As a leading research university, our graduate students are fueled by curiosity and grounded in impact. With strong faculty mentorship, competitive funding opportunities and robust research support, you’ll find the environment and resources to take your work to the next level.
Graduate Research Examples
Graduate students team up with faculty to advance research in a variety of topics. Here are just a handful of examples.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
Graduate students researched pedestrian and bicyclist safety through funded positions with the Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety (CPBS). As part of a U.S. Department of Transportation initiative, they applied analytical skills to urban planning projects focused on active transportation. Their work contributed to improved planning practices, community safety outcomes and equity in transportation systems.
Construction Materials and Systems for Net-Zero Energy Homes in Milwaukee
Graduate students researched various pre-manufactured housing systems, testing them against a range of criteria, including constructability, energy performance, embodied carbon and cost. The research assists city officials in identifying viable manufacturers and construction systems for a project that aims to construct net-zero energy homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Atlas of AFTERLIVES
Graduate students researched historical and contemporary practices of recycling in design through the Atlas of AFTERLIVES project. Focusing on Milwaukee’s abandoned and endangered structures, they explored the reuse of materials, buildings and spaces. Their spatial and material analyses proposed innovative approaches to adaptive reuse and preservation, addressing environmental, social, and cultural impacts.
LiDAR and photogrammetry for historic preservation, conservation and adaptive re-use
Graduate students compiled and disseminated data using the latest LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetry documentation and software to explore applications within the realm of architecture, preservation, conservation and restoration. Their research informed academic and professional communities about adaptive re-use topics.
Milwaukee: A Vibrant Market City
Graduate students in a capstone course examined Milwaukee County’s extensive network of nearly 50 public markets, including farmers markets, market halls, merchandise markets and food truck hubs. Their research mapped current assets, analyzed case studies, identified policy gaps and offered strategic recommendations to strengthen market collaboration, accessibility and economic impact across the county.
Model Homes
Graduate students researched gender, labor, Taylorism and architectural form through the study of a unique typology: practice homes. These structures were built on US college campuses during the early 20th century by Home Economics departments, where students lived and learned home management curriculum in community.
Graduate Student Work
Nida Arman and Brandon Lay
Graduate
Erich Ansems and Augie Rowe
Graduate
Jadyn Anderson
Graduate