Water Event: Shedd Aquarium Behind-The-Scenes Tour

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John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
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Armour College of Engineering is sponsoring a trip to the world famous Shedd Aquarium for Engineering Themes students. Allen LaPointe, Vice President of Environmental Quality at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, will share some important water quality lessons he has learned from 13 years on the job.

This event qualifies for Water Theme credit. Please note there will be a $5 fee to participate in this activity and students will need to take public transportation to the aquarium. Based on student input this tour will occur from 10am-12pm.

The tour will cover:

  • Water Processing – Discover how municipal water is prepared for the Shedd Aquarium’s systems using GAC treatment, reverse 0smosis, and salt addition.
  • Water Quality Laboratory – Learn how and why Shedd workers analyze water and, when necessary, take corrective actions when a problem arises.
  • Life Support Processes – See the mechanical, biological, and chemical treatment processes for aquarium waters. Visit the 3 million gallon oceanarium and discover that the wastewater treatment processes are similar to those used for municipal wastewater.
  • Water sustainability – Find out how the Shedd Aquarium uses rainwater collection and reuses water to promote sustainability.

Bio

Allen LaPointe currently manages the environmental quality laboratory, monitoring animal habitats and recommending adjustments to life support operations at the Shedd. LaPointe started his career with the Hammond Indiana Sanitary District, as a chemist. LaPointe conducts various water quality seminars and workshops for zoological organizations and has taught various courses in water chemistry, including a two semester course titled Water Works. Each year he also teaches a five-day seminar on aquarium environmental quality at the Shedd Aquarium.

As part of Shedd Aquarium’s conservation efforts, LaPointe will begin field work this year in Guyana, researching the water systems and rich fauna and flora in one of the last untouched aquatic ecosystems in the world.