Minnesota is known for abundant water resources and a deep commitment to preserving them. So it’s probably not too surprising that water research abounds at the University of Minnesota with scientists looking at everything from how aquatic ecosystems function to ways to clean up contaminants in water. The College of Biological Sciences (CBS) and Freshwater Society (Freshwater), an organization focused on water policy, applied research, and education, recently renewed a historic relationship based on a shared interest in advancing that work.
“Water is such an important part of our identity here in the ‘land of 10,000 lakes’ and the headwaters of the Mississippi River,” says Saara DeWalt, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “Our work in the College of Biological Sciences underpins our shared goal of using what we know about freshwater ecosystems to support healthy communities here in Minnesota and beyond.”
A living legacy
The connection between CBS and Freshwater goes back nearly 60 years. The organization, which was launched in 1968 by Dick Gray, had early support from then-University of Minnesota President Malcolm Moos and CBS founding dean Richard Caldecott. Gray was motivated to understand threats to local lakes. He set up a biological research institute on Lake Minnetonka where University researchers worked until 1995. To ensure close ties between Freshwater and the University continued, the Moos family created an endowment, which now funds graduate student research in freshwater systems, collaborative outreach efforts, and a faculty fellow.
“The College of Biological Sciences was a driving force behind the creation of Freshwater in the 1960s,” says Michelle Stockness, executive director of Freshwater. “We’re so pleased to continue to build on that legacy and advance the critical work of valuing and protecting water here in Minnesota and beyond.”
Insight and action
Jacques Finlay, a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior (EEB), was named Moos Faculty Fellow in January 2026. Finlay studies freshwater ecosystems and how watersheds, organisms and human activities affect them, and has extensive ties to research across the University including work with the Saint Anthony Falls Lab. He succeeds Jim Cotner, also a professor in EEB, who previously filled the role.
As Moos Faculty Fellow, Finlay will partner across departments, colleges and campuses to stimulate interdisciplinary research and education related to freshwater systems. Bridging the gap between research and the public was one of the main drivers in the creation of Freshwater since public awareness and investment is key to protecting water resources. Finlay will work with Freshwater to identify opportunities to collaborate by integrating water science and policy topics into existing programming.
Finlay, who is also a member of Freshwater’s board of directors, notes that the relationship helps ensure that scientific research is translated into public engagement and legislative advocacy. He sees great potential to develop opportunities for students involved in water research to gain insight in those domains.
“There’s incredible work around understanding freshwater ecosystems, developing solutions to reduce our impacts on them happening at the University of Minnesota,” says Finlay. “Partnering with Freshwater will not only support current work but help build momentum around collaboration in ways that support the University’s larger strategic goals related to freshwater, expand horizons for our students, and position Minnesota as a leader in water science and policy.”
Connecting with the community
This spring, CBS and Freshwater will build on those outreach efforts by collaborating on the College’s Petri Dish panel discussion series. The event on April 29 at Urban Growler in St. Paul will focus on addressing “forever chemicals” in waterways. Freshwater Programs Director Seth Thompson will serve as moderator. Thompson, a University of Minnesota alum with a Ph.D. in water resources science who was advised by Jim Cotner, sees public engagement and research as integral to advancing policy.
“People in Minnesota are passionate about water,” says Thompson. “They are very invested in understanding the science and how to use that for the best outcomes. That’s why this connection between CBS and Freshwater is so important. Sharing the science with the community sets the stage for informed stewardship.” -Stephanie Xenos