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 2025.
Student: Natasha Krieger
University: UW-Madison
Major: Environmental Engineering and Public Policy
Anticipated graduation date: May 2026
Mentors: Sarah Janssen, Jessica Hua
Summarize the research and your role.
This research examines three contaminants in surface waters: mercury, microplastics, and road salts. The goal of the project is to understand possible interactions between land-use types and pond contamination. My role was to help with field sampling as well as the mercury and microplastics analysis. Last summer, we collected water and soil samples from 38 ponds in Madison. Each pond was categorized as urban, green space, or rural. I have spent the last year developing a method to extract the microplastics that involves filtration, digestion, and density separation.
What skills did you learn?
I have learned so much about the process of field sampling — especially how important communication and planning are! I’ve also had the opportunity to learn many different instruments for the mercury and microplastics analysis. It has been interesting to do lab work outside of a classroom setting, where I can see the real-life implications.
What was your favorite part about this experience?
I have really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers at the US Geological Survey Mercury Research Lab. They are so knowledgeable and have been so helpful throughout this whole project. They’re always willing to provide advice or talk about their own educational and career path, which has been valuable to me as I consider my steps after graduation. I also loved doing fieldwork!
What are some of the opportunities you’ve had because of this research?
I started this project through the Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program last summer. Because of the connections I made, I have been able to continue the project for the past year! I was able to connect with other faculty members at UW-Madison to help me get class credits for the research. I had the opportunity to present at the 2025 Research in the Rotunda event. My experience with literature reviews and creating data visualizations helped me get a position as a science and policy intern at Clean Wisconsin!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
This research experience has convinced me that I’d like to go to graduate school at some point. Knowing myself, I need to take a break between undergrad and grad school. I will be working at an engineering consulting firm this summer to see if that is something I like.
If I decide to go to graduate school, the laboratory, organizational, and research skills I learned will be so helpful. This has also helped me develop my research interests! Working at a government laboratory like the US Geological Survey has given me insight into an alternative path for someone interested in science but not necessarily academia. I’m so thankful for all the experiences this has given me!