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Sam and Carol Nappi Donate $2 Million to Fund Algal Bloom Research Initiative on Skaneateles Lake
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – May 1, 2025 – A $2 million gift from Sam and Carol Nappi to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) will support expanded research into the cause of algal blooms - both harmful (HAB) and non-toxic - can impact recreation, aesthetics, and human health on Skaneateles Lake and its watershed as a living laboratory.
This project, to be led by Dr. Stephen Shaw, seeks to develop actionable solutions for preserving the water quality of New York lakes. "This generous donation from Sam and Carol Nappi will significantly advance our understanding of the causation of algal blooms on the Finger Lakes and help us develop tools to better forecast and prevent blooms. Their support is invaluable to finding new solutions to address blooms and to train the next generation of scientists,” said Shaw.
Sam and Carol Nappi are committed to environmental sustainability and community well-being.
“Skaneateles Lake and the Finger Lakes region have held deep personal significance to the Nappi family for four generations. It is this appreciation that drives our commitment to seeing what can be accomplished beyond government to benefit the long-term health of community and lake. Over 100 years ago my grandfather was involved with the installation of the intake pipes, which serve the City of Syracuse and the surrounding communities’ drinking water. We are grateful to everyone involved for their years of collective action to help manage and protect this vital natural resource. We look forward to seeing the solutions that come forward from Dr. Shaw’s research and forging additional partnerships to expand this work,” said Sam and Carol Nappi.
“We have sincere gratitude for this generous contribution,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Carol and Sam Nappi are making it possible for water research done at ESF to be deployed right here in our Central New York community for the benefit of everyone.”
This work will continue beyond the Nappis’ gift to ESF with future plans to extend their connections with other university and community partners to bring a collaborative approach to developing solutions to algal blooms on Skaneateles Lake.
The research initiative, "Formulating Actionable Solutions to Protect the Finger Lakes," will integrate new data collection methods, student participation, and input from experts across several institutions, and be conducted in phases.
Researchers will be developing a detailed understanding of the nutrients in Skaneateles Lake by studying the different pathways by which phosphorus enters the lake and using satellite imagery for daily monitoring of algal blooms.
They will be working with multiple stakeholders including government agencies and community groups with interest in protecting the lake.
Scientists will create predictive models, conducting risk assessments, and testing to improve filter materials to manage nutrient levels and mitigate algal blooms. The program will also include semi-annual experts meetings to review new data, a new water management course, and field experiences for ESF students. These components aim to foster robust scientific discussions and educate future leaders in lake management.
The project team comprises experts from ESF, Florida Internation University and Clarkson University with additional experts joining in later phases.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.