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5 ways UW satellite tech helps save lives
Satellite image courtesy of CIMSS
For more than 40 years, researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies — a partnership between UW–Madison and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — have been working to turn satellite data into faster and more accurate weather forecasts. These researchers are also protecting you and your community in ways you may not expect.
From the article: “The innovative research we do here plays a critical role in delivering essential satellite products that support NOAA’s mission to improve public safety and well-being and effectively manage our nation’s resources.” says Tristan L'Ecuyer, CIMSS director and a satellite researcher.
UW for You
Cancer care that comes to you
UW’s Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board performs genetic testing of cancer patients and forms personalized recommendations for treatment based on the patient’s genetics, environment and lifestyle. Funded in part by the state budget, the board provides its findings virtually and at no cost to patients, ensuring that Wisconsin residents from all areas can access cutting-edge cancer care.
Addressing the shortage of doctors in rural areas
On May 9, Shane Hoffman became the first graduate of a special program at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health that reduces the time it takes to train doctors interested in serving rural parts of the state. The goal of the accelerated program at the medical school is to instill in graduates a desire to practice in rural Wisconsin.
Research moves us forward
Research at UW–Madison drives innovation, saves lives, creates jobs, supports small businesses and fuels the industries that keep America competitive and secure. It makes the U.S. — and Wisconsin — stronger. Federal funding for research is a high-return investment that’s worth fighting for. Learn how UW research is making a difference on campus, across Wisconsin and around the world.
The real costs of research funding cuts
In February, the National Institutes of Health announced a cap on funding that would put tens of millions of dollars of biomedical research funding at UW–Madison at risk. But what’s really at stake? The university’s ability to advance life-saving research and innovation.
The Cheat Sheet
Alumni, staff and faculty make strong case for UW–Madison at Day at the Capitol. ● Chancellor Mnookin tours UW-industry partnerships from Milwaukee to Marinette. ● UW breaks ground on long-anticipated engineering center. ● UW Tech Exploration Lab attracts partnerships with Google, mentors from SalesForce, Nike, more. ● WARF champions innovative solutions for the U.S energy future. ● Google office in Madison has close ties to UW. ● Researcher looks into what our clothes communicate to others. ● UW was named the No. 1 university for Peace Corps volunteers in 2025. ● UW students embrace opportunities to practice their professions outside the classroom.
Were U Wondering?
Do scientists ever make surprise discoveries?
Yes! While researching biological chemistry and ways to engineer changes to organisms that can benefit humanity, UW professor Brian Fox discovered a genetic alteration to poplar trees that equips them to produce an industrial chemical. “I had no idea we were going to find a gene that would do such a specific and useful thing,” he told UW News in a recent interview. Now researchers are growing thousands of the trees that yield an almost pure form of parahydroxybenzoate, used as a preservative, an ingredient in synthetic fibers and as a precursor to pharmaceuticals.
Can't Stop a Badger
UW biochemistry professor Robert Kirchdoerfer has been studying the structure of coronaviruses like COVID-19 for years, while training the next generation of researchers who will work to prevent future pandemics. "The world’s ability to respond to tomorrow’s new virus is dependent on developing the highly skilled scientists that we are training today," he says.
UW's Awards for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities recognize 10 individuals on campus who meet students where they’re at, get to know them as scholars and individuals and guide their learning with just the right mix of challenge and support. “If the Center for Educational Opportunity program retired jerseys like professional sports teams, Hyewon Park would be the first one with her number up there,” a student says of one of the winners.”
Meet some of UW's Spring 2025 graduates who already have made a lasting impact — on campus and far beyond. They include a podcast star, a weather forecaster, a singer who started “Madison’s Happy Hour Choir” and a flightline crew chief in the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
Coming Up
Go Big Read events
Madison | Throughout fall 2025
Percival Everett’s novel "James" was chosen as the book for the 2025 Go Big Read program, UW's community reading program. The book reimagines Mark Twain’s 1884 classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” from the perspective of Huck’s companion Jim as the pair share adventure on the Mississippi River, not long after Jim has escaped slavery. Go Big Read events in the fall will include a visit from the author. Planning is underway for students, faculty and staff to use the book in classrooms and for special events during the fall 2025 semester.
Leading the Band:
In-Person Badger Talk by Corey Pompey
Middleton | June 5 | 6 p.m.
Hear about Pompey's experience leading the UW Marching Band and succeeding the legendary Mike Leckrone.
Picture This
Camp Randall Stadium was overflowing with smiling faces on Saturday as graduates celebrated their accomplishments on a Terrace-perfect sunny day. "As you go through life, do not deprive yourself of the experience of joy," keynote speaker and sportswriter Jason Gay told the graduates. In total, 9,424 students earned degrees in Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies that also included a ceremony Friday evening at the Kohl Center for doctoral, MFA and medical professional degree candidates. Related: Photo gallery of the weekend's festivities and video highlights of commencement.
