material:
Jan. 11: Metal objects
Jan. 18: Beach glass
Jan. 25: Plastics
Displayed for close-up inspection in the CLEER education lab, the exhibit encourages speculation, discussion and environmental awareness about how everyday materials can impact local waterways. Tom Benson and Alan Swigonski will be present each week to engage visitors and answer questions.
“Ask an Astronomer” Monthly Series – First Sunday of the month | February–May
Ever wonder what’s happening in the Erie night sky? Gannon professor David Horne, Ph.D., will host “Ask an Astronomer” at CLEER’s NOAA Science on a Sphere®, offering monthly updates on astronomical events and personalized guidance for stargazing enthusiasts. Participants can expect engaging visual presentations, timely skywatching tips and open Q&A sessions covering everything from planets and stars to deep-space discoveries. Dr. Horne is a physicist, astrophysicist and astronomer at Gannon with more than 35 years of experience in astronomy education and research, including work at NASA centers focused on spaceflight and astrobiology.
“Go Fish!” Educational Series – Second Sunday of the month | February–May
Feb. 8
March 8
April 12
May 10
Dive into the fascinating world of Lake Erie’s fish species with Gannon professor Gregory Andraso, Ph.D., during “Go Fish!” — a hands-on learning experience in the CLEER education lab.
Monthly topics will rotate and may include:
Identifying local fish species
Learning how scientists “key out” fish
Making a gyotaku fish print to take home
Determining the age of a fish
Dr. Andraso is a behavioral ecologist whose research includes studies of fish communities in Presque Isle Bay and Pennsylvania tributaries of Lake Erie.
“The Critter Corner!” Series – Third Sunday of the month | February–May
Feb. 15
March 15
April 19
May 17
Get up close with the small creatures that play a big role in our ecosystem during “The Critter Corner!” hosted by Gannon student and CLEER worker Anthony Sinito. This interactive series highlights insects, invertebrates and other often-overlooked species, helping participants understand their evolutionary history, behaviors and ecological importance. From crawly to curious, attendees are encouraged to leave fears at the door and discover why “the little things” truly matter.
Sinito is a master’s student in Environmental Science at Gannon and an avid naturalist with research interests spanning animal behavior, evolutionary biology and taxonomy.
About Project NePTWNE and CLEER
Project NePTWNE is a transformational initiative focused on water quality, environmental research and community education in the Lake Erie region. The Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) serves as a hub for hands-on learning, scientific engagement and public outreach, connecting the community to the Great Lakes through innovative programming and research-driven experiences. All programs are free and open to the public. Check back to Gannon.edu/water and follow Project NePTWNE on Instagram regularly for updated CLEER programming throughout the year.