Water@UW-Madison‘s cross-site, interdisciplinary research training program, Freshwater@UW, recently wrapped its fifth successful summer. This year, 29 outstanding undergraduates from 23 universities participated in nine weeks of immersive mentored water research.
Students were paired with mentors across seven UW institutions, including 14 students placed here at UW-Madison. They worked toward solutions in PFAS remediation, watershed restoration, hydrology and flooding, climate change, and more. The program is a powerful engine for the Wisconsin Idea, helping to refine student curiosity into knowledge, aptitude, and preparation for research that serves the public good.
2026 Program Highlights
- Broad Reach: 29 students representing diverse majors including chemistry, engineering, biology, and social sciences. Water problems are often complex, and our interdisciplinary cohort draws immense benefits from working and preparing together.
- Exceptional Experience: So far, all 17 responding participants rated their overall experience with the program as good (31%) or excellent (69%).
- Recruiting Talent: 69% of students report an increased desire to pursue careers within Wisconsin’s water sector, while 81% say the program increased their interest in conducting research in the future.
- Statewide Success: The program recently secured a six-year programmatic grant from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to support 20 students’ participation in the program each year through 2032.
Student Impact
Students have told us about the life-changing nature of collaborative mentored experiences like those offered by Freshwater@UW. One participant recognized the chance to develop and practice critical technical research skills, but also reported some deeper-seeded impacts: the program helped solidify their identity as a researcher and anchored their drive and confidence to pursue graduate education.
The students finished out the summer by participating in the end-of-program Symposium on July 30. The event served as an incredible experience for students and audience members, providing an incredible showcase of their work on critical water issues. At the event, each student delivered a 1-minute flash talk and poster session, which drew over 200 attendees and served as a remarkable celebration of the innovation and partnerships advancing water research in Wisconsin.
We invite you to view photos from the summer.
You can also learn more about how Water@UW-Madison is leveraging talent across 50 departments, and find out how Freshwater@UW is connecting students and faculty across the state. We’re forging lasting solutions for our “Bright Blue Future.” Join us as a faculty and staff affiliate, sign up for our newsletter, or attend our events!
