Interior designer Jaclyn “Jack” Manes ’07 took a big step in her career by opening Manes Studio. It is a new space for Manes Architecture & Interiors, the firm that she and her husband, Josh, …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
How ideas from human ecology can help AI work for our well‑being
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are now all around us. How can we think about their development and use in a way that actually helps people thrive? An article in The Conversation — an independent, nonprofit …
Seven Human Ecology notable grads you’ll want to know
More than 600 Human Ecology students entered into alumnihood at spring commencement — joining our growing network of 17,000 alumni. Before earning their diplomas, the following notable grads created art, founded student organizations and deepened …
Four faculty members promoted in 2026
Human ecologists who recently received promotions will return to campus this fall with added distinction. Jennifer Gaddis, Kristin Litzelman and David J. Pate Jr. have been promoted to professor. Yiwei Zhang has received tenure and …
Pay attention to the woman behind the curtain: Meet Sofia More ’26, School of Human Ecology’s student assistant
Have you ever wondered who is behind bringing student experience stories to life at the School of Human Ecology? Or who is posting on the social media accounts? As my time at the school draws …
Researcher Spotlights: Geoffrey Brown on how early childhood experiences can shape our lives
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Geoffrey Brown is the Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Chair for Thriving Children and Families …
More than a ballot: UW–Madison students design a welcoming first-time voting experience
Students in a new University of Wisconsin–Madison civic design course are helping reimagine the experience of first-time voters, from start to finish, to feel more like a celebration. Guided by Design Studies Assistant Professor Esther …
Experts say early relationships are key to thriving kids — and lifelong health
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 …
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 …