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