Dr. Jim Diana joined Michigan Sea Grant in March 2009. As Director for Michigan Sea Grant, Diana is involved in leading the statewide program in its research, education and outreach efforts on critical Great Lakes issues, such as sustainable coastal development, fisheries, and other issues.

As Professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan, Diana currently teaches a senior course on fish ecology and an introductory course in environmental sciences. He is the 2006 recipient of the Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society’s Justin W. Leonard Award of Excellence for his contributions to fisheries education, research, and management in Michigan. He has received numerous professional honors, and is the author of more than 70 scientific publications and reports, as well as an authored an edited book.

Diana is interested in aquaculture’s potential contribution to the global food supply through the understanding of ecologically sensitive aquaculture practices, particularly in developing countries; as well as the conservation of natural ecosystems through focusing on ecology of native species like pike and muskellunge as well as endangered species like lake sturgeon.