UWEC CERCA 2026: Full Schedule

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2:00pm CDT

Characterizing Magmatism Near the Eau Plein Shear Zone, Penokean Orogen, Northern Wisconsin.

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

The Precambrian bedrock of northern Wisconsin hosts the 1.8-1.9Ga billion-year-old Penokean Orogeny. The Penokean Orogeny involves the collision of volcanic arcs and smaller continental crustal blocks. These blocks are known as the Pembine-Wausau Terrane and the Marshfield Terrane. The Eau Pleine Shear Zone marks the boundary between these two terranes. Recent studies within the Marshfield Terrane indicate a more complex geological structure than previously understood, the highly variable ages in this area highlight the need to re-evaluate the significance of this structural boundary between the Pembine-Wausau and Marshfield terranes. Clusters of magmatic rocks found near the Eau Pleine Shear Zone could help determine the nature of this crustal boundary. Magmas that are generated before, during, or after the collision inherit the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the crustal blocks they interact with. For this research project, samples were collected from both intrusive and volcanic rocks that are found on both sides of the Eau Pleine Shear Zone, these samples were then prepared for geochemical and petrographic analysis. The results of this work will allow us to evaluate historical tectonic models of the Lake Superior region and determine whether the Eau Pleine Shear Zone is indeed an appropriate terrane boundary.

Presenters

Fintan McGovern

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Robert Lodge

Geology and Environmental Science, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Geology and Environmental Science
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

Development of platform and field campaign strategy for UAS operations to monitor air pollutants in the lower atmosphere

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

Atmospheric pollutants are a huge problem in today’s environment. Ozone is one of these pollutants. It is harmful to human health and is a main pollutant in photochemical smog. Counties near Lake Michigan in Eastern Wisconsin suffer from poor air quality due to high ozone events and are in nonattainment of federal ozone standards. This is due to lake breeze circulation patterns and trapping of ozone and its precursors over Lake Michigan. To collect data on air quality in this area we have recently purchased an Aurelia S6 drone as a measurement platform for ozone, temperature, humidity, pressure, and NO2. While some of these have been measured before via UAS, we have recently custom-built an NO2 instrument, so careful consideration needs to be done to mount and fly the instruments under safe conditions. Here, we describe the UAS capabilities, strategies for mounting instrumentation, and flight campaign protocols to comply with FAA regulations and gather data safely.

Presenters

Eric Oberg

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Patricia Cleary

Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Chemistry and Biochemistry
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

Finding Effective Learning Techniques for Nursing Students: A Literature Review

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

Interprofessional partnerships along with quality and safety are important essentials for nursing students to learn and practice. The focus of this research project is to enhance the knowledge and confidence of undergraduate nursing students when using medical packaging within a medical packaging kit. This is a vital and important skill for nurses going into the workforce. The medical packaging kit will include a variety of packaging types and supplementary materials. The emphasis of this presentation regards a literature search that is being conducted to inform the project to create supplementary materials for students enrolled in a junior level nursing course. The literature search will inform effective learning techniques in undergraduate nursing programs. The project as a whole is a collaborative partnership between members of the nursing program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and members of the packaging program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The Framework for Action on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice and the Essentials: Core Competencies for nursing education guided the project.

Presenters

Jana O'Connell

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Charlotte Sortedahl

Nursing, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Nursing
Special Categories WI Focus, Sustainability
College CoN

2:00pm CDT

Powering Sustainability: Leadership Perspectives from the Midwestern Electric Utility Industry

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

The electric utility industry is changing fast. Tax incentives, new regulations, and rising electricity demand from AI data centers are pushing leaders to rethink sustainability. This project examines how Midwestern electric utility executives respond and whether sustainability is driven by compliance, financial incentives, or long-term strategy. Electric utilities are interested in sustainable energy, but they are restrained by complicated regulatory and economic limitations. Focusing on leadership decisions, the study connects sustainability strategy to policy shifts and emerging energy demands. Structured interviews with senior utility leaders will be analyzed by theme to reveal how sustainability fits into the business plan. Currently in the literature review phase, the project expects to find that sustainability is seen as a smart business strategy rather than just a regulatory requirement, helping utilities manage long-term risks and plan for future growth.

Presenters

Emma Steinke

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Kristy Lauver

Management and Leadership Programs, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Management and Leadership Programs
Special Categories WI Focus, Sustainability
College CoB

2:00pm CDT

The Lake Sturgeon's Importance

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

This Animal Planet-style video shows how the endangerment of Lake Sturgeon impacts the Great Lakes. The Lake Sturgeon is culturally important to indigenous people as well as historically significant to the Great Lakes Region. While the Department of Natural Resources are protecting the Lake Sturgeon, I feel that their story is special and they should be a greater focus to the conservationists of the Great Lakes. This film brings awareness to how important they are to so many people, therefore we need to do more to protect them.

Presenters

Jocelyn Thesing

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Isabella Gross

English, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department English
Special Categories WI Focus, Sustainability
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

The timing of Paleoproterozoic Felsic Volcanism in the Penokean Orogen, Wisconsin

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

The volcanic rocks of the Penokean orogen of northern Wisconsin are well known for hosting 1875 Ma Cu-Zn-Pb-Au-Ag volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits that formed in deep marine extensional settings. New U/Pb ages obtained from VMS-hosting volcanic strata suggest the extensional tectonic setting was active at 1835 Ma when previous tectonic models state the Penokean Orogen is thought to have closed the ocean. These inconsistencies in dates of samples from the Penokean Orogen may suggest a different geologic timeline than previously recognized. However, younger tectonic or hydrothermal may have altered the zircon U/Pb systematics. This study compares U/Pb ages taken from zircon cores or rims to test if there is a difference in the data. If there is a correlation between core/rim analyses and ages, then it is possible that the 1835 Ma age is an artifact of tectonic or hydrothermal events and not related to timing of VMS mineralization. Preliminary core vs. rim comparisons indicates there is no distinct difference in the ages. This suggests that the younger submarine extensional VMS-forming environment existed and that the timing of major events in the Penokean orogen need to be revisited.

Presenters

Kayla Telshaw

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Robert Lodge

Geology and Environmental Science, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Geology and Environmental Science
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

Tick Dragging and Species Identification in Eau Claire Parks

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) often called deer or bear ticks are the primary vector for the agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. Eau Claire County has one of the highest prevalence rates in the country, with 188 cases in 2022. Performing tick drags and species identification in popular Eau Claire parks is crucial in furthering knowledge and understanding on what harm may be inflicted upon civilians. By gathering data, Eau Claireans can be informed about the possible cautions present at tested recreational parks. ENPH 110: Environmental Public Health First Year Experience course, students performed tick drags in surrounding Eau Claire area parks including Lowes Creek Park, Southwest Dog Park, Carson Park, and UWEC Lower Campus Circle. Tick drags were made of cotton fabric weighed down with 1 oz sinkers and researchers pulled their tick drags behind them in parks, removed attached ticks, identified species, placed into vials with 70% alcohol and delivered them to the Eau Claire Health Department. Selected ticks were then tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the Borrelia burgdorferi gene. Students then created informational guides for park visitors to understand the dangers of ticks and how to take proper prevention.

Presenters

Claire DePeau

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Olivia Schreifels

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Ava Gerrits

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Esther Zabel

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Crispin Pierce

Public Health & Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Public Health & Environmental Studies
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

Water Quality and WELL Certification at the Sonnentag Center

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

The Sonnentag Center is an athletic complex that houses a wide range of individuals from the Eau Claire community. The hundreds of student, staff, public, and patient visitors each week means that the Sonnentag must ensure the maintenance of safe water, staying in compliance with WELL Safe Building Standards. The WELL certification sets the business standard for public health and safety and explains the range of acceptable levels for each of the variables being tested. Granting this certification to the Sonnentag Center ensures that the surrounding community has a heightened trust in public water sources. Contaminated water can cause a variety of health complications, including gastrointestinal issues and skin irritation. We are actively conducting measurements of the drinking fountains, concessions ice, whirlpool, and cold tank plunge bath by recording free and total chlorine levels, pH, turbidity, and Coliform bacteria presence. We are using the ColorQ, HANNA, and Colilert testing kits, respectively. Our initial data shows levels within WELL and EPA standards of all variables tested. We expect our data to continue to comply with WELL certification standards to ensure proper maintenance and safety measures are being implemented.

Presenters

Eliana Tagarro

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Riley Wilson

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Faculty Mentor

Crispin Pierce

Public Health & Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330) 77 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, USA

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Public Health & Environmental Studies
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

2:00pm CDT

What Longer Warm Seasons Mean for Tick Population, and how They Affect Us

Tuesday April 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Davies Center: Ojibwe Ballroom (330)

Eau Claire is one of the world's Lyme Disease capitals, and this issue is only getting worse. The incidence of Lyme disease has more than doubled over the past decade, with over 6,000 cases annually in recent years. Global warming continues to affect the world, and with it, us. Currently, the tick season continues to grow longer, leading to a greater number of cases of Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases associated with ticks. It also leads to an increasing range of many different species of ticks that don’t traditionally live in Wisconsin, an example being the Lone Star Tick. As these ticks continue to move north to new habitats, they bring with them new diseases. In this research project, we will be creating tick drags and targeting different areas, both on and off campus to collect ticks in the area and identify species, sex, life stage, and whether or not they are carrying a disease. The results of this research will allow us to understand and recognize the speed at which this change is occurring, but also the trends amongst locations, species, sex, and number and rates of invasive species of ticks new to the area.

Presenters

Spotlight on First-Year Research

Department Public Health & Environmental Studies
Special Categories WI Focus
College CAS

UWEC CERCA 2026

2:00pm CDT

Fintan McGovern

Robert Lodge

2:00pm CDT

Eric Oberg

Patricia Cleary

2:00pm CDT

Jana O'Connell

Charlotte Sortedahl

2:00pm CDT

Emma Steinke

Kristy Lauver

2:00pm CDT

Jocelyn Thesing

Isabella Gross

2:00pm CDT

Kayla Telshaw

Robert Lodge

2:00pm CDT

Claire DePeau

Olivia Schreifels

Ava Gerrits

Esther Zabel

Crispin Pierce

2:00pm CDT

Eliana Tagarro

Riley Wilson

Crispin Pierce

2:00pm CDT

Elijah Grosland

Ayden Tomaro

Luke Mayock

Wyatt Melek

Crispin Pierce

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