Research

Student wins first place for assistive zipper device

A UW-Platteville student earned first place in the WiSys Innovation On-Ramp program for creating the Eazy Zip.

From campus to table: students bring hydroponic harvest to the community for Thanksgiving

Students blend sustainability and entrepreneurship as they harvest fresh hydroponic Romaine lettuce for Thanksgiving meals.

Got milk? UW-Platteville professors turn spoiled dairy into sustainable plastic

The fusion of 3D printing and dairy protein has led to a groundbreaking new material and patent that promise to help Wisconsin dairy farmers and the environment.

Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin commits $4.2 million in funding to bolster student training and workforce development

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is advancing student training and water education through its leadership in a new Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin project.

University professor leads breakthrough research in prestigious scientific journal

Dr. Evan Larson and a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaborators illuminate how cultural fire stewardship shaped resilient ecosystems in the Great Lakes region.

UW–Platteville announces six faculty fellowships funded by state-sponsored Dairy Innovation Hub

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently awarded six faculty research fellowships to increase dairy-related research capacity through the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative.

(SUSP)ense and Discovery

Dairy Innovation Hub spotlights Dairy Soil and Water Regeneration with Pioneer Farm’s Dennis Busch at symposium

UW-Platteville scientist Dennis Busch is taking center stage in a multi-state study on how soil health and manure management impact greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and forage yield in dairy production.

Poster Day celebrates campus research and creativity

The seventh annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Poster Day showcased more than 90 poster projects highlighting faculty, staff and student research from across the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Students present at 21st annual Research in the Rotunda

More than a dozen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students participated in the 21st annual Research in the Rotunda event on April 2 in the State Capitol. They were among hundreds of undergraduate researchers from across the Universities of Wisconsin who presented their work to state legislators, business leaders, alumni and the public.

Pioneering innovation: Zifan Wan’s cold plasma research

Assistant Professor Zifan Wan is helping to reshape the future of food safety, dairy processing and sustainable agriculture by harnessing cold plasma technology.

Campus hydroponics lab is growing the future of education, nutrition and sustainability

The Hydroponics Lab is pioneering sustainable, local food production, experimenting with farming methods to cultivate a more resilient and environmentally conscious future.

Associate professor showcases innovative concrete curing research at transportation meeting in nation’s capital

Dr. Danny Xiao presented research at the 104th Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting on the use of capillary pressure sensors to assess the effectiveness of curing on Wisconsin concrete.

UW-Platteville celebrates innovation

Innovation took center stage at UW-Platteville during its inaugural Innovation Days, held Nov. 18-21. The celebration highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation as a core value and showcased its efforts to solve complex problems through collaboration across disciplines.

Xiao completes sabbatical in Germany and develops a study abroad program for students

Dr. Danny Xiao, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the opportunity to complete his sabbatical last spring semester at Hochschule Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

How a training dummy demonstrates a degree in forensic investigation is a wise choice at UW-Platteville

UW-Platteville is the first and only public institution in Wisconsin to offer a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation, featuring a hands-on Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House and a world-first training dummy equipped with thermo-chrome paint for simulating blanching livor mortis.

Students explore diverse interests through Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program

For the seventh consecutive summer, 10 students participated in the Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program at UW-Platteville.

Burp science: How UW-Platteville is turning cow gas into research gold

UW-Platteville's Pioneer Farm is leading the way in agricultural innovation with the introduction of the GreenFeed machine, a groundbreaking technology in livestock emissions research.

School of Agriculture is milking innovation and setting the bar high with cutting-edge dairy technology at Pioneer Farm

UW-Platteville's Pioneer Farm is revolutionizing dairy management with cutting-edge technologies that measure cow emissions (burps) and monitor feed intake, setting new standards in sustainability and precision. These advancements offer students unparalleled hands-on experiences and position the university as a leader in agricultural innovation within the tri-state area.

UW-Platteville announces five faculty fellowships funded by state-sponsored Dairy Innovation Hub

UW-Platteville recently awarded five faculty research fellowships to increase dairy-related research capacity through the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative.

UW-Platteville School of Agriculture receives grant from CHS Foundation to enhance precision agriculture curriculum

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Agriculture has been awarded a significant grant from the CHS Foundation to advance the university's precision agriculture initiatives.

Collaboration gives students opportunity for professional-level experience

Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is collaborating with global software manufacturer COPA-DATA USA Corp. to enhance student learning and open the door to new student-led research opportunities.

Out of the classroom and into the stream: How fish sampling teaches UW-Platteville biology students conservation

Biology students learn a unique way to test the health and well-being of a local stream on the UW-Platteville campus. Electrofishing amps up the education process by taking students outdoors and into a real-world scenario.

Students showcase work at 20th annual Research in the Rotunda event

Sixteen students from UW-Platteville showcased their undergraduate research at the Universities of Wisconsin’s 20th annual Research in the Rotunda event on March 6.

Student combines passions for history, costume design for unique research

In a collaboration between the theatre program and history department, one student recently had the opportunity to recreate a historical garment by researching 19th century American fashion using primary and secondary written sources, as well as the artifact collection at The Mining and Rollo Jamison Museum.

Professor awarded Fulbright grant to teach and research in Egypt

Dr. Samir El-Omari, civil and environmental engineering professor, was recently awarded a prestigious Fulbright grant to teach and research at Nile University in Egypt, where he will continue his work in the field of sustainability.

NSF-funded research looks to leverage strengths of non-traditional engineering students

Dr. Ganapathy Natarajan, associate professor of industrial engineering, is part of a team awarded a National Science Foundation grant to research ways to leverage the lived experiences of non-traditional engineering students in order to improve learning for all students in engineering classrooms.

Johnson studies mind-body connection in summer research program

Mollie Johnson, a senior psychology major, is spending her summer conducting research that examines cognitive, affective and physiological aspects of human behavior, as a participant in the Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program.   

Researchers call for public’s help reconstructing drought history using ancient redcedar trees

The ubiquitous eastern redcedar tree – a native species but one that can encroach on the region’s pastures and prairies – may be seen as a nuisance to some, but actually has a very important story to tell about the region’s climate history. Researchers from UW-Platteville are calling on the help of residents of the Driftless Area to identify redcedar tree samples to be included in National Science Foundation research that is studying the long-term history of drought in the region.

Zimmermann explores community gardens and food insecurity in summer research program

As part of UW-Platteville's Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program, Ellie Zimmermann is spending the summer conducting research to explore the connections between community garden space and the perceptions of health and well-being and food security in the local community.

Health and human performance students present research on cross-country runners’ nutrition at national conference

At a recent National American College of Sports Medicine Conference, two UW-Platteville students presented research on the body composition and nutrition habits of cross-country runners.

UW-Platteville students join undergrad researchers from across the country at annual conference

Undergraduate researchers from around the country, including 18 students from UW-Platteville, converged on Eau Claire, Wisconsin, earlier this month for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Students showcase research at the Capitol

More than a dozen University of Wisconsin-Platteville students joined undergraduate researchers from across the UW System yesterday at the 19th annual Research in the Rotunda event in the State Capitol.

Students research ways to develop new agrochemicals

Three UW-Platteville students have been working on an increasingly vital area of study in agriculture, researching ways to develop new agrochemicals for crop protection.

Engineering students to present concrete durability project at Research in the Rotunda

Two engineering students are studying the effects of anti-icing on concrete and will present their findings at the 19th annual Research in the Rotunda on March 8 in the state Capitol.

Students to present research on reducing ammonia emissions and odors

Three students are looking at biochar as a way to reduce ammonia emissions and odors off of manure storages, which many farms in Wisconsin use. They will showcase their research at the 19th annual Research in the Rotunda on March 8.

UW-Platteville student to present research on evening bat

One UW-Platteville student spent her summer learning about bats and researching whether the species of bat Nycticeius humeralis, commonly referred to as the evening bat—which has historically stayed south of Wisconsin—may now be found in the Platteville area.

Psychology student examines post Roe v. Wade decision, will present project at Research in the Rotunda

UW-Platteville senior Maddie Gehl never foresaw herself conducting undergraduate research, but after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, it sparked an interest of wanting to see how the ruling would affect college students and dating apps.

Student presents research on psychological profiling through Summer Undergraduate Scholar Program

Through UW-Platteville's Summer Undergraduate Scholar Program, senior Kimberly Cummings received the opportunity to investigate the topic of psychological profiling.

Faculty, student researchers to create microgrid cybersecurity testbed

A group of faculty and student researchers are working to contribute solutions to the increasing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. With the help of the UW System Ignite Grant Program and several industry partners, including ABB Inc., UW-Platteville will soon be home to a smart microgrid cybersecurity testbed.

Zolper honored for creating opportunities for engineering students

Ask a student of Dr. Thomas Zolper about their research, and the answers will be quite varied. Some have worked side-by-side with scientists from the USGS to combat invasive aquatic species. Others are helping to examine the resilience of the Wisconsin energy and information infrastructure against natural or man-made failures. And a few are getting a taste of a different kind of research, as they attempt to scientifically measure what makes people like ice cream. 

Students collaborate with athletics on hydration research, present nationally

Two seniors in the Department of Health and Human Performance recently presented at the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Students from multiple programs collaborate on clandestine grave documentation research

Faculty from Forensic Investigation and Computer Science and Software Engineering are collaborating on clandestine grave documentation research.

School of Agriculture students present research posters at UW System Symposium

Two students from the School of Agriculture, Kimberly Van Donsel and Hannah Lemke, presented research posters at the University of Wisconsin System Symposium at UW-Whitewater last month. 

Trenkamp researches Native American boarding school era in the Midwest, presents project to U.S. national park

Grace Trenkamp recently completed her capstone project titled, “Native American Boarding Schools and Cemeteries (Midwest),” shedding light to the injustices Indigenous people faced in the 19th and 20th century.

UW-Platteville receives more than $55,000 from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin to train next generation of water scientists

UW-Platteville will receive $55,373 in support from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin this year to enhance its water-related academic programs. The funding is part of a statewide initiative to tackle 10 grand water challenges and support curriculum development, undergraduate research opportunities, career development and field training experiences for students interested in studying water-related fields at the 13 UW Schools. 

Underwood helps reconstruct thousands of years of fire history in the most-visited national park

Dr. Chris Underwood is working on a project, funded by the National Park Service, to expand fire history research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the conclusion of the project, the researchers will have a spatially comprehensive fire and vegetation history of the entire park that dates back to the last major North American glaciation.

UW-Platteville students recognized at Research in the Rotunda

UW-Platteville undergraduate researchers filled the state Capitol showcasing their projects at the 18th annual Research in the Rotunda held on Wednesday. Seven research teams from UW-Platteville and UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County presented their findings to lawmakers, state leaders, alumni and the public.

Student researches virtual, augmented reality in construction, helps implement in curricula

Senior Allison Stencil’s research project has her viewing construction sites through a new lens. The construction management and construction safety management double major is researching the use of both virtual reality and augmented reality software to determine how it improves pre-planning on construction sites.

Students explore new methods of energy harvesting

A group of mechanical engineering majors are researching new ways to harvest energy and will present their findings to legislators, state leaders and the public at next week's annual Research in the Rotunda event in the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students to present Central Sands of Wisconsin research in Madison

Four students received the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research focused in the area of dendroecology, by assisting Dr. Evan Larson, professor of environmental sciences and society, with his project titled, “Groundwater Access Impacts Tree Productivity in the Central Sands of Wisconsin.”

Levenstein receives Regent Scholar Award

Dr. Mark Levenstein, assistant professor of biology, is the recipient of the Regent Scholar Award for his proposal titled, “Aryl Fluorinated Ethers to Develop the Next Generation of Agrochemicals.” Through the recognition, Levenstein received a $50,000 grant from UW System to pursue his research.

Students research bentonite for safer nuclear waste disposal

A group of civil and environmental engineering students are researching a solution for safer long-term nuclear waste disposal by studying the characteristics of bentonite, a naturally-occurring clay. They will present their findings at next month’s annual Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Electrical engineering students selected to present carbon nanotube research

Two electrical engineering students will showcase their research project, “Carbon Nanotube Electronics” at this year’s Research in the Rotunda in the state Capitol.

Chemistry majors to present project at Research in the Rotunda

Chemistry majors Brooke Steeno and Natalie Hayes will travel to the state capitol on March 9 to present their research project, “Turning on the Light: Developing Next Generation Agrochemicals via Organic Photochemistry” at Research in the Rotunda.

Student researchers explore solutions for phosphorous run-off

Phosphorous concentrations are at an almost dangerously high level in Wisconsin, says senior Olivia Kozlowska – an environmental engineering major from Chicago, Illinois – and it’s a problem she hopes her research will address. Kozlowska will present her project, “Evaluation of Filter Media for Phosphorous Removal Systems” at next month’s annual Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin.

UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County student supports small businesses through research opportunity

Growing up, Katelyn Zajicek saw firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit of her grandparents and parents who are all small business owners. Now Zajicek, a business administration major at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, is researching the question, “How Will Small Hometown Businesses Survive the Age of Technology?”

Student research brings new life to plastic

A group of mechanical engineering students are tackling the growing problem of plastic waste in landfills by creating a way for anyone in any community to easily get involved in reusing and recycling plastic.

Biology students research mussels, educate on their importance

A team of biology students have been researching watersheds in Southwest Wisconsin to study mussels and the environmental factors that may influence them. They will present their findings in March at the annual Research in the Rotunda event.

Students conduct feeding trials to explore use for hazelnuts, donate to local food pantries

A group of animal science students spent a portion of this semester designing and conducting a feeding trial in broiler chickens, with the goal of helping Wisconsin growers better understand how to use and market hazelnuts. When the trial ends next week, they will donate the 60 processed chickens to local food pantries across the Driftless region.

Students conduct research at largest pavement research facility

Three civil engineering students recently conducted research at MnROAD, the largest full-scale pavement research facility of its kind in the world, located near Albertville, Minnesota.

Student spends unforgettable summer internship in Amazon Rainforest

Spencer Butterfield had a summer internship experience like few others. Combining his double majors in sustainability and renewable energy systems and Spanish, he spent two months in the Amazon Rainforest, conducting research on solar panel policy in the rural community of Monterey, Peru.

NSF grant will help create future of equitable infrastructure

Led by UW-Platteville, a consortium of four universities recently received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. Under the direction of Dr. Philip Parker, the Center for Infrastructure Transformation and Education (CIT-E) will use the grant to transform the approach to diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of civil and environmental engineering education.

UW-Platteville to contribute to $10 million #DiverseCornBelt project

Dr. Pete Lammers, associate professor in the School of Agriculture, is contributing to a $10 million project, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and led by Purdue University, to make Midwestern agriculture more resilient by diversifying farms, marketing and the agricultural landscape.

Zolper awarded Thompson Center funding to pursue infrastructure research

Dr. Thomas Zolper has been awarded a faculty research grant from the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership for his project titled, “The Wisconsin Strategy: Independent Infrastructure.”  Zolper is examining how to enhance the resilience of Wisconsin energy and information infrastructure against natural and man-made failures to reduce public emergencies. 

Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates re-opening of renovated Boebel Hall

More than one hundred members of the UW-Platteville and greater Platteville communities celebrated the official re-opening of Boebel Hall at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 27.

Partnership in Prototyping Center helps bring ideas to life

New inventions poised to make an impact in a variety of fields are getting their start on the UW-Platteville campus, being designed, prototyped and tested by faculty and students. Thanks to a partnership between WiSys and Dr. John Obielodan, associate professor of mechanical engineering, half a dozen inventions have gone from idea to reality over the past two years.

Yang awarded patent for micro-grid energy management system

WiSys, the technology transfer arm of the 11 UW System regional comprehensive campuses, was recently awarded a U.S. patent for an invention disclosed by Dr. Fang Yang, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. Yang, and her co-inventor Zhao Li, of LY Grid Innovation, created a software-based micro-grid energy management system with proactive and comprehensive control.

Larson co-authors Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness publication, highlighting fire regimes and social justice issues

Dr. Evan Larson, professor of geography, and his collaborators have been paddling the lakes of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for the past 15 years to conduct a sprawling research project, the results of which have been recently published in the journal Ecosphere.

Dairy Innovation Hub funds second round of research grants

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently awarded six faculty research fellowships to help increase dairy-related research capacity through the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative.

Electrical engineering students conduct broadband internet technology survey

This past year, COVID-19 has brought many challenges for Wisconsinites, with one of the biggest struggles being internet access and network performances. To examine the issues, two electrical engineering students, Troy Januchowski and Jacob Hanacek, spent two semesters conducting an independent study with Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.

Horst researches use of drones in STEM education, presents at conference

Justine Horst, a senior electrical engineering major from Hartford, Wisconsin, recently had a paper published for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Integrated STEM Education Conference. Horst’s paper, “STEM Code Using Drones,” is based off of her undergraduate research and describes a methodology of STEM education that would utilize programmable drones.

Engineering physics student conducts undergraduate research, presents at Student Showcase

As Trevor Wavrunek, a senior engineering physics major, prepares for graduation this May, he credits his experience as an undergraduate researcher with helping him with his next academic goal. He has spent the past three years researching the topic of an alternative to solvent-based microfabrication with Dr. Gokul Gopalakrishnan, associate professor of engineering physics

Engineering student conducts research on concrete durability

With near-record cold stretches and snow accumulation this winter, de-icing of Wisconsin roads and highways is a common sight, but a research project at UW-Platteville is studying the long-term impacts of these treatments on concrete durability.

UW-Platteville engineering professors’ inventions awarded U.S. patents

WiSys was recently awarded U.S. patents for inventions disclosed by two College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science faculty at UW-Platteville. Dr. Hal Evensen, professor of engineering physics created the “Planar Field Emission Transistor.” Dr. Thomas Zolper, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and his team invented the “Variable Volume Flow Injection Nozzle.” 

Art student awarded undergraduate research scholarship, developing porcelain recipe

Melanie Bisbach, a cross-disciplinary fine arts major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, is turning her passion into an undergraduate research project titled, “Understanding Porcelains and Ceramic Materials.” Bisbach, a sophomore from Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is developing her own po

Research project brings Southwest Wisconsin into the classroom

Growing up in Platteville, Tyler Vargo knows firsthand the beauty and diversity of Southwest Wisconsin, but like many rural areas, the region is significantly underrepresented on digital mapping platforms, like Google Maps. Through a project sponsored by the Undergraduate Research and Scholarly and Creative Activity program, Vargo is setting out to change this one location at a time.

Research explores relationship between COVID-19 knowledge and emotions, sense of control

In the fall of 2019, Megan Bunyer began exploring potential research topics, guided by particular interests she had in emotion, memory and sense of control. When the pandemic hit last spring, it presented Bunyer with the opportunity to explore these interests in a much more timely and novel project, as she set out to examine the relationship between knowledge surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak and emotion and sense of control. 

First-year engineering student assists with carbon nanotube research

Freshman Eliot Driessen, an electrical engineering major, is embarking on his first year of undergraduate research. After being awarded the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity Scholarship, Driessen has been assisting Dr. Hal Evensen, professor of engineering physics with his research in the nano lab. 

Discover by doing: UW-Platteville’s hands-on approach boosts student success

Dating back to its origins as the state’s first teacher preparation institute and the Wisconsin Mining Trade School, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has long been known for its tradition of providing a hands-on education that extends beyond the classroom.

Undergrads team up to unravel the molecular basis of plant-microbe symbioses

Often reserved for upperclass students at many universities, research has been a part of Kaylee Finseth’s college experience since nearly the time she first stepped foot on campus at UW-Platteville. Now a junior, Finseth has been engaged in several research projects involving plant-microbe symbioses for the past three years. 

Criminal justice major researches treatment court

“When you are doing research every single thing matters,” said Jacob Wehler, a University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice major. “If you don’t pay attention to all the little details, you could be missing a whole plethora of conclusions or details that could sway your results.”

Research explores impacts of agricultural land changes on rural communities

A team of UW-Platteville researchers is exploring how farmers and rural communities are affected by agricultural land changes and record-high dairy farm closings and their response to policy proposals intended to address the issues.

Seven years of driftless oaks research project published

Thousands of hours of field work and undergraduate research, conducted by more than 75 UW-Platteville students spanning seven years, has come to fruition. Dr. Chris Underwood, associate professor of geography and department chair, Dr. Evan Larson, professor of geography, and alumna Sara Allen, a 2013 history and geography graduate, co-authored “The Driftless Oaks: A new network of tree-ring chronologies to improve regional perspectives of drought in the Upper Midwest, USA.”

Dornak publishes research on land use, bird conservation efforts

Amid a decades-long trend of declining bird populations in North America, setting land aside for preservation has long been a primary approach to protect biodiversity. Dr. Lynnette Dornak, associate professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, researched the effectiveness of this method, and her work, “Assessing the Efficacy of Protected and Multiple-Use Lands for Bird Conservation in the U.S.,” was recently published by the scientific journal, PLOS ONE.

Researchers look for a taste of success

Wisconsin is known worldwide for its dairy products, and ice cream is an almost universal favorite. Yet what we love about it can often be hard to describe. Now, mechanical engineering professors Dr. Thomas Zolper and Dr. Bidhan Roy are looking at the science behind one of the world’s most popular treats as part of their research for the UW-Platteville Dairy Innovation Hub.

Recent alumni publish academic work, credit summer research program

Two recent UW-Platteville alumni, Kathryn Bartels and Dominique Kornely, have had their research work accepted for publication in academic journals. Both alumni are former participants of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program and credit the program for their success.

Student takes top prize in state research competition

Joseph Creanza, a junior soil and crop science major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, scored first place at the recent 2020 Student Research and Innovation Showcase for his project, “Plant Essential Oils as Natural and Safe Pesticides for the Control of Soybean White Mold Disease.”

High-performance computing server opens new research possibilities

Big data and artificial intelligence are increasingly ubiquitous in society, with an estimate of more than 2.5 million terabytes of data generated worldwide every day. Analyzing this data can help answer fundamental research questions, and thanks to a recent collaboration with IBM and OpenPOWER Foundation, spearheaded by Dr. Arghya Das, UW-Platteville is now home to a high-performance computing server to assist in this effort.

Faculty, student respond to the call for innovative solutions during pandemic

The creative concepts of five University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty and one student were recently selected by WiSys in the organization’s Innovation Challenge: COVID-19.

Grant leads to new research for glove design

Dr. Vettrivel Gnaneswaran, assistant professor of industrial engineering, was recently awarded a Research Infrastructure Program grant by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium for his research exploring the use of gloves and their effect on performing tasks – the results of which could potentially influence glove redesign in manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare industries, helping people select gloves to maximize safety and productivity.

Faculty fellowships funded by state-sponsored Dairy Innovation Hub

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently awarded seven faculty research fellowships to help increase dairy-related research capacity through the Dairy Innovation Hub initiative.

Mueller wins UW-Platteville’s WiSys Quick Pitch @ Home competition

Dana Mueller, a senior psychology major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, recently won the university’s WiSys Quick Pitch @ Home competition.

Mechanical engineering students turn recycled plastic into respiratory face masks

To help combat the shortage of personal protective equipment during this COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Jodi Prosise, chair of the UW-Platteville Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and a team of undergraduate researchers are designing a system to turn recycled plastic into respiratory face masks.

Students present at Research in the Rotunda

Students, faculty and staff from all three University of Wisconsin-Platteville campuses filled the state capitol on Wednesday for the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda. Eight research teams represented the university and presented their findings with legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public.

Students research prairie plant genetic diversity

Ongoing work, involving students, in analyzing, cataloging, and sharing the DNA profiles of native grasses and other plant life in preserves and open spaces around Sauk County will aid prairie restoration efforts in communities across Wisconsin and in other regions as well. That’s according to research currently performed by University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County students Emily Forbush and Brooke Martin, who together are working to understand what grasses and plants make up a thriving prairie in the rocky and all-season conditions found near the campus.

Biology students document a rarely seen species in Southwest Wisconsin

Students and faculty at UW-Platteville are researching an animal that some Platteville residents might be surprised to learn they have in their own backyard – the southern flying squirrel.

Chemistry students to present research at state, national levels

Four chemistry students are preparing to present their undergraduate research, learning biochemistry the write way: applying writing-to-learn in STEM, at three different events across the country, including Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C.

Nguyen to present research on Vietnam economy

Vietnam, Ha Nguyen’s home before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Richland, has undergone big structural economic change since the mid-1980s, when most market restrictions were lifted. She has performed a review of the Vietnamese government’s major economic policy changes over the last 30 years, and will share her research with legislators, state leaders, alumni and the public at the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda event.

Students to present research on health benefits of yoga at Research in the Rotunda

University of Wisconsin-Platteville health and human performance students Brooke Kunkel, Ann Larson and Monica Radtke will present their research on the health benefits of yoga at the 17th annual Research in the Rotunda at the Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mueller to present research on dopamine at Research in the Rotunda

Dana Mueller, a senior psychology major at UW-Platteville, will present her research on dopamine and utilitarian moral judgment at the 17th annual Research in Rotunda on Wednesday, March 11, at the Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students to present disaster response applications at Research in the Rotunda

Natural disasters are inevitable, but a group of students are researching how an application can assist with disaster response. Several students are collaborating with Electrical and Computer Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Mehdi Roopaei on their research topic, device analytics for disaster response applications.

Golden’s research aims to advance transistor technology

The race to create faster, smarter and smaller electronic devices has consumed the tech industry for decades, but is there a physical limit to just how small they can go? It is a question being explored in UW-Platteville's Material Fabrication and Nano Characterization Lab. Kayla Golden, a senior electrical engineering major, will present her research on nanoscale vacuum-channel field emission transistors at the annual UW System Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students hope research brings awareness about emerging disease in snakes

For the past several years, UW-Platteville students, led by Dr. John Peterson, associate professor of biology, have been researching an emerging snake fungal disease that threatens to disrupt the balance of ecosystems across the country, including in Wisconsin.

Boebel Hall renovations set to begin

The $23.7 million Boebel Hall renovations are set to begin in the upcoming weeks. The project will renovate existing laboratory and classroom space to become instructional laboratories, preparation and support space, research and undergraduate research space and a general assignment classroom while adding stunning new looks.

UW-Platteville faculty, students help defend the Great Lakes

It is no secret that Wisconsin has great fishing opportunities, however, many are unaware of a threat posed to the state’s fishing industry by invasive fish, such as bighead carp and silver carp. Dr. Thomas Zolper, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UW-Platteville, and his students, have spent the past several years collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to combat this threat.

Withstand more, fail better: Dr. Robabeh Jazaei contends with concrete

Dr. Robabeh Jazaei is an expert in the characterization and simulation of advanced materials subject to static and dynamic loadings; but more than that; she is an expert in a special type of failure. The lecturer in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has forged her career around the study of failure mechanism in all its forms: cracking, crumbling, and collapsing.

An eye-opening experience: undergraduate research at UW-Platteville

UW-Platteville undergraduates have the opportunity to assist in research almost from the moment they arrive, building key skills and gaining real-world experience which helps them stand apart from the crowd.

UW-Platteville helps lead statewide advancements in Internet of Things technology

While the Internet of Things continues to expand at a rapid rate, Dr. Molly Gribb, dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, is leading efforts to position UW-Platteville at the forefront of this cutting-edge field. Gribb was recently appointed as a founding board member of the Wisconsin IoT Council, a professional membership-driven organization that promotes Wisconsin and the Midwest as the epicenter for IoT and drives technological advancement in the region.

Jiang explores innovative bridge safety research

Dr. Hanwan Jiang, assistant professor of civil engineering at UW-Platteville, is using an innovative idea to research bridge safety that uses ultrasound to detect the early-stage damage in a non-destructive way.

Celik’s research aims to make solar technology more sustainable

In recent years, the United States has witnessed a boom in solar energy use, as trends toward sustainable living grow. But how environmentally-friendly is solar technology when it reaches the end of its life cycle? That is the question Dr. Ilke Celik, assistant professor of sustainability and renewable energy systems, and a team of researchers are hoping to address.

Idea of turning common weeds into aviation fuel takes flight

The next big idea in green energy may stem from a common Midwestern weed called pennycress, and faculty and students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are contributing to this cutting-edge research.

UW-Platteville to hold rededication ceremony for Rachel, enslaved African American

On Friday, Oct. 4, at 9 a.m., faculty, staff, students and community members will hold a special rededication ceremony for Rachel, an enslaved African American, at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville.

Xiao and students research solutions for more durable concrete

UW-Platteville Civil Engineering Professor Dr. Danny Xiao is interested in all the ways concrete fails. His research focuses on making one of the most important building materials on Earth even better. This summer, Xiao worked on a Wisconsin DOT-funded study to discover the most effective combination of penetrating sealant, application method and application time.

Wu and Drazkowski receive best paper award at ASEE Conference

This summer, UW-Platteville senior Anna Drazkowski traveled to Tampa, Florida, with Dr. Yan Wu, associate professor of engineering physics to attend the American Society for Engineering Education Conference to present their research. Their work, “Standard Based Grading in Introductory Physics Laboratory Courses” earned the best paper award in the Division of Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies.

Celebrating Rachel: Students in summer history course research African American history

Dr. Eugene Tesdahl, assistant professor of history at UW-Platteville, and a small group of students in his summer history course, The History of Wisconsin, recently helped repair and restore Rachel's headstone (an enslaved African American) at Hillside Cemetery in Platteville, as part of an ongoing research project.

Students and faculty shine at research and innovation symposium

UW-Platteville senior mechanical engineering major Caleb Dykema was honored with the 2019 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award. He was recognized for the creation of his “1Swipe” product, a full white or blackboard eraser that can be pushed across to erase, saving time and solving the issue of inefficiency in the classroom for STEM professors.

Wells examines reptiles, amphibians on campus through summer research program

University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Jessica Wells is spending her summer in the field pursuing her research interest as a part of UW-Platteville’s Summer Undergraduate Scholars Program.

Pugh selected as Wisconsin Teaching Fellow

Assistant Professor of chemistry Dr. Raymond Pugh will continue his research on Writing-to-Learn through the Wisconsin Teaching Fellows and Scholars program. Pugh is one of three University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty members selected for the 2019-20 program.

Venkateshwaran receives prestigious NSF-CAREER award

Venkateshwaran’s research focuses on the symbiotic associations that exist between plants and microbes, such as rhizobia, a soil bacteria that associates with legumes to form root nodules, inside which the rhizobia fixes atmospheric nitrogen that is then used by the legume plant.

Research grant will support development of natural, safe pesticides

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Dr. Muthu Venkateshwaran, an assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture, was recently awarded an Applied Research Grant from the WiSys Technology Foundation, totaling more than $46,000.

Psychology students, faculty conduct research for Rountree Gallery

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville psychology students and one faculty member recently conducted research for Rountree Gallery in Platteville that showed the value of art experiences.

Students, faculty present research at national geography conference

Five University of Wisconsin-Platteville geography students and faculty members recently presented their research at the American Association of Geographers annual conference April 3-7 in Washington, D.C.

Animal House connects exotic animals with the community

The second annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day was held on April 24 and showcased the creative and scholarly activities of University of Wisconsin-Platteville students, faculty and staff.

Theatre students present at Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day

University of Wisconsin-Platteville students showcased their senior design projects, research and scholarly activity at the second annual Pioneer Creative Activities and Research Day. It took place on April 24 in Velzy Commons, Ullsvik Hall.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni present research at 4W Summit

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville had a strong presence at the fourth annual 4W Summit on Women, Gender, and Well-Being and the 42nd annual Wisconsin Women’s and Gender Studies Conference held April 11-13 at UW-Madison, with four students and 10 faculty, staff and alumni showcasing their research on women, gender and well-being in a variet

Students present at Research in the Rotunda

Nearly 20 students from the three University of Wisconsin-Platteville campuses participated in the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda on April 17 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Students present research on honeybees, native pollinators and their shared habitat

Four University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are contributing to research that will assess the effects of honeybees and surrounding habitat on native pollinators. They will present their research at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda event on Wednesday, April 17 in the capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin.

Hynek documents a life dedicated to the preservation of prehistoric Native American culture

Although his higher education career hasn’t always taken a traditional path, Chris Hynek has always known about history, in particular his father’s own public history work documents.  Hynek has painstakingly archived and digitized the quarterly journal Prehistoric American, of which his father was the long-time editor.

Considine to present on factors influencing goat milk production

In her years growing up on her family’s farm near Portage, Wisconsin, Esther Considine, the fourth of 10 children, moved through many chores, from feeding chickens, to sheep, and then to goats. The farm’s 230 goats annually produce thousands of gallons of milk that is turned into goat cheese after being shipped to Illinois.

Kornely to present research at Research in the Rotunda

Dominique Kornely, a senior psychology major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will present research on the effect of psychosocial stress on substance use in college students while at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda event on Wednesday, April 17, in the Capitol Rotunda in

Software engineering student to present research on emotion mining on Twitter

Daniel Zellmer, a junior software engineering major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has been researching the topic of emotion mining on Twitter.

Students research bentonite to improve waste containment solutions

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are contributing to research on the properties of bentonite, a naturally-occurring clay that is used in the construction of waste barriers.

Students team with NASA to test limitations of polymer for cleaning aerospace equipment

University of Wisconsin-Platteville student research teams have been experimenting to find the limitations of the First Contact™ adhesive polymer, which is already being used by NASA to clean its astronomical equipment, like telescopes, mirrors and lenses.

Students to present on metallic organic frameworks at Research in the Rotunda

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville chemistry students will present their research project in Madison, Wisconsin, at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda on April 17. Student researchers JaLynn Schuh, a senior from Plymouth, Wisconsin, and Hyeong Cheol Yoo, a junior from Seoul, South Korea, are collaborating with Dr.

Faculty forum to examine impact of Ojibwe landuse on Boundary Waters forests

What is wilderness?

Student designs Mars greenhouse concept for NASA

University of Wisconsin-Platteville student Eva Birtell’s research on agricultural production systems is – literally – out of this world.

NASA requests development of Hamilton’s telescope-cleaning polymer

Dr. James Hamilton has created First Contact Polymer (FCP), a peel-able coating that cleans and protects optical surfaces like those on giant telescopes and satellites.