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 sustainable design, social …
Design Studies
Human Ecology’s first two RISE Initiative hires will bring human-centered approach to AI research
Esther Kang (left) and Qi Yang The School of Human Ecology announces its first two hires as part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative. Esther Kang and Qi Yang, both incoming …
Celebrating Fall Research Competition recipients as 2024 application opens
The Fall Research Competition, offered by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, is a chance for UW–Madison faculty members to receive vital funding support for research projects. Applications for the 2024 competition are …
Eight faculty members receive promotions, named appointments
Several faculty members who recently received promotions and named appointments will return to campus this fall with added distinction. Larissa Duncan and Kevin Ponto were promoted to professor, and Margaret Kerr, David J. Pate Jr. …
Researcher Spotlights: Marianne Fairbanks on subverting expectations while sowing interest in weaving
Researcher Spotlights are Q&As that shine a light on School of Human Ecology faculty members’ unique scholarship and research interests. Marianne Fairbanks is an Audrey Rothermel Bascom Professor, associate professor of Design Studies and Kohl’s …
In the news: Human ecologists share insights to improve public understanding of key issues
At the core of Human Ecology’s work is improving the quality of life of all people. In 2023, faculty and graduate students published research findings that are enhancing our understanding of key societal issues, from …
Hunting in hot pink may be safer, but men aren’t having it (The Wall Street Journal; Sarmadi)
Professor Emeritus Majid Sarmadi is quoted about the use of “blaze pink” in hunting gear and the continuing resistance to wearing it by some male hunters. While a Design Studies professor, Sarmadi and hundreds of his students conducted research into this shade of pink, finding that it can improve hunters’ safety.
Dó-ing the work of heritage preservation: MFA student Veronica Pham spotlights Vietnamese papermaking
From completing fieldwork in Vietnam to presenting to peers at an international conference in Prague — Veronica Pham has had an exciting year. She recently attended the Past and Present – Built and Social conference …
Seeing the invisible: Learning to accommodate neurodivergence at work (The Cap Times; Erin Hamilton and Deniz)
Assistant Professor of Design Studies Erin Hamilton and Design Studies PhD candidate Hande Burcu Deniz are quoted about universal design, which involves designing built environments to make them accessible and useful for the maximum number of people. This includes designing functional work spaces for neurodivergent people in a way that doesn’t draw attention to disability.
Designing a better future for the planet: MAU film comes to UW–Madison
Legendary designers Bruce Mau and Bisi Williams of Massive Change Network return to campus for documentary screening and Q&A Written by Nicole Etter It started as sparks flew around a campfire one evening last autumn. …