The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is training Wisconsin’s water workforce to address water challenges.
We partner with the private sector, nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and community members on programs and collaborative research that
- Engage middle school and high school students and encourage them to study water and environmental sciences.
- Offer intensive hands-on coursework where college students learn lab and fieldwork techniques.
- Teach students technical and professional skills through undergraduate research and internships with on-campus and external partners.
- Create a jobs pipeline that strengthens Wisconsin’s workforce.
The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is a statewide initiative of the 13 public Universities of Wisconsin.
Spotlight Stories
- Student Q&A: PFAS’ Effects on Fish Development
Each year Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin Capitol features undergraduate research at the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Six Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects were highlighted in 2026. Students working in Dr. Tisha King-Heiden’s lab shared their experiences. Are Forever Chemicals Forever Altering Embryonic Development?Students:… - Student Q&A: Harmful Toxins in Lake Menomin
Each year Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin Capitol features undergraduate research at the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Six Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects were highlighted in 2026. Elias Jeska was part of the Red Cedar Monitoring Group at UW-Stout. Poster Title: Microcystin Concentrations and… - Student Q&A: Activated Carbon for PFAS Adsorption
Each year Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin Capitol features undergraduate research at the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Six Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects were highlighted, including collaborative research that involves students and faculty from UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison. Several students have been trained… - From Baker and Birder to Researcher and Mentor
Sarah Baughman never thought of herself as a science person. She attended an arts-based high school and then earned an associate degree in fine arts and philosophy. For 10 years, she worked as a baker in a coffee shop that… - Student Q&A: BenthicNet Team’s Biomonitoring in Wisconsin
Each year Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin Capitol features undergraduate research at the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Six Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects, including BenthicNet, were showcased. The project involves students and faculty from UW-Parkside, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Madison. Two of the students… - Student Q&A: Monitoring Toxins Released by Algal Blooms
Each year Research in the Rotunda at the Wisconsin Capitol features undergraduate research at the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Six Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects were highlighted in 2026. Poster Title: Monitoring Microcystin Concentrations of Inland and Great Lakes in WisconsinStudent: Cole Lodholz, UW Oshkosh, Environmental…
News
Events
- Recording: Powering Progress or Peril? The Hidden Environmental Costs of AI-Data CentersMay 8, 2026
- UW-Superior Water Resource Recovery Career Event, May 7April 30, 2026
- Freshwater Collaborative Hosts Plenary Session at NACCR Conference, July 13April 24, 2026
- UW-Superior Event Showcases Careers in Commercial, Rescue and Research Diving, April 9March 26, 2026
Stay Informed
Our e-newsletter will keep you informed about how the Freshwater Collaborative is training Wisconsin’s future water workforce and building partnerships that solve freshwater challenges.
Experts Directory
The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin includes faculty and staff from the 13 Universities of Wisconsin, creating an extensive network of professionals working in the water industry. They can speak to about a variety of water challenges in our state.
View Experts Directory