Water@UW Issue #296
October 23, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Call for Freshwater@UW Summer Mentors!
Water@UW-Madison is seeking mentors for the 2027 Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program. Freshwater@UW recruits undergraduate students from Wisconsin and beyond and matches them to mentored water research projects. The program runs for nine weeks  and culminates in a research symposium and poster session in early August. 


Mentors guide undergraduate students in the execution of an independent research project that will help develop the skills, knowledge and abilities they need for future study. Support from the Freshwater Collaborative, Wisconsin Sea Grant, the UW Water Resources Institute and Water@UW-Madison covers student stipends, travel and housing. Submit a project by Oct. 29. 

Learn More Here

We are seeking posters, interactive displays, art, and other visual elements. Repurposed work is warmly welcomed. The registration link on our event page will allow you to register and/or submit author and abstract information.
Please submit your abstract by October 29 to ensure inclusion in the program. Walk-in presenters are welcome as space allows, though their abstracts may not appear in printed event materials.

Register Here

Upcoming Events
MONDAY 10/26
Tales from Planet Earth: A Wilderness Act
Join the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies for a free screening and panel discussion of the award-winning short documentary film, A Wilderness Act. 6:00-7:30PM; WARF Centennial Seminar Hub (room 7560) Morgridge Hall.
TUESDAY 10/27
Students Ask Scientists: How Scientists Study Emerging Contaminants: Microplastics as a Case Study
Join the Wisconsin Sea Grant for Students Ask Scientists with Bryce Cook, physical scientist with the USGS. Target audience: Middle school students and up and their educators, although all are welcome. 8:00-9:00AM; Please pre-register for Zoom-based event
CPEP Seminar: The Roles of Changing Climate, Extreme Weather, and Life Histories on Insect Phenology
Join the Center for Climatic Research for this weeks seminar given by Dr. Michael Belitz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 12:30-1:30PM; 823 Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences.
WEDNESDAY 10/28
Limnology Seminar: Advancing Our Understanding of Headwater Systems through Data Synthesis and Team Science
Join the Center for Limnology for this weeks seminar given by Dr. Margaret Zimmer, Associate Professor of Soil & Environmental Sciences at UW-Madison. 12:05-12:55PM; Water Science Engineering Lab and Online. Zoom Link
SM Born Environmental Stewardship Lecture: Water, Data, and Trust: How Collaboration Saves a Western River
Join the Department of Planning & Landscape Architecture and the Water Resources Management Program for a lecture by Dr. Jack McLaren, Aquatic Ecology Program Manager at the Henry's Fork Foundation. The Henry's Fork of the Snake River is one of the West's premier trout fisheries, and a case study in how science-based, collaborative conservation can resolve conflict over a scarce resource. 4:00-6:15PM; Pyle Center.
THURSDAY 10/29
Biology Colloquium: Cities and Seasons: Tracking Global Change in Plant Biodiversity and Phenology
Join the Department of Biology for an upcoming Biology Colloquium given by Dr. Daijiang Li, Assistant Professor of Botany at UW-Madison. 3:30-4:30PM; B302 Birge Hall.
Weston Roundtable: Addressing Nonpoint Source Pollution in Wisconsin: Evidence from Farmer-Led and Market-Based Solutions
Join the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment for an upcoming Weston Roundtable given by Dr. Jeffrey Hadachek, Assistant Professor in Agriculture & Applied Sciences at UW-Madison. 4:15-5:15PM; 1153 Mechanical Engineering.
FRIDAY 10/30
Great Lakes Freshwater Symposium: BenthicNet - Expanding Access to Specimen Collections for Biomonitoring
BenthicNet is a network of specialists across Wisconsin who are expanding access to these historically significant specimens while also training the next generation of biomonitoring experts. Researchers will talk about the creation of BenthicNet, how the data will be used and their goal of contributing to a resurgence of biomonitoring expertise in Wisconsin. Noon-1PM; Online. Register Here.
JUST DROPPED
Water Talk Podcast: Reflecting on the Flint Water Crisis
Check out this week's Water Talk Podcast episode where we have a conversation with Elin Betanzo (Safe Water Engineering LLC) about lead contamination in drinking water, water quality advocacy, and her role in uncovering the 2015 Flint Michigan Drinking Water Crisis. Listen on Itunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

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
Check the Freshwater Collaborative's Research Positions and Internships page for more opportunities.
Gerig Fish Ecology Lab at UW-Milwaukee: Graduate Student Position (MS or PhD)
The Gerig Fish Ecology Lab is recruiting a student to study Lake Superior food-web ecology as part of the 2026 Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative. The student will examine predator and prey fish diets, conduct laboratory and fieldwork, analyze data, and collaborate with state, tribal, and federal partners. The research assistantship includes a full tuition waiver and 2.5 years of guaranteed funding, with a flexible start date between January and March 2027 preferred. Interested students should contact Dr. Brandon Gerig at gerig@uwm.edu
WGNHS: Hydrology Project Assistant
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey is hiring a 50% Project Assistantship to support a study of patterns in groundwater recharge in Wisconsin. The PA will work with a team of hydrogeologists and hydrologists to estimate groundwater recharge across Wisconsin, compare the results of different methods, and evaluate possible drivers of change over the last several decades. The appointment runs from January-December 2027. Applications due October 25.
WISCIENCE: Fellows Programs
Calling all STEM grad students and postdocs: are you interested in careers involving teaching or community engagement? Consider becoming a WISCIENCE Fellow! We offer three immersive, year-long Fellows Programs that equip you with career-ready skills and experience. Each program pairs in-depth training in inclusive, evidence-based practices with hands-on experience in a mentored practicum. Applications due October 25.
WISCIENCE: Peer Leader
The WISCIENCE Peer Leader program is an excellent opportunity for STEM undergrads who are interested in supporting their peers while gaining valuable leadership experience and skills. Program activities can also count toward the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate. Applications due November 1.

FUNDING
Check the Sustainability Research Hub's curated list of funding opportunities related to environmental sustainability.
Earth System Science and Services Partnership Funding
NOAA's Climate Program Office has released a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Earth System Science and Services Partnership. The Earth System Science and Services Partnership (ESSSP) supports research, programs, projects and other activities related to NOAA’s mission, primarily through collaborations among scientists and professionals in areas of mutual interest associated with understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, coasts, land, and ice and their interrelated effects on ecosystems, weather and hazards, and communities and infrastructure. Applications must be received by 11:59PM PCT on October 26, 2026.
2027-28 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Grants
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) has approximately $1.2 million available for coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community planning, Great Lakes education, and public access and historic preservation projects. A virtual grant workshop is offered September 8, 2026. Application deadline: November 3, 2026.
USGS Water Resources Research Act Program National Competitive 104g General Grants
The USGS issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity with a short turnaround time for submission. From the NOFO, priorities include: The rapid expansion of data centers and other water intensive industries that rely on public supply systems has outpaced the availability of accurate, transparent, and timely information about their water use. Existing datasets often contain gaps, inconsistencies, and uncertainties that limit the ability of communities, utilities, and policymakers to make informed decisions. As public concern grows and water resource pressures intensify, there is a critical need for improved methodologies that can more reliably characterize industrial water withdrawals, cooling demands, and local impacts. Applicants must work with the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) for submissions and must submit materials to WRI by an internal (state) deadline of 10 am, November 5, 2026. 
Forest Service Community Forest Grant Opportunity
The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with the EPA, is offering about $3.5 million in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grants through the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. Funding is open to projects in the Lake Superior basin portions of Michigan and Wisconsin, in areas identified as priority conservation areas for wildlife habitat connectivity. Federally recognized Tribes, local governments, and qualified nonprofits can apply for up to $1 million, matched 1:1 with non-federal funds, to help purchase private forestland and establish community forests. Applications due December 8, 2026

CONFERENCES
UW-Madison Sustainability Symposium
Oct 28. Madison, WI. The Office of Sustainability invites you to participate in UW–Madison's fifth annual Sustainability Symposium The symposium brings together campus and community partners to share research, projects, and ideas advancing sustainability at UW–Madison. This year’s program will feature lightning talks, poster presentations, and a keynote address on sustainability and entrepreneurship by Dr. Erica Plambeck '94, professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
46th North American Lake Management Society International Symposium
November 3–6. Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Water resources in this semi-arid setting are under increasing pressure, compounded by watershed-scale disturbances and a warming climate. Warmer and drier conditions during the growing season often lead to agricultural, urban, and environmental water demands surpassing the available water resources.
To discuss these and other important management issues, NALMS is pleased to return to Canada for NALMS 2026! The program will feature workshops, field trips, presentations, networking events, and vendor displays. Registration Open.
The State of Lake Michigan Meeting
November 4–6. Michigan City, Indiana. Supported in part by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, University of Illinois Extension, and Purdue University. We are now accepting proposals for Organized Symposia/Workshops. Our goal is to provide a dynamic forum for sharing research, discussing emerging issues, and strengthening collaboration across the Great Lakes community. Symposia and workshops are the scientific centerpiece of the meeting and help shape the overall program. If you have an innovative idea on a timely topic relevant to Lake Michigan science, management, or community engagement, we invite you to submit a proposal for consideration. Registration Open.
2027 Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium
January 19-21. Ashland, Wisconsin. This year's theme, Celebrating Resilience Through Connection, invites participants to reflect on resilience as a quality of partnerships, communities, and people, as well as an ecological concept. We'll share stories from the field, learn from each other's work, and explore where deeper collaboration can help us go further together.
2027 Wetland Science Conference
February 23-25. Elkhart Lake, WI. The conference runs for 3 days and includes keynote addresses, topical oral sessions, a poster session, workshops, working groups, roundtable discussions, evening networking events, and field trips to area wetlands. The WWA is seeking proposals for oral and poster presentations about recent wetland research, initiatives, and projects by November 15th. Student scholarship applications are due January 12, 2027.
2027 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference
April 20-21. Virtual-Only Format. The 2027 ECEC will feature presentations on the latest in emerging contaminant research, policy, and outreach in the soil, water, air and built/human environments. Researchers, educators, businesses, government officials, regulatory agencies, policymakers, outreach and extension professionals, environmental groups, members of the public, and medical, veterinary, and public health professionals are just some of the occupations invited to attend and present at the conference. Call for Abstracts Closes December 1, 2026
2027 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
April 14-16. Stevens Point, WI. The Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership is now accepting proposals for for concurrent sessions, workshops, posters, and lightning talks. This statewide convention brings together professionals, students, community members, and businesses who love water. The 2027 Convention will explore how water weaves us together and nourishes all life, creating places where communities gather, unite, and find common purpose. Protecting our waters is a shared responsibility that connects us to past and future generations. Learn more and submit a proposal HERE.
2027 IAGLR 70th Annual Conference on Great Lakes Research
May 24-28. Duluth, MN. The internationally recognized center of Great Lakes research, will host the International Association for Great Lakes Research's 70th annual conference, a hybrid event featuring four days of scientific sessions on the theme "Great Lakes, Global Impacts." Hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
WISCIENCE Sticker Contest: Science of the Unseen
Grab your colored pencils and tablets: all UW–Madison students are invited to participate in the 2026 WISCIENCE Sticker Contest! We’re looking for designs that bring the hidden parts of STEM into view—from microscopic worlds to invisible processes and forces. The winning design(s) will be made into stickers that get shared with the campus STEM community. Winner(s) will also get a prize! Deadline November 15th.
Rock River Coalition: Call for Volunteers
Rock River Coalition is looking for volunteers to help weed the newly planted Riverside Park Creekside native garden in Riverside Park, Watertown, Wisconsin. These workdays will take place 9am to 12pm on the 2nd Saturday and the last Thursday of each month from May 28 to October 29. No experience is needed to participate. Sign up at this link.
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 12:30-1:30PM in RM 811 of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences or livestreamed
Clean Lakes 101
Educational talk series open to the public. Second Wednesday of the month from 4:00-5:00pm at The East Side Club in Madison
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
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
Coastal Hazards of Superior (CHAOS) Community of Practice
Subscribe here.
Collaborative Action for Lake Michigan (CALM) Coastal Resilience Network
Subscribe here.
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
 
 
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
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