Sometimes called the “Silicon Valley of Water,” Southeastern Wisconsin’s water cluster strength is not only its technology companies but its unique academic research and talent development programs. Just as Stanford University took innovative ideas and research and nurtured them into global technology leadership, Wisconsin’s colleges and universities are helping to reshape our water technology cluster.
Every major educational institution in Wisconsin now offers specific water-related training. That’s 36 water-focused academic programs on 17 campuses.
- University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee’s School of Freshwater Sciences is the nation’s only graduate-level course of study dedicated solely to freshwater. The school’s founding dean, David Garman, Ph.D., is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent experts in freshwater science and resource management.
- Marquette University’s Water Quality Center is world renowned for its work in anaerobic digesters.
- University of Wisconsin—Whitewater’s Water Business Minor was started as a recommendation by Rich Meeusen, President and CEO of Badger Meter. The degree merges water science and entrepreneurialism into a program benefiting both business and science majors.
- Gateway Technical College’s Civil Engineering Technology Fresh Water Resources Program teaches design and construction, environmental assessment, water treatment, stormwater management and erosion control.
- University of Wisconsin—Madison’s Aquatic Science Center supports multidisciplinary research, education and outreach through the Sea Grant Institute and Water Resources Institute to protect the sustainable use of Wisconsin’s water resources.
