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 …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
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 …
Age in place app gets boost: Kevin Ponto and research team receive $1 million National Science Foundation grant
Audrey Rothermel Bascom Professor of Design Studies Kevin Ponto and a team of fellow researchers have received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to continue developing a new tool that uses augmented …
How human ecologists are propelling environmental well-being through design
Stephanie Phillips ’12 and her team at the deconstruction and circular economy program for the City of San Antonio have diverted more than 500 tons of reusable construction materials from landfills. An alumna of the …
Bridging UW–Madison’s campus to career: Meet Carol Vander Sluis ’88
Investment advisor Carol Vander Sluis ’88 built her professional career by mastering the combination of left-brain logic and right-brain empathy. These are qualities a human ecologist like Carol uses to expertly guide clients in managing …
When there is no map: Human ecology as a compass in navigating AI
How do human ecologists approach the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life? By asking thoughtful questions rooted in human-centered principles, and drawing from longstanding expertise in relationships, communities, consumers and design. “Generative …
Researcher Spotlights: Melissa Bublitz wants healthy foods to be affordable and accessible
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Melissa Bublitz is the Liz Kramer Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Consumer Science …
Human Ecology welcomes new faculty and instructional staff in 2025
The School of Human Ecology is excited to welcome four new faculty and three new instructional staff members to campus this fall. These scholars and lecturers bring interdisciplinary expertise in areas like fathering and child …
Turning a connection into a career: Meet Michelle Shaji ’25
Some say that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know — but what if it’s actually both? That’s how Personal Finance alum Michelle Shaji ’25 was able to launch her career with a …