by Madelyn Anderson – For the last three months, my days have ebbed and flowed with the water. I would wake up, strap on my sandals, and walk to our lab on the lake, where some adventure was always waiting. While my experiences were diverse, they always centered two things: science and stories.
This is typical for a senior studying science communication, but before my time here, I had yet to practice my passions in a limnology context. And as a Minnesota native with deep aquatic roots, I had high hopes. Hasler Lab did not disappoint.
I immediately dove deeper into the science of our lakes. Riding in the pontoon with Helen and Adam, I was introduced to species that make up Wisconsin’s waters, down to the tiny Daphnia that contribute to water clarity. It wasn’t long before I was taking my first Secchi disk measurement, collecting zooplankton tows, wading for aquatic bugs, and measuring chlorophyll levels. Learning these foundational sampling techniques was incredibly impactful as a non-traditional STEM student who hasn’t had hands-on experience in the aquatic research environment before.
My new knowledge bolstered my confidence and curiosity when tagging along with field crews. We discovered flooded ecosystems in Fish Lake, investigated greenhouse gas emissions in urban ponds, sampled fish populations in Lake Wingra, and more. Armed with a deeper understanding, I was able to translate this science into stories.
I shared them everywhere – our house dinner table heard all about the streams I visited, my local baristas learned about algae species, and I wrote countless words on this blog and filled our Instagram feed with posts and reels. The water moved me, and I hope my stories moved you.
This summer in the field has shown me that limnology is a rich and complex field, full of some of the most passionate people you will ever meet. Looking back on my time here, there are so many moments I will remember. My hands have held pond lilies, walleye, and boat paddles. My eyes have seen bubbling streams and sunbathing turtles. My ears have heard laughs of joy and sighs of frustration. I’ve been a part of a community of researchers that dedicate themselves to observation every day.
As the summer draws to a close and I approach my senior year at UW-Madison, I can genuinely say this position was a transformative experience. Before my time at the Center for Limnology, I hoped to graduate and get a job in any field of science communication that would take me. Now, I can’t imagine working anywhere but the water -the element that has always shaped me.This summer empowered me to believe I can play a part in protecting it.