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 …
School News
News about research, awards, and other noteworthy updates from the School of Human Ecology
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 …
Helping children cope with stress during medical care: Meet Kaitlyn Brickl ’25
Kaitlyn Brickl ’25 is a child life specialist at Mayo Clinic Children’s in Rochester, Minnesota. In her role, Brickl supports and prepares children for medical situations they find scary or stressful. At its core, the …
Luxury brand consultants: Students use coursework to propose innovative market plan
Story by Kaitlynn Steinman and Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community Organization and Development Develop a brand pitch and go-to-market plan for a luxury brand. That was the opportunity presented to four Human Ecology …
Center for Design and Material Culture announces new name and celebrates new possibilities for creativity, learning and research
It’s the start of a new chapter for the School of Human Ecology’s Center for Design and Material Culture as it introduces a new name and celebrates the expanded learning opportunities made possible by a …
Faculty members receive promotions and named appointments
Human ecologists who recently received promotions and named appointments will return to campus this fall with added distinction. Marianne Fairbanks has been promoted to professor, and Megan Doherty Bea and Kasey Keeler have been promoted …
Researcher Spotlights: Nancy Wong on understanding how consumers approach major decisions that impact their well-being
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Nancy Wong is the Kohl’s Chair in Retail Innovation, a professor of Consumer Science and …
Learning by experience: Students embrace opportunities to practice their profession and jumpstart their careers
Story by Kaitlynn Steinman and Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community Organization and Development School of Human Ecology students aren’t bound to only learn in the classroom. Through experience-based learning opportunities outside of Nancy …
Safer homes by design: App in development by UW researchers will make ‘aging in place’ more accessible
How could augmented reality help older adults remain safely in their homes? A project led by Design Studies faculty Jung-hye Shin and Kevin Ponto explores this question. Their innovative tool will not only streamline a …