UW-Madison School of Human Ecology

05/29/2026

In a recent article from The Good Men Project, Alvin Thomas, associate professor of Human Development & Family Studies, shares his thoughts on how Black fathers and father figures manuever in systems that overlook them. He challenges societal stereotypes and acknowledges the fathers, uncles, coaches, teachers and mentors who quietly show up every single day.

Research shows how systems and environments often fail to welcome fathers into caregiving spaces. Thomas' work pushes back against harmful narratives and shines a light on the emotional connection, dedication and presence many fathers bring to their families. He continues to remind others that fatherhood is not always defined by biology, but by consistency, care, guidance and love.

Read the full article here:

How Black fathers and father figures maneuver in systems that overlook them

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies Carolina Sarmiento, who received a 2026 Innovation Grant from the 4W Initiative, a University of Wisconsin-Madison group that supports education, applied research and impactful engagement to promote gender equity, global well-being and women’s full participation in society.

Sarmiento won for her proposal “Advancing Domestic Worker Justice Through a Community-Based Research Partnership in Orange County, California,” which outlines a strategy to help strengthen domestic worker power, raise labor standards and improve enforcement of worker protections in Orange County: https://4w.wisc.edu/grants/

05/27/2026

Nonprofits across Wisconsin are facing growing uncertainty as federal funding and policies continue to shift. Organizations serving businesses, families and vulnerable communities are working hard to adapt while maintaining critical services.

Mary Beth Collins, executive director of the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies, is quoted in an In Business Madison article highlighting the importance of collaboration, creativity and community partnerships during this changing landscape.

“It’s about working double time. It’s having to be more creative,” Collins says—noting the resilience nonprofits continue to show every day.

Read the full article here:

The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit that provides services to Black-owned businesses, has run out of federal grants and is looking for new funding sources

05/22/2026

Congratulations to PhD in Design Studies student Danielle Burke who was selected as a Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellow for her innovative research tool called “The Handcraft Map.” The map visualizes networks of craft makers, supporters and promoters who formed the Handcraft Movement from 1930–1950. Burke’s digital humanities project draws from a crowd-sourced directory assembled by the Department of Agriculture and the fields of folklore and cultural geography to demonstrate the value of aesthetic experiences within everyday life.

Learn more about Burke's research in the following UW-Madison Graduate School feature: https://grad.wisc.edu/2026/05/11/phd-student-burke-receives-dissertation-fellowship-to-map-a-crafting-movement/

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Design Studies Anika Kozlowski, who received the 2026 Betty Kirke Excellence in Research Award from the Costume Society of America (CSA). Kozlowski won for her creative work “Re-Assembled: The Paper Doll Coat — A Modular No-Sew Coat from Textile Waste,” which was also accepted for a juried exhibition at the CSA’s annual national symposium. It ranked among the top submissions in its category and was also nominated for the CSA’s Creative Work Honor.

Learn more about the award: https://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/2026-costume-society-of-america-grants-projects-awards-and-honors-announced

Costume Society of America (CSA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 grants, projects, awards, and honors. "We are proud to recognize this year’s outstanding recipients whose work strengthens and advances the field of costume and dress studies. I am grateful to our committee members ...

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Jack Cousineanu '26, Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies, and Solana Quezada '26, Human Development & Family Studies, for being among 25 students honored at the 2026 Ginsberg Family Awards. Each spring, University of Wisconsin-Madison Student Affairs honors graduating seniors whose leadership, service and scholarship have shaped the UW–Madison experience for all.

Since his freshman year, Cousineau has been deeply involved on campus, beginning with the Center for Academic Excellence Advisory Board. He later founded the Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. fraternity chapter on campus, where he served as president and held additional roles as a peer mentor, peer advisor and historian for the former Multicultural Club Q.

Quezada is passionate about community advocacy, healthcare equity and supporting marginalized populations. She served in leadership roles focused on community service, empowerment and mentorship. After graduation, Quezada plans to return to her New York community, utilizing the skills she developed as a Badger to serve and uplift those who raised her.

Read more about the award winners: https://students.wisc.edu/news/ginsberg-family-award-recognizes-seniors-in-leadership-service-and-scholarship/


Wisconsin Alumni

This past weekend, 25 outstanding students were celebrated as recipients of the 2026 Ginsberg Family Awards at a special reception in front of their family and friends. Each spring, Student Affairs honors graduating seniors whose …

05/19/2026

Congratulations to Community & Organizational Development and environmental studies student Lauren Eno x’27, who was named a Hilldale Undergraduate Fellow. Supported by the Provost's Office and the Hilldale Fund, this fellowship provides undergraduate students with $4,000 to pursue an independent research project under the mentorship of University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty or staff.

Eno will work with Holly Gibbs, professor of geography and environmental studies, on a research project called "Enforcing the American Lawn: Coding and Mapping Policies Limiting Non-Turfgrass Alternatives in Wisconsin."

Provost John Zumbrunnen praised the winners for expanding what we know and understand about our world.

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

What is “early relational health”? It’s a relatively new term for a long-held concept: Relationships are the biological foundation of child development, and when those bonds are healthy and stable, they create the best conditions …

05/18/2026

Inside Professor of Design Studies Marianne Fairbanks' weaving studio, students create “water cloths”—handwoven textiles inspired by Wisconsin’s waterways, landscapes and communities. But this isn’t just a design project. It’s a deeper exploration of place, sustainability and connection.

Through the process, students reflect on everything from local lakes and sea caves to Indigenous land histories and ethical design. Each student creates two cloths: one to keep and one gifted to community partners across the state through the Wisconsin Idea Seminar.

This culminates in meaningful, handmade pieces that carry stories of water, gratitude and shared experience. Thank you to UW-Madison Division of the Arts for covering this story!

05/16/2026

Before earning their diplomas, the following Human Ecology notable grads created art, founded student organizations and deepened their connections with communities in Madison and abroad. Nominated by faculty and instructors, these notable grads exemplify the spirit of being human ecologists: https://humanecology.wisc.edu/seven-human-ecology-notable-grads-youll-want-to-know/

More than 600 Human Ecology students entered into alumnihood at spring commencement — joining our growing network of 17,000 alumni. Before earning their diplomas, the following notable grads created art, founded student organizations and deepened …