Being a caregiver for a loved one can feel like a lonely experience, but it’s all too common — some 63 million U.S. adults are unpaid caregivers, providing extra help to family members or friends …
Human Development & Family Studies
Research Insights: What factors influence parental burnout?
Inés Botto, a graduate student in the Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) department, helped author a recently published study that examined how different combinations of parenting circumstances — such as children’s ages, employment and …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Researching from the heart: Human Development & Family Studies students present findings at national conference
Story by Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community Organization and Development. As one of more than 10 research labs at the UW–Madison School of Human Ecology, the Riser Equitable Early Lifespan Lab (REEL Lab) …
In the news: Human ecologists extend the reach of expertise through interviews, commentary pieces
The majority of School of Human Ecology faculty (35) were quoted or mentioned in a news media story in 2024, in addition to teaching faculty, teaching professors, staff, graduate and undergraduate students, emerit faculty and …
Sigan Hartley and research team receive $9 million National Institutes of Health grant
Sigan Hartley, 100 Women Distinguished Chair in Human Ecology and Human Development & Family Studies professor, and a team of fellow researchers have received a $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). …