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 …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
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 …
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 …