July 17, 2025

Asked & Answered

Front of a kayak looking out across a Wisconsin lake with autumn trees lining the opposite shore.

What Is Up North Wisconsin?

To better understand what gives northern Wisconsin its meaning, we turned to experts in the College of Letters & Science — historians, ecologists, linguists and others whose work invites us to see the Northwoods in full. From Indigenous histories to linguistic encounters, from vacation homes to farmers markets, our experts offer insights into the stories and connections that define this place and why it matters. Read More

Research

Researching the Black Experience in Madison

A new research lab created by Assistant Professor of African American Studies Jessica Lee Stovall (’07) is interviewing Black Madison residents from varied economic and social backgrounds across the city to understand the range of the Black experience in Madison. The SoulFolk Collective’s project is part oral history, part social experiment. Read More

Wisconsin Idea

Collage of UW–Madison educational impacts on Wisconsin.

Measuring UW–Madison’s Impact

Latest data show how UW–Madison provides educational opportunities, builds the workforce and boosts the economy all around the state. Read More

Bonus: Map the L&S impact in all 72 Wisconsin counties at go.wisc.edu/LS72

Student Spotlight

Nathan Wagner and his high school rocket club having lunch with Apollo 15 Astronaut.

Earning an Astronaut Scholarship

Math and physics student Nathan Wagner landed one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards in the United States. Funded by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), it aims to inspire the next generation of scientific innovators and explorers by honoring outstanding students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Read More

From the Magazine

Using AI to Help Overcome Addiction

John Curtin’s lab is innovating for the public good by using artificial intelligence to help people who struggle with alcohol or substance abuse avoid relapses. They use data fed into machine-learning algorithms to discover factors that could be contributing to the probability of relapse and recommend personalized interventions. Read More

Fueling Discovery

Alexandra Ugalde explaining research poster board to guest.

Bridging Gaps in Alzheimer's Care

Alexandra Ugalde came to UW–Madison with the goal of receiving the education she needs to become a veterinarian. The College of Letters & Science’s zoology major was a natural fit for her, but a summer conducting research on Alzheimer’s disease opened her eyes to an interest in pursuing work in health, too.

Read More

On Wisconsin

Chasing the Story with David Maraniss

The branches of David Maraniss (x’71) is from a family of reporters, authors, editors, playwrights and poets who embrace the motto: “Go there — wherever there is.” It’s one of the secrets behind Maraniss’s career, which includes 13 books, two Pulitzer Prizes and five decades of articles on the consequential topics of our time, most notably published in the Washington Post. Read More

Madison Moment

Young boy looking at lake fish in a glash tank at the Limnology Lab.

Attendees learned all about the waters of Wisconsin and the world at the Limnology Open House at the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology on June 20. They met some of the plants and animals living in our lakes by looking under microscopes and in aquariums and by taking a ride on a research boat. More Photos

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