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New director right at home — literally — in University Housing
The mission statement of University Housing really resonated with Jeff Novak: “Be the place where everyone wants to live” — to the point where “everyone” includes Novak himself. Novak has been on campus for just a few weeks, but he is already feeling at home in his new position as director of University Housing for UW–Madison.
A touching story: The ancient conversation between plants, fungi and bacteria
The mechanical force that a single fungal cell or bacterial colony exerts on a plant cell may seem vanishingly small, but it plays a heavy role in setting up some of the most fundamental symbiotic relationships in biology. In fact, it may not be too much of a stretch to say that plants may have never moved onto land without the ability to respond to the touch of beneficial fungi, according to a new study led by Jean-Michel Ané, a professor of agronomy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Campus construction continues; many projects wrapping up soon
Students will be welcomed back by the familiar sight of construction as the fall semester begins, but some of the dust should soon clear.
Marsha Mailick Q & A
Marsha Mailick recently talked with University Communications’ Terry Devitt about the administrative changes to come, the experiences that have prepared her for her new role, and the challenges UW–Madison faces in the areas of research and graduate education.
No easy path, Mailick eager to take on one of university’s toughest jobs
If Marsha Mailick is at all intimidated by the prospect of taking on one of the hardest jobs on the UW–Madison campus, there is no hint of it in her demeanor, as she navigates the familiar territory of Bascom Hall.
Campus prepares for students moving into residence halls
The bulk of more than 7,400 UW–Madison students will be moving into the university residence halls Wednesday, Aug. 27, and Thursday, Aug. 28. Students are welcome to move in any time after 8 a.m. on their assigned move-in day.
Chancellor’s Convocation to welcome students, encourage service
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank will mark the beginning of a new academic year with the Chancellor's Convocation, an annual welcome to incoming freshmen and transfer students.
UW center teams up with five states to address asphalt issues
More than 80 percent of major roads in the United States are still surfaced with asphaltic mixtures - and the liquid asphalt, a byproduct of oil refining, remains a bit of a chemical mess, an inconsistent, complex mix of hydrocarbons. So to understand how different kinds of asphalt will hold up under the weight of vehicles and the punishment of the elements, road engineers must use physical methods, from ovens to hydraulic testing devices, to inflict stress and extreme temperatures upon the mixtures.
Regents approve biennial budget proposal
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today approved the 2015-17 biennial budget proposal at a meeting at UW–Oshkosh.
UW field days will focus on the flavor of organic vegetables
University of Wisconsin–Madison plant scientists intend to employ some highly sophisticated instruments to evaluate new varieties of organic vegetables: the palates of the people who produce or prepare them for discerning customers.
University spinoff aims to hit the mark precisely with brain-scanning tool
As brain surgeons test new procedures and drugs to treat conditions ranging from psychiatric disorders to brain cancer, accuracy is becoming an ever-greater issue.
Legend in genetics at forefront of book about heroism during 20th century’s darkest hours
Waclaw Szybalski, 92, a genius of genetics who has been repeatedly mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize, grew up as an aspiring scientist during World War II in the eastern part of Poland. Many of Szybalski's most significant wartime roles concerned a decidedly applied type of science: He cooked TNT so the Polish resistance could sabotage rail lines. He participated in smuggling typhus vaccine to Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto. And he fed lice and supervised "louse feeders."
Herbarium director receives award for telling the story of plants
Ken Cameron, director of the Wisconsin State Herbarium, received the Peter Raven Award from the American Society of Plant Taxonomists Aug. 5. Cameron, also a professor of botany at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is a world expert on the orchid family.