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 …

Madison schools want to transform food programs (The Cap Times; Gaddis, Kerr and Human Ecology graduate students)

Associate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies Jennifer Gaddis discusses how she, Human Development & Family Studies Assistant Professor Margaret Kerr and Human Ecology graduate students are working with the Madison Metropolitan School District to better understand emotions around school food and the choice to participate or not in school food programs.

Should You Delete Your Kid’s TikTok This Week? (The Atlantic and MSN; Kirkorian)

Department Chair and Professor of Human Development & Family Studies Heather Kirkorian is quoted about the need to protect younger children from potentially upsetting material about the Israel-Hamas conflict and, in general, determining the appropriate age and development level for children to have access to a smartphone.

New program helps improve toddlers’ self-control skills and healthy eating habits (EurekAlert!/American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and other news outlets; Nix)

Professor of Human Development & Family Studies Robert Nix writes about a recent study he conducted with other researchers that found that Early Head Start home visiting program Recipe 4 Success helped toddlers learn important self-control skills and healthy eating habits.

Jennifer Gaddis is a passionate advocate for school lunch (Madison Magazine; Gaddis and Kerr)

Associate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies Jennifer Gaddis is profiled about her research on school lunch and her advocacy for healthier, more equitable school lunches for all. The story mentions Assistant Professor of Human Development & Family Studies Margaret Kerr, whom Gaddis is currently working with to study how parents of elementary students feel about school meals.

Republicans propose bill to end work permits for 14, 15 year olds (The Badger Herald; Riser)

Assistant Professor of Human Development & Family Studies Quentin Riser describes the negative consequences of child labor, including a lower chance of working children enrolling in higher education and higher risk of not getting enough sleep, exercise or leisure time. Riser said marginalized and impoverished communities are more likely to be negatively affected.