Jan. 27, 2025

Ferris State’s Shimadzu Lab earns $800,000 state grant to monitor wastewater, evaluate regional infectious disease prospects

Ferris State University’s Shimadzu Core Laboratory for Academic and Research Excellence investigators will continue scientific monitoring to track and predict possible infectious disease outbreaks.

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services provided nearly $800,000 to continue wastewater evaluation and reporting by this study team into Fall 2025.

Lab Director Schuyler “Sky” Pike said the project is funded as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

“This is the last portion of funding for participating labs of what state government refers to as the ‘Sewer Network’ project,” Pike said. “What had first focused on COVID-19 monitoring now includes targets for outbreaks of influenza ‘A’ and ‘B,’ respiratory syncytial virus or ‘RSV,’ influenza H5N1 or ‘Bird Flu’ and norovirus.”

Pike said student employees test wastewater samples to develop information and support forecasting of possible illness outbreaks on the Ferris campus and several communities in the geographic area of Michigan’s ‘District Health Department #10.’

“By collecting wastewater from the southern and western sections of campus, in the vicinity of North Hall and near the campus’ quad,’ we can produce a good snapshot for a majority of the on-campus community,” Pike said. “Our team will continue surveillance of wastewater systems in Big Rapids, Ludington, Cadillac and Grayling.”

These monitoring activities may be altered in months to come, and Pike hopes the Shimadzu Laboratory can remain involved in what has been an excellent experiential learning opportunity for students.

“MDHHS is currently in the process of ‘right-sizing’ the number of sampling sites to optimize its search system and provide efficient coverage of these strains statewide,” Pike said. “That could change the methods and requirements for laboratories involved in the reporting network.”

Pike also expressed his thanks to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and Grants Administrator Wendy Stapp’s contributions, particularly in overseeing the application and reporting requirements of the Sewer Program grant.

The Shimadzu Laboratory also tests for E. coli levels during the outdoor swimming season on lakes in the District Health Department #10 service area.