Kurt Schmude

Kurt Schmude is a Scientist III and senior scientist at the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Entomology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

His research focuses on aquatic invertebrate communities in Wisconsin’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands, emphasizing species identification, ecology, and distribution. Key areas include surveys of state-owned properties, biomonitoring, and assessing pollution impacts. Over 25 years, his work has attracted millions in funding, employing over 450 student assistants across projects like rare species surveys and contaminant studies.

He teaches entomology and aquatic entomology courses and received the 2017 Excellence in Scholarship Award from UW-Superior.