Breakthrough Research at UW-Madison

Gavin Dehnert, Emerging Contaminants Scientist with Wisconsin Sea Grant

Emerging Contaminants and What They Mean for You, Wildlife and Waters

Gavin researches chemicals and substances that might end up in our ecosystems and end up having negative effects on people, animals or plants.

Wisconsin Impact: Right now, Gavin is actively researching per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used in common household products, food packaging and in firefighting foam. Studies have shown PFAS in people can increase cholesterol levels, decrease the efficacy of vaccines and—for pregnant women—cross the placenta and also be transmitted through breast milk. PFAS has been linked to cancer, osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease. Gavin’s current project is working in collaboration with tribal entities and assessing the levels of PFAS in in wild rice, walleye and maple sap in the Ceded Territories. In the past, he worked as a post-graduate fellow with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and wrote statewide drinking water standards for some of the more than 5,000 compounds classified as PFAS.

Media coverage:

• New project tests Ceded Territories for PFAS at request of tribes
• Treating lakes for Eurasian watermilfoil with herbicides can harm young fish

Robert Asen, Stephen E. Lucas Professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture

Democracy, Deliberation, and Education

My research explores local, state, and national debates over public education. I consider people’s values and visions for public education, how recognize and negotiate different perspectives and viewpoints on these important matters, and the possibilities for productive agreement and respectful disagreement.

Wisconsin Impact: Public education serves as a central social institution in the United States that brings together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and values to focus on questions regarding the education of the nation’s youth. Particularly at the local levels, public education involves the participation of local stakeholders (parents, teachers, community members) in articulating and discussing the roles that their local schools may play in their communities. Understanding these discussions, deliberations, and debates may help us figure out ways to engage each other effectively and respectfully so that we may support the learning of youth in our communities.

Michael Notaro, Director of the Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research