ERIE, Pa. — Gannon University’s Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) has welcomed more than 17,000 visitors during its first year at Blasco Library, the university announced Monday.
CLEER opened in October 2025 as part of Gannon’s Project NePTWNE initiative, connecting visitors with Lake Erie, the Great Lakes and scientific research in the region.
The center has averaged about 1,300 visitors a month. About 600 students from a dozen schools and another 241 homeschool students have participated in educational programs.
“We wanted CLEER to be a place where science feels approachable and connected to everyday life, and this first year has shown us the community was ready for that,” said Sherri Mason, Project NePTWNE director.
The center features NOAA’s six-foot Science On a Sphere display and hosts programs including Science Sundays, youth activities and community events.
CLEER is also entering its next phase with new equipment installed in its aquatics laboratory. Gannon says the wet lab will expand opportunities for research and allow visitors to see more work involving Lake Erie and its aquatic ecosystems.