Sippel was on a data management team for two large research projects that focused on sustainable agriculture. She also researched the effects of land use change on streams and rivers alongside her husband, Dr. Stephen Hamilton, an MSU professor of ecosystem ecology and biochemistry who still works for KBS today. 

Together, Sippel and Hamilton conducted much of their research in Brazil, Venezuela and Australia, primarily focusing on flooding and land use patterns. Sippel applied Geographic Information Systems in her research and in making and updating maps for KBS, where she had been working since 1995.

Sippel and Hamilton had both planned to go on sabbatical next year at Oregon State University. Their only son, Lucas Hamilton, will be a freshman at the University of Oregon in the fall.

Dr. Katherine Gross, KBS director and University Distinguished Professor of Plant Biology at MSU, knew Sippel both professionally and personally. She said students and colleagues were devastated when they learned about the bike crash. The news is still a shock to both students and KBS employees.

“I can not express how much she will be missed,” Gross said. “There was never a problem too big, dull or challenging for her to handle at work. She was generous with her time and contributed to the making of many maps at KBS including one we just finished that shows the walking and biking trails of KBS. She seemed to know when someone new to KBS needed something and found a way to let us know what that was and help them settle in here, especially for international students and researchers.”

Gross said Hamilton hasn’t been to the office since the bike crash, but KBS is working to support him.

“We’re a very close community,” she said.

Sippel was physically active and loved the outdoors. 

According to her obituary, in addition to cycling, she enjoyed running, yoga, hiking and traveling. She was also an avid soccer player and was active in a women’s league in Kalamazoo when she died.

“I think an important thing to share about Suzanne is she was someone who was passionate about life,” Gross said. She also mentioned Sippel was able to quickly develop relationships with students and colleagues at KBS.

MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station will host a celebration of Sippel’s life at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 23.

Sippel was part of a bicycle group called the Chain Gang, which has been meeting up for regular bike rides in the Kalamazoo area for at least 10 years. The Gang met Tuesday evening for a regularly scheduled bike ride between Kalamazoo and Plainwell.

During their ride, Charles Pickett Jr., a 50-year-old man from Battle Creek, plowed his blue Chevrolet pickup truck into the group of cyclists, hitting all nine of them. Pickett Jr. now faces five counts of second-degree murder and four counts of reckless driving causing serious injury.

He has been denied bond on account that he is a flight risk and poses danger to the community. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 29, but Pickett has the option to waive it.