His coming-of-age unfolded just before cell phones became ubiquitous, said Dow, who earned his master’s in freshwater sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and now works for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sometimes he misses those days when his only obligation was to make it home before dinner.

“I was doing my own investigations of everything that was out in green spaces,” Dow said. “But I didn’t look at a tree and think it’s a different species, or look at a bird or animal and think whether it’s good or bad for the ecosystem.”

Today, Dow coordinates a human ecosystem, consisting of scientists at different local, county, state and federal agencies, environmental leaders and conservation groups — all dedicated to cleaning up Milwaukee-area rivers and Lake Michigan.

His role as the Milwaukee Estuary and Sheboygan River Area of Concern coordinator is part of nearly $500 million in clean-water funding efforts, aimed at fixing decades of water contamination and environmental degradation.

Applying research to real-world issues

Thinking critically and strategically about nature began at UW-Eau Claire, where Dow majored in biology, specializing in bugs and aquatic life.

“When you start to piece the whole thing together, like food webs and how everything interacts with everything else, it’s a cascading effect,” he said.

When he graduated in 2013 with his bachelor’s degree, Dow landed a seasonal job with the Wisconsin DNR, where he would interview anglers about fishing on Lake Michigan. That process sparked endless questions about the state of the lake and its fish. He enrolled in 51����’s School of Freshwater Sciences in 2015 to dive deeper.

Dow’s graduate work in freshwater science and technology grew into an ambitious thesis, mapping the conditions across the bottom of the Milwaukee Harbor and the area’s tributaries. The undertaking landed nearly $250,000 in state and conservation grant money.

His thesis also identified 30 key waterway improvement projects in the Milwaukee area. That work eventually led to a full-time position with the DNR, overseeing cleanup and restoration efforts in Milwaukee’s contaminated and degraded waterways.

A history of contaminated water

During the 1900s, industries dumped heavy metals from machine shops, coal tar from gas plants and other toxic materials into Milwaukee’s three principal rivers. This stopped after Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972, but the damage was already done.

Many of the worst compounds, including  like PCBs, settled into the river bottoms and banks or flowed into the Milwaukee Harbor, where they continue to affect bugs, fish and people who consume fish today.

“The biggest effort is to clean up the bottom of our rivers and the harbor,” Dow said.

Change underway

This major effort, funded by the , involves a project agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and five non-federal sponsors, including the DNR. The team is working to determine how much of the contaminated river bottom sediment can be removed and designing the project’s execution.

Dow is also coordinating with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District on the construction of a facility to safely contain all the contaminated waste dredged out over the course of the cleanup.

“I’m kind of the glue that holds it all together,” Dow said of his position with the DNR.

Ultimately, that position involves working with local, county, state and federal agencies — as well as nonprofits, research groups and other parties — to ensure that our lakes and green spaces are healthy and thriving.

Story by Tree Meinch | Explore more in Make New Waves

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From Wisconsin to New Zealand, professional master’s alum Maggie Armstrong has followed the current of freshwater science across continents. Her journey shows how curiosity — and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities — can open doors to a global research career. We recently chatted with Maggie, despite varying time zones, to hear what she’s been up to!

Where are you from originally, and what first drew you to freshwater science?

Maggie: I’m a born-and-raised Wisconsinite from Waukesha. Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian or a wildlife ecologist — I loved being outdoors and studying animals. I went to UW–Stevens Point for my bachelor’s degree and quickly realized there was an entire field dedicated to freshwater science. Having spent summers on northern Wisconsin lakes and living near Lake Michigan, that clicked instantly. From day one, I knew I wanted to work with water.

What led you to pursue your master’s at the School of Freshwater Sciences?

Maggie: I graduated from Stevens Point with a solid foundation in water resources but wanted to go further. The professional master’s program at 51���� was perfect — it blended the technical science I loved with applied management and policy. I was especially drawn to courses like water law and economics, which opened my eyes to how science supports decision-making. I really appreciated that the program was flexible and had such a diverse cohort of students from different backgrounds.

After earning your master’s degree, how did your career take shape?

Maggie: I graduated in December 2016 and told myself I was ready for the workforce — no PhD for me! But family and friends kept suggesting it, so I decided to apply to just one program. I found this incredible European Union–funded network of PhD positions across Europe and applied mostly to prove I could. Months later, I was offered a position! Within a few weeks, I packed up and moved to the Netherlands.

My PhD focused on freshwater lake ecosystem services and how they function under extreme climate events. It took me across the Netherlands, Spain, and even through COVID lockdowns in Europe. That experience really shaped how I see the connection between research, management, and communities.

And now you’re working in New Zealand — tell us about that!

Maggie: Yes! My postdoc brought me here a couple of years ago. I’m working on modeling projects that look at how to manage lakes under changing environmental conditions. Modeling was a skill I hadn’t developed during my PhD — thanks to COVID — so this role has helped fill that gap. I’ve also been mentoring students and collaborating with researchers around the world through the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON).

You’ve lived and worked in several countries. What’s been the most impactful part of those international experiences?

Maggie: Everywhere I’ve worked has a unique approach to science and water management — but at the core, the goals are the same. In the Netherlands, for example, they’re incredibly inventive because much of the country is below sea level. In New Zealand, the Māori iwi (tribal groups) are deeply connected to their lakes and rivers and serve as guardians of those systems. Collaborating with them has been incredibly meaningful — it’s a model for how science and culture can work hand in hand.

What aspects of the professional master’s program prepared you most for your research career?

Maggie: The biggest thing was learning to think beyond the lab. Science doesn’t stop at publishing papers — it needs to reach decision-makers and communities. The program really emphasized applied science and management. Courses in economics, communication, and even business gave me perspective on how different disciplines intersect. I even joined a business competition on a cruise from Miami to Mexico! I was definitely the only scientist there, but it taught me how to collaborate across worlds.

What kinds of research questions or projects excite you most now?

Maggie: I’m passionate about transdisciplinary work — bringing together scientists, policymakers, and the public to solve freshwater challenges. During my PhD, I co-created a game to help people understand how lakes respond to climate impacts. It started as an open-day activity, then became one of my thesis chapters. We also surveyed lake managers to learn how they use scientific research in decision-making. Whether it’s games, modeling, or social surveys, I love finding new ways to connect science with people.

Is there a project you’re especially proud of?

Maggie: Definitely that game project! It showed how fun and collaborative science can be. It turned complex ecological processes into something visual and interactive. Seeing people engage and learn from it — that was the moment I thought, “Yes, this is what science can be.”

What advice would you give to students considering the PSM or studying freshwater sciences?

Maggie: Take the opportunities. Say yes to things that interest you, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. During the PSM, I got involved with outreach, classroom visits, and extra projects that shaped who I am as a scientist. You might start with a clear idea of what you want to do, but freshwater science touches everything — there’s a whole world of perspectives and possibilities.

You’ve had such a global career already — what’s next?

Maggie: I’m still figuring that out! My postdoc wraps up in about nine months, and I’ve started the job search early this time. I’m not done wandering the world yet, but ideally, I’d like to continue working internationally — maybe back in Europe or in Canada. Wherever I go next, I want to keep bridging science and management to make real-world impact.

Curious about our professional master’s program? Learn more on our website. You can also fill our form to request more information and get connected to our academics team.

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All the Sharks is a thrilling new competition series where four teams of passionate shark experts embark on the ultimate adventure to find and photograph the most sharks. Racing against time – and each other – teams dive deep into the world’s most spectacular shark habitats, all in hopes of winning a $50,000 prize for their chosen marine charity. Over six action-packed episodes, they’ll travel from the crystal-clear Caribbean waters to the mysterious depths of the Pacific where they’ll come face to toothy face with incredible species like the critically endangered Great Hammerhead and the remarkable walking Epaulette Shark. Blending breath-taking visuals, “fin-tastic’ shark facts, and stunning underwater encounters, it’s a fun, fast-paced journey into the misunderstood world of sharks – showcasing why these incredible creatures are more vital to our planet now more than ever.

Christopher and Brendan will also be sharing all kinds of behind the scenes and science & conservation material through their and . Check out the show on Netflix, which is out now!

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Additionally, he wrote a feature story about the sentinels of the lake – buoys, titled “Sentinels of the Lake: How Data Buoys Increase Safety and Support Communities of Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan.” The feature article underlines the importance of these buoys. They are more than just a floating marker in the water.

Separate from his internship with NOAA, he also filmed and edited a short documentary of launching the buoys operated by the School of Freshwater Sciences that are part of the larger Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS).

Short excerpt:

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The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee interviewed a few of our alumni about the value of their fieldwork and experiences and how it has helped give them an edge in their career.

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What interested you in studying atmospheric science?

Though I was always interested in weather growing up, my interest solidified at the age of 8, when an EF5 tornado missed my home by less than one mile. From that point on, I was dead set on being a meteorologist and going to the University of Oklahoma [where he earned his undergraduate degree in meteorology]. 

Why did you choose 51���� for your MS and PhD? 

51����’s Atmospheric Science program is distinct from other universities in several ways. First, the atmospheric science group is small and friendly. As a result, students get plenty of 1-1 time with professors.

Second, the group is operationally focused and contains a wonderful internship program, Innovative Weather, which provides graduate students the opportunity to gain critical real-world forecasting experience to complement the classroom.

My experience at Innovative Weather – and my MS degree from 51���� – led to a short career with the National Weather Service. There, I trained forecasters on when and how to issue severe thunderstorm, tornado, and flash flood warnings. After this period, I was drawn toward hurricane research and returned to 51���� for a PhD with Dr. Paul Roebber. 

What was your experience at 51���� like and what skills did you learn that helped you to get the NCAR Postdoctoral Fellowship? 

My experience at 51���� was excellent, and I attribute that to a tight-knit atmospheric science program that is intentional about building a strong sense of community and creating a comfortable space to ask questions. Professors Paul Roebber, Jon Kahl, Sergey Kravtsov, and Clark Evans provided key mentorship and support for my growth as a young scientist. That includes developing my writing, presentation and speaking skills, curiosity, critical thinking, research methods, and confidence. 

What does your fellowship entail?

The ASP Fellowship is a two-year program at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). There I will essentially continue my PhD research, which is on developing new methods of modeling hurricane evacuations. NCAR provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with meteorologists, climatologists, social scientists, economists, and computer scientists, all of which are essential to modeling this multidisciplinary phenomenon and advancing this type of work for the meteorological community.  It’s a wonderful next step for my career! 

What are your future career goals? 

To be a research meteorologist, leader and mentor, and a scientific educator. I hope to help make weather warnings more meaningful, accessible, and actionable, and occupy interesting interdisciplinary spaces in meteorology! 

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