What is “early relational health”? It’s a relatively new term for a long-held concept: Relationships are the biological foundation of child development, and when those bonds are healthy and stable, they create the best conditions …
Human Development & Family Studies
Turning a passion for children’s well-being into policy change: Meet Caroline Pruchnicki x’26
For Caroline Pruchnicki x’26, switching her major to Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) completely transformed her college experience. Before coming to the School of Human Ecology, Pruchnicki moved through challenging semesters marked by unfulfilling …
The joys and challenges of caregiving: New website showcases In Care Of exhibition
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 …
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) …