At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, we’re committed to improving lives in Southeastern Wisconsin and around the world. From the edge of Lake Michigan, we take drops of ideas to create ripples of innovation and discovery. We make new waves in research.
Our students and professors come to UWM with ideas and lofty goals. Together at UWM, they work in labs, classrooms and the community to drive advances in their fields, innovate and make the world better.
Whether turning electronic waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, advancing research to reduce PFAS and preparing students for careers in water sciences or tackling drug-resistant bacteria to make communities healthier, the ripple of UWM’s impact begins in Milwaukee and reaches across the world.
Best,
Dr. Thomas Gibson
Chancellor
Turning used electric vehicle batteries into high-value fertilizer
A groundbreaking discovery at UWMcould revolutionize both battery recycling and agriculture. Mechanical engineering professor Deyang Qu has developed a method to transform expired electric vehicle (EV) batteries into high-value fertilizer. Using ion-exchange, his team extracts lithium and replaces it with potassium, leaving behind phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen — key nutrients for crops. This innovation tackles the looming EV battery waste crisis while reducing reliance on imported fertilizer ingredients. Learn more.
Building the pipeline from student recruitment and research to careers in freshwater science
UWM has been awarded nearly $1 million from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to expand research and workforce development in water-related fields. By supporting hands-on research opportunities for high school and undergraduate students and advancing undergraduate studies on PFAS, UWM researchers are taking small ideas and transforming them into life-changing research opportunities and careers. This investment strengthens UWM’s leadership in freshwater science and contributes to Wisconsin’s future water sustainability. Read the full story.
Fighting drug-resistant bacteria and working to improve health outcomes around the world
UWM’s Troy Skwor, biomedical sciences, is waging war on superbugs. His research involves using cutting-edge light therapies to kill drug-resistant bacteria. He tracks antibiotic resistance from wastewater and helps develop diagnostics and public health programs in developing countries. His work could revolutionize the way we stop deadly infections around the world. Learn more.
Tired of sitting at red lights? UWM student has a startup to help
Frustrated by sitting in traffic, UWM PhD student Joel Roberts harnessed that discomfort into Shepherd Traffic, a startup and AI-powered tool that uses computer vision and algorithms to track vehicles, pedestrians and trajectories. His system automates traffic data collection, enabling smarter signal timing. Tools like this could help cities plan intersections and improve safety. Learn more.