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
- Freshwater@UW Orientation Week Kicks Off Summer of Research in Wisconsin
The fifth cohort of the Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program kicked off with activities at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences May 27-28, 2026. Twenty-nine undergraduates from 23 universities in Wisconsin and beyond will work on a freshwater research… - Undergrad Researcher Becomes Navy Scientist
Austin Draper had two career goals when he enrolled at UW-Whitewater. He wanted a job that aligned with his passion for fish and oceans. He also wanted financial security and stability, which he lacked as a child. A Freshwater Collaborative–funded… - UW-Superior Programs Promote Maritime Careers and Workforce Development
Located in the northwest corner of the state, Superior, Wisc., is a hidden gem of natural beauty. It’s also a hidden gem for jobs. Superior and Duluth, Minn., form the Twin Ports, a major Great Lakes harbor that is part… - 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…
News
- UW-Eau Claire Highlights Hydrology Seminar with UW-River Falls and UW-StoutJune 9, 2026
- The North 103.3 Features Green Visions: After the Flush – Exploring Careers in Water Resource RecoveryMay 6, 2026
- Freshwater Opportunities Bulletin, May 2026May 6, 2026
- New Freshwater Collaborative Outcomes Report AvailableApril 29, 2026
Events
- Registration Open for UW-Green Bay Freshwater Educator Paddle, July 15, 2026May 21, 2026
- Recording: Powering Progress or Peril? The Hidden Environmental Costs of AI-Data CentersMay 8, 2026
- Freshwater Collaborative Hosts Plenary Session at NACCR Conference, July 13May 2, 2026
- UW-Superior Water Resource Recovery Career Event, May 7April 30, 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