Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program
The Freshwater@UW Summer Research Opportunities Program supports paid summer research experiences across the Universities of Wisconsin. Work with leading scientists, explore real-world challenges, and build skills that will shape your future.
We are seeking passionate undergraduates interested in a mentored summer research experience related to water research. We will match at least 20 students to projects in chemistry, environmental science, engineering, ecology, communications, social science and history. View & download the project catalog with a list of projects by location at the program webpage linked below.
In addition to mentored research, Freshwater@UW provides cohort support and a professional development seminar while building a positive, welcoming environment that will prepare you for a future in graduate school, research, or public service. We're looking for students with curiosity and a passion for research. You should be open to engage in new research experiences and have an enthusiastic drive to learn about water-related disciplines.
Freshwater@UW is diverse and includes opportunities in chemistry, biology, geology, hydrology, history, ecology, engineering, economics, social science and more. Must have undergraduate status in the Fall 2026 semester to be eligible. Research locations include UW-Madison, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Stevens Point, River Falls and Platteville. A $6,600 stipend, travel and housing are provided., 9.5 week program runs May 26 - Aug 1, 2026.
Eligibility: No prior experience is required. You must be an undergraduate student through at least the fall 2026 semester with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale (those with a lower GPA considered with an exceptionally strong letter of recommendation). Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must commit full-time to the program.
How to Apply: Apply online via the UW-Madison Slate application portal. The application includes demographic information, your top 5 project choices, and several essays. You'll need at least one (preferably two) letters of recommendation and an unofficial transcript. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Visit our webpage to review the 2026 project catalog.
https://water.wisc.edu/wateruw-madison-undergraduate-research/