Research
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 Key Academic Institution in Two NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC)
An IUCRC is a collaboration among academia, industry and government that performs pre-competitive, fundamental research that can drive innovation and the U.S. economy.
Water Equipment and Policy Center (WEP)
Led by UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science water research expert Qian Liao, WEP is a catalyst for innovation in North America’s water industry. Through WEP, UWM researchers are working with industry members to pursue promising technologies to remove widespread contaminants (including PFAs and heavy metals) from water, using sensors, innovative water treatment systems and novel materials.
GRid-connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)
The mission of GRAPES is to accelerate the adoption and insertion of power electronics into the grid, making power systems more sustainable, cost-effective and secure. UWM is one of three university partners in this national initiative, tapping our expertise in energy power and controls.
UWM Testing Facilities
- Advanced Analysis Facility contains research instrumentation which provides full capability for materials and chemical analysis.
- Industrial Assessment Center provides free energy, productivity, and waste assessments to small and medium-sized industrial facilities through funding provided by the US Department of Energy.
- Structures Engineering Lab has extensive capabilities to perform structural strength and durability testing on components and systems in civil, mechanical, biomedical, and other disciplines of engineering.
Strength Areas & Research Labs
Our researchers are well-positioned to solve complex problems in areas of need.
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:
- Advanced Analysis Facility
- Connected Systems Institute
- Foundry and Solidification Lab
- Industrial Assessment Center
- UWM Center for Composites
Download a capabilities document
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:
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:
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.
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
Available Testing Facilities
Office of Research Support
Leading industry and government research collaborations.
—Nisrit, Materials Science and Engineering major, now pursing a PhD at Carnegie Mellon
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Students in the College of Engineering & Applied Science benefit from UWM’s standing as a top, R1 research university, even at the undergraduate level. Opportunities to work alongside the college’s top researchers include Support for Undergraduate Fellows (SURF), providing financial support as well as valuable hands-on experience.
All students are encouraged to participate in the college’s annual Student Research Poster Competition, a signature event that provides students valuable feedback and connections with industry judges.
Research News
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.
- Sustainable electric energy expert Rob Cuzner discusses microgrids with Spectrum NewsIn November, Rob Cuzner, Richard and Joanne Grigg Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems at UWM, discussed his research on microgrids with Spectrum News. Cuzner and his students shared the benefits of microgrids in helping the transition to renewable energy and their role in meeting demands for a technologically … Read more
- 17 mechanical engineering grad students earn ME Graduate Research Achievement AwardsThe Mechanical Engineering Department presented 17 students with Graduate Student Research Achievement Awards in November. The awards recognize students’ research accomplishments in 2022-2023, with publishing in journals being the main criterion. Department Chair Deyang Qu praised the students' accomplishments, stating, "Your hard work has played a significant role in helping UWM achieve and maintain its R1 research university … Read more
- UWM support earns Association of Energy Engineers awardThe Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (WAEE) received the National Division: Best Student Chapter Support Award during the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) World Energy Conference and Expo held in Orlando, FL Oct. 24-27, 2023. The AEE gives special recognition to chapters who have demonstrated notable contributions to the profession and exceptional … Read more
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.
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.