Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones (Central '92)

Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones, PhD is a 1992 graduate of Walled Lake Central HS. While at Central, she participated in track, forensics (oratory), and Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD). During her senior year, she wrote a Scientific Thesis entitled: “The Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Lake Eutrophication”.

After high school, she attended Michigan Technological University (MTU) and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with emphasis on Limnology/Ecology. While at MTU, she was president of the Houghton Aquanauts SCUBA Club and Biology Club. She was also very active with undergraduate research on inland lake issues.

After graduating from MTU, Jennifer attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and obtained a master’s degree in Aquatic Sciences. She then took a few years to pursue consulting and worked her way through a PhD program at Michigan State University (MSU) while forming a lake restoration business.

Jennifer worked on data entry and as a QA/QC lab analyst at two industrial companies after she graduated from MTU. She realized through a DISC profile consultant that she was a better match for a leadership role in science. She then formed her own company, Restorative Lake Sciences, in 2012 based in Spring Lake, Michigan. They initially started working on lakes solely in Michigan, but then expanded to the Midwest. “We are very selective about the communities we work with as they must have the proper resources and collaboration to assist our long-term scientific efforts,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer is currently on two Boards: The non-profit Michigan Lake and Stream Association (MLSA) as a Science Advisor, and the Michigamme River Basin Authority Tax Increment Finance Authority Board as a Water Resources Professional. She is an avid runner that runs races of various distances but loves marathons.  She also enjoys hiking, swimming, cycling, nature landscape photography and reading.

While reflecting on her education in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Jennifer said, “I really enjoyed the fact that Central had so many ecology and science classes. I think I had them all! I especially enjoyed Ecology with Mrs. Sibole and AP Biology with Mr. Kochenderfer. Central was a great school even though it was hard for me coming from K-8 at St. Patrick’s and not knowing most students.”

Jennifer’s advice to students is to listen to your inner spirit and follow what you feel is your calling. If you love what you do, you are likely to do well and find a way to make a good living doing it. It may take decades, but it is always nice to have no regrets and to love life.