Christine Manninen grew up on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula and has her bachelor's degree in biological sciences from Michigan Technological University and a master's in environmental journalism from Michigan State University. She is the communications director for the Great Lakes Commission, an interstate compact agency that promotes the orderly, integrated and comprehensive development, use and conservation of the water and related natural resources of the Great Lakes basin and St. Lawrence River. The Great Lakes Commission is a pioneer in applying principles of sustainability and ecosystem management, recognizing the complementarity of environmental protection and economic goals. Christine has been instrumental in development of the Great Lakes Information Network (www.great-lakes.net), which provides a wealth of data and information about the region's environment, economy, tourism, educational resources and more.