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For public works professionals, staying ahead of the curve means more than just keeping up with your peers, it means tapping into the next generation of engineers and the latest local research. The University of Minnesota (UMN) offers several high-impact avenues for APWA-MN members to connect, share, recruit, and discover.

Here is a guide on how you can connect with the UMN through four public works relevant programs.

1. Shape the Future with the CEGE Capstone Design Class
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) hosts a Senior Capstone Design course that serves as the bridge between academia and professional practice. For students, this is the culmination of their degree; for you, it is an opportunity to get fresh eyes on a real-world public works challenge.

• How to Connect: Public agencies and private firms can serve as mentors and project sponsors. You provide a real-world engineering problem (e.g., a roadway redesign, a local drainage issue, or a facility upgrade), and a team of seniors works for a semester to provide analysis and design recommendations.  
• Link: Mentors can connect with UMN CEGE students!
• "Capstone is the highly anticipated finale of the CEGE degree. Partnering with APWA-MN members as mentors is imperative, as these real-world projects allow students to explore the public works industry and its career prospects firsthand."  - Michelle Anderson, Industry & Pre-Major Coordinator 

2. Drive Innovation with the Center for Transportation Studies (CTS)
As the hub for transportation research in Minnesota, CTS is the primary link between MnDOT, local agencies, and University researchers.

• How to Connect: Attend the Annual Research Conference, the premier event for seeing how UMN research is being applied to Minnesota roads and transit.
  • Training & LTAP: The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) offers specialized workshops (like the Snow & Ice Control workshops) specifically designed for public works crews.
  • Webinars: CTS hosts regular webinars that present the latest research to distill complex data into actionable insights for practitioners.
  • Councils: CTS convenes practitioners and researchers as friends and members of several focused Council’s.  Sign up to stay involved by contacting Samantha Hahn-Douville, CTS program coordinator, at 612-626-5854 or snhahn@umn.edu.
• Links: CTS Events Calendar | Minnesota LTAP | 
• “The CTS Research Councils bring together transportation practitioners and professionals with U of M faculty and students, with the goal of translating research into application. We’re always looking for new viewpoints, voices and ideas!” - James DeSota, Director of Program Development and Delivery

3. Solve Stormwater Challenges with the Minnesota Stormwater Seminar Series
If your work involves water quality or MS4 compliance, the Minnesota Stormwater Seminar Series is an essential resource. This is a joint effort between the Water Resources Center (WRC) and St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL).

• How to Connect: These monthly seminars feature a "Research Spotlight" where local and national experts present recent research on topics like phosphorus removal, biofiltration, and pond maintenance. Sessions are hybrid and recorded, allowing you to attend the historic SAFL building on the Mississippi River, join virtually, or catch up with prior sessions. Go deeper by listening to expert discussion as each seminar includes a panel of practitioners to discuss how science translates to the field.
• Link: Minnesota Stormwater Seminar Series
• "The MN Stormwater Seminar Series was designed to support stormwater practitioners like APWA Members in making informed and forward-thinking decisions." Andy Erickson, SAFL Research Manager

4. Drive the Stormwater Research Agenda with MN Stormwater Research Council (MSRC)
While the seminar series focuses on sharing results, the Minnesota Stormwater Research Council is where the research begins. The MSRC is a collaborative group that directs funding toward the most pressing needs of Minnesota’s stormwater practitioners.

• How to Connect: Every two years, the MSRC gathers input from professionals to update the Urban Stormwater Research Priorities. You can participate in focus groups or surveys to ensure the "pain points" you face in the field, like chloride management or infrastructure aging, become research targets.
  • Reach out to an advisory board member, or consider joining: APWA-MN members can apply for seats on the MSRC Advisory Board to help vet and select which research proposals receive funding.
  • Attend the annual meeting
  • Provide Financial Support: Many cities and watershed districts become financial partners. By pooling small contributions from many entities, the Council can fund major, multi-year studies that no single city could afford on its own.
• Link: Minnesota Stormwater Research Council (MSRC)
• For more information connect with John Bilotta - Senior Research and Extension Coordinator