Exterior of Nancy Nicholas Hall in the evening, with lamps and windows glowing.
News & Events

SoHE News: Feb 12–18

Thanks for reading our weekly roundup of news and events at the School of Human Ecology. Have something we should know about? Email Public Relations Manager Serena Larkin, or submit your SoHE event via this form. View past issues of news and events here.

In-house highlights

Fairbanks patents Hello! Loom

Congratulations to Marianne Fairbanks, associate professor of Design Studies, who just this week patented her popular hand-held loom, called Hello! Loom, with assistance from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).

Collins features in UW Now event on our post-pandemic economy

Dr. J. Michael Collins, SoHE’s Fetzer Family Chair in Consumer and Personal Finance and Director of the UW Center for Financial Security, joined the UW Now livestream series Tuesday evening, presenting to hundreds of alumni, to discuss questions and possibilities for our post-pandemic economy (link to summary and full video).

Dean Shim to chair search for new director of Division of the Arts

Dean Soyeon Shim is chairing the search committee for the new director of UW’s Division of the Arts. Professor Carolyn Kallenborn, of Design Studies, is a member of the committee.

Dong featured by university for his online teaching innovation

The university’s Instructional Continuity division highlighted SoHE’s Wei Dong, the Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in Design Studies, for his exceptional creativity and commitment as he navigated the shift to online learning this year.

SoHE launches online undergrad degree in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies

After launching UW’s first ever online undergraduate degree last year in Personal Finance, SoHE is stepping up again to expand offerings to more students with a new option in Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies.

SoHE scholars in the news

Sarmadi publishes LTE correction

Dr. Majid Sarmadi, the Rothermel Bascom Professor of Design Studies, responded to a letter to the editor in Inforum last week, correcting another writer’s characterization of his research and explaining the rigorously tested “blaze pink” option as a safe choice for hunters.

Raison on fighting off the winter blues

Dr. Charles Raison, the Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Distinguished Chair for Healthy Minds, Children & Families and Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, spoke with WKOW 27 News (Madison’s ABC affiliate) on how getting outside—even in the bitter cold—could boost one’s mood and fight off seasonal depression.

Events

Alvin Thomas to discuss Black men’s health with the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus and the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association

Friday, February 19, 12 p.m. CT, Virtual | As part of its celebration of Black History Month, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will host the Rebalanced-Life Wellness Association on Friday, February 19. Dr. Alvin Thomas, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, will join with colleagues from across Wisconsin to discuss the physical and mental health of our communities. Learn more, and register (free).

“Holistic Healing Within Community: Global Mental Health Perspectives during COVID-19,” with Lori DiPrete Brown

Tuesday, March 30, 8:00-9:00 a.m. CT, Virtual | Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Global Health Institute, monthly webinars with researchers and practitioners showcase and address the complexity of global health challenges and share their experiences, provide insights into global health, encourage conversation, and connect colleagues locally and globally. Lori DiPrete Brown, Distinguished Faculty Associate of Civil Society and Community Studies, will moderate a webinar on the bio-psycho-social model of holistic healing, used to promote psychological well-being in general and particularly in the midst of a pandemic. Registration and more information can be found here.

Plus, view the full online calendar of SoHE-sponsored events.