Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Ben Fisher is an associate professor of Civil Society & Community Studies. He focuses on …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
Design Studies Professor Majid Sarmadi to retire after nearly 40 years
Professor Majid Sarmadi, who has served on the School of Human Ecology’s Design Studies faculty since 1986, will retire July 1 and become an emeritus professor. A scientist and self-taught artist, Sarmadi received an engineering …
Design Studies PhD student awarded Smithsonian fellowship to study history of clothing made for disabled people
Natalie Wright, a PhD student in Design Studies, was recently awarded a Smithsonian fellowship for study of clothing made for people with disabilities in the post-war U.S. Wright’s research focuses on the history of disability …
Leading through a human-first lens: Meet social innovator Taewee Kahrs ’16
Taewee Kahrs (left) hugs UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and World Champion Poet, Emtithal “Emi” Mahmoud (right). Photo by MIT Solve. At 18 years old, Taewee Kahrs ’16 believed she’d pursue a career in dermatology. When she …
Reflections from Dean’s Advisory Board Vice Chair Jennifer Cyra ’87
Story by Maddie Kranz x’24, UW–Madison student studying Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Art History Jennifer Cyra ’87 is a global executive who has been at the heart of transformation for her entire career. Today, …
Addison Nace weaves a new understanding of global fashion
Written by Sandra K. Barnidge (Journalism ’09, MA’13) Most fashion historians focus on documenting change over time in how styles are cut from fabric, like sculptures chiseled out of stone, and a sharp pair of …
Human Ecology Commencement: May 2023 Recap
The 2022-2023 academic year has officially come to a close, and everyone at the School of Human Ecology has so much to celebrate and reflect on. May 2023 was brimming with milestones and accomplishments that …
New book by Kasey Keeler examines history of American Indian homeownership in Minnesota
A new book by Civil Society & Community Studies Assistant Professor Kasey Keeler explores American Indians’ relationship to suburbanization through processes of homeownership — a milestone for many in achieving the so-called “American dream” — …
Five Human Ecology students named Class of 2023 “Notable Grads”
We are proud to see five of our Human Ecology students recognized across UW–Madison as campus “Notable Grads” for the Class of 2023. These graduating students—spanning Community & Leadership Nonprofit, Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies, …
Meet Human Ecology’s May 2023 commencement flag bearer
Story by Maddie Kranz x’24, UW–Madison student studying Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Art History Hannah Reynolds ’23 shares her experience inside and out of the classroom. Student. Fundraiser. Cancer advocate. Philanthropist. During her time …