Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Owen M Stefaniak
Owen Stefaniak is a Physical Scientist with the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
Owen Stefaniak is a Physical Scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Wisconsin office. His current research interests focus broadly on investigating anthropogenic impacts on surface water quality. He has been involved in a range of projects including assessment of organic contaminants in sediment and porewater of Great Lakes tributaries, monitoring aircraft and pavement deicer runoff in airport adjacent waterways, extent of waterborne pathogens and pharmaceutical compounds in rivers and streams, and monitoring concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban stormwater runoff. He has also participated in field efforts that support investigations of harmful algal toxins in the Fox River/Lake Winnebago watershed, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Clinton River Area of Concern. Prior to joining the Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Owen worked as a marine science technician on the U.S. EPA research vessel Lake Guardian (2014-2018), and a science educator on the educational tall ship S/V Denis Sullivan (2011-2014). In addition to the EPA's biannual long-term monitoring cruises, his time on Lake Guardian included field work on a diverse range of projects including the Great Lakes Sediment Surveillance Program, CSMI benthic monitoring in Lakes Erie, Michigan, Superior, and Huron, and the National Coastal Condition Assessment survey of the Huron-Erie connecting corridor. He has broad experience in pelagic monitoring and sampling methodologies as well as the planning and logistics of offshore scientific operations. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton near coastal master's license.
Science and Products
Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample in winter
Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Collecting a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis in winter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Physical Scientist Owen Stefaniak collects a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis while a multiparameter sonde takes a water quality measurement near the upstream Infall site near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Physical Scientist Owen Stefaniak collects a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis while a multiparameter sonde takes a water quality measurement near the upstream Infall site near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Streamgage station in winter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
One of four streamgaging stations with autosamplers used in study to detect phosphorus in receiving waters from airport deicer runuff.
One of four streamgaging stations with autosamplers used in study to detect phosphorus in receiving waters from airport deicer runuff.
Collecting water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
Owen Stefaniak collects a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence. The airport runway is visible beyond the fence.
Owen Stefaniak collects a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence. The airport runway is visible beyond the fence.
Two scientists collecting water samples at a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
linkOwen Stefaniak and Kathryn Johncock collect water samples of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence.
Two scientists collecting water samples at a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
linkOwen Stefaniak and Kathryn Johncock collect water samples of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence.
Deicing an airplane at Milwaukee airport
Two technicians deicing a plane at Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport in winter. They are applying Type I aircraft deicer (which is orange) to the plane. Type I deicer is typically applied hot (hence the steam) and it is used to remove existing ice and snow. This will then usually be followed with Type IV (which is green) to prevent new ice.
Two technicians deicing a plane at Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport in winter. They are applying Type I aircraft deicer (which is orange) to the plane. Type I deicer is typically applied hot (hence the steam) and it is used to remove existing ice and snow. This will then usually be followed with Type IV (which is green) to prevent new ice.
Inspecting equipment at streamgage 040871473 at Wilson Park Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Owen Stefaniak inspects equipment at streamgage 040871473, Wilson Park Creek @ GMIA Infall at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wilson Park Creek at Gmia Infall at Milwaukee, WI - USGS Water Data for the Nation.
Owen Stefaniak inspects equipment at streamgage 040871473, Wilson Park Creek @ GMIA Infall at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wilson Park Creek at Gmia Infall at Milwaukee, WI - USGS Water Data for the Nation.
Airplane parked at hangar after deicing
A technician has just finished applying Type IV aircraft anti-icing fluid (which is green) to an airplane parked at a hangar. Anti-icing fluid is applied after the plane has already been deiced and it is used to prevent new ice from forming. Type IV fluid typically shears off the fuselage during takeoff and can be deposited along runways.
A technician has just finished applying Type IV aircraft anti-icing fluid (which is green) to an airplane parked at a hangar. Anti-icing fluid is applied after the plane has already been deiced and it is used to prevent new ice from forming. Type IV fluid typically shears off the fuselage during takeoff and can be deposited along runways.
Upstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
linkUpstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Upstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
linkUpstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
HIVIS webcam at Jones Island Milwaukee with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System (HIVIS) webcam at Jones' Island Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background.
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System (HIVIS) webcam at Jones' Island Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background.
Integrated Ecosystems Studies Team
The Integrated Ecosystem Studies Team (IES) at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center uses interdisciplinary approaches to investigate characteristics and drivers of water quality and aquatic biology in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Science and Products
Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample in winter
Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Overhead view of technician collecting a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Collecting a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis in winter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Physical Scientist Owen Stefaniak collects a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis while a multiparameter sonde takes a water quality measurement near the upstream Infall site near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Physical Scientist Owen Stefaniak collects a surface water grab sample for chloride analysis while a multiparameter sonde takes a water quality measurement near the upstream Infall site near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Streamgage station in winter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
One of four streamgaging stations with autosamplers used in study to detect phosphorus in receiving waters from airport deicer runuff.
One of four streamgaging stations with autosamplers used in study to detect phosphorus in receiving waters from airport deicer runuff.
Collecting water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
Owen Stefaniak collects a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence. The airport runway is visible beyond the fence.
Owen Stefaniak collects a water sample of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence. The airport runway is visible beyond the fence.
Two scientists collecting water samples at a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
linkOwen Stefaniak and Kathryn Johncock collect water samples of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence.
Two scientists collecting water samples at a tributary of Oak Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in winter
linkOwen Stefaniak and Kathryn Johncock collect water samples of a tributary of Oak Creek, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tributary is locoated at the southeast corner of General Mitchell International Airport property, just outside the perimeter fence.
Deicing an airplane at Milwaukee airport
Two technicians deicing a plane at Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport in winter. They are applying Type I aircraft deicer (which is orange) to the plane. Type I deicer is typically applied hot (hence the steam) and it is used to remove existing ice and snow. This will then usually be followed with Type IV (which is green) to prevent new ice.
Two technicians deicing a plane at Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport in winter. They are applying Type I aircraft deicer (which is orange) to the plane. Type I deicer is typically applied hot (hence the steam) and it is used to remove existing ice and snow. This will then usually be followed with Type IV (which is green) to prevent new ice.
Inspecting equipment at streamgage 040871473 at Wilson Park Creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Owen Stefaniak inspects equipment at streamgage 040871473, Wilson Park Creek @ GMIA Infall at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wilson Park Creek at Gmia Infall at Milwaukee, WI - USGS Water Data for the Nation.
Owen Stefaniak inspects equipment at streamgage 040871473, Wilson Park Creek @ GMIA Infall at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wilson Park Creek at Gmia Infall at Milwaukee, WI - USGS Water Data for the Nation.
Airplane parked at hangar after deicing
A technician has just finished applying Type IV aircraft anti-icing fluid (which is green) to an airplane parked at a hangar. Anti-icing fluid is applied after the plane has already been deiced and it is used to prevent new ice from forming. Type IV fluid typically shears off the fuselage during takeoff and can be deposited along runways.
A technician has just finished applying Type IV aircraft anti-icing fluid (which is green) to an airplane parked at a hangar. Anti-icing fluid is applied after the plane has already been deiced and it is used to prevent new ice from forming. Type IV fluid typically shears off the fuselage during takeoff and can be deposited along runways.
Upstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
linkUpstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Upstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
linkUpstream Infall gaging station near the Air Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
HIVIS webcam at Jones Island Milwaukee with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System (HIVIS) webcam at Jones' Island Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background.
Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System (HIVIS) webcam at Jones' Island Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Hoan Memorial Bridge in background.
Integrated Ecosystems Studies Team
The Integrated Ecosystem Studies Team (IES) at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center uses interdisciplinary approaches to investigate characteristics and drivers of water quality and aquatic biology in rivers, lakes, and wetlands.