Division of Research

The Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health is actively researching and addressing toxic algal blooms in Lake Erie. With research vessels on the lake and sites in northwest Ohio, their work contributes to a deeper understanding of the causes and solutions to this significant human health issue affecting freshwater sources worldwide.

Researchers in the Department of Sociology and its National Center for Family and Marriage Research are contributing to the understanding of evolving social patterns and how family structure in the United States is linked to the health and well-being of children, adults, families and communities. Their findings are helping to guide public policy and program decisions.

Faculty with the Center for Photochemical Sciences are studying the uses of light-responsive chemical compounds for beneficial applications in the health industry, agriculture and other fields. Research topics include developing degradable polymers that could become an alternative for plastic, bio-gels to minimize watershed runoff and advanced materials to improve solar technologies.

Researchers with the Center for the Future of Forensic Science made a life-saving discovery in response to the national opioid epidemic. They scientifically proved that the laundry detergent OxiClean will deactivate fentanyl. That research finding is helping law enforcement and other first responders prevent accidental exposure to the deadly drug.

With more than 50 issued patents, 30 pending U.S. and International patent applications and 230 invention disclosures on file, BGSU faculty and students are developing new models, processes and technologies to respond to societal challenges.

Satelytics, Inc., one of the most successful startups in northwest Ohio’s recent history, came from geospatial and analytics research conducted at BGSU. Additionally, BGSU engages with more than 25 external partners annually for research and technical service projects.