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Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

giffeyt — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campusgiffeyt August 4, 2026

New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora

A 91��Ƭ Polytechnic student is applying personal enthusiasm and academic experience to an on-campus summer job designing and creating landscapes that add native plants to the university grounds.

The landscapes will enhance the beauty and sustainability of several campus locations, including the new mural that showcases 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s history on the exterior of the Administration Building, facing Alumni Clock Tower Plaza.

Pollinator-friendly native plants such as showy goldenrod and nodding pink onion have taken root this summer thanks to the green thumb of B.S. biochemistry and molecular biology major Adam Bayerl.

The student-led effort is an example of the university’s polytechnic identity, which emphasizes applied learning and research that brings students out of the classroom and into career-focused experiences.

Student Adam Beyerl plants perennials, including native species, in a bed on the 91��Ƭ Polytechnic campus.

“It’s definitely a passion project,” said Bayerl, a sophomore from Green Bay. “I have a personal vested interest in ecology. While it’s not my major, it’s definitely something my generation should start concerning itself with, considering how much it affects us, our well-being and the future in general.”

The project grew out of Bayerl’s interest in sustainability as well as inspiration from Assistant Professor Cassondra Vernier. In Vernier’s molecular cell biology course, Bayerl analyzed the gut microbiomes of bees, and Vernier suggested he could use the same technique to analyze soil microbiomes around campus. Bayerl learned that native plants improve soil in part by helping microorganisms thrive. Native plants are frequently more drought- and sun-tolerant than nonnative plants and are typically less expensive because they are easier for nurseries to grow.

In addition, Bayerl said, plants native to prairie biomes – which once covered parts of western Wisconsin – are known for their ability to trap carbon and filter environmental pollutants. Ideally, once established, these plants will require less water and labor to maintain.

Groundskeepers plant perennials on campus.

Idea becomes reality

Last spring, Bayerl prepared a proposal to create a native plant garden outside North Hall, where he lived at the time. The idea reached Zenon Smolarek, associate director of Facilities Management, and Nolan Dowd, assistant grounds supervisor, who met with Bayerl.

Associate Director of Facilities Management Zenon Smolarek

“He had a design, and we talked about native plants and drought resistance,” Smolarek said. “He came very well-prepared and was articulate. He really had a great attitude about the whole thing. I was impressed with what Adam had to say.”

Smolarek asked the student if there were other places on campus he had his eye on, while Dowd encouraged him to apply for a summer job as a groundskeeper – which he did.

First, Bayerl was asked to design a garden bed in front of Furlong Gallery by the Applied Arts Building. Then a spot alongside North Hall joined the list. Next came a mulch bed outside Bowman Hall and several spaces near the Administration Building, including beds by the new mural. In all, Bayerl has worked on plantings in eight locations on campus, six of which were entirely or partly composed of native plants.

“It’s quite a lot more than planned,” Bayerl acknowledged with a smile.

“Adam proceeded to design most of our plantings for the summer,” Smolarek said. “We’ve bought over 1,500 plants, and Adam has been primarily planting them along with a couple of the other limited-term employees.”

The projects have allowed Bayerl to step into a leadership role. In addition to typical summer groundskeeping tasks such as digging up mulch beds and sowing grass seed, he has been able to help his landscape ideas come to life by planting native species such as smooth aster, wild ginger and Lady in Red ferns.

Newly planted beds flank a new mural that encompasses 91��Ƭ Polytechnic's 135-year history.

Plantings enhance new mural

On a recent muggy summer morning, Bayerl and other groundskeepers carefully placed scores of plants in beds that flank the new mural on the east side of the Administration Building. The artwork, designed by California muralist Tom Seibert and painted by volunteers in June, was created as part of the communitywide Murals in Menomonie event.

The mural encompasses numerous elements from the institution’s 135-year history, including the logos of both the Stout Institute (1908-55) and Stout State University (1955-64), the contemporary triple-banded “S” logo, and pillars bearing the institution’s enduring values: Honor, Industry, Learning and Skill. A panoramic depiction of campus landmarks is framed by painted archways bearing the phrases “Forward from our founding” and “Forever to our future.”

And when it comes to the future, Bayerl has further dreams for helping native plants flourish across campus.

“I hope to incorporate more natural features, especially with a focus on pollinators – creating habitats for all the animals that you see around campus,” he said.

Smolarek said he admires Bayerl’s work ethic and imagination. “I’m curious what he’s going to think of next,” Smolarek said. “I’m sure the gears are turning, I’m sure he’s picking out other spots, other plants he wants to try. I’m very impressed with him.”

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New historical mural, other areas enhanced by addition of local flora Student Adam Beyerl in planting bed

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Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students

goersab — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:45:01 +0000

Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students goersab July 21, 2026

Nine undergraduates from around U.S. invite conversations at community presentation Aug. 6

Abbey Goers

Early in the morning on one of the hottest days of the summer, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic biology Associate Professor Keith Gilland and students Abi Cherry and Norah Shires trekked to the mouth of Galloway Creek, where it meets the Red Cedar River in Menomonie.

The group is investigating water quality, insect communities, and sedimentation processes in the heavily urbanized stream, as part of LAKES Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Cherry, Shires and seven other students representing nine universities from across the country are working to improve the health of the Red Cedar watershed.

Led by 91��Ƭ Polytechnic professors, the students are collaborating across disciplines in environmental science, biology, anthropology and psychology as they seek to develop sustainable solutions with community and government partners, local citizens and policymakers.

Associate Professor Keith Gilland and LAKES students Norah Shires and Abi Cherry measure the width and depth of Galloway Creek.

LAKES co-director Tina Lee, program director of applied social science, has been involved in the federally funded program, part of 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s experiential learning, since its inception in 2014.

“Our interdisciplinary approach seeks to better prepare students with the analytical skills needed to address complex environmental issues. They are really helping to build knowledge for improving our local environment, water quality, and eutrophic lakes – where phosphorus and nitrogen pollution causes blue-green algae blooms and low oxygen levels – particularly in the Midwestern U.S. Students get the opportunity to see their research directly impact the community around them and make important contributions to new science and policy,” Lee said.

The LAKES program runs from June 7 to Aug. 8. Students and mentors invite community members to a public presentation and forum from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Raw Deal in Menomonie.

Abi Cherry uses a transparency tube at Galloway Creek to measure water clarity and turbidity.

LAKES REU researchers

91��Ƭ Polytechnic mentors and their students are:

Biology Associate Professor Keith Gilland
- Abi Cherry, University of Cincinnati, biology
- Norah Shires, University of Northern Iowa, environmental science
Biology Senior Lecturer Arthur Kneeland, co-director of LAKES
- James Devereaux, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, anthropology and psychology
- McKenna Dudley, Illinois State, environmental system science and sustainability
Anthropology Professor Thomas Pearson
- Sydney Peterson, UW-Milwaukee, freshwater science and water policy
- Daniel Rogers, University of North Texas, anthropology
- Jacob Smertneck, West Virginia University, anthropology and environmental science
Psychology Program Director Professor Sarah Wood
- Hattie Larson, 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, psychology
- Annabel Raffin, Amherst College, Massachusetts, environmental studies and psychology

Norah Shires uses a DO meter at Galloway Creek to measure temperature and oxygen levels.

Urban stream management and restoration

Cherry and Shires are comparing characteristics of Galloway Creek with those of streams in local nature preserves to determine the impacts of urban watersheds on streams and what management activities might help build a healthy stream through the city. They have visited disturbed, undisturbed and restored sites along the creek.

“This project is the next step in a long history of Stout faculty and students studying and stewarding Galloway Creek and its watershed,” Gilland said.

They are also examining stream morphology – how the course or the depth of the stream has changed over time – as well as the effects of recent restoration projects, focusing on improving the riparian corridor along the stream with the hopes of refining restoration methods and identifying future sites for improvement, including possible channel reconstruction, he explained.

“Water is our most important natural resource; everything living relies on it. Creeks provide water for several ecosystems and contribute to the large bodies we drink from; protecting them and restoring them to good condition will ensure that we get to drink from and recreate in our waters for millennia to come,” Shires said. “The most challenging part of restoration, I think, is public education. Without voters to voice their concerns, funding for restoration projects isn’t placed where it is needed.

“A lot of projects surround the site, like native tree and vegetative plantings, as well as invasive removal. These things help improve the channel of the stream and are achievable,” she added. “What I would like to see is a large-scale removal of impervious surfaces along the creek, like long stretches of concrete. Replacing them with a more permeable material or even forgoing the concrete altogether would reduce urban runoff and improve the overall quality of our waters.”

Abi Cherry and Norah Shires examine insect samples from Galloway Creek in a biology lab.

Circular economy in the Red Cedar watershed

Kneeland, Devereaux and Dudley are studying circular economy in the Red Cedar watershed, with the idea that local commerce has a clearer relationship to the environment, as well as economically benefiting the community in general.

They are using long and short form interviews, talking with local business owners and Chamber of Commerce members to discover people’s attitudes, values and perceived barriers to engaging in local economic activity.

The interviews have also given insight into how people shop, Devereaux noted, adding that he would like to “explore ways that the Chamber helps the community that might not be normally known, and the reasonings behind their decision making.”

Norah Shires and Abi Cherry identify insect samples from Galloway Creek.

Viewpoints on data center developments

Proposed data center development has become a politically charged and controversial issue that raises new questions about energy, water, and future land use and development in the watershed, Pearson said.

He is working with Peterson, Rogers and Smertneck to study the diverse viewpoints and beliefs that shape public debate about data center development. The students are gathering information through participant observation and interviews and are documenting how local history and place identity inform the concerns of residents. They are also looking at how data center proposals have become a catalyst for community organizing, the response of government officials, and the strategies adopted by industry or other stakeholders working to expand data center infrastructure.

Peterson thinks the most impactful part of the LAKES program is the community connection and how that connection makes the research feel more meaningful than any other project she’s pursued.

“I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the close relationship between the city of Menomonie and 91��Ƭ Polytechnic. 91��Ƭ feels very integrated into Menomonie, which creates an atmosphere of trust and collaboration I haven’t experienced before,” she said. “I’ve been really surprised at how much respect the community has for the school’s research and how eager they are to participate in our study, even regarding a contentious topic like data centers.”

Insect samples from Galloway Creek under a microscpe.

Understanding sustainable behaviors and goals

Wood is working with psychology students Larson and Raffin, who are developing two projects using the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand more about people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to sustainability.

Larson is researching people’s general attitudes and opinions regarding secondhand shopping and whether it influences other sustainable behaviors. Raffin is investigating community opinions about Wisconsin and Menomonie’s goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050; how people respond to large-scale sustainability goals that are set at the group level, such as by the city, county, or state; and how effective group-set goals are in motivating behaviors.

They think LAKES REU has been a wonderful opportunity for their team to dive into a wide range of interests regarding sustainability and to gain firsthand experience with the research process. “It has been a great experience to talk with Wisconsin residents and get involved in the Menomonie community,” Larson said.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2446660. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Students receive a $6,300 research stipend for the summer, as well as housing in 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s residence halls, a $450 food allowance, up to $500 in travel reimbursement and funding support to travel to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research to present their final research findings.

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Tina Lee

Dr. Lee is an applied anthropologist who specializes in the anthropology of the contemporary United States, specifically public policy and inequality. She is a graduate of the Anthropology PhD program at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center and has conducted research about the child welfare system, environmental governance, and humanitarian engineering. She is the author of Catching a Case: Inequality and Fear in New York City's Child Welfare System, published by Rutgers University Press in 2016, as well as serval articles based on her fieldwork in New York City. A book chapter on her follow-up work on child welfare in rural Wisconsin will be published soon. She is also the co-director of the LAKES REU, an NSF-funded research experience for undergraduates site which trains students through research on phosphorous pollution in the Red Cedar Watershed and how it might be mitigated. She teaches anthropology, research methods, and women and gender studies courses and is the program director for the Applied Social Science major as well as the Stout Core Director (Stout's polytechnic version of general education).

Teaching Interests: Cultural Anthropology, Anthropology of Gender, Anthropology of the Contemporary U.S., Qualitative Research Methods, Applied Anthropology

Research Interests: Gender, Race, Poverty and Class; Family and the Law; Women’s Activism; Public Policy; Urban United States

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Degree: Women's Studies Certificate Women's Studies

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Degree: M.A. Anthropology

University: Arizona State University

Degree: B.A. Anthropology

University: University of Houston

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Arthur Kneeland

Skills: Teaching, Entomological taxonomy, sampling and IPM. Sustainable Agriculture, GIS proficiency, ARCgis and ERDAS. Statistical proficiency, SAS,

Teaching Interests: Entomology, lab teaching,

Research Interests: Innovative sustainable agricultural techniques, Insect Ecology,

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Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group trains next generation of water scientists

goersab — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group trains next generation of water scientistsgoersab July 8, 2026

Faculty, students work across universities in Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin’s longest-running programs

Abbey Goers

Biology and environmental science faculty, university students and high school students ventured into the marshes, creeks and wetlands surrounding 91��Ƭ Polytechnic and the Menomonie area this summer to understand and strengthen the health of the Red Cedar Watershed.

Their research is part of three of Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin’s longest-running programs that seek to train the next generation of water scientists: the Field Hydrology three-week advanced field course, the Red Cedar River Basin Internship Program, and the Water in Western Wisconsin: An Interdisciplinary Freshwater Field Camp for High School Students.

The programs are led by 91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group, which works in collaboration with Universities of Wisconsin schools in its efforts. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic received $358,949 in grants from Freshwater Collaborative to run the three programs during the 2025-27 biennium.

Field Hydrology course

The Field Hydrology course was led by faculty from four Universities of Wisconsin, with 14 students from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls and Beloit College. Students spent a week at or near each UW campus conducting hands-on activities in water science.

“By collaborating with faculty at UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, and UW-Oshkosh, we created a course that lets students explore a wider diversity of water-related research and careers than is available at any one institution. Students learned from experts in the field while building on knowledge from their home institutions and emerged better prepared for careers in water resources,” said 91��Ƭ Polytechnic biology Assistant Professor Nicole Hayes.

Hayes and Lecturer Julia Chapman, program director of M.S. sustainable management, brought the students to Birch, Gilbert and Galloway creeks in the Red Cedar Watershed, which includes about 40,000 acres of open water and 4,900 miles of waterways in northwestern and west-central Wisconsin.

Students learned to assess water quality by measuring physical and chemical variables in the stream and on land. They also collected macroinvertebrate samples and analyzed them in the lab, then calculated diversity indices and the biotic index.

The students learned about soils and wetland delineation with Professor Amanda Little, program director of environmental science, and Professor Matthew Kuchta before visiting Muddy Creek wetland. They also spent time on the Kinnickinnic River at UW-River Falls.

91��Ƭ Polytechnic students in the course were Cayanna Erickson, who served as a teaching assistant, and Harrison Bennett, Georgia McGrath, and Carter Tieman. The four students are also part of the Red Cedar River Basin internship program.

As a teaching assistant, Erickson, who interned last summer as well, enjoyed teaching her fellow interns how to conduct stream sampling, seeing them each gain skills ranging from stream monitoring to wetland delineation and from understanding how geology impacts aquatic systems, and seeing their growth in the professional world, she said.

“I think what is most interesting to me about participating in these activities is the various skills that I have developed in these experiences, as well as assisting others in developing those skills, from stream monitoring to wetland delineation, and how geology impacts aquatic systems.

“Collaboration between various universities is extremely important because not all faculty members are able to teach every skill necessary for the professional world. Collaborating also allows students to learn a variety of skills from professionals that they may not have learned otherwise,” she added. “My goals for my research are to solidify a sampling protocol that future interns are able to replicate and continue for a long-term monitoring program.”

Red Cedar River Basin Internship Program

In the Red Cedar River Basin Internship Program, six interns – four from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic and two from UW-Eau Claire – are collecting data throughout the summer. The program is organized through the Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group.

The goals of the group are twofold. “First, we are training students to conduct research and monitor in a variety of aquatic ecosystems, so when they graduate, they are prepared to solve freshwater challenges as the next generation of water scientists,” Hayes said.

The students are participating in a range of projects this summer. With Hayes, they are collecting water samples from lakes Menomin and Tainter to assess the size of the harmful cyanobacterial algal blooms and measure concentrations of a toxin produced by these blooms.

With Chapman, they are sampling Birch, Galloway, Gilbert, Hay and Wilson creeks to assess water quality by looking at chemical, physical and biological parameters. They’ll study oxygen and pH levels, nutrient concentrations and conductivity, while also examining bank erosion, sediments in the water, habitat in the riparian zone and macroinvertebrate communities.

With Associate Professor Julie Beston and Assistant Professor Cassondra Vernier, the students are studying the relationship between beaver activity, macroinvertebrates and trout. As they collect data above and below beaver dams, they will also look at trout populations in streams with dams using environmental DNA (the genetic material that organisms shed into their surroundings).

Macroinvertebrates are small organisms that live in streams; many are juvenile insects that mature into flying insects as adults. They are important food resources for fish, and the mature adults are food for organisms that live near streams and lakes. Macroinvertebrates are key indicators of water quality.

Each student is also leading an independent research project they developed during the Field Hydrology course:

Bennett is examining how trout stream restoration impacts water quality and macroinvertebrate communities leading up to and directly after the project.
Erickson is conducting a study to estimate the number of zebra mussels currently in lakes Menomin and Tainter and how rapidly they are reproducing.
McGrath is testing methods to use environmental DNA to examine trout populations above and below beaver dams.
Tieman is examining how fish populations change once trout streams are restored.
Emma Herfel, UW-Eau Claire, is measuring growth of potentially toxin-producing cyanobacteria on rocks in local streams.
Kasey Klouser, UW-Eau Claire, is sampling macroinvertebrates in beaver ponds to gain insights into the importance of these ponds for providing bat food resources.

Water in Western Wisconsin high school camp

During the Water in Western Wisconsin high school camp, which ran June 22-25, 21 students from across the state and the country experienced what it’s like to work in water science through hands-on coursework, preparing them for degrees in biology and environmental science and to enter the workforce.

Camp participants learned about ecological restoration, groundwater systems, water quality, surface water, fish diversity, and water pollution, as well as academic programs and careers focused on water science. Each day was spent in a different location, with experiences led by faculty from 91��Ƭ Polytechnic, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls.

The Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring interns served as teaching assistants and taught the young students how to do the stream sampling, bug identification and water quality monitoring.

Freshwater Collaborative funded the camp, including visits to other UW campuses. The camp has run every year since 2021, making it one of the longest-running and most successful programs through the Freshwater Collaborative.

Overall, the Freshwater Collaborative invested $4.2 million for the 2025-27 biennium in projects that involve faculty, staff and students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin, as well as dozens of partners from industry, government, local communities, tribal nations, nonprofits and K-12 education. Freshwater Collaborative funding increases research and training opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students and addresses Wisconsin’s biggest water challenges, including PFAS and phosphorus pollution.

91��Ƭ Polytechnic’s biology department offers undergraduate degrees in applied science; biochemistry and molecular biology; biology; and environmental science, as well as an online master's in conservation biology. 91��Ƭ Polytechnic also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

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Nicole Hayes

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Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:32:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology giffeyt May 21, 2026

Furthering her education by pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll (’26) 

Hometown: Pine Island, Minnesota 
Degree: B.S. Biology
Minors: Spanish, Human Physiology

The strong sense of community – exemplified by both students and faculty – on display during a campus visit inspired Mia Schmoll to enroll at 91��Ƭ, and over the past four years she has cultivated her own campus community in classrooms, labs and athletic fields.

Schmoll said 91��Ƭ’s polytechnic approach, which complements her own learning style, helped clinch her decision to become a Blue Devil, an experience which culminated May 16 when she joined more than 1,000 students who received 91��Ƭ degrees.

In addition to being a student athlete, Schmoll interned as an assistant athletic trainer, allowing her to apply the skills she learned in the classroom and lab to her fellow competitors’ needs. And those skills will be front and center when she attends the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences to complete her doctorate in physical therapy.

“I am very excited to be able to work directly with patients as a physical therapist and help to improve their quality of life through rehabilitation,” Schmoll said.

What brought you to 91��Ƭ?

I toured 91��Ƭ as a high schooler and during my visit I met with both members of the soccer team and faculty in the biology program. I felt so welcomed and loved the sense of community that Stout had. I also really appreciated the hand-on approach that Stout boasts, as well as the small class sizes that allow you to get to know your classmates and professors well. All these reasons combined made Stout the perfect choice for me.

How has 91��Ƭ prepared you to work in your field?

Stout’s emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration really catered to my learning style and helped me feel much more prepared as I head into a graduate-level program. One of my favorite courses I took here was the Advanced Anatomy course. We spent much of our time in the anatomy lab where we were able to study using cadavers. Not many universities are able to offer this kind of in-depth experience, and I benefited so much from it.

Mia Schmoll (27) was a member of the Blue Devils women's soccer team.

Where did you complete your internship, and what kind of projects have you worked on?

For my internship I worked as an assistant athletic trainer in the 91��Ƭ Athletics Training Room. I shadowed the trainers there and learned different rehabilitation techniques. Throughout the semester I worked there I became increasingly independent and by the end was able to work one-on-one with athletes.

During my time there I also completed a research project on ACL injuries where I compiled information from a variety of studies. Altogether, I learned so much and gained many valuable rehabilitation skills that will directly transfer to the specifics of the career field I am pursuing.

What stands out most about your 91��Ƭ experience?

The professors at Stout really stood out and made my experience here so much more valuable. They really work to get to know their students personally and care about what is going on in their lives. I have always felt like I had a great support system in the faculty here that I could turn to when I needed help with coursework.

What organizations were you involved with on campus, and how did that involvement impact your experience?

In my time at 91��Ƭ I was a part of the women’s soccer team and the women’s flag football team. I also was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Pre-Health Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Being involved in all these different groups helped me to get to know so many different people and build a community, as well as helping me grow my leadership, communication and time management skills.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

I think that finding a balance between coursework, athletics, community involvement and social life was one of the most challenging things for me while earning my degree. However, I think this pushed me to be more organized and have impeccable time management, which are both skills that will benefit me in the future.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I think I am most proud of being able to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. It took a lot of hard work to be able to be in this position, but accomplishing this has helped provide so many opportunities for my future and allowed me to attend the graduate program of my choice.

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Solutions for space debris, cybersecurity threats among students’ applied research topics at state Capitol

giffeyt — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:57:03 +0000

Solutions for space debris, cybersecurity threats among students’ applied research topics at state Capitolgiffeyt March 12, 2026

Undergraduates demonstrate applied learning at annual Research in the Rotunda event

Tom Giffey

From the depths of outer space to the cutting edge of cyberspace, 91��Ƭ undergraduates presented wide-ranging, impactful research March 11 at the annual Research in the Rotunda event in the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

The event embodies 91��Ƭ’s polytechnic approach on a statewide stage, with student and their faculty advisers sharing the tangible implications of their applied research in multiple disciplines, including chemistry, cybersecurity, conservation, packaging and human development.

“It’s one of the more significant events students can go to where they can experience that they are an expert,” said Professor Tina Lee, who has accompanied applied social science students to Research in the Rotunda for more than a decade. Over the years, Lee has watched as student researchers have developed professional confidence presenting their research under the Capitol dome.

Nine outstanding 91��Ƭ undergraduates were among the roughly 125 students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses who shared their research at the 22nd annual event, which celebrates the positive economic impact of the state’s universities. Elected officials, policymakers and business leaders were among the hundreds of visitors who explored the displays, chatting with undergraduates and their faculty advisers. Gov. Tony Evers was in attendance, as was Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, who visited with 91��Ƭ researchers.

“Undergraduate research transforms learning,” as undergraduates apply innovative thinking, data analysis and problem solving to identify solutions, Rothman said.

“In doing so, our students gain exactly the skills that employers across Wisconsin need,” he said. “In short, these research experiences make our universities an even stronger pipeline of great talent.”

91��Ƭ chemistry major Reese Hufnagel speaks about her work on space debris at Research in the Rotunda.

Bringing space research down to earth

Among the stratosphere-scraping undergraduate talent was 91��Ƭ junior Reese Hufnagel, a B.S. chemistry major who, alongside faculty adviser Professor Matthew Ray, is trying to solve the problem of reentry debris from spacecraft and satellites.

Ideally, materials such as expendable rocket stages and decommissioned satellites burn up when they fall back to earth. However, as stronger carbon-fiber materials have become more common and the number of rocket launches has increased exponentially thanks to firms like SpaceX, reentry debris has become much more common in recent years, Hufnagel explained. To address this potential danger, Hufnagel and Ray have worked to create a catalytic additive that, when integrated into carbon-fiber materials, can cause them to disintegrate when they reach a specific trigger temperature at reentry.

“I think this research is really important because it could solve one of the major issues that is being faced by the aerospace industry today,” Hufnagel said. Entities such as the European Union and the European Space Agency are at the forefront of this topic, the latter having created a Zero Debris Charter that calls for an end to space debris by 2030. “This research is a direct correlation with some of their goals and could significantly impact how people look at ‘design for demise’ when it comes to aerospace,” Hufnagel added.

To bolster their work, Hufnagel and Ray have conducted more than 50 interviews with people in the space industry, including experts at NASA, SpaceX and Sierra Space, which has a facility in Wisconsin. Among other things, the pair have formed a startup to commercialize their work, and Hufnagel has received a research scholarship from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.

As Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, 91��Ƭ uses the slogan “Do More on Day One,” and Hufnagel jokes she began her research on “Day Negative Two” — the weekend before she even started classes.

“I don’t think that’s something you could do at another university,” she said. “I immediately got attention from people high up, like faculty, who were able to make those kinds of decisions. I was able to start right away as an 18-year-old, starting some of this research and having access to all of the labs.”

Cybersecurity majors Fletcher Meyer, left, and Chloe Kaneski stand by their display about the use of AI agents in cybersecurity.

Keeping an eye on AI agents

Two other 91��Ƭ undergraduates, senior Chloe Kaneski and junior Fletcher Meyer, have also researched ways to mitigate risky incidents, but in a very different kind of space. The B.S. cybersecurity majors’ work focused on using artificial intelligence agents to respond to cybersecurity threats.

Using a large language model (LLM) — specifically, one developed by Anthropic — the students programmed an AI agent to find and fix vulnerabilities in an IT system. The results were measured in terms of correctness, accuracy, effectiveness and other factors. They found that the agent could correctly identify vulnerabilities 74% of the time, but was less accurate (67%) in understanding the vulnerabilities.

“The result of the research was that there should always be a human element,” Meyer said. The AI agent, he explained, would sometimes harm a network while attempting to secure it — for example, by locking itself out without providing a means back in. “So while it can do things at great speed and great quality, there are things that — when it doesn’t match up — it does a very bad job at, and there need to be humans to validate its answers,” he added.

Kaneski said she expects her experience researching and working with AI will be an asset in the professional world.

“Especially in cybersecurity, AI is becoming a pretty big factor, so having exposure to it is going to be a good thing in the long run,” Kaneski said. “It could be valuable to employers if you can see if the tool is effective or not effective.”

Students from across all 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses took part in Research in the Rotunda on March 11, 2026.

Research explores multiple disciplines

Participants in Research in the Rotunda are nominated by faculty, staff and a student committee. Here is a complete list of this year’s 91��Ƭ student researchers, their topics and their mentors:

Helayna Brown, of Menomonie, and Ella Kemp, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, both applied social science: Return on Investment of the Work of County Land and Water Conservation Departments in Wisconsin. Mentors: Professor Tina Lee and Assistant Professor Nicole Hayes.
Cayanna Erickson, of Eau Claire, environmental science: Monitoring the Zebra Mussel Invasion in Lake Menomin. Mentors: Lecturer Julia Chapman and Hayes.
Reese Hufnagel, of Anoka, Minnesota, chemistry: The Sky is Falling: Accelerating Demise During Uncontrolled Reentry of Space Debris. Mentor: Professor Matthew Ray.
Elias Jeska, of Somerset, environmental science: Microcystin Concentrations and Space: A Survey of Spatial and Depth Patterns. Mentor: Hayes.
Louis Malais, of Rhinelander, human development and family studies: The Effects of Traumatic Stress on Interpersonal Relationship Characteristics. Mentor: Associate Professor Kevin Doll.
Fletcher Meyer, of Appleton, and Chloe Kaneski, of Plymouth, Minnesota, both cybersecurity: Autonomous Al Agent for Incident Response. Mentor: Professor Holly Yuan.
Lauren Ras, of St. Michael, Minnesota, packaging: Raspberry Packaging Design: Effects of Air Flow Rate on Raspberry Shelf Life. Mentor: Assistant Professor Mary Paz Alvarez Valverde.

Research in the Rotunda is sponsored by Kwik Trip, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, BioForward, the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and the UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation.

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Hero Caption: 91��Ƭ environmental science major Cayanna Erickson speaks about her research on the zebra mussel infestation in Lake Menomin at Research in the Rotunda on March 11, 2026.

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Investigate. Collaborate. Disseminate.

The mission of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at Wisconsin’s polytechnic university is to create and support a university culture that promotes research and assists the 91��Ƭ Polytechnic community in securing the funds to advance research, scholarship, industry collaboration, and other innovations.

ORSP offers support to faculty, staff, and students in their research endeavors. We guide researchers through the pre-award funding process, offering support in proposal development, budget development, and submission. Read on to learn more about our services.

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic partners with a number of state, foundational, and federal sponsors, including but not limited to, the following (in alphabetical order):

3M Foundation
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AI reshaping industry: Biochemistry professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: Biochemistry professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biologygoersab January 14, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information

Abbey Goers

Professor Jennifer Grant, with 91��Ƭ’s biology department, has been curious about how well everyday chatbots dispense health information, including pharmacology advice and influences on human health.

“You sometimes hear that these tools can give distorted or misleading answers, and that’s what first caught my attention,” she said.

To quell her curiosity, Grant began several lines of AI research and developed projects for her introductory pharmacology and 100-level human biology students. For the results of the first study, Grant published a peer-reviewed manuscript, with reviews that noted that she is developing a unique angle on chatbot use in health care.

“Looking ahead, I plan to develop curricula that teach both students and, eventually, patients how to critically evaluate the quality of chatbot responses. Those skills will be of paramount importance in a world overflowing with digital advice,” Grant said.

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

A plot graph comparing ChatGPT and Copilot / Jennifer Grant

Grant asked her pharmacology students to put three chatbots to the test: ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. Their task was simple: ask the chatbots about the safety profiles of specific medications and look for errors. They looked at correctness and rated how thorough and helpful the generated answers were.

“To my surprise, and theirs, students found that the chatbot responses were highly accurate,” she said. “And yes, the chatbots differed. Each had their own style, and students preferred when chatbots organized information in a helpful way.”

Grant recently published an article on her findings in the open-access journal Discover Artificial Intelligence, titled “Undergraduates perceive differences in helpfulness and thoroughness of responses of ChatGPT 3.0, Gemini 1.5, and Copilot responses about drug interactions.”

“I published this research because this is truly a new academic frontier. This work is also very timely, because we believe that many people already consult everyday chatbots for medical advice,” she said.

Access to better information on human health

The pharmacology project experience led Grant to wonder how this approach could help students in her human biology class. Because the goals in that course are different, Grant redesigned the activity.

Instead of focusing on medications, students used Copilot and ChatGPT to explore how molecules influence human health. Every other week, students asked the chatbots a question tied to the organ system the class was studying. Early results showed that the chatbots provided accurate information, and Grant is excited to work up the rest of the data.

“Chatbots are everywhere now, which means learners and patients have more information at their fingertips than ever before. My hope is that this work will help people get better information, not just more of it,” she said.

A third line of Grant’s research addresses biochemistry, using AI software to look at how proteins fold. These student projects are in mid-stage, with outcomes expected by June.

“I am very excited about these projects and will start looking for high-power collaborators with bespoke AI chatbots this spring,” she said.

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Jennifer Grant

Teaching Interests: Proteomics (Bio425); Biochemistry (Chem311); General Chemistry (Chem135); Human Biology Lecture & Laboratory (Bio132); Biochemistry Lecture & Laboratory (Chem311); Introduction to Biotechnology (Bio210, Online); Advanced Biotechnology (Bio470); Introductory Biology (Bio101); General Chemistry (Chem 135); Biology of Aging (Bio125)

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University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region’s waters

giffeyt — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region’s waters giffeyt September 18, 2025

Latest grants from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin bring $389K for research, education, monitoring

By Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and Tom Giffey / 91��Ƭ

Cayanna Erickson says interning with the 2025 Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group will give her a step up when she enters the job market. The University of Wisconsin-Stout undergraduate recently declared a B.S. environmental science major, and the summer internship gave her experience with hands-on field work.

“My career goals involve water monitoring, specifically in the Eau Claire area as that is where I am from originally,” she said. “The skills that I learned this summer directly relate to what I want to do in the future.”

Erickson was one of six students from 91��Ƭ, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls who spent the summer collecting and analyzing data that helps show the impact of restoration efforts in the Red Cedar Basin. This watershed includes Lakes Menomin and Tainter, which are listed as impaired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Nutrient pollution causes frequent harmful algal blooms in these water bodies and others throughout Wisconsin.

Despite the multitude of problems facing the Red Cedar Basin, the lakes and rivers are heavily used for angling, recreation and power generation. This has led to multiple restoration projects to improve the health of the watershed.

The initial monitoring group was started two decades ago as a volunteer organization but languished after its leader retired. It was revived with funding from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, a partnership of Wisconsin’s 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Since 2022, Freshwater Collaborative funding has provided continuity of data collection and built capacity to gather data from more sites and more diverse ecosystem types. Eighteen students have participated so far, and recent funding investments will ensure the project continues.

Students Carter Lane of 91��Ƭ, right, and Grant Ableson of UW-River Falls survey black ash impacted by emerald ash borers in Muddy Creek.

Fulfilling a community need

“The Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group trains students to collect data on aquatic ecosystems and fills a critical need of collecting data related to management and restoration,” said Nicole Hayes, an assistant professor at 91��Ƭ.

Hayes said the goals of the Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group are twofold. First, it leverages the expertise of scientists at 91��Ƭ to work with local community groups to understand how environmental change is impacting lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands in the watershed. Second, it builds a better understanding of how these ecosystems are responding to ongoing degradation and mitigation and restoration efforts. The data gathered is used to support management decisions.

“We are informing best management practices in trout stream restoration and maintenance,” added Professor Amanda Little, program director for environmental science. “Students are studying harmful algal blooms and monitoring the zebra mussel invasion of Lake Menomin in order to better understand the dynamics of the lake. Future projects will investigate aquatic vegetation restoration in local lakes to improve fish habitat. Students are also studying sedimentation in Galloway Creek in Menomonie to understand the impacts of sanding during the winter and erosion on this urban stream.”

Four 91��Ƭ educators – including Hayes and Little as well as Associate Professor Keith Gilland and lecturer Julia Chapman – collaborate with DNR Fisheries, the City of Menomonie, Dunn County, Beaver Creek Reserve, the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and The Prairie Enthusiasts, among others. This allows students to start building a professional network while gaining professional skills.

91��Ƭ student Cayanna Erickson, left and UW-River Falls student Grant Ableson measured sediment type, sediment depth and particle size to assess soil erosion on Galloway Creek.

Each intern also develops an independent research project in addition to contributing to the overall data collection. Several students have continued their research projects into the following academic year, and many have presented their findings at local, state and even national conferences.

This summer, Erickson’s independent student project focused on zebra mussels, an invasive species first identified in Lake Menomin in 2024. “I hope that the survey allows for a deeper understanding of the abundance of zebra mussels in our lake as well as their high-density areas,” she said. “In turn, both city and county could use the data as a means for reducing/confining the spread of zebra mussels.”

Erickson concluded that the internship was an “amazing experience” that will prepare her for future classes.

Little agreed, adding that working on the project prepares students for what lies ahead. “Students will be well-prepared for specific upper-level courses that incorporate the skills from the summer,” Little said. “The wide range of projects that they worked on over the summer are great resume-builders and give them a broad scope of work to discuss during interviews. This internship really makes them super-competitive due to both the breadth of skills and the depth of their own individual project which demonstrates leadership and initiative.”

Thanks to Freshwater Collaborative funding, 14 of the interns have received scholarships to participate in additional freshwater coursework at 91��Ƭ, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls. The coursework helps prepare them for their internships and provides the opportunity to work with faculty and students from other universities.

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New funding announced

The Freshwater Collaborative recently announced that funding would continue for the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group for the next two years thanks to money included in the most recent state budget, which covers 2025-27.

In total, 91��Ƭ will receive $389,256 for four projects:

The Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group will receive $258,452 to continue the internship program and related research projects.

Crop Per Drop, a collaborative research project between 91��Ƭ and UW-River Falls aimed at understanding and improving water use in dry bean production, will receive $30,307.

Field Hydrology, a three-week summer field course for upper-level students from 91��Ƭ, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-River Falls, will receive $21,050.

Water in Western Wisconsin: An Interdisciplinary Freshwater Field Camp for High School Students, a collaboration among the three western Wisconsin universities that targets rising high school seniors, will receive $79,447.

Overall, the Freshwater Collaborative will invest $4.2 million in projects that involve faculty, staff and students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin, as well as dozens of partners from industry, government, local communities, tribal nations, nonprofits and K-12 education. They 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 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.”

The funding is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. 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.

Grant descriptions for the latest funded projects are available at freshwater.wisconsin.edu.

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Hero Caption: As part of the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group, students from 91��Ƭ and UW-Eau Claire collect water samples to measure microcystin, a toxin produced by harmful cyanobacteria, near Wakanda Park on Lake Menomin.

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Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

goersab — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:30:00 +0000

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metalsgoersab May 15, 2025

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

Abbey Goers

More than 300 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty presented their research across realms during 91��Ƭ’s annual Research Day on May 6, with individuals and cross-disciplinary teams representing more than 30 degree fields.

Research ranged from heavy metals present in everyday products to regional topics, like housing and water quality in the Chippewa Valley, to health and wellbeing interests of the nation’s citizens, to developing global solutions through an Engineers Without Borders’ international design challenge.

Nearly 90 students in 23 teams addressed the EWB challenge. One group focused on engineering a safer, more accessible transportation system in South Africa’s suburbs. Revitalizing Makers Valley: Future-Ready Roads for Safety, Efficiency, and Growth was presented by:

Gabriel Morken, manufacturing engineering, Eau Claire
Ann Moss, computer and electrical engineering, Johnsburg, Illinois
Christian Bretey, mechanical engineering, Eau Claire
Christian Klein, mechanical engineering, St. Paul

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein at Research Day

Two biochemistry and molecular biology and chemistry students focused on heavy metals. Some products, such as chocolate, have trace amounts occurring in them naturally through the farming process, and some products are manufactured to contain heavy metals. The researchers were:

Natalie Chartrand, of St. Croix Falls: An Analysis of Heavy Metals in Chocolate
Riley Strobush, of St. Paul: Trace Metals in Various Nicotine Salts Brands

Research Day invites industry professionals and the campus and surrounding communities to engage with students and faculty and discuss their research and creative works through posters, prototypes, exhibits and collaborative faculty-student oral panel presentations.

Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

The Impacts of Engineering course introduces students to the engineering design process from initiation to completion and broadens their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of engineering.

Engineers Without Borders’ international Engineering for People Design Challenge brings together more than 12,000 engineering students from more than 40 universities in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

This year’s challenge was organized by Engineers Without Borders UK and South Africa, in collaboration with the nonprofit Makers Valley Partnership.

Lecturer Mark Dolan talks with engineering students as they build prototypes for the EWB challenge

Students developed sustainable engineering solutions centered around the needs of the 46,000 residents of Makers Valley, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area experienced urban decay and high unemployment, but in recent years has seen a wave of regeneration driven by social and creative enterprises.

Solutions students addressed included the general built environment, food security, reliable access to energy, waste reduction and recycling, safe drinking water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.

“The design challenge reinforces the goal of Stout’s applied learning concept. Student teams work together, use applied math in their engineering calculations, write a professional-quality paper suitable for the EWB competition and build a functioning prototype of their proposed solution,” said engineering Lecturer Mark Dolan.

Morken, Moss, Bretey and Klein researched the current road conditions of Makers Valley and the city’s most popular modes of transportation.

They found that Makers Valley does not regularly maintain its paved roads, which are pitted with numerous large potholes and litter; and biking and walking are most common, as many people can’t afford cars, Morken said.

“With the rough roads and concerns for the safety of bikers and pedestrians, even with sidewalks, Makers Valley is looking for safe and inexpensive updates to its transportation system,” Bretey said.

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein's trolley prototype

There is also a lack of trust in public transportation, Klein added. Feuds between taxi companies cause fear through intimidation tactics used on drivers and customers. And while school buses provide transportation for children to and from school, there are fees for the service, Moss explained.

“Many of the taxi drivers jack up their prices so they can afford to live. What shocked me about this was that I never stopped to consider just how many aspects of life poverty can affect,” Morken said. “We tried to figure out a way to get cars off the road, while simultaneously trying to figure out a way to have accessible transportation for anybody. We thought that a trolley system would solve both of those problems.”

The team landed on the idea of engineering a trolley system because it’s a permanent network and can be designed as hybrid, running mainly on electricity. “But since the electrical grid is not always reliable in Makers Valley, the trollies could also run on fuel as a backup,” Bretey said.

“If we used an electric bus, that vehicle would have to stop and take breaks to regain a charge and be out of service during that time,” Moss added. “A trolley receives power through its connection to the track and would only need fuel when the power grid is down. This means that a trolley can be in commission longer than a bus could.”

The initial infrastructure cost of a trolley system is higher than a bussing system because of the need to install tracks, Morken said. “However, we thought that a trolley would be better in the long term because usually they can carry more passengers, have lower operating costs (some don’t need a driver) and they can be powered by electricity,” he added.

The team’s design also incorporated safety features for pedestrians and bikers, with marked and lighted crosswalks and a separate lane for bicycles, with reflective posts between the car and bike lanes, Bretey added.

Moss hopes the team’s research can help ensure the safety of Makers Valley commuters. “Even if only a part of our design were implemented, it could make a positive difference in the city. I believe that our design can work for other places as well that struggle with pedestrian safety and unreliable transportation systems,” she said.

Student projects submitted to the EWB challenge may be picked up by a company, nongovernmental or other organization and become a real solution for people.

The Impact of Engineering course is part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes where students gain global perspective and ethical reasoning to understand social responsibility, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Heavy metals in consumer products

Heavy metals can build up in the human body over time and lead to severe health issues.

Lead is known to cause neurological damage and cognitive impairments, particularly in young adults. It can also lead to developmental issues, memory loss, insomnia and muscle weakness.

While iron, manganese, and zinc are essential micronutrients, excessive amounts can cause organ damage and oxidative stress; can affect the nervous system; and can cause nausea, vomiting and weaken the immune system, Strobush explained.

Cadmium and nickel in long-term exposure are known to cause kidney failure and increased risks for cancer, anemia and cardiovascular diseases, added Chartrand, who conducted an analysis of four of her favorite chocolate brands.

Chemistry student Natalie Chartrand tests heavy metals in chocolates

“Heavy metal exposure should be kept to a minimum, especially in foods, which is why the FDA and other health organizations regulate it. While the FDA has strict guidelines on heavy metals, it’s impossible to completely eradicate all heavy metal exposure in our daily lives,” she said.

Chartrand knew chocolate contains heavy metals, usually found in trace amounts in chocolates that are less processed, like dark and semi-sweet chocolates.

“Both lead and cadmium are common environmental pollutants found in modern farming practices; these metals can be absorbed into the cacao beans we use to make chocolate,” she said. “Nickel is used in the manufacturing process of chocolate, though it shouldn’t end up in the product itself.”

Because of this, she wasn’t surprised to find detectable lead levels in three of her chocolate samples.

“Lead is naturally found in cacao beans and is retained through the manufacturing process, at levels so low they’re not considered toxic, but are detectable on our instrument, nonetheless. I found no cadmium in any of my samples, and only very trace amounts of nickel,” she said. “Just because studies have found small amounts in chocolates doesn't mean that the highly processed chocolates we eat regularly will contain the same levels.”

Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

During Strobush’s initial research, she found numerous studies on heavy metals in vape pods and cartridges, but relatively few on nicotine salts. She conducted her research on four brands of nicotine salts.

“Although there are traces of metals in the liquid, the liquid is heated into a vapor through a metal coil, introducing more metals into the aerosol that is consumed by the user when using their e-cigarette,” she said. “Lead was the most frequently detected heavy metal in my samples, contrary to my initial expectation of a more balanced distribution of heavy metal elements.”

She was also intrigued by the marketing of the products. “Each of them has colorful, appealing designs and flavors that you would see on candy or soda. It hides the harsh potential health impacts caused by consuming the liquids,” she said.

Strobush hopes her research raises awareness about the dangers of these products and encourages more rigorous testing, especially in the aerosol form. “This could lead to improved regulations and safer product formulations, ultimately protecting public health,” she said.

Strobush noted that she is not a user of nicotine salts or similar substances. She and Chartrand took the necessary precautions during their studies to ensure their peers’ and their own safety.

Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush presents at Research Day

Chemistry and physics Associate Professor Jonathan Frisch served as Strobush’s and Chartrand’s research mentor. In Frisch’s College Chemistry I course, students learn the chemistry and physics behind several types of chemical instrumentation and gain practical experience using those instruments to investigate samples of their choice.

“The students are allowed to ask any questions they want, at which time they design and carry out experiments to answer those questions. Every semester, I am surprised by some of the results. There are contaminants in and on all sorts of things I would have never expected or even thought about analyzing,” he said.

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

After the poster and exhibit session, where Chartrand, Strobush and the engineering students shared their work, an award ceremony recognized outstanding researchers – both faculty and students.

Since 1987, 91��Ƭ has awarded faculty for their outstanding research, nominated by a review committee of their peers.

The Outstanding Researcher honors for leadership and significant contributions to research and scholarly activities are awarded by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, on behalf of the Provost's Office and the committee. This year’s recipients are:

Julie Watts: Senior Outstanding Researcher
Nicole Hayes: Emerging Outstanding Researcher
Pranabendu Mitra: Outstanding Research Mentor.

Outstanding student researcher awardees are:

Valacia Casper: CAHS, undergraduate
Elaina Blazei: CSTEMM, undergraduate
Bex Cermin: CAHS, graduate student
Cortney Dean: CSTEMM, graduate student
Nikolaus Nelson (CAHS) and Theodore Welch (CSTEMM): Honorable Mentions.

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91��Ƭ Polytechnic's Research Day is an annual showcase that underscores the applied learning and research of Wisconsin's polytechnic students.

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Hero Caption: Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush tests heavy metals in nicotine salts. She presented her findings at Research Day on May 6.

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Students present environmental research to legislators, supporters at Research in the Rotunda

goersab — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:38:34 +0000

Students present environmental research to legislators, supporters at Research in the Rotundagoersab March 31, 2025

Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholars discuss importance of stream restoration to health of state’s watersheds

Abbey Goers

Student researchers from 91��Ƭ and other UW campuses will showcase their research at Wisconsin’s Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, April 2, during Research in the Rotunda.

Members of the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group collect water samples at Gilbert Creek / Theodore Welch

Among 91��Ƭ’s presenters this year are two Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholars, whose research focuses on the vital importance of native animal and plant species to the overall health of Wisconsin’s watersheds:

Michael Buss, environmental science, of Madison: Impacts of Trout Stream Restoration on Macroinvertebrate Communities. Mentors are Nicole Hayes and Julia Chapman.
Theodore Welch, environmental science, of Milton: Competition Between Invasive Reed Canary Grass and a Native Sedge in a Western Wisconsin Trout Stream Restoration. Mentors are Amanda Little and Keith Gilland.

Students, representing all degree fields, will discuss their research with legislators, state leaders, UW alumni and supporters from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with remarks at noon by UW President Jay Rothman.

“The research projects embody the personal and intellectual growth experienced by the students who created them,” Rothman said. “They are a tangible representation of the Universities of Wisconsin’s ongoing commitment to build the talent pipeline and to expand knowledge and ideas that are vital to the state’s success – objectives that are an integral part of our 2023-28 Strategic Plan.”

Now in its 21st year, more than 1,500 students have presented at the annual event, hosted by Universities of Wisconsin.

“Empowering students to present their research to legislators at the Capitol not only amplifies their voices but also bridges the gap between education and policy-making, fostering a future where informed decisions shape our society,” said 91��Ƭ’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Director Anne Hoeltke.

Impacting stream restoration in Wisconsin

Buss is an avid fisherman and is invested in the surface waters of Wisconsin. “It is intriguing for me to study the effects of restoration efforts on the surface waters I care so much about,” he said.

Buss, Welch, and other 91��Ƭ students and faculty members of the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group collected water, macroinvertebrate, and plant samples from Gilbert Creek and other streams and lakes in the area over summer 2024.

Members of the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group collect water samples at Gilbert Creek / Theodore Welch

The Gilbert Creek sub watershed contains 23.8 miles of classified trout water, including Gilbert Creek Fishery and Wildlife Area, a 241-acre property approximately 7 miles west of Menomonie. Restoration of the creek began in the mid-2000s and continues in various sections.

“Our research could impact how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources carries out stream restorations and adds to the knowledge they have on how stream restorations impact stream ecology,” Buss said.

Macroinvertebrates are an integral part of stream systems. They are a critical food source for fish and are important in processing organic matter, he added.

A few of the most common macroinvertebrates the group found in their samplings were caddisfly larvae, mayfly larvae and scuds.

“We found that macroinvertebrate communities across stream restoration ages were more similar than we expected, but our research suggests that there may be age-related trends,” Buss said. “Newly restored sites may initially have a very different macroinvertebrate community composition that quickly shifts towards the assemblages seen in older restorations. Eventually, all restoration sites seem to settle on similar communities.”

Gov. Tony Evers meets with student researchers at Research in the Rotunda, 2024 / Joe Koshollek, Capitol photographer

Reed canary grass is a prevalent and aggressive invasive species that is best controlled by fire and herbicide. Having a native competitor, like native sedge, could help land managers and restorations use a biological control in managing reed canary, Welch said.

Native grasses and sedges were planted to provide cover and nesting habitat for wildlife, and the plants’ root systems help to reduce bank erosion and filter out pollutants in the stream.

Samples were collected from three plots at zero, 3 and 6 meters from the bank, 50 meters apart. Reaches were defined by the year they were restored, Welch said.

“The oldest restorations had the greatest percent cover of the hairy-fruit sedge, compared to newer restorations in the Gilbert Creek. There was a trend for percent cover of hairy-fruit sedge and increasing distance from the bank,” he added. “Reed canary grass had an opposite trend. However, at zero meters, where reed canary grass had highest abundance, there was a significant negative trend with increasing percent cover of hairy-fruit sedge.”

91��Ƭ student Ava Cinealis presents her research at Research in the Rotunda, 2024 / Joe Koshollek, Capitol photographer

Welch likes to see these projects progress as time goes on. “More information on the outcomes of these stream restorations provides better tools on what does and doesn’t work in achieving functioning native communities,” he said.

Buss and Welch will graduate in May. Buss plans to work in water quality monitoring or a water-related field, while Welch will work for a restoration company in southern Wisconsin. They each plan to apply to graduate school.

Students across degree fields presenting

Researchers at RITR are nominated by faculty, staff and a student committee. Seven other 91��Ƭ students, including a third Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholar, will discuss their research with attendees:

Corey Brisiel, applied social science, of Eau Claire: Off-Campus Housing in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Tina Lee and Courtney Juelich.
Luke Denney, computer science, of Byron, Minnesota: Kintsugi 3D Builder: User Experience Design and Implementation. Michael Tetzlaff.
Bryanna Hoffman, biochemistry and molecular biology, of Eau Claire: Changes in the Chemical Properties of Surface Waters in Dunn County. Ana Magdalena Vande Linde.
Emmett Jaakkola, applied mathematics and computer science, of Apple Valley, Minnesota: Electric Circuit Simulation with Explicit Simulation of Mobile Charges. Daniel Sinkovits.
Bria Moore, psychology, of Wisconsin Rapids: Elderly Americans: Maintaining Independence and Well-Being. Molly Welch-Deal and Sarah Wynn.
Lindsey Redepenning, applied mathematics and computer science, FCW scholar, of Elk River, Minnesota: Precision Agriculture: Measuring Crop Per Drop Using the Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and Mathematical Modeling. Keith Wojciechowski.
Cassie Sciarra, applied social science, of St. Paul: Social Determinants of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment: Evidence from Arbor Place Professionals. Lee and Juelich.

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91��Ƭ leadership attending are Chancellor Katherine Frank, Provost Glendalí Rodríguez and Head of Staff Kristi Krimpelbein.

In addition, 12 91��Ƭ students will present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research from Monday, April 7, to Wednesday, April 9, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. More than 4,000 undergraduates from all disciplines from across the country will attend.

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Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholars discuss importance of stream restoration to health of state’s watersheds Research in the Rotunda, 2024. Greg Anderson, Capitol Photographer

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Hero Caption: Undergraduates from around the state will present their research at Research in the Rotunda on Wednesday, April 2. Photo by Greg Anderson, Capitol photographer

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

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Research Sponsors & Partners

91��Ƭ Polytechnic partners with a number of state, foundational, and federal sponsors, including but not limited to, the following (in alphabetical order):

3M Foundation
American Lung Association
American Math Society
Centers for Disease Control
Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin
Margaret A. Cargill Foundation
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Science Foundation
United States Department of Commerce
United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Education
United States Department of State
West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Xcel Energy Foundation

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91��Ƭ dietician cautions against avoiding discussing concerning changes to someone’s appearance

Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students

Nine undergraduates from around U.S. invite conversations on challenges, opportunities at community presentation Aug. 6

Engineering students support Sierra Space’s lunar testing system

Alum works with engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA’s return to the moon

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To ensure animal safety, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) monitors and regulates the use of animals in research. Please find the IACUC Whistleblower Procedure here.

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Biology professor joins team of scientists to study glacial methane emissions in Iceland

goersab — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:51:50 +0000

Biology professor joins team of scientists to study glacial methane emissions in Icelandgoersab January 31, 2025

Research finds small organisms play significant role in slowing emission of greenhouse gas

Abbey Goers

In the summers of 2018 and 2019, an all-female team of scientists ventured to the glaciers of Iceland to research the complex interactions between glacial systems, climate change and methane emissions.

Their findings were recently published in Scientific Reports. The study, one of only a handful of its kind, examined how melting glaciers release trapped methane – a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming – and how microbes in glacial streams and lakes prevent that methane from reaching the atmosphere.

The team was led by 2019 National Geographic Explorer Kristin Strock, associate professor of environmental studies at Dickinson College.

Nicole Hayes at Solheimjokull / Nicole Hayes

She was joined by 91��Ƭ biology and environmental science Assistant Professor Nicole Hayes; Bridget Deemer, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey; and Dickinson student Rachel Krewson.

“Studies that span the land, ice, water, and air are rare because it requires an interdisciplinary and full ecosystem kind of perspective,” said Strock, who noted the critical work was possible because of the team’s interdisciplinary fields.

Clues to mitigating climate change in polar regions

Hayes’ research is on the effects of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes and reservoirs.

She met Strock and Deemer when the three were PhD graduates, and together, they applied for a National Geographic Explorer grant to research the “Thermal controls on methane dynamics in Icelandic lakes: In-situ incubations across a geothermal temperature gradient.”

Nicole Hayes, right, and Bridget Deemer at a glacial lake / Nicole Hayes

Polar ecosystems are being affected by climate change at a higher rate, including sea ice thinning, permafrost melting and accelerated glacial melt, with rapid loss of ice volume reported in 260 small glaciers across the globe.

“These ecosystems are really interesting because as they start to warm, they release greenhouse gases that have been trapped under the ice,” Hayes said.

“We know that under glaciers is the right environment for methane-producing microbes to live. These microbes create methane as part of their metabolism. As glaciers melt, they release large amounts of methane – a potent greenhouse gas.”

In their journey across Iceland, the team collected samples at four locations from three glaciers: Langjökull, Snæfellsjökull, and Sólheimajökull. At Sólheimajökull, they sampled water from a paraglacial lake and river.

To reach these locations, they rented a four-wheel pickup truck from an outfitter, drove down long gravel roads and parked on the side of the road to begin their trek to each site.

Nicole Hayes, left, and Bridget Deemer collecting meltwater samples / Nicole Hayes

With no lab base, they carried in all their equipment, including inflatable rafts, oars and an electric trolling motor, as no gas motors were allowed.

“There were constant 20 miles-per-hour winds. It was very challenging to do fieldwork,” Hayes said. “But Iceland is very cool. At Thingvellir National Park, it is one of the few places where the Mid-Atlantic Rift is above sea-level. You can stand in the middle of two tectonic plates. Iceland is also famous for its midges – non-biting mosquitoes that emerge in mass every spring. They were everywhere.”

The team tested glacial meltwater samples onsite using the headspace equilibrium method – or shaky bottle method, Hayes said.

“By filling bottles with meltwater, measuring the amount of methane at the start, incubating them for 24 hours and agitating the bottles, we could then measure the methane in the shaken gas bubbles to tell us how much methane the aquatic microbes in the ecosystem used up.

“Methane is an important molecule for some microbes, which use the gas in their metabolism and turn it into carbon dioxide,” Hayes said.

Nicole Hayes at Djupavatn / Nicole Hayes

The team found that when glacial meltwater enters lakes and streams, the microbes in the tributaries can consume large amounts of methane via a natural biological process called microbial methane oxidation, which may reduce atmospheric methane emissions from glaciers by up to 53%, significantly mitigating the impact of the greenhouse gas.

By incorporating methane oxidation into estimates of glacial methane emissions, scientists can more accurately assess the impact of melting glaciers on the global climate.

This expedition led Hayes to think more about under-ice research. Locally, she has studied how climate change may be affecting Lake Menomin, just blocks away from 91��Ƭ.

“Climate change is affecting our winter conditions here in Wisconsin, too,” she said. “Often, we think of lakes being inactive in the winter, because light tends to be limited under the snow and ice. But with warmer winters and thinner ice, we’ve been looking at how much algae is growing under the ice. We can ask questions like, ‘Does a greener winter lake affect the summer algal blooms?’”

Eystra Gíslholtsvatn, a glacial lake in Iceland / Nicole Hayes

Hayes thinks the best way to protect polar regions, glaciers, lakes and reservoirs, and the best way to combat climate change is through government policies and individual actions.

“In Wisconsin, we all experience the effects of climate change firsthand. Warmer winters with less snow and less ice mean less ice fishing, skiing and snowmobiling,” Hayes said. “The data collected by scientists across the globe is just as clear. Humans are changing Earth’s climate. The real question is, how are we solving climate change.”

91��Ƭ environmental science Program Director Mandy Little believes that “We are lucky that our faculty are highly engaged in globally important research and bring that cutting-edge experience to our students’ courses and research in environmental science and biology.”

The study was originally proposed by Krewson as part of her senior research thesis in environmental science as a student at Dickinson.

The team’s research was funded by a grant from the National Geographic Society, with additional support from the U.S. Geological Survey, the Churchill Exploration Fund and the Dickinson College Research and Development Fund.

91��Ƭ’s biology department offers undergraduate degrees in applied science; biochemistry and molecular biology; biology; and environmental science, as well as an online master's conservation biology. 91��Ƭ also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

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Research finds small organisms play significant role in slowing emission of greenhouse gas Nicole Hayes' research

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Biochem student’s sustainable vision takes root through native plantings on campus

Idea becomes reality

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Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Creek restoration, data center viewpoints, sustainability researched by LAKES REU students

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Circular economy in the Red Cedar watershed

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Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group trains next generation of water scientists

Field Hydrology course

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Water in Western Wisconsin high school camp

Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin Research Experience for Undergraduates

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll (’26)

B.S. Biology

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits 91��Ƭ for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Solutions for space debris, cybersecurity threats among students’ applied research topics at state Capitol

Bringing space research down to earth

Keeping an eye on AI agents

Research explores multiple disciplines

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AI reshaping industry: Biochemistry professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

Access to better information on human health

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University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region’s waters

Fulfilling a community need

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New funding announced

Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

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Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

Heavy metals in consumer products

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

Research Day

Students present environmental research to legislators, supporters at Research in the Rotunda

Impacting stream restoration in Wisconsin

Students across degree fields presenting

Crop Per Drop: Students provide soil and water R&D for Chippewa Valley Bean

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Capitol project: Biochemistry student’s research on prion disease highlighted in Madison

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Biology professor joins team of scientists to study glacial methane emissions in Iceland

Clues to mitigating climate change in polar regions

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Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll, B.S. Biology

Inspiring Graduate: Mia Schmoll (’26) 