Make New Waves
There’s power in every idea.
Like a drop hitting the water’s surface, an idea creates ripples of change that can grow into waves of incredible impact.
At UW-Milwaukee, those ripples shape research that:
- Creates healthier communities
- Develops new technologies that fuel industries and improve lives
- Inspires vibrant artistry
- Answers big questions about life and our universe
The work done by our faculty, students, staff and alumni uplifts entire communities — from the shores of Lake Michigan to the far reaches of the globe. On this page, we invite you to learn how we’re making new waves.
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Discover Unstoppable Momentum
Fueled by Bold Vision
Students and professors come to UWM with audacious goals. They work tirelessly in classrooms, labs, studios and stages — and out in the community — to bring their visions to life.
For some, it’s a research question that leads to new medications, advances in renewable energy or solutions for people with mobility challenges. Others bring creative ideas that inspire powerful works of art, dance and music. What ties them together is a desire to build a better future — not only for themselves, but for all of us.
Meet Our Wave Makers
All Panthers share a common drive: to make life better for others. From first-year students to longtime faculty and alumni, we’re committed to improving our community — and the world beyond it.
- UWM alum changes the game, one ASL broadcast at a timeInspired by Packers games with his Deaf father, Brice Christianson eventually founded a company that pairs American Sign Language with live sports coverage.
- Biomedical engineering student uses AI to analyze medical dataUWM biomedical engineering student Georgina Monese is tapping into AI to better predict medical surgery times.
- UWM physics major is a budding star with an eye on the night skyBen Lorenz studies ripples in space called gravitational waves. The research could help shed light on the origins of the universe.
- UWM professors are reimagining digital libraries for the visually impairedIris Xie and Wonchan Choi are creating new design guidelines for digital libraries. Their work aims to help millions with visual impairments.
- UWM student taps into her love of bugs to fight antibiotic-resistant organismsKieyarrah Dennis is a PhD student in UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences. Her research is helping combat the pathogens we’re exposed to in our water.
- UWM professor helps nurses improve care for trauma victimsPeninnah Kako has spent her life caring for people in need. Now she helps Wisconsin nurses provide better care for sexual-assault victims.
- The human lens: UWM alum turns untold stories into award-winning filmsJosh Rosenberg fell in love with storytelling at UWM. Now, he makes Oscar-winning short documentaries.
- Family tragedy spurs UWM alum in work to save lives with AIIn the aftermath of a family tragedy, Deepak Arora developed an AI-powered safety device to warn caregivers about potential accidents.
- Architecture and urban planning student draws up plans to make a differenceUW-Milwaukee dual master’s student Dulce Carreno is pursuing her dream of becoming an architect committed to community.
- UWM playwright inspires the next generation of storytellersAlvaro Saar Rios is one of the most produced Latino playwrights. As head of the UWM Theatre Practices program, he provides guidance to young artists.
- UWM professor uses sport psychology research to solve real-world problemsBarbara Meyer sees performance in everything. A sports psychologist, she uses her expertise to help athletes, first responders and students do well in high-pressure situations.
- From Lake Malawi to Lake Michigan: A scientist’s lifelong dive into freshwater researchHarvey Bootsma has spent decades studying Lake Michigan’s ecosystems. His work helps further the health of freshwater systems worldwide.













