River Studies
A page within River Studies
Bordering the greatest river system in North America,
the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is in a unique position globally to prepare a future workforce in freshwater science.
See our work in action
We have dedicated nearly a half century to providing students hands-on experiences studying the health of freshwater systems — rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and more — many located just miles from the university in the Upper Mississippi River Valley. Our leadership, scholarship and outreach help sustain, restore and increase awareness of these valuable ecosystems.
$13.1
million
external grants support UWL River Studies Center research over the last 15 years.
32
students
gain research experience annually as interns, undergraduate and graduate students
150
Theses
master's degree student theses supported by the River Studies Center since 1972.
View a dynamic timeline of theses produced by RSC affiliated students
Interdisciplinary in nature
The precious freshwater resources on the planet and the challenges surrounding them have created an intense need for careers in water. The UWL River Studies Center brings together students and faculty from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to work on freshwater challenges in partnership with state and federal organizations.
Freshwater Collaborative
UW-La Crosse has joined a one-of-a-kind higher education training and research program in partnership with UW System campuses. Through a multidisciplinary course of study across campuses, students will engage in training to address the water challenges facing the world while getting the training to meet future water-focused workforce needs.
UWL’s River Studies researchers become …
Jackson Radenz, ’19, a hydrographer for J.F. Brennan Company, uses drones to improve wetlands. Undergraduate research experience flying drones with support from the River Studies Center gave him confidence in his abilities.
“Throughout human history we’ve been trying to solve problems by putting people on the ground. Now we are able to see the issue from above. And, as the technology becomes more powerful, we are able to solve larger and larger problems.”
Our partnerships
