# Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI) — Full Reference

> MBI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization dedicated to water quality assessment, protection and restoration of biodiversity, and environmental education. Founded in 1994 and based in Hilliard, Ohio, MBI is a nationally recognized leader in aquatic bioassessment, stream monitoring methodology, and macroinvertebrate taxonomy.

## Organization Overview

Midwest Biodiversity Institute (MBI) provides scientific services, training, and research focused on freshwater ecosystems. The organization is the primary provider of Ohio EPA Credible Data Program certification training, enabling participants to collect legally credible biological and habitat data for regulatory use.

MBI's expertise spans:
- Aquatic bioassessment (macroinvertebrates, fish, algae)
- Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) assessment
- Stream and river monitoring methodology
- Taxonomic identification services
- Environmental data analysis and policy review
- Watershed assessment and restoration planning

**Contact Information:**
- Address: 4673 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard, OH 43026
- Phone: (614) 457-6000
- Email: info@mwbinst.com
- Website: https://mwbinst.com

**Social Media:**
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidWest-Biodiversity-Institute-158398080858445/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midwestbiodiversityinstitu582
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-biodiversity-institute/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestbiodiversityinstitute

## Services

MBI provides the following professional services to government agencies, environmental consultants, watershed groups, and conservation organizations:

### Bioassessment
Biological assessment of aquatic ecosystems using standardized sampling protocols. MBI conducts macroinvertebrate, fish, and habitat assessments that meet Ohio EPA and federal regulatory standards.

### Taxonomic Identification
Expert identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, and other organisms. MBI maintains reference collections and employs taxonomists with decades of experience.

### QHEI (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index)
Physical habitat assessment of streams and rivers using the QHEI methodology, a standardized scoring system for evaluating stream habitat quality in Ohio and surrounding states.

### Data Analysis & Reporting
Statistical analysis of biological and water quality data, report preparation for regulatory compliance, and interpretation of monitoring results.

### Policy & Regulatory Support
Review and interpretation of environmental policy, support for NPDES permits, 401 certifications, and other regulatory processes that rely on biological data.

## Training & Courses

MBI is the sole provider of QDC (Qualified Data Collector) certification training recognized by the Ohio EPA Credible Data Program. Courses are held at MBI facilities in Hilliard, OH and at field locations throughout Ohio.

### QDC Certification Levels
- **Level 1 — Introduction to Stream Ecology & QHEI**: Foundational course covering stream ecology principles and habitat evaluation methodology. Prerequisites: none.
- **Level 2 — Macroinvertebrate Collection & Processing**: Field collection techniques, sample processing, and data recording for macroinvertebrate bioassessment. Prerequisites: Level 1.
- **Level 3 — Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment**: Advanced macroinvertebrate identification and community analysis. Prerequisites: Level 2.
- **Level 3 — Fish Bioassessment**: Fish identification, electrofishing techniques, and IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) scoring. Prerequisites: Level 1.

### Professional Development
- **QHEI (Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index)**: Intensive training in the QHEI assessment methodology, including field practice.
- **Advanced Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy**: Specialized identification courses for experienced practitioners.

### Citizen Science
Community-level programs that train volunteers in basic stream monitoring techniques, visual assessment, and water quality measurement. These programs support watershed groups and local conservation efforts.

## Publications

MBI publishes research articles, news updates, and technical reports covering:
- Bioassessment methodology and results
- Water quality monitoring and trends
- Stream habitat assessment and restoration
- Macroinvertebrate and fish community ecology
- Environmental education and citizen science outcomes
- Policy analysis related to water quality standards

### Publication Types
- **Articles**: In-depth research and analysis on environmental science topics
- **News**: Organization updates, event announcements, field work highlights
- **Technical Reports**: Detailed scientific and technical documents, often produced for regulatory clients

## Key Differentiators

1. **Ohio EPA Credible Data Program**: MBI is the primary training provider for QDC certification, the credential required to collect legally credible biological data in Ohio.
2. **Decades of Expertise**: Founded in 1994, MBI's team has extensive experience in aquatic bioassessment and taxonomy.
3. **Non-profit Mission**: As a 501(c)(3), MBI's work is mission-driven — focused on environmental protection, education, and scientific advancement rather than profit.
4. **Nationwide Service**: While based in Ohio, MBI provides services and training to clients across the United States.
5. **Research-Practice Integration**: MBI bridges academic research and practical field application, advancing bioassessment methodology while training practitioners.

## Glossary

MBI maintains a glossary of environmental science and bioassessment terminology at https://mwbinst.com/glossary, covering terms related to:
- Aquatic ecology and limnology
- Macroinvertebrate and fish taxonomy
- Water quality parameters and indices
- Regulatory frameworks and standards
- Habitat assessment methodology