Chippewa Valley Times

Student researchers from UW-Stout, along with peers from other campuses in the University of Wisconsin system, are preparing to present their work at the annual Research in the Rotunda event, scheduled for April 2 at the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda. Among the student presenters are scholars from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, whose focus centers on the significance of native species to the ecosystems of Wisconsin's watersheds.

Michael Buss, an environmental science student from Madison, and Theodore Welch, also an environmental science student from Milton, are presenting at this year's event. Buss will discuss his research on "Impacts of Trout Stream Restoration on Macroinvertebrate Communities," while Welch will present his work, "Competition Between Invasive Reed Canary Grass and a Native Sedge in a Western Wisconsin Trout Stream Restoration." Both students were guided by their respective mentors in the projects.

Visitors to the Capitol will hear presentations by students across various degree fields, interacting with legislators, state leaders, and university alumni and supporters. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes remarks from UW President Jay Rothman. "The research projects embody the personal and intellectual growth experienced by the students who created them," said Rothman. He emphasized the university's commitment to building a talent pipeline that supports state success, aligning with the objectives of their 2023-28 Strategic Plan.

Anne Hoeltke, director of UW-Stout’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, highlighted the significance of the event. "Empowering students to present their research to legislators at the Capitol not only amplifies their voices but also bridges the gap between education and policy-making," she said.

The Research in the Rotunda event, now in its 21st year, has hosted over 1,500 student presenters. Students are nominated by faculty, staff, and a student committee. Seven other UW-Stout students, including a third Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholar, will also present their research to attendees.

Buss and Welch, who contribute to the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group, have gathered valuable data from Gilbert Creek and nearby water systems. Their work focuses on understanding stream restoration impacts and the interactions between invasive species and native plants. Buss expressed his commitment to studying surface waters, hoping his research will inform how the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approaches stream restorations. Welch's research examines the dynamic between invasive reed canary grass and native sedge, with potential implications for ecosystem management.

In addition to the Rotunda event, UW-Stout students will present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from April 7 to April 9, where more than 4,000 undergraduates will showcase their research.