UW-River Falls among recipients of Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin funding 

Projects support student training and research efforts to monitor, improve water quality 

 

Sept. 17, 2025– The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin has awarded $324,944 to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for seven water quality projects that the university is either leading or a partner in. 

That funding is part of more than $4.2 million allocated in the 2026-27 state budget to support water education and water research programs that will bolster Wisconsin’s water workforce for years to come. The projects will increase research and training opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students and will address Wisconsin’s biggest water challenges, including PFAS and phosphorus pollution. 

“The Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin shows the power of our universities when we come together to address Wisconsin’s needs,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “By expanding water-related degree programs and providing students with professional training opportunities, our universities are preparing future leaders while also strengthening Wisconsin’s economy, protecting our natural resources, and serving communities and industries throughout our state.” 

Most of the funding will be invested in sustaining and expanding successful programs that have been established over the past five years. This includes summer camps and internships for high school students; hands-on courses that involve water-related fieldwork and lab experiences; programs that allow undergraduate students to conduct relevant freshwater research; and university-led water projects that help fulfill community, industry and government agency needs.  

A portion of funding will support innovative ideas, including a new course in river studies, PFAS research, the development of a tool to assess water quality, and a community-based project addressing peatlands.   

“The Freshwater Collaborative has helped campuses develop innovative statewide courses, programs and research collaborations over the past five years,” said Marissa Jablonski, executive director for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. “With this latest round of funding, we are committing to ongoing investment in those programs that will best recruit and train the next generation of water professionals to address the needs of Wisconsin.” 

 Jill Coleman Wasik, a professor of environmental science who leads the Freshwater Collaborative effort at UW-River Falls, said the funding will support different types of student opportunities, from hands-on courses to field training, community-based service learning and professional networking.  

“UWRF has always prided itself on being a student-centered institution that provides its students with high-impact learning experiences. Freshwater Collaborative support empowers us to create and offer additional transformative opportunities that prepare students for impactful careers in water-related fields,” Coleman Wasik said. “Water touches every aspect of our lives, often in ways we don’t immediately see. By equipping the young professionals with technical expertise in water challenges and solutions, we are building stronger, more resilient communities across Wisconsin.” 

UWRF faculty involved in projects include Coleman Wasik, Veronica Justen, professor of crop science, and Bahareh Hassanpour, assistant professor of environmental science. 

The projects UW-River Falls is receiving funding for, and funding amounts, include: 

Crop per Drop 

Collaborating Institutions: UW-Stout, UW-River Falls 

UWRF Biennial Funding: $96,279 

A joint research effort to improve water use in dry bean production using soil analysis, irrigation studies, AI modeling and field data. Undergraduate students gain hands-on experience in precision agriculture and data science, working with local growers. 

Sustaining a Field Hydrology Course for University Students in Western Wisconsin 

Collaborating Institutions: UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout 

UWRF Biennial Funding: $21,626 

A three-week summer course offering immersive field and lab experiences in western Wisconsin for students in freshwater-related majors. The program builds interdisciplinary skills for water-focused careers. 

Leveraging the Strength of the Wisconsin Agriculture-Water Nexus Network for Transformative Student Experiences 

Collaborating Institutions: UW-Platteville, UW-Green Bay, UW-Stevens Point, UW-River Falls 

UWRF Biennial Funding: $13,068 

An annual seminar and rotating field experience connecting students with experts and communities to explore agriculture-water challenges across Wisconsin. Prepares students to develop innovative, practical solutions. 

Water in Western Wisconsin: An Interdisciplinary Freshwater Field Camp for High School Students 

Collaborating Institutions: UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls 

UWRF Biennial Funding: $4,124 

A week-long, hands-on field camp introducing rising high school seniors to freshwater science. Students engage with experts from three UW campuses to explore water-related majors and careers. The program also provides teaching experience for two undergraduate assistants, who serve as mentors and ambassadors for their universities. 

Next Steps to Creating Connected Freshwater Collaborative Programming at UW-River Falls 

Collaborating Institutions: UW-River Falls, UW-Green Bay 

UWRF Biennial Funding: $189,847.10 

Supports the continuing development of a comprehensive freshwater program through three key projects: 

  • Diatoms as Biological Indicators to Assess the Water Quality of the Kinnickinnic River: Students study single-celled algae (diatoms) in the Kinnickinnic River to assess water quality and build a local diatom database.
  • From Field to Laboratory, Hands-On Techniques for Students in Water Sciences: Enhances a freshwater science course with hands-on training and internships in water sampling, analysis, and research.
  • Seeing the DAM Crew Through Dam Removal: Continues implementation of the Data Analysis and Monitoring Crew. Students monitor stream conditions ahead of dam removals on the Kinnickinnic River, gaining workforce-ready skills and contributing to community decision-making. 

Grant descriptions for the latest funded projects are available at freshwater.wisconsin.edu/freshwater-collaborative-funded-projects-2025. 

The funding is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Governor Tony Evers, to tackle Wisconsin’s grand water challenges and support recruitment, hands-on curriculum, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in water-related careers.