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Water@UW Issue #273
January 1, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Happy New Year from Water@UW-Madison!
As we head into 2026, exciting momentum is building across our community. Flow Project Artists are now meeting with their water professional partners and beginning the creative process behind their artworks. The Freshwater@UW SROP is accepting applications from undergraduate students interested in summer research opportunities. Planning is underway for the Water@UW Spring Symposium (April 22, Madison), with more details coming soon!

Looking ahead to the spring, Wisconsin’s water community has a full calendar of conferences and gatherings focused on science, management, and collaboration. These include the Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium (Jan. 26–27, Ashland), the Wisconsin Wetlands Association's Wetland Science Conference (Feb. 24–26, Baraboo), Annual Meeting of the American Water Resources Association – Wisconsin Chapter (April 9–10, Brookfield), and the Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention (April 15–17, Stevens Point). We hope to see many of you connecting, learning, and sharing your work at these events in the months ahead.

Here’s to a new year of water-focused discovery, creativity, and community!

No Upcoming Events

Opportunities
Highlighted deadlines occur prior to our next newsletter.
★ next to opportunities are new this week!
Click on blue text for more information.
JOBS
Check the Wisconsin Wetlands Job Board and WiscJobs for more opportunities.
INTERNSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
★ Project Assistantship Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
The WGNHS is seeking a 8-month Graduate Student Project Assistantship to support the Survey’s commitment to developing groundwater resource information at county or local scales and in assisting state, county, tribal, and local governments, industries, and the public in understanding where and why groundwater is vulnerable to overuse or contamination. The appointment is through the WGNHS, Division of Extension and is expected to begin in mid-January of 2026 and continue through August of 2026 and includes tuition remission, the standard UW-Madison monthly stipend, and related benefits. Send a resume and cover letter to Mel Reusche, Communications and Outreach Specialist, WGNHS, mel.reusche@wisc.edu. Apply by Jan. 9th.
CUAHSI Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute
CUAHSI is seeking graduate student fellows to join the 2026 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute to be held June 8 - July 22, 2026. As a Fellow, you will work with peers from across the country on research projects that advance water prediction. Students work in teams to complete a research project related to a larger topic or theme. If you are interested in growing your professional skillset and network while contributing to cutting-edge research in water prediction, we encourage you to apply. Apply by Jan. 12.
2026 Reid Bryson Scholarship Poster Competition
Feb. 9. 3-5:30PM. The Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is offering the 14th annual Reid Bryson Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of our founder, Professor Reid Bryson. The scholarship rewards exemplary students whose research mirrors the innovative and interdisciplinary studies of Professor Bryson. This year, we will offer $5,000 in awards for the top research projects presented by graduate and undergraduate students. Apply by Jan. 23rd through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub here.
Center for Water Policy Water Policy and Science Communications Graduate Fellow
The Center for Water Policy is seeking candidates for a two-year funded Water Policy and Science Communications Graduate Student Research Fellowship, while earning a master’s degree from the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The Fellowship will begin in Fall 2026 and run through Spring 2028. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Candidates should be interested in conducting graduate research toward a thesis focused on water policy and science communications as well as publishing papers in scientific journals, writing policy briefs, and communicating research results to broader audiences. Applications due Jan. 31.
Arboretum Research Fellowships
The UW Arboretum is seeking proposal from graduate student researchers for the 2026 Arboretum Research Fellowships. We invite proposals in all areas relevant to our mission to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic. There are multiple fellowships available. The funding period begins in May 2026. Proposals are due Feb. 1.
LAKES REU Summer Opportunities at UW-Stout
The LAKES REU is recruiting eight students from ANY university to join its 10th cohort June 7-Aug. 8, 2026. The REU is funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense ASSURE program. Housing, stipends, and funds for food will be provided to accepted students. UW-Stout will also provide funding for students to present their research at a national conference in the year following their summer research. Applications due Feb. 1.
Hydrogeologist Intern - WI DNR Groundwater Section
The intern will assist with the Groundwater Retrieval Network database and work closely with experienced hydrogeologists to explore potential solutions for well owners experiencing water-quality challenges. This internship is a hands-on experience that gives students a meaningful look into real-world groundwater management and provides an excellent introduction to the nature of work in a state agency, making a strong opportunity for career development. Application deadline is Feb. 6.
CIGLR Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program
CIGLR administers an annual Great Lakes Summer Fellows Program, in partnership with the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). We place promising undergraduate (junior or senior as of Fall 2025) and graduate students with both academic and federal research mentors. Through this program, students work on substantive research issues in the Great Lakes and undergo a career training program that equips them with the knowledge and skills to be the next generation of Great Lakes scientists. Application deadline is Feb. 8.
Applications Are Open for Freshwater@UW 2026
Calling undergrads! Would you like to help solve water-related challenges? Join the Freshwater@UW summer research opportunities program for an incredible mentored research experience and professional development. Work in Wisconsin alongside global experts in biology, history, chemistry, ecology, economics, engineering, and more. Includes summer stipend, housing and travel.  Applications due Feb. 15.
Check the Freshwater Collaborative's Research Positions and Internships page for more opportunities.
FUNDING
Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.
★ USFWS Midwest Coastal Program
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Midwest Coastal Program is seeking project ideas to support coastal habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection in the Western Lake Superior Focus Area. The program is partnership driven and prioritizes projects that provide measurable benefits to fish and wildlife, including acres or miles of habitat restored, enhanced, or protected. Project ideas are being gathered through February 20, with additional proposals considered on a rolling basis. Projects selected during this cycle would likely begin in early fall 2026. Typical funding requests range from $50,000 to $150,000, with up to $200,000 considered. Partners are encouraged to reach out to Lacey Hill, Western Lake Superior Coastal Program Biologist, at lacey_hill@fws.gov with project ideas at any stage of development and to share this opportunity with other local organizations.
★ Great Lakes Resilience Grant Program (GLRGP)
The GLRGP supports collaborative projects that strengthen ecological, community, and climate resilience across the Great Lakes Basin, with priority on nature-based solutions, watershed and coastal restoration, habitat connectivity, climate risk reduction, and meaningful engagement with tribal and underserved communities. Funding is available for both planning and implementation. Letters of Intent are due January 16, 2026, by 6:00 p.m. EST.
CONFERENCES
2026 Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium
Jan. 26–27. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, WI. The theme, “Stronger Together: Linking Land, Water, and People,” will feature presentations, lightning talks, workshops, field trips, and networking opportunities focused on conservation across Wisconsin's Lake Superior Basin. Register here.
Ocean Sciences Meeting
Feb 22-27. Glasgow, Scotland. The Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is the flagship conference for the ocean sciences and the larger ocean-connected community. At OSM, attendees from across the globe come together to advance global science, discover the latest research findings, and connect with peers, leading experts, and organizations committed to ocean sustainability.
2026 Wetland Science Conference
Feb. 24-26. Baraboo, WI; The annual Wetland Science Conference is a program of Wisconsin Wetlands Association. The conference typically runs for 2-3 days and includes a keynote address, topical oral sessions, a poster session, workshops, working groups, a Wednesday evening networking event, and field trips to area wetlands. Scholarship applications due Jan 12, 2026.
Midwest SETAC 33rd Annual Meeting
March 9-10. Beloit, WI. The Midwest Chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry is the perfect opportunity to connect with others in the regional chapter and continue growing the SETAC community at the grassroots level. More details will be shared shortly, so get ready to participate and mark your calendars. Early Bird Prices ends Feb. 16.
2026 Annual Meeting of the American Water Resources Association-Wisconsin Chapter
April 9-10. Brookfield, WI. This year's theme is celebrating a milestone- AWRA-WI at 50: Honoring Our Past, Shaping our Future. The annual meeting is designed to create a student-friendly atmosphere, with undergraduate and graduate students strongly encouraged to present (poster or oral) and discuss Wisconsin-related research in all aspects of water science and policy. Each student presenter is provided with constructive comments, and $200 awards will be offered to four different student presenters. Other planned activities include a new member coffee hour with prize drawings and a student career panel luncheon. ABSTRACTS DEADLINE EXTENDED due Jan. 9. Registration will be available in Feb. 2026.
2026 Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention
April 15-17. Stevens Point, WI. The 2026 Lakes and Rivers Convention is accepting presentation proposals for its annual conference. This is a student-friendly event! Students are encouraged to present a poster or lightning talk. The event will take place April 15-17 in Stevens Point. Registration for the 2026 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is now open! Details for submissions are here. 
Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference
April 28-29. Champaign, IL and Online. The conference will feature traditional 15-minute presentations and a poster session on the latest in emerging contaminant research, policies, and outreach in the soil, water, and air. In addition, there will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and networking with those interested in all aspects of emerging contaminants in the environment. Registration opens March 2026.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Wisconsin Invasive Species Council: 22nd Annual Invasive Species Action Awards
Know of a person, group or organization that helps manage invasive species? Consider nominating them for the 22nd Annual Invasive Species Action Awards! Each year, the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council hosts the awards to recognize Wisconsin citizens and organizations that have gone above and beyond to prevent the spread of, raise awareness for, or control invasive species that pose threats to Wisconsin lands, waters, and wetlands. Nomination info here and due Feb. 15.
UW-Madison Course Offering: Water and People SOIL SCI/ATM OCN/BSE 132
UW Madison will be offering a course focused on Water and People this summer, that counts towards the new Freshwater and Marine Sciences certificate major. This course is 3 credit hours, online, asynchronous, and held in the 8-week summer session.
SEMINARS OF INTEREST
Fish Tales Lecture Series
Educational program of Crossroads at Big Creek Learning Center and Nature Preserve in Sturgeon Bay, WI that presents the science of Great Lakes fisheries to Door County and beyond. All presentations will be held in-person at 7PM (CST). Zoom and Facebook Live links will be available and offered in partnership with the Door County Library. To participate online, visit the Door County Library calendar.
Third Coast Water Seminar Series.
Current’s Third Coast Water Seminar Series is back! Relaunching in Fall 2025, the series returns with a sharpened focus on the research, technologies, and policies advancing a circular water economy both in the Great Lakes region, the broader U.S., and globally. First Wednesday of each month.
Center for Limnology (CFL) Seminar
Every Wednesday 12:05 - 12:55 in WSEL 2nd floor West and Zoom
Climate, People, and the Environment Program (CPEP) Seminar
Every Tuesday from 1-2 pm in AOSS room 823 or livestreamed
Clean Lakes 101
Educational talk series open to the public. Approximately monthly at the East Side Club, 3:30-5pm.
EPA Water Research Webinar Series
Click here to receive notifications for upcoming webinars.
ONE NOAA Seminar Series
To subscribe/unsubscribe: Send an email with the word 'subscribe' or 'unsubscribe' in the subject or body to OneNOAAscienceseminars-request@list.woc.noaa.gov
Wetland Coffee Break
Bring your coffee and learn about wetlands! Sessions are held on Zoom and feature time for audience Q&A. Dates vary.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sign up to volunteer with River Alliance.
Help out with office work, events, fieldwork, or a group volunteering event. 
Sign up to volunteer with Clean Lakes Alliance.
We are happy to place volunteers on projects that support our lakes! Opportunities include skilled office and administration assistance, special events, and watershed projects like shoreline restoration or beach clean ups.
OTHER WATER NETWORKS
★ Coastal Hazards of Superior (CHAOS) Community of Practice
Subscribe here.
★ Collaborative Action for Lake Michigan (CALM) Coastal Resilience Network
Subscribe here.
Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institute listserv
The University of Wisconsin Sea Grant and Water Resources Institutes routinely share information about state and federal research and fellowship funding opportunities. To subscribe to Sea Grant and the Water Resources Institutes’ RFP listserv, send an email to jennifer.hauxwell@aqua.wisc.edu.
Wisconsin Sea Grant Education Listserv
Wisconsin Sea Grant invites you to join our listserv to receive announcements for professional learning opportunities and resources for teaching Great Lakes literacy to educators, students, youth and families. Send an email to akmoser@aqua.wisc.edu to be added to our list.
Aquatic Sciences Center Chronicle
Center for Limnology Newsletter
Send an email to limnology@mailplus.wisc.edu with subject line: Add to newsletter email list.
Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research
Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI)
Subscribe here.
Extension Natural Resources Institute Newsletter
Freshwater Collaborative Water Policy Network
Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Newsletter
Great Lakes Commission Email Groups
GLIN-Announce; GLIN-Jobs; Great Lakes Daily News; Great Lakes Commission News
Green Bay Conservation
Email gbconservationpartners@gmail.com to join.
Lake Superior Collaborative Newsletter
Subscribe here.
North Central Region Water Network and Newsletter
The North Central Region Water Network is a 12-state extension-led collaboration working to ensure safe and sufficient water supplies across the North Central Region and beyond.
Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
Water@UW-Madison is a resource for communication, collaboration, and information on water related research, events, and outreach in the UW water community and beyond. 
Learn more at our website: water.wisc.edu
Want to share a water-related shout-out, opportunity, or event?
Send an email with the name, date, time, location, and webpage of the event to water@mailplus.wisc.edu.
Water@UW-Madison
 
 
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