Water affects us all, and by working together, we can solve Wisconsin’s grand water challenges and train tomorrow’s workforce. The inaugural FresH2O Partner Event will bring together UW System faculty and staff and partners from industry, government agencies, tribal nations and nonprofits to discuss how to collaborate on issues such as PFAS, phosphorus pollution, research and creating a pipeline to jobs. Come ready to share, brainstorm and connect!
Wednesday, Sept. 27
2:00-7:00 p.m.
UW-Madison Pyle Center
702 Langdon Street | Madison, WI 53706
pyle.wisc.edu/
https://pyle.wisc.edu/about/parking/
This is a free, in-person event hosted by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. Advance registration is required for planning purposes. Deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Who Should Attend?
- Faculty and staff who are creating programs and curriculum that will train students for the water workforce.
- Researchers from academia or organizations who are interested in collaborating on water-related research.
- Employers interested in connecting with and hiring students trained in water science.
- Anyone who is interested in connecting with others who are passionate about water, training the next generation of water professionals and tackling our state’s water challenges.
Schedule of Events
- 2:00 p.m. Arrival/check in
- 2:45 p.m. Freshwater Collaborative Welcome
- 3:00-3:50 p.m. Facilitated Breakout Session #1
- 4:00-4:50 p.m. Facilitated Breakout Session #2
- 5:00-7:00 p.m. Connections and Conversations
Facilitated Breakout Sessions
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two facilitated breakout sessions on the topics below.
Addressing Forever Chemicals
Learn about current PFAS research being funded by the Freshwater Collaborative. Engage with researchers working on PFAS, help identify research needs and potential areas for new collaborations among academia and industry, and determine how you and/or your employer can become more involved in this issue.
Identify Solutions to Phosphorus Pollution
Learn about current phosphorus pollution research being funded by the Freshwater Collaborative. Engage with researchers working on phosphorus research, help identify research needs and potential areas for new collaborations among academia and industry, and determine how you and/or your employer can become more involved in this issue.
Collaborative Research: The Wisconsin Idea at Work
How can undergraduate research programs benefit the community and train students for the workforce? Learn about the various undergraduate research programs taking place across the state. Engage with faculty and staff working on similar topics to identify ways to collaborate. Share water challenges your employer or community are dealing with and discuss how undergraduate researchers can contribute to solutions.
Internships: Building a Pipeline to Jobs
What will it take to train tomorrow’s workforce and create a pipeline to jobs in Wisconsin? Discuss what skills students should have before applying for an internship, how to make your internship program stronger, how to recruit interns to your organization, and more.
Recruiting the Next Generation
Want to launch a water-focused camp or program for high school students on your campus? Does your campus already have a successful program and are you willing to share advice and how to avoid pitfalls? Are you a water professional interested in mentoring students? Join this session to talk about how to create, maintain and get involved in programs for high school students that will help recruit the next generation of water professionals.
Connections and Conversations
Dive into deeper conversations with those you met during the breakout sessions. Connect with potential collaborators. Light appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks provided by the Freshwater Collaborative. Cash bar available.
Hotel Information
Don’t want to make the drive home? Room blocks have been requested at four hotels that are offering state group rates for this event. Be sure to book early as a large convention is taking place in Madison. Hotel options here.