Ayumi Fujisaki-Manome

Ayumi Fujisaki-Manome Named Associate Director of CIGLR.

Ayumi Fujisaki-Manome, an Associate Research Scientist at the University of Michigan’s Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR), has been named the Associate Director of CIGLR.

Dr. Fujisaki-Manome has been a central figure at CIGLR for more than a decade, leading research that improves predictions of hazardous weather, ice, and lake or ocean events in cold regions to support community preparedness and resilience. Her work focuses on understanding how interactions between ice and water influence larger-scale phenomena such as storms, flooding, and ice melt. Using advanced computer models, she simulates these ice–water–atmosphere processes and applies her findings to improve forecast accuracy. Her research has been applied to the Great Lakes, the Arctic Ocean, the Alaskan coasts, and the Sea of Okhotsk between Russia and Japan.

The modeling products from her research have become valuable tools widely used at NOAA. In the Great Lakes, her work enables the development and validation of ice forecasts for the Great Lakes Operational Forecast System, which help assess risks related to vessel navigation, river ice jams, coastal flooding, and ice buildup in water intake structures. These forecasts also support planning for winter recreation, such as ice fishing, ice cave tours, and temporary land bridges for island communities. By combining scientific research with practical forecasting tools, her work helps communities and ecosystems better prepare for and respond to extreme environmental events. “Our scientific and technical work is most impactful when we design tools in close collaboration with user groups at every stage,” said Fujisaki-Manome. “That’s the approach we strive to take.”

Before joining CIGLR, first as a postdoctoral research fellow before being hired as an associate research scientist, Fujisaki-Manome held visiting postdoctoral research fellowships at Princeton University and Hokkaido University. There, she studied how coastal sea ice interacts with ocean circulation and how these processes influence sea ice melting, using both theoretical and numerical approaches. As her research focus shifted to the Great Lakes, Fujisaki-Manome found that large lake and ice processes share many similarities with coastal oceans, while also presenting unique challenges specific to freshwater environments.

She earned her PhD in Ocean Engineering from the University of Tokyo in Japan, where she specialized in modeling interactions between sea ice and the ocean. During her doctoral research, she also collaborated with operational forecasters at the Japan Meteorological Agency to develop a short-term sea ice forecast model for the Sea of Okhotsk.

“I’m honored to take on this new leadership role and continue building the strong partnerships between the University of Michigan, CIGLR, and NOAA,” said Fujisaki-Manome. “As the environment continues to change, combining innovative research with practical forecasting tools will be key to helping the Great Lakes region understand, adapt, and prepare for the future, and I’m looking forward to working with our partners and communities to advance the science and tools that support a more resilient Great Lakes region.”

As Associate Director, Fujisaki-Manome will help coordinate large-scale collaborative projects within CIGLR’s Regional Consortium, develop new research directions in climate modeling and forecasting, and identify funding opportunities that strengthen partnerships with NOAA and other agencies. She will also mentor CIGLR research scientists and postdoctoral fellows whose research falls within her disciplinary focus. In addition to her role as Associate Director, Fujisaki-Manome will continue her associate research scientist position and her role as the theme lead for CIGLR’s modeling and forecasting research.

“Dr. Fujisaki-Manome brings a rare combination of technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and visionary leadership,” said Gregory Dick, Director of CIGLR. “Her deep understanding of the Great Lakes, her vast experience collaborating with NOAA, her ability to connect science to real-world challenges, and to develop products that support Great Lakes communities, stakeholders, and citizens make her an outstanding choice for this role.”

Fujisaki-Manome is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and broadening participation in Great Lakes research. She has supervised numerous undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, and works closely with early-career scientists who are just beginning their research professions at CIGLR. In addition, she frequently collaborates with emerging scientists through programs such as the Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program, helping them develop skills, gain hands-on experience, and build professional networks that support long-term success in the field.

“In this dynamic research climate, I am dedicated to helping CIGLR adapt and thrive by deepening partnerships, fostering new collaborations, and supporting initiatives that position us for lasting success,” said Fujisaki-Manome. “I’m excited to step into the role of Associate Director and work alongside our incredible team and partners to advance innovative science and strengthen the resilience of the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them.”

Hosted by the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), CIGLR consists of a Research Institute and a Regional Consortium that is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), universities, nongovernmental organizations, and businesses. Together, they work to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the Great Lakes.