What is “early relational health”? It’s a relatively new term for a long-held concept: Relationships are the biological foundation of child development, and when those bonds are healthy and stable, they create the best conditions …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
UW–Madison partners with Robinhood to expand financial education for student athletes
A personal finance course with cross-campus reach will help UW–Madison student athletes better prepare for their futures on the heels of seismic shifts in compensation — with a boost from financial services company Robinhood Markets, …
Turning a passion for children’s well-being into policy change: Meet Caroline Pruchnicki x’26
For Caroline Pruchnicki x’26, switching her major to Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) completely transformed her college experience. Before coming to the School of Human Ecology, Pruchnicki moved through challenging semesters marked by unfulfilling …
Researcher Spotlights: Matthew Calvert on the potential of young people to improve our world
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Matthew Calvert, a Civil Society & Community Studies professor, studies youth involvement in community and …
The joys and challenges of caregiving: New website showcases In Care Of exhibition
Being a caregiver for a loved one can feel like a lonely experience, but it’s all too common — some 63 million U.S. adults are unpaid caregivers, providing extra help to family members or friends …
A picture’s worth a thousand words: Human Ecology in 2025
The School of Human Ecology had a year full of activity as an unstoppable force for human well-being and thriving. Throughout 2025, faculty, staff and students advanced the school’s mission through transformative research and exceptional …
Pursuing a love of American art and material culture: Meet Natalie Wright
Written by Nicole Etter During her time as a Design Studies doctoral student at University of Wisconsin–Madison, Natalie Wright has developed a remarkable resume as an emerging scholar in material culture. Wright worked as a …
Research Insights: What factors influence parental burnout?
Inés Botto, a graduate student in the Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) department, helped author a recently published study that examined how different combinations of parenting circumstances — such as children’s ages, employment and …
Designer, creative and human ecologist: A conversation with G Green x’27
Story by Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community & Organizational Development Since age 14, Grantham (G) Green x’27 has been involved in the fashion scene. Originally starting off in modeling, the visual powerhouse has …
Researcher Spotlights: Sarah Anne Carter on what everyday objects can teach us about the world — and ourselves
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Sarah Anne Carter is the Chipstone Foundation Design and Material Culture Chair, an associate professor …