LIGHTNING ROUND PRESENTER TITLE: A collaborative approach to wetlands research ABSTRACT: The Freshwater Collaborative is a Universities of Wisconsin initiative built to bring together water education and research at all 13 UW universities. Members of the Freshwater Collaborative create an extensive network of professionals working in the water industry. Each University of Wisconsin institution offers opportunities to work with industry partners, high school educators and career counselors, community members, and governmental and nonprofit organizations. I will share how the Freshwater Collaborative is leveraging state funding to tackle grand water challenges and how you can get involved. BIO: Marissa Jablonski is an accomplished water engineer, environmental advisor, and plastics-reduction expert who has worked in more than 45 countries. She serves as Executive Director of the Freshwater Collaborative. Her innovative outlook on research, business, and life has won her awards from groups that include the National Science Foundation.