{"id":398,"date":"2022-02-02T09:41:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T15:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/freshwater\/?page_id=398"},"modified":"2026-03-30T10:57:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T15:57:21","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/freshwater\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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About<\/h1><\/header>\n\n\n

Advancing fundamental science and training the next generation of freshwater science professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We drive to make a difference for our waters because we care about them, the communities they\u2019re in, and the people who interact with them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The School of Freshwater Sciences has a rich history of scientific discovery that has evolved over decades. It offers bachelor\u2019s, master’s and doctoral degrees in freshwater sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1966, the Center for Great Lakes Studies started at 51ÁÔÆæ’s main campus. In 1973, it moved to the Great Lakes Research Facility in the Milwaukee Harbor District. The school’s researchers have since studied the Great Lakes and other large freshwater systems worldwide. They also examined inland waters, urban river systems, groundwater, and more. Our research focus is on freshwater system dynamics, human and ecosystem health, the application of water technology to research questions, water policy and economics, and weather and climate science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The graduate program started in 2009. It grew from years of innovative research by 51ÁÔÆæ faculty at the Center for Great Lakes Studies and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. The undergraduate program started in 2021. It aims to broaden our interdisciplinary approach and train students for the rising need for water science professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our work informs policy, improves water management, and promotes the health and sustainability of freshwater systems worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"MilwaukeeThe nation’s only school dedicated to freshwater and climate sciences <\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n
0<\/strong>Feet to Lake Michigan<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n
4<\/strong>Research Vessels<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n
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Vision and Mission<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vision<\/strong>
Exploration in service to freshwater sciences and society<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mission<\/strong>
Advancing knowledge of freshwater systems and their management through transdisciplinary research; educating future scientists, technicians, teachers, policy specialists and the public; and growing appreciation of natural and constructed aquatic systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"51ÁÔÆæ<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n
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Commitment to an Inclusive Culture and Nondiscrimination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We value the contributions of each individual and respect the ways their different experiences, abilities, and perspectives enrich our community. We strive to provide an environment that promotes an inclusive culture. We prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or applicable policy. Additional information about 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s nondiscrimination policies, along with a copy of 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Discriminatory Conduct and Consensual Relationship Policy, can be found on 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s Office of Equal Opportunity & Civil Rights<\/a> (EOCR) website, in EOCR\u2019s office located in Mitchell Hall Room 359, or requested via email (eo-cr@uwm.edu<\/a>). You will also find the reporting process on the EOCR website.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Getting to the School of Freshwater Sciences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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From I-43S \/ I-94E<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n