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 …
philanthropy
A picture’s worth a thousand words: Human Ecology in 2025
The School of Human Ecology had a year full of activity as an unstoppable force for human well-being and thriving. Throughout 2025, faculty, staff and students advanced the school’s mission through transformative research and exceptional …
Designer, creative and human ecologist: A conversation with G Green x’27
Story by Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community & Organizational Development Since age 14, Grantham (G) Green x’27 has been involved in the fashion scene. Originally starting off in modeling, the visual powerhouse has …
How human ecologists are propelling environmental well-being through design
Stephanie Phillips ’12 and her team at the deconstruction and circular economy program for the City of San Antonio have diverted more than 500 tons of reusable construction materials from landfills. An alumna of the …
Center for Design and Material Culture announces new name and celebrates new possibilities for creativity, learning and research
It’s the start of a new chapter for the School of Human Ecology’s Center for Design and Material Culture as it introduces a new name and celebrates the expanded learning opportunities made possible by a …
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) …
Day of the Badger a success!
Day of the Badger may be over, but we’re still celebrating! Nearly 150 alumni and friends joined together, raising almost $37,000 to support high-quality learning experiences. Students can partake in case study competitions, industry and …
Designing a better future for all: Iconic designer Bruce Mau introduces life-centered design to UW–Madison students
The visionary creative who helped redesign Mecca, rebrand Guatemala, and create the global sustainability campaign for The Coca-Cola Company, is coming to the University of Wisconsin–Madison for a yearlong teaching pursuit. Students will soon have …