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 …

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 …

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 …

Luxury brand consultants: Students use coursework to propose innovative market plan

Story by Kaitlynn Steinman and Sofia More x’26, UW–Madison student studying Community Organization and Development Develop a brand pitch and go-to-market plan for a luxury brand. That was the opportunity presented to four Human Ecology …