Workshop explored the Mississippi River watershed ecosystem, including its sustainable management, while also focusing on related career opportunities in private and public sectors
Students from Inver Hills Community College took part in a Mississippi River Institute (MRI) free, one-day workshop in mid-September 2025. The workshop took place on the MRI floating classroom barge, Mississippi River Institute, a 1930s crane barge restored by Living Lands & Waters (LL&W), a nonprofit organization based in East Moline, Illinois, to serve as a mobile teaching platform that informs students about river ecosystems and riverine careers. The MRI barge is docked at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul.
Zack Sullivan, EdD, political science faculty at the college, reported that Amy Countryman, Inver Hills Foundation development director, helped setup the MRI workshop by connecting him with Aubrey Mozer, a DCTC Foundation Board member and GF Building Flow Solutions community relations manager, who then put him in touch with Rachel Loomis, Mississippi River Institute manager.
“The MRI workshop was such an impactful experience for our students,” Zack said. “The curriculum went beyond the exploration of Mississippi River ecology, the consequences of climate change, and the need for sustainable management. The sessions also focused on solutions and river-linked career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.”
Zack mentioned that students in his Introduction to Climate Change Politics and Introduction to U.S. Politics courses attended the workshop, which included a session with Aubrey Mozer and her GF Building Flow Solutions coworkers talking about water-related jobs. Representatives from Minnesota DNR and Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN) explained the importance of native fish species.
Erica Wood, MS, Inver Hills geology faculty, attended the MRI workshop along with students in her Introduction to Climate Change Studies course. Sadie Pendaz-Foster, PhD, Inver Hills sociology faculty, also took part in the workshop. Zack underscored how the MRI barge learning space can be reserved for other college needs, for example, workshops and retreats.
“The Mississippi River Institute barge provided a unique learning environment for students to not only learn about river-related careers, but also motivated them to be part of climate solutions,” Erica said. “Industry-professional guest speakers provided fun and engaging hands-on activities. Additionally, the story of Living Lands & Waters is inspiring: how one man’s mission to clean up the Mississippi River in his home town, grew into an organization that has cleaned up over 13 million pounds of trash from America’s rivers.”
“The Mississippi River Institute workshop was a very beneficial opportunity for students and faculty to witness the wide range of climate science careers and jobs that exist,” Sadie added, “AND we got to be on a barge all day!”
Rachel Loomis, MRI manager, pointed out that the Mississippi River Institute, Living Lands & Waters newest floating classroom barge, celebrates the Mississippi River as a lifeline of ecological and economic vitality.
“Stretching 2,300 miles from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana, this mighty river is more than a body of water—it’s a powerful force connecting people, communities, industries, and ecosystems,” Rachel said. “Through our free, one-day workshops, which some Inver Hills students recently attended, students step aboard to explore the critical importance of the Mississippi River. From providing daily drinking water for over 20 million people, to supporting more than 1.3 million jobs across industries like transportation, conservation, recreation, wildlife, and trade—this river is essential to life and livelihood.”
Rachel noted that the MRI goal is to inspire a deeper connection and appreciation for the Mississippi River. “By highlighting the interconnectedness of its many roles, we show that we can’t have one without the other,” she said, “and that the Mississippi River is 2,300 miles of opportunity! Each workshop leaves students with a renewed perspective—one that honors the river as a source of opportunity, responsibility, and inspiration.”
MRI workshop gallery
Inver Hills student perspectives
Mark Peterson II
Age: 38
Hometown: Fridley, Minnesota
Current town or city of residence: St. Paul, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Fridley High School, Class of 2005
Inver Hills major: Environmental Science A.S.
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: 2027
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: Secretly cleaning up the Inver Hills Community Garden and Orchard on Mondays—though I guess it’s not a secret anymore.
Transfer plans: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, to earn B.S. in Environmental Science, Policy & Management
Career plans: Continue his career in environmental compliance
Three words that describe you as a college student:
EXPERIENCED. FOCUSED. FUN.
Mark Peterson II • Q & A
What have you found most interesting about the Introduction to U.S. Politics course?
Going into the class, I already had a decent understanding of current and historical U.S. Politics. However, over the last few weeks, I have learned a bit more of the “why” behind the way certain parts of the government function.
What did you enjoy most about the Mississippi River Institute workshop?
Being able to learn the components to the role(s) that the river plays for local and national commerce was very interesting. Having the DNR and one of the sponsors for the MRI come by and do some hands-on learning was a nice touch as well.
What advice would you give students thinking about learning and doing more about climate change?
One of the biggest issues behind climate change, that I see, is that there is too much trust being put into the information that is being fed to us via social media—and mass media, for that matter. Please do the research yourself, look at the models from respected sources. Media is going to sensationalize it, one way or the other. Do your part and understand the concerns that are being voiced. Small steps towards making this planet better for us, will make it better for all.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
I would want to make every human on earth open-minded. Closing yourself off from understanding where other people are coming from only creates more division. It’s okay to be steadfast in your own beliefs, however, learning and understanding the opposite point of view may surprise you. We humans have more in common than you might think.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
VALUABLE
Fiona Calis
Age: 17
Hometown: Sumner, Washington
Current town or city of residence: Farmington, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Farmington High School, Class of 2026
Inver Hills major:Environmental Science A.S.
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: 2028
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: N/A
Transfer plans: Bemidji State University
Career plans: Natural resources, wildlife biology
Three words that describe you as a college student:
PASSIONATE. ACCOMPLISHED. ORGANIZED.
Fiona Calis • Q & A
What have you found most interesting about the Introduction to Environmental Politics course?
What I have found the most interesting about the Environmental Politics course is how our government handled creating America’s environmental policies.
What did you enjoy most about the Mississippi River Institute workshop?
What I enjoyed the most about the Mississippi River Institute workshop was the Minnesota DNR’s activity. Mario taught us how to use a dichotomous key to identify different lake and river fish species in our state. I also enjoyed touring the barge that our classroom setting took place in.
What advice would you give students thinking about learning and doing more about climate change?
Advice that I would give other students thinking and learning about climate change is don’t be deceived by anecdote fallacy—to deny science people must sow doubt.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
If I could make one thing happen on Earth right now, it would be to reverse the damage we have caused on our planet.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
SUPPORTED
Emily Reese
Age: 19
Hometown: St. George, Utah
Current town or city of residence: Farmington, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Cedar Valley High School, Eagle Mountain, Utah, Class of 2024
Inver Hills major: Business
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: 2027
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: N/A
Transfer plans: University of Utah
Career plans: Undecided
Three words that describe you as a college student:
BUSY. CURIOUS. OPTIMISTIC.
Emily Reese • Q & A
What have you found most interesting about the Introduction to Climate Change Studies course?
I think it’s so interesting how much humans affect climate change. The rise of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollution are all parts of climate change the world’s habitats have contributed to. Crazy, right?
What did you enjoy most about the Mississippi River Institute workshop?
I enjoyed how we got to hear from people from different jobs and their experiences. I was able to ask questions, and it gave me more ideas on jobs I can do in the future. Also, as an online college student, I was excited to meet my classmates and make more connections.
What advice would you give students thinking about learning and doing more about climate change?
I would tell them to do it! It’s so interesting to learn about why climate change is an issue and why it’s happening. If you’re someone who loves the Earth like me, you would love this class.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
I’m a huge nature person, and for the sake of Earth and the beautiful animals, I would choose to pick up all the garbage on Earth. Clean the oceans and land to save animals from eating or getting stuck in plastic and other garbage!
Learning more about climate is teaching me more ways to reduce my carbon footprint and keep my horse, Cletus, safe!
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
REWARDING
Eden Nelson
Age: 26
Hometown: Farmington, Minnesota
Current town or city of residence: Apple Valley, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Apple Valley High School
Inver Hills major:Environmental Science A.S.
Inver Hills scheduled graduation date: 2028
Inver Hills extracurricular activities: LGBT+ Club
Transfer plans: N/A
Career plans: Wildlife education, natural resource technician
Three words that describe you as a college student:
EAGER. DETERMINED. ACCEPTING.
Eden Nelson • Q & A
What have you found most interesting about the Introduction to Climate Change Studies course?
So far what I’ve found most interesting is actually learning about how far we have come when it comes to our production of greenhouse gases, and it was actually astounding to learn that this has been a problem for years. I had thought this was a relatively new thing, but scientists have been working on it for over fifty years. You’d think more progress would have been made by now.
What did you enjoy most about the Mississippi River Institute workshop?
I enjoyed going down to see the river and exploring the barge. It was a nice day out (to me), and it was a good experience to be able to learn and enjoy nature at the same time.
What advice would you give students thinking about learning and doing more about climate change?
Take the jump and do it. Research whatever you can that could do even a small thing to help the environment; every little bit helps. Educate yourself on the whys and hows of climate change and take the initiative to educate others. Vote like your life depends on it.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
Global cooperation and understanding when it comes to climate change. Although we as individuals can do our part in aiding the ecosystem, what we really need is our politicians and our billion-dollar companies to stop and come together to figure out a real solution.
In the long run, it isn’t David over on main street who drives everywhere, or Martha who lives next door taking 40-minute showers who are truly affecting everything; it’s the gigantic oil companies and the major businesses who are doing the most damage. It’s politicians who deny climate change and advocate for things like increased fossil fuel usage, and who cut environmental protections.
Although there are many issues afflicting the people of this world, one thing is for certain—we cannot fix them all if the planet and all of its living things, including us, are dead.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
ACCOMODATING
More about the Inver Hills courses…
POLS 1111: Introduction to U.S. Politics
Credits: 3
MnTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
Analyzes United States national government, political parties, campaigns and elections, public opinion, interest groups, media coverage and current political issues. The course will also examine principles of the Constitution, and the structure and behavior of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In your exploration of contemporary U.S. domestic and foreign policy issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Spring semester 2026
Political Science Transfer Pathway A.A.
Course Outline
NSCI 1110: Introduction to Climate Change Studies
Credits: 3
MnTC Goal Areas: 03, 10
Investigates the causes and magnitudes of past and present climate change. Identifies humans’ responsibility in our recent past and future climate and how this impacts humans globally. Predicts future climate change based on current trends and explores climate solutions.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future offering: Spring semester 2026
Climate Change Studies A.A.
Environmental Science A.S.
Course Outline
POLS 1141: Introduction To Environmental Politics
Credits: 3
MnTC Goal Areas: 05, 10
Requires you to critically consider and address the history, organizations, interest groups, and processes that shape domestic and global environmental issues. The course will focus primarily on the following areas of study: (1) political and policy processes, (2) the public lands debate, (3) the politics of waste and toxins, (4) the politics of energy, (5) the politics of water, (6) the politics of air quality, (7) the politics of endangered species and biodiversity, (8) the politics of global environmental issues, (9) the politics of human population growth, and (10) the politics of environmental sustainability. Using cutting-edge social scientific theory and research, you will be asked to examine your own political values, experiences and behavior regarding contemporary environmental problems and potential solutions.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future offering: None
Climate Change Studies A.A.
Environmental Science A.S.
Course Outline
Learn more about studying Political Science, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Sociology, and Geology at Inver Hills by contacting:
Admissions Team
admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3902
866-576-0689
College Center
- Want more information? Fill out an inquiry form.
- Ready to apply? Fill out an application.
- Want to virtually visit campus? Check out our upcoming visit opportunities.
- Can’t make it to campus? Take our virtual tour.
Want to connect with an advisor? Check out our virtual drop-in hours or email admissions@inverhills.edu to request a campus-based or phone appointment.
Learn more about the Mississippi River Institute by contacting:
Rachel Loomis
Mississippi River Institute Manager
www.mississippiriverinstitute.org
rachel@livinglandsandwaters.org
309-236-9005
Fax: 309-496-1012
17624 Route 84 North
East Moline, IL 61244
