Spartans of UD - Joey Wohlers (C'24, MM'25)

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Joey Wohlers (C'24, MM'25) is a farm bill biologist in Oberlin, Kansas, with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. He interacts with landowners and helps with conservation. In summer 2025, Joey researched E. coli in Dubuque's waterways after he received a microgrant through the city of Dubuque's participation in Round 2 of the Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund. He found there is little risk associated with E. coli in the waterways he tested - Bee Branch Creek and Catfish Creek at the Mines of Spain.

As an undergraduate, Joey was an environmental science and biology double major who participated in numerous research opportunities. In winter 2020-2021, he was involved with water quality, specifically chlorides, testing at Bee Branch Creek. The research also looked at mussel survivorship before the stream reconnected to the Mississippi River. In summer 2022, Joey was a land management intern at Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center where he continued bumblebee population and diversity research that occurred for several years at the property. As a graduate assistant in 2024-2025, he looked at waste practices within various UD departments to see what changes could be made to improve sustainability. Additionally, Joey was a member of the men's cross country team and men's track and field team.

Can you please describe your summer research project, titled E. Coli in Dubuque's Waters?

"My research was centered around E. coli, a bacteria that can cause sickness. My project looked at if and how much is present in Dubuque's waterways. It involved me taking water samples over a two-month period at the Bee Branch Creek in downtown Dubuque and Catfish Creek in Mines of Spain. I chose these two spots because they are commonly used for recreation by people within the city."

Why is this topic important?

"This topic is important because E. coli can cause serious effects for people if they come into contact with it. As temperatures rise, E. coli is able to live in more and more places, therefore making it more common in places it used to never be. My research will hopefully shine a light on if these areas are safe or if extra precautions need to be taken."

Can you share a little about how your research went?

"My research went well. I was able to get results from all my tests that showed E. coli was present in both areas I tested. I had guessed there would be E. coli present in the samples. My research found the numbers of E. Coli were not alarming and were well within or below the expected. This means there is little risk associated with the bacteria in these specific waterways."

How has the research you completed as a student been helpful in your career?

"I participated in a lot of different research opportunities during my time as a student and shortly after graduation at UD. Those opportunities taught me the methods that are helpful for conducting research in my professional life as well. Doing the research also helped me meet many new people, and I have really interesting conversations about the results of the different projects I have helped with or led."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"The University of Dubuque is unique in their resources they offer to students as well as their connections to the surrounding area. Wolter Woods and Prairies is a great place to conduct research and be exposed to what research looks like outside of the classroom. It provided me with invaluable experience in research, land management, and my future career. The professors in the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences also want to see each person succeed and will reach out and connect with students to make sure they have the opportunities to participate in research. The connection with the community helped me with this E. Coli project and several other research projects I did as a student. Through this connection, students are able to do research that benefits the community and the people who call Dubuque home."