Originally posted by the UGA Innovation District

For Adam Milewski, Professor & Department Head for the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Geology program, innovation started with a passion for water. That passion evolved into satellite-based technology, a patented tool for groundwater research, and today, a leadership role at the University of Georgia, shaping a culture of discovery.

Milewski, a hydrogeologist who joined UGA in 2011, has built his career studying groundwater systems around the world. Along the way, he has blended his expertise in water conservation with a curiosity for technology and entrepreneurship. His work with satellite-based groundwater testing led to a patent and a startup, experiences that gave him a firsthand perspective on how research can move from concept to impact.

“I never really knew much about startups,” Milewski said. “For me, it was always about the technology. But through that process, I learned what it takes to take an idea, build it out, and figure out its real-world value.”

Even as that venture came to a close, Milewski carried the lessons forward. He started a consulting company while in graduate school that continues today, giving him additional perspective on what it means to turn expertise into opportunity. Those experiences now inform his role as a Faculty Innovation Fellow, where he helps faculty across the physical and life sciences imagine the broader possibilities for their research.

“For me it’s about making innovation feel accessible to everyone,” he said. “It’s about building the confidence, providing the resources, and developing the strategies that allow people to see their research make a difference.”

His current focus is on energy and critical minerals. From carbon capture and storage to extracting valuable resources from waste products, Milewski sees opportunities for innovation at every stage of the energy transition. Just as important, though, is fostering a culture of collaboration and experimentation that allows new ideas to surface.

“We have a really strong engine for innovation at UGA,” he said. “What’s wild is that only a small percentage of people take advantage of it, and so many more could. We have the tools to take ideas from ideation to creation, but we need to make sure people feel like those tools are for them.”

As part of the fellowship, Milewski is working to identify where innovation is already happening on campus and to connect faculty who may be unaware of the opportunities around them. That includes data discovery, one-on-one meetings, research mixers, and other efforts to break down silos.

His ultimate goal is clear: to maximize the impact of research. Commercialization may follow, but for Milewski, the real value lies in extending knowledge beyond the university.

“It’s important that we talk about science communication all the time,” he said. “More than ever, we need to solve societal challenges, and innovation is how we do it–inside the university, but especially outside of it.”

Looking ahead, Milewski is energized by the networks and partnerships that the fellowship will foster. Whether those lead to new startups, new patents, or simply new ways of thinking, he sees the process as essential to UGA’s future.

“We’re still a bit siloed now,” he said. “But the more we share, the more we connect, the more we can tackle the big challenges. That’s what this is all about.”