By Andi Anderson
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG) are honoring the life and achievements of Carolyn Foley through the creation of the Carolyn Foley Great Lakes Research Award. The award recognizes her outstanding contributions to Great Lakes research, environmental science, education, and student mentorship throughout her career.
Carolyn Foley passed away on April 22, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy built on scientific excellence, leadership, and compassion. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, she developed an early passion for biology and environmental research. She earned a bachelor's degree in honors biology from the University of Windsor before continuing her education at Purdue University, where she pursued a master's degree in the Department of Entomology.
During her academic and professional career, Foley became widely respected for her work on Great Lakes ecosystems. She participated in extensive field research, studying aquatic invertebrates, vegetation, fish populations, and water quality across the Great Lakes region. Her dedication and enthusiasm helped advance important environmental research projects and strengthened collaborations among scientists and institutions.
Reflecting on her contributions, Dr. Jan Ciberowski, professor emeritus at the University of Windsor and recently retired professor at the University of Alberta, said, “Her energy, enthusiasm and love of fieldwork were infectious and they kept her team motivated. Carolyn was one of the most gifted and committed individuals to have ever worked in our group, and she made a lasting impression on everyone.”
Foley joined Purdue FNR in 2009 and worked on numerous aquatic ecology research projects. She authored publications, developed research proposals, trained students, and collaborated with scientists across multiple disciplines. Her work extended further in 2010 when she joined Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, eventually serving as research coordinator and leading several major initiatives.
Recognizing her influence, Tomas Höök, FNR department head, stated, “Carolyn was the first person I hired when I came to Purdue and career-wise I was extremely lucky to work with her as a close collaborator on all sorts of projects over the next 18 years. I am even luckier to have known the dedicated and caring person who made all those around her better. Being around Carolyn made you strive to be a better person.”
Beyond research, Foley was admired for her commitment to mentoring students and supporting colleagues. She helped young researchers gain confidence, develop professional skills, and explore career opportunities in environmental science. Her encouragement positively influenced many students who later built successful careers in the field.
Stuart Carlton, current IISG director, highlighted her impact by saying, “Carolyn was an invaluable part of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and was beloved by people across the greater Sea Grant network. She was a dear friend, a trusted confidante and the most thoughtful and caring person I knew. She was a nerd’s nerd with unusual empathy and a wonderful sense of humor. I miss her greatly.”
Foley's dedication earned her several honors, including FNR’s Outstanding Administrative/Professional Staff Member Award in 2023 and the Purdue College of Agriculture’s Unsung Diversity Hero Award in 2021. She was recognized for promoting inclusion, supporting collaboration, and creating welcoming environments for students and professionals.
The newly established Carolyn Foley Great Lakes Research Award ensures that her commitment to science, education, and mentorship will continue to inspire future generations. By supporting undergraduate research opportunities focused on the Great Lakes, the award reflects the values that defined her career and life. Her legacy lives on through the research she advanced, the students she mentored, and the countless colleagues whose lives she touched with kindness, integrity, and dedication.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Indiana, Education