https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/Campus ConnectionPosts tagged with 'River Studies Center':2023-08-21T11:02:40.88Zhttps://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/freshwater-funding/Freshwater funding2023-08-21T11:02:40.88Z2023-08-21T05:00:00ZKyle Farrishttps://uwlax.edu/profile/kfarris/kfarris@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">5 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Aug.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>21</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>UW-La Crosse is receiving more than $175,000 from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to support research, academics and youth programming on campus and in the community..</figcaption>
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<h3>Support from state’s Freshwater Collaborative boosts UWL projects </h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">La Crosse, Wis. — New funding from the <a data-mce-href="https://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/" href="https://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin</a> will support research,&nbsp;academics&nbsp;and youth programming at UW-La Crosse.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">A trio of UWL projects will be included in the Collaborative’s $4.3 million investment in freshwater education&nbsp;across UW System&nbsp;over the next two years:</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">A pilot study into the immune response of wild fish, led by UWL’s <a data-mce-href="/profile/tking-heiden/" href="/profile/tking-heiden/">Tisha King-Heiden</a> and UW-Madison’s Gavin Dehnert&nbsp;($30,996)</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">Three collaborative courses — Environmental and Health Effects of Water Pollution, Expedition to Lake Michigan,&nbsp;and Human Interactions with Lake Michigan Coastal Ecosystems — offered in partnership with UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls and UW-Whitewater ($10,314)</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">The My River Adventures Pre-College Camp, a six-day residential camp for students entering grades 7-12, designed to foster interest in water-related STEM fields ($136,018).</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span data-contrast="none">The funding is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov.&nbsp;Tony Evers, to tackle Wisconsin’s water challenges and support curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in studying water-related fields at the 13 UW universities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“The most exciting thing about this latest round of funding is seeing how programs are becoming more interconnected.&nbsp;For example, high school students attending a summer camp in western Wisconsin are interacting with undergraduate students and faculty who are working on other Freshwater Collaborative-funded projects throughout the state,” said Marissa Jablonski, executive director for the Collaborative. “We can really see how these connections are building a pipeline from college recruitment to jobs in freshwater in&nbsp;Wisconsin.”</span></p>
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<span class="title">Freshwater funding</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">5 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Monday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Aug.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>21</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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Support from state’s Freshwater Collaborative boosts UWL projects 
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<span class="read">Read<span class="sr-only"> more about Freshwater funding</span></span>
</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/growing-sustainable-agriculture/Growing sustainable agriculture2023-05-31T08:00:14.133Z2023-05-17T14:48:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">2:48 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>May</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>17</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<h3>WiSys-led partnership including UWL wins $1 million NSF grant to lead in sustainable ag</h3>
<p>A <a data-mce-href="https://www.wisys.org/" href="https://www.wisys.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WiSys</a>-led partnership has been awarded $999,911 from the <a data-mce-href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-regional-innovation-engines-nsf-engines" href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-regional-innovation-engines-nsf-engines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation's (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines (“NSF Engines”) program</a> to make Wisconsin a global leader in sustainable agriculture. </p><p>Sustainable agriculture is farming practices aim to meet people's need for food and other goods today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.</p><p>UW-La Crosse is part of the partnership, along with 29 other organizations from across Wisconsin.&nbsp;</p><p>The award, "NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Wisconsin," will allow these organizations to lay the groundwork to develop an ambitious, effective and credible 'regional innovation engine' that harnesses the region's talent and intellectual capital to make Wisconsin a global leader in sustainable agriculture.</p><p>Demonstrating that capability will allow this group to compete for additional NSF resources and long-term support, including a possible NSF Engines Type 2 award of up to $160 million over 10 years.</p><p>“This NSF Engine could be a key economic driver for Wisconsin,” said WiSys President Arjun Sanga. “Just as a public-private partnership turned Wisconsin into the ‘Dairy State’ in the last century, this potential engine’s public-private partnership could have a profound impact on the future of the state and the world.”<br></p><p>The WiSys-led Wisconsin partnership is among 44 unique teams, and one of two in Wisconsin, to receive one of the first-ever NSF Engines Development Awards, which aim to help partners collaborate to create economic, societal, and technological opportunities for their regions. The awardees span a broad range of states and regions, reaching geographic areas that have not fully benefited from the technology boom of the past decades.<br></p><p>"These NSF Engines Development Awards lay the foundation for emerging hubs of innovation and potential future NSF Engines," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "These awardees are part of the fabric of NSF's vision to create opportunities everywhere and enable innovation anywhere. They will build robust regional partnerships rooted in scientific and technological innovation in every part of our nation. Through these planning awards, NSF is seeding the future for in-place innovation in communities and to grow their regional economies through research and partnerships. This will unleash ideas, talent, pathways and resources to create vibrant innovation ecosystems all across our nation."<br></p><p>The WiSys-led partnership includes all 13 University of Wisconsin institutions, as well as a host of industry, nonprofit and government entities.</p><p><strong>Project partners include:</strong></p><ul><li>University of Wisconsin-La Crosse</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation (The Rural Resiliency Project)</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Green Bay<br></li><li>University of Wisconsin-Madison</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Research Foundation</li><li>University of Wisconsin Oshkosh</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Parkside</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Platteville</li><li>University of Wisconsin-River Falls</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Stout</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Superior</li><li>University of Wisconsin-Whitewater</li><li>University of Wisconsin System Administration</li><li>Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation</li><li>Wisconsin Technology Council</li><li>WiSys</li></ul><p><br><strong>Other supporters of this project include:</strong></p><ul><li>Annie's Project</li><li>Brigantia Ventures</li><li>Farming for the Future Foundation (Food and Farm Exploration Center)&nbsp;</li><li>J.F. Brennan Company</li><li>Pablo Group</li><li>Small Business Development Center at University of Wisconsin-Superior</li><li>The Development Association</li><li>U.S. Geological Survey</li><li>Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Waste and Materials Management Program</li><li>Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy</li><li>Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation</li></ul><p>“With this NSF award, we have an opportunity to make Wisconsin a world-leader in sustainable agriculture,” said Sanga. “We must, however, continue to expand the engagement of all key stakeholders throughout the state and invest our time and resources in building a strong and inclusive partnership with a diversity of voices across the region. We’re thrilled to work with such a great, innovative group of partners. We’re excited to tie together the entire region in a meaningful way.”<br></p><p>Organizations interested in learning more about or contributing to these efforts are encouraged to reach out to the group at <a data-mce-href="https://www.venturehome.org/sustainableag" href="https://www.venturehome.org/sustainableag" target="_blank" rel="noopener">venturehome.org/sustainableag</a>.<br></p><h3><strong>Anticipated outcomes</strong><br></h3><p><strong>The partnership plans to:</strong><br></p><ul><li>Translate use-inspired research through inter-institutional and industry collaborations</li><li>Bolster entrepreneurial support and deliver initiatives through WiSys VentureHome®—a network of local&nbsp; innovation hubs.</li><li>Grow a skilled workforce through industry-focused coalitions and curriculum providers.</li><li>Support the launch of sustainability tech startups and products.</li><li>Attract investment capital from multiple sectors to fund audacious ideas in the field of sustainable agriculture.<br></li><li>nform policy recommendations that support sustainable practices.</li><li>Facilitate a technical and entrepreneurial skillset among underserved populations, across the demographics of gender, geography, race, and economic status.</li><li>Identify and prepare for future needs of the agricultural value chain, including workforce needs.<br></li></ul><h3><strong>Defining the challenge</strong><br></h3><p>The plan to tackle sustainable agriculture was based on the collaborative work of the Wisconsin Bicentennial Innovation Challenges project, spearheaded by the three technology transfer offices of the University of Wisconsin System: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, UW- Milwaukee Research Foundation and WiSys.</p><p>Through this formal collaboration, launched in 2019, project leaders set out to discover Wisconsin’s most significant challenges between now and the state’s 2048 bicentennial year. The group conducted interviews, brainstorming sessions and focus groups with more than 50 public and private stakeholders.</p><p>Through these efforts, sustainable agriculture and stewardship of natural resources emerged as a major challenge facing Wisconsin. This is also a topic of global significance and lies at the core of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</p><h3>About the NSF Engines Program</h3><p>Launched by NSF's new Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and authorized by the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," the NSF Engines program uniquely harnesses the nation's science and technology research and development enterprise and regional-level resources. NSF Engines aspire to catalyze robust partnerships to positively impact regional economies, accelerate technology development, address societal challenges, advance national competitiveness, and create local, high-wage jobs.<br>View a map of the NSF Engines Development Awards. More information can be found on the NSF Engines program website.</p><h3>About NSF</h3><p>NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." NSF is vital because we support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future.</p><h3>About WiSys</h3><p>WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop, and commercialize discoveries, and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.<br></p>
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<span class="title">Growing sustainable agriculture</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">2:48 p.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>May</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>17</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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WiSys-led partnership including UWL wins $1 million NSF grant to lead in sustainable ag
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<span class="read">Read<span class="sr-only"> more about Growing sustainable agriculture</span></span>
</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/making-waves/Making waves2023-04-03T11:40:45.267Z2023-03-31T08:03:00ZKyle Farrishttps://uwlax.edu/profile/kfarris/kfarris@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8:03 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>31</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></p>
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<figcaption>The Research Vessel Prairie Springs — a 32-foot, state-of-the-art, aluminum vessel supporting UW-La Crosse's River Studies Center — is expected to be completed this summer. Construction of the vessel is funded through a nearly $500,000 gift from Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust to the La Crosse Community Foundation.  </figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">UWL research vessel could hit the water later this year</h3>
<p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">A research vessel&nbsp;that will&nbsp;transform aquatic science education&nbsp;in&nbsp;Wisconsin&nbsp;is&nbsp;getting closer to hitting the water.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Faculty from the <a data-mce-href="/center/river-studies/" href="/center/river-studies/">UW-La&nbsp;Crosse&nbsp;River Studies Center</a> visited Seattle recently to meet with officials from Munson Boats, the company manufacturing the Research Vessel Prairie Springs — a 32-foot,&nbsp;state-of-the-art, aluminum vessel expected to be completed this summer.</span><span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-type="format-caret"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“We’re thinking not only about safety and how usable it is, but also about the functionality of it — which features it will be equipped with,” says <a data-mce-href="/profile/estrauss/" href="/profile/estrauss/">Eric Strauss</a>, professor of <a data-mce-href="/biology/" href="/biology/">biology</a> and director of the&nbsp;River&nbsp;Studies Center. “That’s&nbsp;why&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;really taking our time during the design phase.&nbsp;We want to make sure&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;something our students will enjoy using for research as well as education.”</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Now,&nbsp;new design&nbsp;mockups offer a clearer picture of how the vessel will look and function once complete.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><a data-mce-href="/profile/cbelby/" href="/profile/cbelby/">Colin Belby</a>, professor of <a data-mce-href="/geography-and-earth-science/" href="/geography-and-earth-science/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">geography and earth science</a>, and assistant director of the&nbsp;River&nbsp;Studies Center, says the vessel will be a major boost to the university. He expects it to&nbsp;unlock&nbsp;new opportunities for&nbsp;students,&nbsp;and&nbsp;faculty, as well as current and future&nbsp;state K-12 educators.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“The boats we have now are great, but the new vessel will allow us to get more students out on the water at the same time, with the capacity to do more things,” Belby explains. “We’ll be able to do different analyses — water sampling, sonar-based work, mapping features and habitats within the river system — and bring the program to a new level.”</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>
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<figcaption>A mockup of the Research Vessel Prairie Springs.</figcaption>
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<p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The vessel will have twin 225-horsepower motors, allowing for a top speed around 40 mph. Additionally, the vessel’s catamaran hull will have a 20-inch draft, making it well-suited for the shallow backwaters of the Mississippi River.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The scientific features, paired with the performance-based design, will create new and impactful opportunities to explore the river, cementing UWL’s role as a regional leader in aquatic science.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“When looking at other universities upstream and downstream,” Belby notes, “I’m not aware of anyone with a vessel like this one.”</span><span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-type="format-caret"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">The Research Vessel Prairie Springs will also serve as a cornerstone of UWL’s <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhsXjAJb7-Q&amp;t=191s" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhsXjAJb7-Q&amp;t=191s" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">new research partnership</a> with J.F. Brennan Company, a harbor management and marine construction firm based in La Crosse.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Under the agreement, Brennan will store and&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;the vessel, while working with UWL to ensure curricula meet evolving industry standards.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“Our business, like any business, is fundamentally based on the ability to recruit, train and retain good people,” says Matt Binsfeld,&nbsp;president&nbsp;and CEO of Brennan. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to get the technology that we use into the hands of students.”&nbsp;</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Construction of the vessel is funded through a&nbsp;nearly $500,000&nbsp;gift from Prairie Springs: The Paul&nbsp;Fleckenstein Trust&nbsp;to the La Crosse Community Foundation.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Trustees Jay and Carolyn Scott made the gift in honor of Paul&nbsp;Fleckenstein, Carolyn’s late brother, who was a&nbsp;powerful proponent&nbsp;of environmental education and conservation programs.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">This donation, paired with&nbsp;a previous&nbsp;$2 million gift&nbsp;assisting&nbsp;in&nbsp;the construction of the Prairie Springs Science Center,&nbsp;supports&nbsp;the Scotts’ vision of UWL as a springboard for future generations of scientists and water professionals.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“Paul established the trust to support research and scholarship in environmental studies and education, wildlife habitat and protection, conservation, and ecological technology,” Carolyn says. “The research vessel will add another dimension to fulfilling that mission on one of the great waterways in North America.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">“As trustees, we believe Paul would be thrilled to be associated with this initiative.&nbsp;He also would be grateful for the partnership with J.F. Brennan and the creation of significant experiential learning opportunities for UWL students, research opportunities for faculty and the opportunity to advance the La Crosse community.”</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Once construction of the vessel is complete, faculty from the&nbsp;River&nbsp;Studies Center&nbsp;will&nbsp;return to Seattle for a sea trial and training session.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-contrast="none" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">A christening and&nbsp;maiden voyage&nbsp;out of La Crosse could happen as soon as the fall semester.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-ccp-props="{" data-mce-style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/mississippi-river.jpg/Medium" alt="The Research Vessel Prairie Springs — a 32-foot, state-of-the-art, aluminum vessel supporting UW-La Crosse's River Studies Center — is expected to be completed this summer. Construction of the vessel is funded through a nearly $500,000 gift from Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust to the La Crosse Community Foundation.  " />
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<span class="title">Making waves</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8:03 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>31</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2023</span></span>
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UWL research vessel could hit the water later this year
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/powerful-partners/Powerful partners2022-10-26T09:09:54.92Z2022-10-18T08:00:00ZYoo Mee Howardhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/yhoward/yhoward@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Oct.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>18</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>Ryan Sands, a 2015 UWL graduate, says the new partnership of his alma mater with his employer J.F. Brennan Company will help students receive specific skills making them job-ready. “This should build networking with local employers and provide training on potential career fields for future students,” says Sands.</figcaption>
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<h3>UWL, Brennan agreement strengthens college experience</h3>
<p>The J.F. Brennan Company is partnering with UWL to strengthen research, curriculum and the company's talent pipeline.&nbsp;</p><p>The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Tuesday, Oct. 18, will get students on the Mississippi River to use technology they’ll find when they head into the workforce — and give them an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work for a company like Brennan.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our business, like any business, is fundamentally based on the ability to recruit, train and retain good people,” says Matt Binsfeld, president and CEO of J.F. Brennan Company. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to get the technology that we use into the hands of students.”&nbsp;</p><p>Binsfeld says the new public-private partnership was based on the query of how to expand a student’s growth even more through experiential learning outside the classroom.&nbsp;</p><p>“We looked at how we could work more closely with UWL and the <a data-mce-href="/center/river-studies/" href="/center/river-studies/">River Studies Center</a> to provide the experiential learning opportunities for young people, so that they’re not only getting the high-value and first-class in classroom experience, but they’re taking that and they’re putting that together with these opportunities to do actually what we do as an organization,” says Binsfeld.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a data-mce-href="/profile/rharo/" href="/profile/rharo/">Roger Haro, associate dean in the UWL College of Science and Health</a>, says students will benefit because they will experience a real-world situation. &nbsp;</p><p>“They see how people engaged in these large projects have to be focused on effective communication, not just the technical skills in terms of running the instrumentation,” explains Haro. “But basically, how does one set those instruments up so that the job is effective, and the data is collected? They're working with people who have to problem solve all the time, every day and in the work.”&nbsp;</p><p>The partnership between UWL and Brennan was expanded through the initiative of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust and the&nbsp;<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/ppYsCG6gO8C1r2W3S75E5A/" data-mce-href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/ppYsCG6gO8C1r2W3S75E5A/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">UWL College of Science and Health</a>, with the assistance of the&nbsp;<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/vrFSCJ6lgQCqkgp9tzvRGZ/" data-mce-href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/vrFSCJ6lgQCqkgp9tzvRGZ/">La Crosse Community Foundation</a>.&nbsp;Earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/XUWzCKrmjQi2QZ87hAiWaQ/" data-mce-href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/XUWzCKrmjQi2QZ87hAiWaQ/">it was announced</a>&nbsp;that Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust gave the La Crosse Community Foundation $430,000 to fund construction of a new research vessel for UWL’s River Studies Center. Brennan will provide maintenance support, a storage location and instrumentation expertise for the new vessel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>For many years, Brennan has opened its doors to UWL students for paid internships. In return, the company has been able to recruit many of those interns as reliable, full-time employees. The MOU is expected to further expand the partnership to provide even more job-ready employees. &nbsp;</p><p>Haro says the new agreement sets a more formal and growing opportunity for UWL to work with a leading regional business partner. He expects the arrangement to spark more opportunities with Brennan and other companies and organizations. &nbsp;</p><p>“Moving forward, partnerships like this will become even more important for us to expand the university’s impact in helping to grow the state’s economy,” Haro says. &nbsp;</p><p>Learn more about the <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhsXjAJb7-Q" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhsXjAJb7-Q">unique partnership</a> between UWL and Brennan.&nbsp;</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2022_uwl_ryan_sands_jf_brennan_marine_0034_1_2.jpg/Medium" alt="Ryan Sands, a 2015 UWL graduate, says the new partnership of his alma mater with his employer J.F. Brennan Company will help students receive specific skills making them job-ready. “This should build networking with local employers and provide training on potential career fields for future students,” says Sands." />
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<span class="title">Powerful partners</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">8 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>Oct.</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>18</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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UWL, Brennan agreement strengthens college experience
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/water-power/Water power2022-06-13T08:54:19.163Z2022-06-10T09:59:00ZKjerstin Langhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/klang/klang@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:59 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>June</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>10</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>A rendering of Research Vessel Prairie Springs that will equip the River Studies Center. The earliest possible delivery date for the new research vessel would be July 2023.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Research partnership gets students on the Mississippi using future workforce technology </h3>
<p>A partnership will get students out on the Mississippi River using the water-related technology they’ll need in the <a data-mce-href="/center/river-studies/" href="/center/river-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">future workforce in freshwater science</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>The La Crosse-based company <a data-mce-href="https://www.jfbrennan.com/" href="https://www.jfbrennan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">J.F. Brennan Company Inc</a>. — a century-old, nationwide leader in marine environmental solutions — is partnering with UW-La Crosse to strengthen research, curriculum and the company's talent pipeline.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our business, like any business, is fundamentally based on the ability to recruit, train, and retain good people,” says Matt Binsfeld, president and CEO of J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. &nbsp;</p><p>The partnership between UWL and J.F. Brennan was formed through the initiative of Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust and the <a data-mce-href="/csh/" href="/csh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UWL College of Science and Health</a>, with the assistance of the <a data-mce-href="https://www.laxcommfoundation.com/" href="https://www.laxcommfoundation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">La Crosse Community Foundation</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>In early 2022, <a data-mce-href="/news/posts/a-clearer-path/" href="/news/posts/a-clearer-path/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">it was announced</a> that Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust gave the La Crosse Community Foundation $430,000 to fund construction of a new research vessel for UWL’s River Studies Center: Research Vessel Prairie Springs. &nbsp;</p><p>In relation to the vessel, J.F. Brennan will provide maintenance support, a storage location and instrumentation expertise.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><div class="video"><figure><div class="video-container"><iframe data-src="https://youtu.be/xhsXjAJb7-Q" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xhsXjAJb7-Q?rel=0" title="A new community partnership will prepare UWL students for the future water workforce." allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen></iframe></div><figcaption aria-hidden="true">A new community partnership will prepare UWL students for the future water workforce.</figcaption></figure></div><div class="list-item-1">
<h3>Partnership will also shape curriculum</h3>
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<figcaption>Partnership will grow students' experiential learning outside of the classroom, preparing them with use of equipment and skills training used in the workforce. UW-La Crosse grad student Courtney Baker investigates microplastics in the Mississippi River in this 2019 photo.</figcaption>
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<p>J.F. Brennan will also be entering into a new agreement with the <a data-mce-href="/center/river-studies/" href="/center/river-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UW-La Crosse River Studies Center</a> to help shape classroom curriculum to continue to produce top graduates. UWL students graduate with great technical background such as an understanding, analyzing and reporting geospatial data that applies to careers, Brennan staff say. Still there is room for students to grow through experiential learning outside the classroom.&nbsp;</p><p>“They saw an opportunity and said, 'You know, would you like to have more dialog about what we’re looking for? Because there’s a huge need out there for these types of students,'” explains Roger Haro, UWL College of Science and Health associate dean.&nbsp;</p><p>The partnership is considered a public-private partnership, explains Binsfeld.&nbsp;</p><p>“How can we work more closely with UWL and the River Studies Center to provide the experiential learning opportunities for young people, so that they’re not only getting the high-value and first-class in classroom experience, but they’re taking that and they’re putting that together with these opportunities to do actually what we do as an organization,” says Binsfeld.&nbsp;</p><p>While UWL offers high quality classroom experiences, one of the primary science facilities on campus is severely outdated and impacting those experiences. This video shares the top 10 reasons why the&nbsp; Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project/Cowley Hall demolition is needed.</p>
</div><div class="video"><figure><div class="video-container"><iframe data-src="https://youtu.be/AUnUW0r5liE" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AUnUW0r5liE?rel=0" title="Why pursue Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project/Cowley Hall demolition?" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen></iframe></div><figcaption aria-hidden="true">Why pursue Prairie Springs Science Center Completion Project/Cowley Hall demolition?</figcaption></figure></div></div>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/32-41-prairie-springs-v33.jpg/Medium" alt="A rendering of Research Vessel Prairie Springs that will equip the River Studies Center. The earliest possible delivery date for the new research vessel would be July 2023." />
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<span class="title">Water power</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">9:59 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Friday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>June</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>10</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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Research partnership gets students on the Mississippi using future workforce technology
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/statewide-grants/Statewide grants2022-03-29T08:25:48.277Z2022-03-29T10:00:00ZNhouchee Yanghttps://uwlax.edu/profile/nyang2/nyang2@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>29</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></p>
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<figcaption>The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is granting UW-La Crosse $88,600 in 2022 to develop water-based courses and a river adventure camp for students considering college.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">UWL receives $88,600 from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to train next generation of water scientists</h3>
<p>UW-La Crosse will receive $88,600 from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin this year to develop water-based courses and a river adventure camp for students considering college.</p><p>The overall $3.42 million in funding to enhance water-related academic programs is part of a statewide initiative. The efforts, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers, aim to tackle 10 grand water challenges and support curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in studying water-realted fields at all 13 UW Schools.</p><p>Projects funded at UW-La Crosse include:</p><p><strong>$59,137 for a “My River Adventures” pre-college camp<br></strong>The camp will target students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to foster recruitment, access, and aspirations for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) — specifically water-related sectors such as biology, ecology, and aquatic science. Learning will be centered through fieldwork, activities, and mentorship to develop K-12 and undergraduate students' research skills in water conservation. Camp activities will provide connections with community leaders and educators who will introduce students to different career paths to increase student interest in STEM post-high school and during college. The project leader is<a data-mce-href="/profile/myang/" href="/profile/myang/"> Monica Yang, UWL Multicultural Student Services Office</a>.<strong><br></strong></p><p><strong>$19,600 to develop a course on Wisconsin Water-based Sustainable Tourism<br></strong>The first-of-its-kind course will build on an existing hybrid course at UWL to examine water-based tourism in Wisconsin. It will become a requirement for UWL students earning an emphasis in tourism and event management. The grant will also fund online course options for other campuses to expand collaborative opportunities to other institutions and industry partners. The course developer is <a data-mce-href="/profile/dplunkett/" href="/profile/dplunkett/">Dan Plunkett, UWL Recreation Management &amp; Therapeutic Recreation Department</a>.<br></p><p><strong>$9,863 to develop a course on Managing the Mississippi River in conjunction with UW-Platteville</strong><br>The course will connect students to watersheds and foster an understanding of how changes in one part of a hydrologic system impact those upstream and downstream. Students will examine how land-use change and river management have resulted in both the infrastructure and the environmental impacts that threaten natural waterways. Course leaders include <a data-mce-href="/profile/aremsburg/" href="/profile/aremsburg/">Alysa Remsburg, UWL Environmental Studies Department</a>, and Rebecca Doyle-Morin, UW-Platteville Biology Department.<br></p>
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<figcaption>Dan Plunkett, UWL Recreation Management & Therapeutic Recreation Department, will receive $19,600 from The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to develop a course on Wisconsin Water-based Sustainable Tourism. The first-of-its-kind course will build on an existing hybrid course at UWL to examine water-based tourism in Wisconsin.</figcaption>
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<p>UWL will also be part of a collaborative project with the Madison, Eau Claire and Platteville campuses providing summer research experiences for UW System undergraduates.</p><p>Overall, the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin will support 42 grants to further develop UW System-wide water science programs, internships and research opportunities. High school and undergraduate students will have opportunities to participate in hands-on field and research experiences with faculty throughout the state, allowing them to develop a diverse range of skills. The collaborative is also partnering with industry, nonprofits and community organizations to increase career development opportunities for students. Grant descriptions available at <a href="http://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/" data-mce-href="http://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/">freshwater.wisconsin.edu</a>.</p><p>“Water is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy,” said Marissa Jablonski, executive director for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. “With these funds, the 13 UW Universities can expand training opportunities for students and prepare them to meet the needs of Wisconsin’s workforce and address our state’s biggest water challenges.”</p><p>Wisconsin has abundant water resources; however, factors such as invasive species, pollution and climate change could significantly impact water safety and economic growth. The State of Wisconsin and the Freshwater Collaborative have identified 10 grand water challenges facing the state and are currently focusing research efforts on the top two: Agricultural Water Management and Water Quality Safety/Emerging Contaminants.</p><p>Startup funding for the Freshwater Collaborative was provided in 2019 by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the UW System. In July 2021, the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Evers approved $5 million in the current biennial budget to expand the Collaboration’s ability to train water professionals and establish Wisconsin as a leader in water-related science and economic growth.</p>
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<h3>About the Freshwater Collaborative</h3>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/fcw_freswhatercollaborative_lus-22.jpg/Large" alt="" />
<figcaption>The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin seeks to establish the state as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth.</figcaption>
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<p>The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to establish Wisconsin as a world leader in freshwater science, technology, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is training the next generation of scientists to solve global water resource problems through academic programs, collaborative research and career development across the UW System. Learn more at <a href="http://freshwater.wisconsin.edu" data-mce-href="http://freshwater.wisconsin.edu">freshwater.wisconsin.edu</a>.</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/uwl_mississippi_scenic_overlook_018.jpg/Medium" alt="The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin is granting UW-La Crosse $88,600 in 2022 to develop water-based courses and a river adventure camp for students considering college." />
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<span class="title">Statewide grants</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>29</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2022</span></span>
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UWL receives $88,600 from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to train next generation of water scientists
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/science-in-a-snap/Science in a snap2021-03-31T10:13:54.393Z2021-03-30T10:38:08.487ZBritney Heinemanhttps://uwlax.edu/profile/bheineman/bheineman@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:13 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>31</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2021</span></p>
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<figcaption>Shayla Michel, a master's biology student at UW-La Crosse, took first place in this year’s 3 Minute Grad Project event. Her research explores how an insecticide commonly used in agriculture is affecting zebrafish and fathead minnows.</figcaption>
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<h3 class="tagline">Shayla Michel’s pithy presentation earns top honor</h3>
<p>Shayla Michel conquered the clock.</p><p>Michel, who’s pursuing a master’s degree in biology at UW-La Crosse, took first place in this year’s <a href="https://www.uwlax.edu/graduate-studies/3-minute-grad-project/" data-mce-href="/graduate-studies/3-minute-grad-project/">3 Minute Grad Project event</a>. The competition challenges students to squeeze months of research into a 180-second presentation for a general audience.</p><p>“I wasn’t expecting it at all,” says Michel, who presented on the effects of an insecticide on two fish species. “I listened to everyone else’s presentation, and they were so good and so interesting. As they were dwindling down, announcing third place and second place, I was thinking that I either did really badly or really well.”</p><p>This year’s event drew a record number of applications and featured presenters from a record number of graduate programs — including applied statistics, physical therapy, biology and software engineering.</p><p>But it was Michel whose presentation stood out to the panel.</p><p>She has spent two-plus years on this research, building on a grant project that her advisor, <a data-mce-href="/profile/tking-heiden/" href="/profile/tking-heiden/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Biology Professor Tisha King-Heiden</a>, has been working on.</p><p>Michel’s research explores how two fish species — zebrafish and fathead minnows — are being affected by Thiamethoxam, an insecticide often used in agriculture. While Thiamethoxam is highly effective against a broad range of insects, less is known about how it affects non-target organisms such as fish, birds and mice.</p><p>Working to answer that question came naturally to Michel, who’s passionate about biology and plans to pursue a doctorate in environmental toxicology after graduation. Whittling that research down to three minutes, however, was a new, eye-opening exercise.</p><p>“I love talking about my research and telling people what I do, and trying to fit all of that in three minutes is very challenging,” she says. “I had to really focus on the major parts and the most important parts. It really gave me a new and different perspective on my research.”</p><p>Michel says she felt “excited nervousness” before presenting, because she wanted to make a good impression with the panel, and she knew many more people were watching online. Thankfully, she navigated her presentation smoothly, and even had about 20 seconds to spare.</p><p>Of course, the foundation for Michel’s successful presentation was laid well before her three minutes began.</p><div class="list-item-1">
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<figcaption>For Michel, who has spent two-plus years on her research, the hardest part was narrowing the focus of her presentation. “I love talking about my research and telling people what I do," she says. "Trying to fit all of that in three minutes is very challenging.”</figcaption>
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<p>In recent months, the grad student closely monitored the health of fish that had been exposed to Thiamethoxam, watching for any changes to their survival or hatching rate, or to their ability to catch food or evade predators. The latter symptoms would be an indication of nervous system damage, which is often found in bees and other non-target organisms harmed by insecticides.</p><p>Michel found that the fish were affected by Thiamethoxam, but results varied between the different species and age groups.</p><p>While more research is needed to gain a clearer picture, King-Heiden says Michel has been thorough and dedicated in her approach.</p><p>“Shayla has all the skills required of a scientist — she can synthesize primary literature and identify areas that need to be further explored, she pays great attention to detail, and she understands her work well enough to explain her findings to both novice and experienced audiences,” King-Heiden notes. “Most of all, she exudes passion and dedication to exploration and has a creative mind, which are essential characteristics for having a successful career in science.”</p><p>As for their work with insecticides, Michel and King-Heiden hope others will continue their research. That body of evidence could help influence future regulations related to agriculture and wildlife.</p><p>“Anyone who cares about fishing, walking along the Mississippi River or swimming in local lakes will be affected by this in some way,” Michel says. “If an organism in that area is not healthy, it’s going to disrupt the ecosystem, and everyone enjoying those habitats will be affected as well.”</p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2020-uwl-shayla-michel-3-minute-thesis-0060.jpg/Medium" alt="Shayla Michel, a master's biology student at UW-La Crosse, took first place in this year’s 3 Minute Grad Project event. Her research explores how an insecticide commonly used in agriculture is affecting zebrafish and fathead minnows." />
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<span class="title">Science in a snap</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">10:13 a.m.</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Wednesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>31</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2021</span></span>
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Shayla Michel’s pithy presentation earns top honor
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</span>https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/river-research/River research2021-03-02T11:35:58.88Z2021-03-02T12:00:00ZKyle Farrishttps://uwlax.edu/profile/kfarris/kfarris@uwlax.edu
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<p class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">noon</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>2</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2021</span></p>
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<figcaption>UW-La Crosse grad student Courtney Baker investigates microplastics in the Mississippi River in this 2019 photo. Through the Freshwater Collaborative, UWL students and faculty will continue to be global leaders in freshwater science and critical aquatic issues.</figcaption>
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<h3>UWL, UW campuses aim to be global leaders in freshwater science </h3>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The future is water.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">As the world turns its attention to climate change,&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">the availability of&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">clean water and other critical&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">aquatic&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">issues, the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin — a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities — promises to become a global leader in freshwater science.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">And with its prime position along the Mississippi River, UW-La Crosse figures to play a&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">pivotal</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;role.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“We all bring a special spice to this collaboration, and ours is our location,” notes Roger Haro, a freshwater science specialist and associate dean of the College of Science and Health. “We’re the only UW campus that is right next to the Mississippi River, and our region, historically, has been an epicenter for river science.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">The collaborative, started in 2017, connects UW campuses with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Its mission is to train the next generation of water professionals, expand Wisconsin’s stake in the freshwater economy through job creation, and strengthen the existing water programs at UW campuses.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">And there is no better time than the present.</span><span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-type="format-caret"><span data-ccp-props="{"></span></span></p>
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<figcaption>Roger Haro</figcaption>
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<p><span data-contrast="none">Water is the fastest-growing sector of the global economy, and will be worth approximately $800 billion by 2035, experts say. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 78% of jobs worldwide are dependent on water.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“If we look at ever-growing aspects of our economy — climate change, fisheries, etc. — these fields need more and more water professionals,” explains Marissa Jablonski, executive director of the collaborative.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Over the next five years, Jablonski hopes Wisconsin will have:</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">1,000 new undergraduate students studying water science</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">400 new graduate students studying water science</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="none">100 new faculty, researchers and water professionals</span><span data-ccp-props="{"> </span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">And more than 600 new jobs related to water science<span data-ccp-props="{" style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span data-contrast="none">“If you love the environment and want to put on waders and get your feet dirty,” she says, “this is the perfect place for that.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">UWL has been an authority on all things freshwater since the establishment of the River Studies Center in 1972.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">That reputation has only grown</span><span data-contrast="none">,</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;with UWL hosting&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">the Society&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">for</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;Freshwater Science’s</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;(formerly known as the&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">North American&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">Benthological</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;Society)</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;annual meeting in 1976, 1983 and 2001.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">UWL’s commitment to river science would reach new heights with the construction of phase two of the Prairie Springs Science Center, an $83 million project that would provide new</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">classrooms, instructional labs,&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">re</span><span data-contrast="none">s</span><span data-contrast="none">earch labs, offices</span><span data-contrast="none">&nbsp;and other specialized spaces.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">Haro says nothing&nbsp;</span><span data-contrast="none">gets students or faculty more excited than a chance to work in the water.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">“When you get them on the river or marshes or coulee streams, our students just brighten,” he says. “They become engaged, and our faculty become engaged as well.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">For more information about UWL River Studies, visit </span><a href="http://www.uwlax.edu/center/river-studies/" data-mce-href="http://www.uwlax.edu/center/river-studies/"><span data-contrast="none">uwlax.edu/center/river-studies/</span></a><span data-contrast="none">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span data-contrast="none">For more information about the Freshwater Collaborative, visit <a href="https://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/" data-mce-href="https://freshwater.wisconsin.edu/">freshwater.wisconsin.edu/.</a></span></p>
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<img loading="lazy" src="/contentassets/d2492d337f8a4841b98d59100cb0f8ab/2019-uwl-courtney-baker-microplastics-mississippi-0052.jpg/Medium" alt="UW-La Crosse grad student Courtney Baker investigates microplastics in the Mississippi River in this 2019 photo. Through the Freshwater Collaborative, UWL students and faculty will continue to be global leaders in freshwater science and critical aquatic issues." />
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<span class="title">River research</span>
<span class="date"><span class="label">Posted </span><span data-part="time">noon</span><span data-part="weekday"><span> </span>Tuesday</span><span data-part="month"><span>, </span>March</span><span data-part="day"><span> </span>2</span><span data-part="year"><span>, </span>2021</span></span>
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UWL, UW campuses aim to be global leaders in freshwater science
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