Freshwater@UW Summer Research Scholars

Applications are closed for Summer 2023, please check back in November!

Based on the success of a pilot program on the UW-Madison campus during summer 2022, the UW Aquatic Sciences Center announces an expansion of Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities program to all UW System campuses. These are unique opportunities for undergraduates to work closely with water-related faculty mentors and graduate students in their major discipline. Students accepted into the research program are matched with faculty whose expertise and interests match that of the student. Students gain valuable skills for success in graduate studies and careers in their chosen field. During the 10-week summer program, students will be offered opportunities for professional development and cross-campus programming. Upon completing their summer research, scholars present results of their individual projects in a group setting.

The Freshwater@UW program plans to offer at least 25 funded positions for water research projects throughout the UW System during summer 2023. To increase collaboration within the University of Wisconsin System, student applicants from UW should select projects of interest that are not on their home campus. Students from a university outside of the UW System may select research opportunities on any campus. The Summer Research Opportunities Program aims to build a diverse academic environment by increasing the number of traditionally underrepresented students in Wisconsin graduate programs and ultimately a well-prepared water workforce.

Funding for the Freswater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program is provided by the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin*, Wisconsin Sea Grant, the UW Water Resources Institute and Water@UW-Madison. The program runs from Tuesday, May 31 through Saturday, August 5, 2023^. We expect that student summer stipends will be similar to 2022, which were $6000 plus a $600 meal allowance. Housing and travel costs are provided by the Freshwater@UW program.

All interested students must apply through the Survey Monkey Apply system from November 1, 2022 through February 15, 2023. Students must choose the Freshwater@UW program and prioritize up to five projects for summer research. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 16, 2023, and students will be matched with host projects according to interest, student qualifications, and project requirements. As a result, not all host projects may be matched with a student. Descriptions of each available project are posted on the Freshwater@UW project page.

Thank you for your interest in the program. Please feel free to contact Jim Hurley (jphurley@wisc.edu) or Alison Mikulyuk (alison.mikulyuk@aqua.wisc.edu) with any questions.

Return to UW-Madison SROP Page

* The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups.​ Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is training the next generation of scientists to solve global water resource problems through academic programs, collaborative research and career development across the UW System. Learn more at freshwater.wisconsin.edu.