Water@UW Issue #281
February 26, 2026

Tap-In: Water@UW-Madison News


Bringing Art and Water Science Together: Flow Project Artists Prepare for Spring Showcases
The Flow Project is a Water@UW-Madison program that supports collaboration between artists and water scientists. By combining disciplines, we can help convey water science along with its questions, outcomes and impacts in a new light, shedding new insight on the concepts for viewers and scientists alike. 

Recently, the artists had a chance to discuss their evolving work with Ian Vierck, a practicing interdisciplinary artist. With their works set to premier at the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention in Stevens Point in mid-April, the timing was perfect. Ian offered his perspective and practical suggestions, helping the artists refine their concepts or push a little further before the exhibition. 

We've shared a selection of the works in progress above. With this great of a start, we can't wait to see the final products, and we're excited to share a few of them with you at the Water@UW-Madison Spring Symposium on April 22!

Credit to Elizabeth Kelly, PaChoua Yang, Koi Blenkush, Lia Tabor, Evelyn Zadzilka, Parker Harmon, Alisson Kock, Liina Heikkinen, Trista Schadrie, and Trinity Vargas. Thank you for allowing us to include your Flow Project progress in this newsletter!

Upcoming Events
TUESDAY 3/3
CPEP seminar: High-Integrity Natural Climate Solutions: Integrating Geospatial Science and Co-Design for Nature-based Carbon Markets
Join us for this weeks CPEP seminar given by Sarah Castle, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 12:30-1:30PM; RM 811 Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences. Livestream
WEDNESDAY 3/4
Limnology Seminar: Jasmine Childress
Join us for this weeks Limnology Seminar given by Jasmine Childress, Assistant Professor in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 12:05-12:55pm; Water Science Engineering Lab and Online. Zoom Link
Integrating Hydrology and Geophysics Webinar: An Overview of Hydrologic Data Products and Tools
This webinar series, jointly hosted by the EarthScope-operated NSF National Geophysical Facility and CUAHSI aims to highlight the work being done at the intersection of hydrology and geophysics and foster collaboration between geophysicists and hydrologists to broaden critical zone scientific communities. Tune in to learn about interesting research, cutting edge techniques, and opportunities in this interdisciplinary field! 11:00am - 12:00pm CST; Online. Register Here

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.
★ Water Policy Specialist - The Center for Water Policy at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The Center for Water Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of
Freshwater Sciences is seeking to hire a Water Policy Specialist. The Water Policy Specialist will work with the Center and its affiliated faculty to conduct applied law and policy research on wicked water dilemmas. The Water Policy Specialist may work with interdisciplinary research teams and interact with the public and private sector to inform policy making. This position will involve a hybrid of project design and management, legal research and writing for public and academic audiences, student supervision, and outreach. Application due Apr. 7 
Assistant Professor in Water Resources Engineering - University of Maryland, College Park
This is a full-time tenure-track position in water resources engineering at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). The successful candidate in this position can integrate the physical and practical fundamentals of water resources engineering with emerging artificial intelligence and sensing technologies. Application due Mar. 1.
Invasive Plant Research Technicians - U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center
The U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center (Ann Arbor, MI) is seeking up to three research technicians for full-time (40 hours/week), 6-month (with possibility of extension) positions to support research on invasive wetland plants. These positions are excellent opportunities for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in ecological research prior to graduate school or at the beginning of a related career. Applicants MUST be either currently enrolled in, or successful graduates of an BS/MS degree program within 12 months of beginning contract to meet eligibility requirements. Application due Mar. 1.
INTERNSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
★ Field and Water Quality Technician & Weed Harvester Operator - Lake Ripley Management District
The Lake Ripley Management District is looking for detail-orientated, collaborative, hard-working, versatile individuals to fill our two open roles. The Water Quality and Field Technician is responsible for carrying out assigned programs and projects in line with the District’s management plans. Operators report to the Lake Manager and will be responsible for helping with the harvesting of aquatic plants in accordance with the District’s harvesting program and DNR permits. Apply by Apr. 10.
★ Clean Boats Clean Waters Outreach Intern - The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association
The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association is seeking two part-time Conservation Outreach Technicians. Upper Sugar is looking for passionate and professional individuals to carry out invasive species outreach campaigns at boat launches and water access points for the 2026 recreation season in southern Wisconsin. If you want to use your voice for a good cause, you like to be by water, and you are seeking experience conducting public outreach, education, and conservation with a vibrant grassroots conservation non-profit, this opportunity may be for you. UW-Madison Work Study Required. Apply by Mar. 20.
UW-Madison Center for Limnology - Summer Undergraduate Interns
The UW-Madison Center for Limnology is hiring summer undergraduate interns at Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction, WI, and in Madison! Full-time positions are available in ecology, limnology, chemistry, wild rice, fishes, communication, and outreach. Part-time positions are available in research operations support and chemistry. For priority consideration, apply by Feb. 27.
Flood Mitigation Program Management Intern - Stormwater Management Commission
The intern will primarily work in the office, with limited field visits under the guidance of SMC staff and will support multiple phases of flood mitigation program implementation. Responsibilities include assisting with coordination and communication among SMC staff, homeowners, municipal partners, and other governmental entities; supporting project documentation, administrative records, and cost tracking; and assisting with property transfer activities related to voluntary floodplain buyout projects. Application deadline is Feb. 27.
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.
Water Quality Research Foundation: Treatment Efficacy of Point-of-Entry Devices
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) seeks proposals from qualified individuals to analyze a water quality dataset collected from a small community whose drinking water source is primarily affected by agricultural runoff. Historically, the community relied on chlorine tablets as the sole form of treatment, despite high turbidity and other contamination concerns. Recently, POE treatment systems were installed to address water quality issues more comprehensively.  Proposal is due February 27.
Water Quality Research Foundation: Benefits of Softened Water in Modern Appliances
The Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF)  seeks proposals to replicate and expand upon the 2011 Scientific Services S/D studies titled “Evaluation of Relative Effects of Hardness, Detergent Dose and Temperature to Evaluate Stain Removal Efficiency for the Use of Less Laundry Detergent at Lower Water Temperatures” and “Evaluation of the Effect of Water Hardness on Performance of Automatic Dishwasher Detergents and Savings Possible by Softening Water.”  Notice of Intent due Mar. 9. Proposal due Apr. 13.
Great Lakes Protection Fund: 2026 Request for Preproposals 
The Great Lakes Protection Fund is excited to announce our 2026 Request for Preproposals (RFP): A Call for People, Ideas, and Projects! We’re looking for projects that will launch new building blocks for the future of our region’s water use, improving our waters, communities, and economies. The Fund is seeking to invest $4M in new project activity in 2026. Preproposals are due March 18, 2026
National Ground-Water Monitoring Network Funding Opportunity
The program announcement for the 2026 National Ground-Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) funding opportunity (G26AS00002) is now open. Info session recording are available on NGWMN website. Apply by March 26, 2026
CONFERENCES
Wisconsin Idea Conference
March 2. Madison WI. The Wisconsin Idea Conference seeks to bring together community-minded people from across the Madison area to discuss creative, mutually beneficial approaches to community-university partnership. The conference reaffirms the importance of collaborating across organizations to make a positive impact in our shared neighborhoods on issues that matter to residents. Register Today
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. Register Today.
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. Register by Mar. 13 for Early Bird Pricing.
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. 
Extension EarthFest Showcase
April 20. Madison, WI. Please join us for a reception in celebration of Earth Fest highlighting Extension’s natural resources research, outreach, and education and how our shared efforts with communities are strengthening the well‑being of the people and places rooted in Wisconsin’s natural resources. 3:30-5:30pm Pyle Center. Registration opens March 2026.
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.
2026 Green Bay Conservation Partners Spring Roundtable
April 29. Green Bay, WI. Please join us for an exciting event to share information and foster collaboration among conservation practitioners, researchers and stakeholders working in the bay of Green Bay, Lower Fox River watershed, Green Bay’s west shore and Door Peninsula. The morning includes an opportunity for networking, regional and legislative updates, lightning talks, and student posters. Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear from partners involved in exciting restoration, monitoring, and other conservation projects around the region. Registration details soon.
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.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Rock River Coalition Board: Call for Board Members
Have you ever considered joining the Rock River Coalition Board? It's an opportunity to help shape the future of the Rock River Coalition and support our programs. Available terms are typically 3 years. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month (3rd Wednesday in November and December) at 5:15 p.m. and will either be virtual or at the UW-Extension building in Jefferson. For more information, please email info@rockrivercoalition.org
Center for Great Lakes Literacy: Shipboard Science Immersion
This summer, fifteen educators from throughout the Great Lakes basin will take part in the Center for Great Lakes Literacy's Shipboard Science Immersion. In this weeklong program, participants experience being Great Lakes scientists aboard a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency research vessel. The educators work alongside scientists on the ship, collecting and processing samples. They also spend time exploring Great Lakes curricula and other educator resources. Afterwards, they are tasked with taking this new knowledge and experience back to their educational settings and incorporating Great Lakes science into their instruction. This event is facilitated by the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network in partnership with the EPA and NOAA and is funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Apply by Feb. 28.
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
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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