Fox Cities News

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh) is set to receive up to $1.44 million in grants through 2031 from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin (FCW), pending continued approval by state leaders. The funding will support the university’s “Comprehensive Freshwater Training, Recruitment, and Research Experience Program,” which aims to provide hands-on experiences for students while addressing key water challenges in Wisconsin. The first grant installment for the current fiscal year is $243,000.

Chancellor Manohar Singh said, “This investment in UW–Oshkosh affirms our role as a statewide leader in preparing the next generation of water scientists and innovators. The Freshwater Collaborative’s support ensures that our students—whether they are high school participants just discovering their passion or undergraduates conducting applied research in our communities—gain experiences that prepare them for careers of impact. This is not only a win for our students and our university, but also for Wisconsin, where the health of our waters is essential to public well-being, economic vitality, and the stewardship of one of our state’s greatest natural resources.”

Greg Kleinheinz, director of UW-Oshkosh’s Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) and professor of environmental engineering technology, highlighted past achievements. “This grant is really a testament to the success we’ve had over the last few years,” Kleinheinz said. “We’ve built programs that are multidisciplinary, hands-on and impactful, and now we have the stability to keep growing them without wondering year to year if we’ll be able to continue.”

ERIC operates throughout Oshkosh and other locations including Eagle River, Sturgeon Bay, and Manitowoc. The center conducts certified water testing and collaborative research projects involving both faculty and students across these sites.

The FCW grant will fund several initiatives such as a high school freshwater STEM camp, paid summer internships, industry-partnered Water Technology Enterprise projects, collaborative research with other University of Wisconsin campuses, and expanded recruitment materials for water-related majors.

Ed Martini, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UW-Oshkosh stated: “Our students aren’t just learning in the classroom—they’re engaging in experiential learning that best prepares them for meaningful careers in water science and environmental fields as they solve problems that threaten public health, the state’s tourism industry and agriculture. This grant strengthens the kind of research-intensive education that defines the UW-Oshkosh experience.”

Kleinheinz described one component: “(Students) get to come here for three days, be on campus, and dive into all sorts of hands-on experiences related to freshwater... This year we had students from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.” He noted that participation costs families about $25 per student due to collaborative support.

He added: “That’s something we’re really proud of, making these opportunities accessible and getting young people excited about water science.”

Undergraduate training is another focus area supported by ERIC each summer through paid positions open to students from across Universities of Wisconsin campuses. Students gain experience with sample collection/analysis as well as laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

“The students are on the front line,” Kleinheinz said. “They’re doing hands-on applied learning through community involvement... That’s real-world training.”

UWO programs reach beyond Oshkosh; examples include working with lake organizations on aquatic invasive species in Vilas County or assisting Door County officials with septic tracer studies using lab analysis performed by students.

Kleinheinz emphasized adaptability: "We never know exactly what’s going to come up. But we’re there, and we’re ready."

A new upper-level freshwater course is also being developed as part of this initiative.

Kleinheinz outlined broader impacts: "When they leave here," he said about participating students,"students have a strong portfolio of applied work that includes field experience,laboratory training,presentations maybe even publications.They're ready."

Long-term funding will help sustain engagement efforts statewide."It helps us engage with potential students," Kleinheinz explained,"with community not just in Oshkosh but across Wisconsin.We're practicing 'the Wisconsin Idea' by connecting students/faculty with businesses,counties,and local organizations."

He added:"We can now better package things like environmental studies biology chemistry engineering-programs that all touch water differently.This funding gives students chance explore those connections find water-centric careers through different lenses."

Reflecting on importance,Kleinheinz concluded:"We sit here on Lake Winnebago system,in state with 15 000 lakes access 20 percent world’s freshwater.There’s lot do,we’re proud part it."