Research

Our faculty are internationally known for their work in areas such as freshwater contaminants, biological pollutants, fisheries, invasive species, aquaculture, observation technology, climate variability, weather prediction, and water policy.

Our research teams include scientists, economists and legal experts who are advancing fundamental and strategic science and training the next generation of freshwater, climate, and weather professionals. Their work informs policy, improves management, and promotes the health and sustainability of the Earth and its ecosystems worldwide.

Investment in our research includes funding from the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, state of Wisconsin and local government, as well as corporate partners, foundations and private donors.

Our researchers and students collaborate with on-site partners, and our building houses offices for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Sea Grant, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Southeast Wisconsin Watershed Trust, Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and Milwaukee’s Harbor District.

Rebecca Klaper in labSustainable Nanotechnology
9On-site governmental and nonprofit collaborators
Student at desk looking at radarWeather and Climate

Research Impact

  • Guo honored with UWM Office of Research Senior Research Award
    Dr. Laodong Guo, professor in the School of Freshwater Sciences, was honored with a UWM Office of Research Senior Research Award at the Fall Awards ceremony on October 25, 2023 at the Zelazo Center. "Laodong Guo’s research spans the field of aquatic biogeochemistry – from the cycling of natural organic matter and phosphorus to the … Read more
  • Evans honored with UWM Distinguished Public Service Award
    Dr. Clark Evans, professor and Atmospheric Science program chair in the School of Freshwater Sciences, was honored with the UWM Distinguished Public Service Award at the Fall Awards ceremony on October 25, 2023 at the Zelazo Center. "Clark Evans personifies a scientist whose professional activities contribute to the public good and enhance UWM’s reputation. Evans, … Read more
  • What’s the Neeskay Up To?
    The R/V Neeksay is the only year-round research vessel on the Great Lakes, and it’s been a busy season far with 60 expeditions so far. The first expedition took place January 18, with the Cuhel/Aguilar labs collecting samples for their ongoing project that monitors the rivers, harbor and near Milwaukee offshore. They also led a … Read more

We’re committed to advancing key research priorities

Explore freshwater systems and develop methods for their preservation and management. Study the impacts of climate change, human activity, and invasive species on the Great Lakes and Earth’s ecosystems worldwide. Improve water safety through cutting-edge research. Track the presence and sources of pathogens and determine the impacts of contaminants on human and ecosystem health. Form collaborations among scientists, engineers, and industry.

Predict weather and climate and their impacts to society. Manage, replace and restore the Great Lakes’ commercial and recreational fisheries. Drive new technologies in water research and management and fisheries management and urban aquaculture. Advance understanding of atmospheric processes on local to global scales. Link science to action and generate transformational policies from great science.