Mar 12, 2026
By C. F. Yost
University of Wisconsin-Stout undergraduates presented their research on March 11 at the annual Research in the Rotunda event held at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. The event brought together students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses to showcase applied research projects across various disciplines, including chemistry, cybersecurity, conservation, packaging, and human development.
The gathering highlights the university’s polytechnic approach and its emphasis on practical learning experiences that prepare students for careers. The University of Wisconsin-Stout features modern labs, studios, and industry-linked spaces to enhance practical learning, according to the official website. The institution is recognized as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University for its blend of theory and application, also according to the official website.
Nine UW-Stout undergraduates were among approximately 125 students who shared their work with elected officials, policymakers, business leaders, and visitors. Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman attended the event and said, “Undergraduate research transforms learning.” He added: “In doing so, our students gain exactly the skills that employers across Wisconsin need. In short, these research experiences make our universities an even stronger pipeline of great talent.”
One featured project was by chemistry major Reese Hufnagel and faculty adviser Professor Matthew Ray. They are developing a catalytic additive for carbon-fiber materials used in spacecraft to help them disintegrate safely during reentry into Earth’s atmosphere. Hufnagel said: “I think this research is really important because it could solve one of the major issues that is being faced by the aerospace industry today.” She noted that organizations like the European Space Agency have set goals to eliminate space debris by 2030. Hufnagel added: “This research is a direct correlation with some of their goals and could significantly impact how people look at ‘design for demise’ when it comes to aerospace.”
Cybersecurity majors Chloe Kaneski and Fletcher Meyer explored using artificial intelligence agents to respond to cybersecurity threats. Their findings showed that while AI agents can identify vulnerabilities quickly—correctly identifying them 74% of the time—they sometimes make critical errors without human oversight. Meyer said: “The result of the research was that there should always be a human element.” Kaneski said her experience with AI will be valuable professionally: “Especially in cybersecurity, AI is becoming a pretty big factor, so having exposure to it is going to be a good thing in the long run.”
Other student projects included studies on environmental science topics such as zebra mussel invasions and microcystin concentrations in lakes; packaging design; return on investment for county land conservation departments; and effects of traumatic stress on relationships.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout functions as part of the University of Wisconsin System according to its official website. It focuses on readying students for careers via hands-on learning, industry collaborations, creative instruction, and partnerships with businesses for internships and career development according to its official website. The university also supplies laptop computers through its eStout program to promote technology in education.
Research in the Rotunda was sponsored by several organizations including Kwik Trip, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, BioForward, the Wisconsin Technology Council, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and UW-Milwaukee Research Foundation.