Deyang Qu and student work together in lab

Driving Discoveries Through Collaboration

UWM is one of the top 131 research universities in the U.S., named R1 by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We’re the only one in southeastern Wisconsin and one of only two in the state of Wisconsin.

Our work in clean energy technologies inspired a visit by the U.S. Vice President. Our rich and productive partnerships with industry and government ensure a meaningful path for discoveries through innovation and tech transfer. At UWM, you’ll find a kindred spirit in the search for knowledge and quest to make our world better, whether you’re a future graduate student, an academic colleague or business partner.

UWM is a partner in$41MNorthwestern Mutual Data Science Institute

Strength Areas & Research Labs

Our researchers are well-positioned to solve complex problems in areas of need.

Advanced Manufacturing

Milwaukee has long been a hub for advanced manufacturing. Whether leading smart and connected systems, developing self-healing materials or recommending energy-saving efficiencies for manufacturing partners, UWM’s cross-discipline experts are known for leadership in advanced manufacturing, including:

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Biomedical & Health

UWM’s proximity to Froedert & Medical College of Wisconsin regional health network, the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, GE Healthcare and other industry leaders provide collaborative research partnerships around innovations including robotic therapy or smart AI-driven wound care, leading to better patient outcomes. A few examples:

Energy & Sustainability

UWM researchers benefit from their location in the heart of the region’s robust cluster of power and control companies, which is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state. Wisconsin has more than 900 companies in this cluster with $38 billion in sales and the college’s researchers are key collaborators with federal and industry agencies, driving change around clean energy technologies, including:

Infrastructure & Transportation

Researchers from the college are known globally for their infrastructure expertise, whether improving the bridges and roadways with transformative materials and sensors or reducing accidents and fatalities with better traffic flow. It’s not surprising that Wisconsin and other state department of transportation leaders have made UWM their choice for their education.

Water & the Environment

The College of Engineering & Applied Science provides a foundation for Milwaukee’s world-recognition as a leader in freshwater research, in partnership with UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, maximizing the benefit of proximity to Milwaukee’s rivers and the Great Lakes.

Government & Industry Partners

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Office of Research Support

Panel members at the MERCLeading industry and government research collaborations.

Research News

Vice President Kamala Harris enters lab, waving

Vice President Visits College’s Clean Energy Research Labs

Vice President Kamala Harris toured UWM’s clean energy labs in May of 2021. During her visit, researchers in UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science shared their work on sustainable energy, including next-generation electric car fast chargers, wind turbines, and smart microgrids. “It’s an example of the kind of transformative research we do at UWM,” said Chancellor Mark Mone.

UWM was chosen as a stop in part because of its longstanding work with businesses to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprints.

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  • Engineering research featured in the UWM Research Foundation 2023 Annual Report
    The research and intellectual property of several faculty members from the College were among those highlighted in the UWM Research Foundation 2023 Annual Report, which came out Feb. 29. These projects represent faculty who received funding or filed new patents from the foundation in the last year. Two Catalyst Grants were awarded to engineering researchers. …
  • Amano, Al Hamad and Shaker talk wind energy with Spectrum News
    Ryo Amano, professor, mechanical engineering, and his lab members, Saif Al Hamad and Omar Shaker, recently showed a reporter how they use the wind tunnel at the USR building to conduct research into wind energy efficiency. Wind energy is one of the cleanest energies, making it a key part of U.S. efforts to reduce carbon emissions, …
  • Campus safety training available for instructional staff
    A campus safety presentation aimed at training instructors to address students in crisis and handle classroom disruptions that could lead to a violent incident is again offered this semester. Training will also discuss online and virtual disruptions to include threats. This presentation will help ensure that instructors are prepared to respond to situations that could …

Dean Peters

Brett Peters, Dean

Dean Peters leads the College of Engineering & Applied Science in fulfilling the mission of educating students to become creative problem-solvers, conducting leading-edge research with global impacts, and acting as a catalyst for improved economic development and quality of life in Wisconsin. Before he became dean in September 2012, he was a professor of industrial and systems engineering at Texas A&M University, where he served as department head from 2002 through 2011. 

petersba@uwm.edu

Andrew Graettinger, Associate Dean for Research

As associate dean for research, Dr. Graettinger continues to build on UWM’s R1 status and the college’s work to advance the frontier of technology, enhance the economic growth and vitality of the region and provide world-class research opportunities and experience for our students. Before beginning his role at UWM, Dr. Graettinger served as professor and director of graduate programs at the University of Alabama’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.

andrewjg@uwm.edu