August 27, 2026

Research Spotlight

Researcher climbing many feet up the side of a baobabs tree using climbing rig.

Discovering a New Species of Endangered Baobab Tree

Researchers in the Department of Biology just discovered a new species of baobab tree unique to Madagascar. Identifying the new species required science, observation and some good old-fashioned tree climbing — except with rigs that sometimes scaled 100 feet above the ground.

Photos

New building, Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall, classroom shelves already filled with Arts & Humanities books.

A Sneak Peek at Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall

New shelves, old books. The construction crew is putting the finishing touches on Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall before it opens for students next week.

Student Spotlight

Biochemistry major Winnie Zhao smiles for camera in front of research project poster.

A STEM Major’s Summer in Political Science

Biochemistry major Winnie Zhao devoted her experience with the College of Letters & Science’s LASER program to studying populism in Brazil — a deliberate step out of her comfort zone.

Arts on Campus

Prof. Anna Andrzejewski with four UW–Madison student ambassadors at closing night of architecture conference.

What Makes a Neighborhood

Four seniors had the opportunity to attend an architecture conference for their art history coursework. The experience opened their eyes to the nuances of what makes a neighborhood.

Life’s Work

Funding the Future of Black Community Research

Jessica Lee Stovall (’07) just received a fellowship designed to support faculty members in academic departments across L&S whose research includes a social justice angle. Her work through The SoulFolk Collective aims to understand, create and support Black community spaces.

Fueling Discovery

What’s in Wisconsin’s Groundwater?

In true Wisconsin Idea fashion, Chris Zahasky is traveling across the state for his research on groundwater. The goal is to better understand how radium is mobilized in groundwater so that communities and citizens can better understand how to construct wells and manage aquifers to minimize the expensive treatment that is otherwise necessary to provide safe drinking water.

From the Magazine

The Good Neighbor

From a sociology degree to the National Academy of Medicine, Mario Sims (MS’93, PhD’97) makes sure community members always have a seat at the table when discussing public health.

Madison Moment

Cinematographer Trina Mulligan and writer and director Aaron Greer consult on a scene while filming Morning Moon.

A Movie Set Right on Campus

If the setting for a scene in the upcoming movie “Morning Moon” looks familiar, that’s because it’s the real thing. The fictional, full-length feature was shot this summer in Madison, with much of the action filmed right on campus.

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