On Nov. 15, the Department of Food Science hosted its first annual Fall Fest event. Students, staff and faculty from throughout Babcock Hall—including the Babcock Hall Dairy Plant, the Babcock Hall Dairy Store and the Center for Dairy Research—were all invited. The event, put on in partnership with the Intertribal Agriculture Council, involved learning about the traditional foods of Native Peoples; helping to prepare a meal using local, indigenous foods under the guidance of three chefs; and then enjoying the feast together. It was a memorable experience for all involved, yielding much more than a nutritious meal. Participants gained a deeper appreciation for Native foods and culture, while immersed in a community-building event. The photos below capture some of the activities of the evening.
Meet Dr. Erika Marín-Spiotta — Standing up to Bias and Harassment
Today in my series of Science-a-Thon essays, I’ll continue profiling a few of my wonderful colleagues on the board of the Earth Science Women’s Network (ESWN). It is a true pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Erika Marín-Spiotta, who is actively improving the culture of science.
Hmong PhD alum reflects on research, family pride
Pao Vue’s interest in animals and nature began at a young age, eventually leading him to UW–Madison.
As his career goals evolved – taking shape in environmental science and conservation – they set Vue on a journey that has made him one of the first Hmong Americans to receive a PhD in his field.
Vue’s doctorate degree in geography, which he earned in spring 2018, brings pride to his family and clan, but also warrants recognition of the challenges the Hmong population faces in higher education.
Going beyond diversity and inclusivity in STEM: when inclusion is not enough
The words “diversity” and “inclusivity” are guaranteed to be found on every website at UW-Madison. But how “diverse” and “inclusive” is UW-Madison exactly? Are mentors and faculty advocating for underrepresented students? How do students find support and connect with others with interests in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields?
Stem cell summer camp inspiring early careers in science and technology
Every summer since 2007, students from some of the smallest high schools in Wisconsin have descended on the Morgridge Institute for Research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison for some big-time scientific immersion.
The Morgridge Rural Summer Science Camp has allowed more than 500 high-academic achievers from across the state to spend a week learning from leaders in stem cell research, a field that UW–Madison helped make famous. The students arrive passionate and motivated in science, but the hope is this deep dive into real research will seal the deal for a future scientific career.
Light dots represent all participating schools since 2007; dark dots are those participating in 2018. Morgridge Institute for Research
Now, 12 years into the camp, organizers are finding it has been a difference-maker.
