DOD assure-REU site: applied knowledge in water quality

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education awarded $200,000 under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to the University of Wisconsin-Stout to establish a Department of Defense-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site. The project, which runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, provides a 9-week apprentice-style training program focused on interdisciplinary research into water quality issues affecting the United States. The REU site delivers student-faculty collaborative research experiences addressing complex water quality challenges including nutrient presence, algal blooms, nitrate contamination in drinking water, and emerging environmental factors, while examining policy implications, socioeconomic impacts, remediation strategies, and community stakeholder engagement.

The program delivers comprehensive products and professional development services designed to prepare undergraduate students for graduate studies and careers in STEM fields. Deliverables include hands-on research training using multiple methodologies—water quality sampling and testing, surveys, interviews, archival research, mathematical modeling, and statistical analysis—alongside instruction in collaborative problem-solving and interdisciplinary thinking. The project disseminates findings through public student presentations, peer-reviewed publications, local media engagement, and direct stakeholder communication, while integrating research data into comprehensive land use strategies and community capacity-building initiatives.

Abstract

This site is supported by the department of defense in partnership with the NSF REU program. This 9-week REU will use an apprentice-style training model and an interdisciplinary approach to studying water quality issues. Poor water quality is widespread in the U.S. And is a complex problem that needs continued interdisciplinary research. We will investigate the dynamics and consequences of surface and groundwater quality issues including nutrient presence, algal blooms, nitrates in drinking water, and other emerging factors. In addition, we will explore potential solutions to these problems. Student-faculty teams will focus on policy and land use decision-making, the social and economic impacts of pollution, community capacity, policy implementation, remediation strategies, and communication with stakeholders. The results will be broadly disseminated via public student presentations, peer-reviewed literature, local media outlets, and directly to stakeholders. Data will also be integrated into a comprehensive strategy for land use and building community capacity. Through professional development programming, data sharing, and research activities, we will prepare students for graduate school and careers by providing them with the interdisciplinary and collaborative thinking skills necessary to address complex problems. Our students will be trained by disciplinary experts and work across teams to synthesize research and look for water quality remediation strategies. Students will become comfortable with looking at a problem from different angles and working collaboratively using a range of perspectives and methods including water quality sampling and testing techniques, interviews, surveys, archival research, remediation strategy testing, mathematical modeling, and statistical analysis. By synthesizing their results, students will improve their effectiveness in collaborative problem solving. This project will lead to significant translational impacts including but not limited to student training and education, adding to our understanding of the complex processes contributing to water quality, and developing practical solutions. By sharing the results with landowners, citizens, and government workers, this new knowledge will positively impact public policy, the local economy, and regional water quality. The overall project will help to develop a more competitive work force in the social and natural sciences in the US, support community engagement, and assist with improving water quality. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.