University of Michigan researchers are joining forces with peers from research universities across the state on five interdisciplinary teams working on projects designed to protect and strengthen Michigan’s water systems, communities and economy.
Research Universities for Michigan, or RU4M — an alliance of Michigan’s R1 universities that includes U-M, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and Michigan Technological University — has awarded more than $400,000 in its initial round of Livable Futures Initiative Water Collaboration Grants. The recipients include teams made up of scholars from a mix of the four universities.
“Michigan’s research universities can serve as the engine to power a sustainable future for the state. I’m thrilled to see these interdisciplinary, multi-university projects get support to catalyze meaningful sustainable water solutions in the region. RU4M is a force multiplier to help our researchers deliver meaningful impact where communities live, work and play,” said Shalanda Baker, vice provost for sustainability and climate action.
The program is administered by the U-M Office of the Vice President for Research.
“RU4M allows us to take interdisciplinary research further, faster,” said Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation. “When we work together, we can fuel the innovative work needed to tackle the economic and environmental issues that are most pressing across the Great Lakes region.”
RU4M established the Livable Futures Initiative during a spring summit to address issues related to the state’s economic and environmental challenges. More than 100 researchers attended.
“These projects reflect the power of collaboration across RU4M institutions,” said Britany Affolter-Caine, RU4M executive director, in a press release announcing the grants. “By uniting researchers across disciplines and campuses, we’re accelerating the ideas and partnerships Michigan needs to build a more resilient future — one that protects our water resources, strengthens communities, and supports long-term prosperity.”
These interdisciplinary projects were chosen for their potential to address significant challenges, engage partners and communities, and lead to long-term benefits for the state:
Advancing Coordination of Drinking Water and Electric Power Systems for Sustainable Michigan Infrastructure
Anna Stuhlmacher (lead, MTU), Maggie Williams (MSU), Johanna Mathieu (associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science, College of Engineering, U-M), Carol Miller (WSU)
This project explores how Michigan water utilities can coordinate water and power system operations to lower energy costs, reduce emissions and improve infrastructure resilience by using water pumps as flexible electric loads. Researchers will evaluate practical strategies through technical and economic analyses, life-cycle assessment and collaboration with local utilities, aiming to identify actionable pathways and inform statewide planning in alignment with the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
Co-Creating a Water Resilience Research-to-Action Agenda for Michigan
Drew Gronewold (lead, associate professor of environment and sustainability, School for Environment and Sustainability; associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, College of Engineering; and associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, LSA, U-M), David Watkins (MTU), Ethan Theurkauf (MSU), Donna Kashian (WSU)
This project aims to create sustainable research infrastructure and position Michigan to leverage its freshwater abundance for climate resilience by uniting the state’s four R1 universities with diverse stakeholders. Through three thematic workshops and a statewide summit focused on water quality, quantity and land-water interfaces, the team will produce deliverables including a comprehensive action agenda with near- to long-term priorities, a water expertise directory and an integrated data roadmap.
Regenerative Nutrients for the Waters of Michigan (RENeW Michigan)
Nancy Love (lead, Borchardt and Glysson Collegiate Professor, JoAnn Silverstein Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering, professor of civil and environmental engineering, College of Engineering, U-M), Stephen Gasteyer (MSU), David Watkins (MTU), Matthew Seeger (WSU)
This project will identify Michigan communities to participate in pilot projects demonstrating nutrient recycling and reuse — or circularity — via regenerative technologies. By capturing nutrients from human and food waste, the team seeks to prevent lake pollution, while also improving nutrient management for agriculture and water utilities, generating economic benefits across sectors and reducing nutrient pollution in the region’s water.
Reimagining Water Quality Monitoring: A Rapid, Low-Cost Framework for Protecting Michigan’s Beaches
Ishi Keenum (lead, MTU), Nishita D’Souza (MSU), Marisa Eisenberg (professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health; and professor of complex systems, and of mathematics, LSA, U-M), Jeffrey Ram (WSU)
This project will evaluate the suitability of a new technology designed to detect bacteria on public beaches through a new kind of testing that takes only 15 minutes, replacing the current method, which takes at least 24 hours. The results could enable unprecedented opportunities for local authorities, revolutionizing their ability to identify contamination, reduce costs and improve public safety.
Rewilding Urban Waters: Scaling-up Nature-based Solutions through Sustainable Operations & Management Regimes
Maria Arquero de Alarcon (lead, associate professor of architecture, and of urban and regional planning, A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, U-M), Angela Burrow (MSU), Lamine Boumaiza (WSU)
This project focuses on restoring natural water processes and reconnecting habitats in urban areas to improve the quality of life and resilience against climate risks in Michigan. The team aims to create a roadmap for using nature-based solutions in cities by 2050 that will help communities regenerate ecosystems and build economic and climate resilience through sustainable funding strategies.
