CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2021) — The Duke Energy Foundation named Thomas More University’s Biology Field Station as one of 14 organizations in Northern Kentucky and southern Ohio to receive a Powerful Communities Nature grant. The Biology Field Station, located in California, Ky., and the only facility of its kind on the entire 981-mile stretch of the Ohio River will use the grant to continue its crucial biological and water quality research which monitors potential threats to the local watershed including but not limited to pollution, algal blooms, and habitat destruction. Duke Energy has a continuing relationship with the Field Station that spans 50 years of financial support.

The Biology Field Station originated in 1967 when the former lock and dam was leased to the University by the federal government. The present-day facilities include state-of-the-art labs and classrooms in the renovated lock house, a separate STEM outreach center, outdoor classroom, educational trails, and a LEED certified lodge with overnight accommodations. Faculty and students perform ongoing research on the river and its tributaries which helps monitor and protect the ecosystem and ensure the safety of those using the river’s resources. This research not only advances scientific knowledge, but also improves the quality of life in the region.

“For over 50 years, Duke Energy has partnered with us to advance our understanding of the natural world, train students in the STEM fields, and improve the quality of life in our region through education, environmental protection, and ecological research,” says Director of the Biology Field Station and Thomas More professor Chris Lorentz, Ph.D. “This grant allows us to maintain our long-term studies on the Ohio River which are essential to assess, monitor, and track changes in water quality and the health of the environment.”

Thomas More honored Duke Energy for their support of the University with a Saints Salute, a special recognition of the University’s community partners, during the Nov. 30 home football game against Cumberland University at Republic Bank Field/Griffin Plaza. The salute was presented during half time of the game to Amy Spiller, State President of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, by University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D. Other representatives from Duke Energy in attendance included: Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Vice President of Community Relations and Economic Development for Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, Cara Brooks, Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy Kentucky, and Kim Vogelsang, MK Stakeholder Engagement Manager.

“Through this recent grant, we will be able to continue our long-term studies on the water quality of the Ohio River and nearby tributaries, while developing our students to become the next generation of biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists,” says Lorentz. “Support from the Foundation is critical to our mission of education, research, and conservation.”

For more information on the Biology Field Station, visit thomasmore.edu.

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About Thomas More University

For 100 years, Thomas More has created a university for the student who wants to Be More, Do More, Seek More, Win More, Achieve More, and Create More. Since its founding in 1921, Thomas More has provided a mission-driven, liberal arts education that is based in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Students learn to harness the power of human reason to solve problems and discover truth, which allows them to begin the journey to become the person they were created to be. Entering into the second century, it’s time for More. Serving more than 2,000 students, Thomas More aspires to be the premier Catholic university in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region, to build upon the #1 ranking for long term gain in Kentucky (2019 Georgetown study) and share with this generation the transformative power of the Thomas More experience. To find out more, visit thomasmore.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lyna Kelley, director of communications and PR, kelleyl@thomasmore.edu, 859.344.3309