Radio discussion: What we can learn from the concept of “social poverty”

Last week, SoHE’s Dr. Sarah Halpern-Meekin, professor in Human Development and Family Studies, talked with Wisconsin Public Radio’s Morning Show about the importance of social ties—not just dollars and cents—to a person’s experience of poverty. The interview follows the publication earlier this year of her book Social Poverty: Low-Income Parents and the Struggle for Family and Community Ties, from NYU Press.
Alum spotlight: From Consumer Science to BMX biker and business strategist

SoHE alum Brian Kachinsky ’04 has taken his Consumer Science degree to new heights—quite literally, if you consider some of his bicycle motocross (BMX) stunts. The Neenah, Wisconsin, native, now living in Chicago and working around the world, has managed to combine his love of BMX riding with his expertise and savvy in business strategy. He credits the latter, gained at SoHE, with his lasting success: “I attribute my longevity as a BMX rider to my schooling, just because there are so many other ways I can be valuable to companies other than just being an athlete.” Read the full profile of Brian in the latest issue of On Wisconsin Magazine.
Rallying for the Earth: A conversation
As world leaders gather in New York for the United Nations Climate Action Summit and the public seeks opportunities for personal and social change, a WORT discussion from earlier this year is worth another listen. SoHE’s Dr. Leah Horowitz, professor of Civil Society and Community Studies, joined Madison radio station WORT and Dr. Stan Temple, professor emeritus of forest and wildlife ecology at UW–Madison, to discuss the May 2019 UN biodiversity report predicting alarming rates of extinction and endangerment for Earth’s animal and plant species. Listen to the re-posted audio here.
Weaving Lab wraps up in Scandinavia
Marianne Fairbanks, assistant professor in Design Studies, spent her summer managing an innovative, collaborative project called Weaving Lab. With locations across Scandinavia, including Oslo, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen, as well as Oak Park, Illinois, the Lab offers a public site to explore the art and function of weaving. Learn more on the Weaving Lab’s website and by watching the video below: