Berglund honored with Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence
By Christine Bellport
UW-Platteville awarded Dr. James Berglund, assistant professor, geology, with the 2025 Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member who has made distinguished contributions to the mission of the university as an outstanding teacher.
Since joining UW-Platteville in 2022, Berglund has brought energy and expertise to courses in geology and groundwater, including Physical Geology, Geology for Engineers, and Hydrogeology. His research focuses on groundwater systems in karst landscapes, with a particular interest in springs across Southwest Wisconsin.
Berglund’s passion for geology is rooted in his connection to the Driftless Area, where his interest in the region’s unique landscapes first took shape as a student. That enthusiasm carries into his teaching, where he encourages students to see meaning and stories in the natural world around them. Known for his engaging style—and the occasional rock pun—he strives to spark curiosity and lasting interest in his field.
His journey to academia was not without challenges, an experience that shapes his supportive approach to students today. Outside the classroom, Berglund pursues another passion: flying, often taking to the skies to appreciate the beauty of the Mississippi River Valley from above.