Position:
Deputy Director

Affiliation and Contact Information:

Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administation
2205 Commonwealth Boulevard
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Phone: (734) 741-2385
e-mail: cynthia.sellinger@noaa.gov

Fields of Specialization and Research Interests:

Analytical studies of the hydraulic interaction between the connecting channel and ground water flows with water levels of the Great Lakes. These studies are based upon the theoretical application of hydraulic principles to mathematical computer models. Studies included developing revised roughness values for the Detroit River that represent the present flow regime due to the Zebra Mussel invasion and estimating total groundwater contributions to Lake Michigan.

Education

B.S. Earth Sciences, 1978. University of New Orleans.
Courses included: Oceanography, Calculus, Physics, Mineralogy, Meteorology, and Lithology.

Mapping, Charting & Geodetic Officer Certification, 1978. Ft. Belvoir Virginia.
Courses included: Photogrammetry, 3-Dimensional Mapping and Geodetic Surveying.

M.S. Aquatic Sciences, 1994. University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources.
Courses included: Hydrology and Watershed Management, Hydrology and Floodplain Analysis, Applied Linear Statistical Models, Physical and Chemical Hydrogeology, Forest Science, Soils, International Environmental Policy, and Great Lakes Watershed Policy.

Thesis: Groundwater Flux into a Portion of Eastern Lake Michigan.

Professional History:

May 2003 – Present. Deputy Director, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, Ann Arbor MI. In this capacity I assist the Director in carrying out the day-to-day operations and functions of GLERL to assure effective, efficient and productive research programs that are in keeping with government procedures, policies and priorities. I provide broad participation in laboratory management and strategic planning support to the laboratory Director. Additionally, I participate on the GLERL’s Management Council, Partnership Council and Science Council to contribute to overall operating efficiency and effectiveness of the Laboratory. I also work with the Director and Administration Officer in policy development. In the Director’s absence I function as Acting Director with decision-making authority.

October 1998 - September 2000. Team Leader, Data Analysis Team, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, Ann Arbor MI. As team leader of the Data Analyses Team, I worked closely with the Branch Chief to assure that team needs were met, work was facilitated, and problems were identified and corrected as quickly and efficiently as possible. In addition to the normal hydrologic research support, on several occasions I was 'Acting Branch Chief' in the branch chief's absence, and on one occasion I was acting chief for three months while the position was being advertised.

February 1988 - September 1998. Physical Scientist, Physical Sciences Division, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, Ann Arbor, MI. Research included: Analytical studies of the hydraulic interaction between the connecting channel and ground water flows with water levels of the Great Lakes. These studies are based upon the theoretical application of hydraulic principles to mathematical computer models. Studies included developing revised roughness values for the Detroit River that represent the present flow regime due to the Zebra Mussel invasion and estimating total groundwater contributions to Lake Michigan.

August 1983 - November 1987. Physical Scientist, Naval Ocean Research and Development Activity (NORDA), Department of Defense, Bay St. Louis Mississippi. As a physical scientist in the Sea Floor Division, I participated in coastal ocean expeditions and provided documented environmental assessments of the U.S. Atlantic coast's continental shelf. Later, as a physical scientist in the Acoustics Division, I obtained funds to further geoacoustic modeling. This eventually was incorporated into a Backscatter computer model to improve submarine navigation. I participated in several deep-sea expeditions where my team collected and modeled geoacoustic data. Supervisory duties included: hiring, training and supervising teams of graduate students to assist in field and laboratory assignments.

August 1978 - February 1983. Captain, 544^th Target Materials Squadron, Strategic Air Command, United States Air Force, Omaha, Nebraska. As Chief of the Production Management Branch, I both supervised a unit of forty cartographers and geodesists in the compilation and production of Strategic Air Command navigational products and assured that the work was done in a timely manner. During this period I was awarded The Air Force Commendation Medal for instituting an automated production accounting system which allowed for strict accountability of over 19,000 work requests while, at the same time, reduced manpower requirements.

Recent Sponsored Research:

"Recapturing water Level Data"---sponsored by ESDIM.

"Assessment of Impacts of Increased Weed Growth on Detroit River Flows," Detroit District Army CORPS of Engineers and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

"Groundwater Budget of Large Lakes," U.S.--Poland Maria Sklodowska-Curie Joint Fund II, U.S. State Department.

Committee Representation:

Serves as chair of GLERL's Library Committee, Social Committee and a co-chair of the Web Team.

Served as a Liaison committee member of the USGS's Lake Erie-Lake St. Clair Basin National Water Quality (NAWQA) board. As a member participated with developing policies and procedures pertaining to the groundwater, surface water and ecological components of the study.

Served as a committee member of the Flow Subcommittee of the Coordinating Committee of Great Lakes Hydrologic and Hydraulic Data. In this capacity I worked on Detroit River issues as well as coordinated flows for the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers computed by Canada and the U.S.

Served as a committee member of the Miller's Creek Project/ Huron Valley Watershed Council. Participated in policy decisions regarding the protection of this tributary to the Huron River.

Other Qualifications:

I have fifteen years of experience programming in the Formula Translation (FORTRAN) and BASIC languages, and seven years experience programming in Dbase IV. Using these programming skills, I created, updated and manipulated computer models, created user-friendly database management tools and built and maintained hydrologic databases used by scientists at GLERL and other agencies.

Mentoring and Outreach:

Winter 1999-Mentored minority students for the American Society of Limnology and Oceanography.

Summer 1996 --Trained and supervised a Partners for Excellence high-school student (see attachment) in the computer, data analysis area. Partially due to his experience at GLERL, he has been accepted into Stanford University in computer science, specializing in robotics.

1994 - 1997 -- Participated as a panelist for the University of Michigan Undergraduate Research Program for Women. In this capacity, I gave presentations about the laboratory and my career as a woman scientist.

Other Accomplishments:

1. Received NOAA's Administrator's Award in 2002
2. Received a SPECIAL ACT SERVICE AWARD on January 19, 1995.
3. Received three Certificates of Recognition for work performance from 1992 - 1994.
4. Submitted and had a proposal accepted by the State Department for $70,000 to work with the Polish government on groundwater inputs to Lake Michigan.
5. Received MERITORIOUS OF SERVICE MEDAL on January 1983, for outstanding service as an officer in the United States Air Force.

Publications:

Sellinger, C.E., and F.H. Quinn, 2001. Assessment of Impacts of Increased Weed Growth on the Detroit River Flows. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-119. U.S. Department of Commerce

Sellinger, C.E. and F.H. Quinn, 1999. Proceedings of the Great Lakes Paleo Levels Workshop: The Last 4000 years. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-113. U.S. Department of Commerce

Sellinger, C.E. Water Levels of the Great Lakes, 1999. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (Brochure Series)

Beeton, A.M., Sellinger, C.E., and D.F. Reid, (1999). An Introduction to the Laurentian Great Lakes System; in: Great Lakes Fisheries Policy and Management: A Binational Perspective. Michigan State University Press.

Sellinger, C.E., 1997. La Nina and the Great Lakes Region. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (Brochure Series).

Sellinger, C.E. 1996. Computer Program for Performing Hydrograph Separation Using the Rating Curve Method. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-100. U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sellinger, C.E. 1996. Computer Program for Estimating Evapotranspiration Using the Thornthwaite Method. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-101. U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sellinger, C. E., 1995. Groundwater Flux into a Portion of Eastern Lake Michigan. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 21(1): 53-63.

Assel, R.A., C.E. Sellinger, D.E. Meyer, R.N. Kelley and Peter Grimm, 1995. Great Lakes States Monthly Average Temperature Data--Beginning of Record to 1990. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-88, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI 51pp.

Assel, R.A., C.E. Sellinger, D.E. Meyer, and R.N. Kelley, 1995. Great Lakes States Monthly Precipitation Data--Beginning of Record to 1990. NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL GLERL-86, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI 39pp.

Quinn, F.H., J.A. Derecki, and C.E. Sellinger 1993. Pre-1900 St. Clair River Flow Regime. Journal of Great Lakes Research 19(4) 660-664.

Sellinger, C.E., 1991. Hydromet Database Source Code. Open-File Report. GLERL Contribution No. 741. January 1991.

Quinn, F.H., and C.E. Sellinger, 1990. The Lake Michigan Record Levels 1838, A Present Perspective. Journal of Great Lakes Research 16(1): 133-138

Caruthers, J.W., P.C. Rowe, J.E. Matthews, C.E. Sellinger, G.A. Kerr, 1987. The Bi-Static Scattering Strength Model. Proceedings of the 37th Annual Navy Symposium on Underwater Acoustics. NRL, Washington D.C.

Sellinger, C.E., and D.L. Lavoie, 1987. Geoacoustic Models of the Hudson Canyon Area. NORDA Report 161, NSTL, Ms.

Sellinger, C.E. 1987. Geoacoustic Models of Broadband '85 Site Bravo and Echo. NORDA Report 171, NSTL Ms.

Sellinger, C.E., J.E. Matthews, W. Geddes, 1987. Environmental Assessment of Project Gemini. NORDA Report 210. NSTL, Ms.

Bucca, P.J., C.E. Sellinger, J.E. Matthews, 1985. Preassesstment of Environmental Conditions on the Continental Shelf Adjacent to Jacksonville Florida. NORDA Report 88, NSTL, Ms.

Presentations:

Sellinger, C.E. 2002. Great Lakes Water Levels, a Present Perspective. Presented at the U.S. Capitol Building (Washington D.C.) to Congressional Staffers-sponsored by the North-east Min-west Coalition.

Sellinger, C.E., 2002. Lake Erie Water Levels-Outlooks for the Future. Presented to approximately 100 sportsmen at a Sea Grant sponsored outreach meeting in Michigan. \

Sellinger, C.E. 2001. Great Lakes Water Levels, a Present Perspective. Presented at the U.S. Capitol Building (Washington D.C.) to Congressional Staffers-sponsored by the North-east Min-west Coalition.

Sellinger, C.E., 1999. Large Lakes Groundwater Budget--Lake Michigan, a Case Study. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Sellinger, C.E., 1999. La Nina and Possible Effects on the Great Lakes. Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Seminar Series.

Sellinger, C.E., 1998. Recharge Estimates to Lake Michigan--The Water Budget Method. International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR), Hamilton, Ontario.

Sellinger, C.E., 1997. Detroit River Turbulent Flows in Conjunction with Episodic Events. International Association of Great Lakes Research. Buffalo, New York.

Sellinger, C.E., 1997. Detroit River Flows Weed Retardation. Coordinating Committee on Great Lakes Basic Hydrologic and Hydraulic Data. Buffalo, New York.

Sellinger, C.E., 1996. Lake Michigan Groundwater Progress. Joint United States, Polish and Russian Conference. Wroclaw, POLAND.

Sellinger, C.E., 1995. Groundwater Flux into a Portion of Eastern Lake Michigan. International Association of Great Lakes Research. Lansing, MI.

Sellinger, C.E., 1994. Groundwater Flux into a Portion of Eastern Lake Michigan. GLERL Seminar Series, Ann Arbor, Mi.

Sellinger, C.E., 1993. St. Clair River Flow Regime. International Association of Great Lakes Research. De Pere, Wisconsin.

Sellinger, C.E., 1993. Great Lakes Physical Sciences Division's Modeling Program. Presentation to Congressional Aids visiting GLERL.

Sellinger, C.E., 1990. Hydromet Database Directory. International Association of Great Lakes Research. Buffalo, NY.

Sellinger, C.E., 1987. Geoacoustic Model of Hudson Bay Area. NORDA Seminar Series, Bay St. Louis, Ms.