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: Michael Buss
University: UW-Stout
Major: Environmental Science
Graduation date: May 2025
Mentors: Nicole Hayes
Summarize the research and your role.
I researched the effects of trout stream restoration on macroinvertebrates and water quality over time. We collected environmental data and macroinvertebrates samples at 143 sites from four different streams in the Red Cedar watershed in Dunn County. These sites were from reaches that were urbanized, restored, unrestored, agriculturally channelized, and relatively untouched.
We compared macroinvertebrate communities by restoration status and restoration age. We found that macroinvertebrate communities across the restoration ages were more similar than we expected, but the ordination suggests that there may be age-related trends. Newly restored sites may initially have a very different macroinvertebrate community composition that quickly shifts towards the assemblages seen in older restorations. Eventually, all restoration sites seem to settle on similar communities.
What skills did you learn?
I gained field experience collecting environmental samples. I gained experience with data management and data analysis. I gained experience presenting scientific research.
What was your favorite part about this experience?
My favorite part of this experience was being able to be part of data collection, data analysis, and presentation of the data. [I liked] being part of every step of the process.
What are some of the opportunities you’ve had because of this research?
I got the opportunity to gain skills that will be helpful in my career, and I got the opportunity to present my research and network with peers in the field.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
I am planning on getting a job related to water, water quality monitoring, or something related to macroinvertebrates/entomology. Eventually, I would like to get a graduate degree.
Read more about the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Project.