Freshwater Research
Our mission is to advance fundamental and strategic science and train the next generation of freshwater professionals to inform policy, improve management, and promote the health and sustainability of freshwater systems worldwide.
Investment in our research continues to increase, with funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state of Wisconsin and local governments, as well as corporate partners, foundations and private donors.
Water Ecosystems and Human Health
Human health is deeply connected to the natural and engineered water systems that sustain communities and economies. Our research advances the goal of ensuring fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water by examining the fate and transport of pollutants from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities. We investigate the sources of indicators linked to human health risks and explore how microorganisms can be harnessed to improve water quality.
Our work also examines the impacts of pollution and the benefits of its reduction, and investigates how infrastructure development, policy change, and habitat restoration shape ecosystem health, recreational opportunities, and essential public services.
Great Lakes Research and Management
Great Lakes research at the School of Freshwater Sciences explores the complex physical, chemical and biological processes shaping large lakes of the world, as well as their intricate connections to rivers, groundwater, and the atmosphere. While the school’s research vessels, advanced infrastructure, and location on Lake Michigan offer an unparalleled opportunity to study the Laurentian Great Lakes, our scientists also investigate other Great Lakes of world, including the African Great Lakes.
A significant focus is on the challenges that face Great Lakes, such as the ecological consequences of invasive species, such as quagga mussels, and excessive nutrient loading that drives harmful algal blooms. Researchers examine how local and global changes disrupt food webs, alter fish populations and fisheries, and affect recreational activities along the coast.
By understanding these interconnected processes, the school provides crucial scientific support for the sustainable management and conservation of Great Lakes ecosystems.
Water, Weather, and Climate
Our research examines the complex relationship between water, weather, and climate, focusing on the risk and resilience of human and ecological systems. We investigate how evolving environmental conditions, influenced by shifting weather patterns and climate change, impact lake circulation and hydrology. This includes analyzing how altered seasonal progressions affect coastal resilience, ultimately influencing planktonic food production vital for fisheries.
We utilize long term time series and buoy systems that instrument the lake year-round to understand the complex dynamics and interrelationship of climate and weather. We also employ satellite imagery to assess flood risk, a growing concern with extreme weather events. By integrating these perspectives, we aim to understand the interconnectedness of water, weather, and climate, and inform resilience strategies.
Water Policy
Water policy research examines how water resources are governed, managed, and protected. Using legal and economic frameworks, our work evaluates how policies and management decisions, as well as changes in environmental conditions, shape human wellbeing and ecosystem health.
We focus on water quality and ecosystem protection, the use and provision of water services, and hazard resilience, with consideration of trade-offs and equity implications. By linking scientific evidence with policy analysis, this research equips decision-makers with tools to navigate evolving water challenges and advance efficient and sustainable water management.