Research - USGS Watercourse Corridor Study: Ecological Assessments of Stream Sites

Research Opportunity – U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

U.S. Geological Survey – Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Research Project:
Watercourse Corridor Study – Ecological Assessments of Stream Sites in Milwaukee Area Waterways

The Watercourse Corridor Study (CS) is a long‑term cooperative effort between the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and USGS. It includes ecological monitoring at 22 stream reaches (18 within the Milwaukee metropolitan area and 4 outside) and uses both traditional whole‑organism sampling and next‑generation eDNA sequencing to assess algae, invertebrates, fish, habitat, and water quality.

• Collect ecological data at 18 core sites and 3 physically restored sites in the Milwaukee area.
• Collect ecological data at 4 wetland‑dominated sites outside Milwaukee.
• Conduct fish, macroinvertebrate, algal, and habitat assessments.
• Evaluate long‑term trends and environmental stressors affecting aquatic communities.
• Use next‑generation eDNA sequencing to complement traditional sampling.
• Examine stream condition and function with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Stream Quantification Tool (SQT).
• Participate in field planning, data management, and office activities related to the study.

• Gain hands‑on experience with national protocols for ecological and habitat sampling.
• Learn to calibrate, deploy, and manage multi‑parameter sondes for continuous water‑quality data.
• Collaborate closely with USGS personnel to gain insights into ecological research challenges.
• Participate in a long‑term sampling effort that informs environmental management decisions.

The mentor for this opportunity is Michelle Nott (mnott).

• Start date:
  
  June 15, 2026 (flexible based on factors).
• Length: 10 weeks, renewable upon funding and recommendation.
• Participation level:
  Full time.
• Stipend:
  Varies by opportunity, location, education, and experience; to be discussed during interview.