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Grace Stanke pictured with the HSX fusion experiment at UW–Madison. Stanke participated in undergraduate research at the HSX Lab. Photo by Joel Hallberg.
On December 15, the final day of the Miss America Competition, UW–Madison senior Grace Stanke became the first nuclear engineer, and only the third Miss Wisconsin, to earn the Miss America title.
Miss Stanke's win was just one piece of exciting news in the world of nuclear engineering this month. On December 13, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a historic breakthrough on fusion ignition—a development built on years of scientific research and advancement. UW–Madison has long been a leader in nuclear fusion & plasma research, working to pave the way to a fusion-powered future.
UW for You
Badger Talks reaches 400,000+
Over the past two years, Badger Talks—the official speakers’ bureau for UW–Madison—has significantly grown its statewide reach by cultivating new partnerships for in-person events and by launching virtual and digital programming, including a podcast. Host groups can request speakers through the Badger Talks website. Not-for-profit sponsoring organizations pay nothing for the speaker and most Badger Talks are free and open to the public.
'Teachers Pledge' for Wisconsin
With 74% of Wisconsin school districts facing staffing shortages, UW–Madison School of Education has pledged tuition forgiveness for graduates who teach in Wisconsin schools for at least four years, or three years in high-need districts.
Wisconsin Rural Partnership to work with rural Wisconsin communities
UW–Madison will receive $9.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create the Wisconsin Rural Partnership to address the unique challenges facing rural communities through research, outreach activities, and partnership development.
Were U Wondering?
View the latest 'Were U Wondering' answering the question: How does an airplane stay up in the air?
Flying to see family this holiday season? Wonder how your plane remains aloft?
In the latest 'Were U Wondering?', Jennifer Franck, a professor of engineering mechanics and mechanical engineering at UW–Madison, explains how wings help an airplane stay up in the air.
Can't Stop a Badger
This has been a robust year for research and innovation at UW–Madison, with a $16 million increase in research expenditures and another top ten research institute ranking. The past year, UW–Madison researchers have sought answers to a wide variety of questions, taking us on a journey of discovery from local sewers to distant galaxies.
A new tech start-up created by a retired UW–Madison physics professor has been contacted by Ukraine for help in finding explosive devices that are a threat to civilians and soldiers. Some areas have thousands of landmines set to be triggered by footsteps, vehicles or farm equipment. Learn about other inventors at UW–Madison.
UW–Madison researchers are leading a new project to understand the role of sunlight in lakes' carbon cycling.
The Cheat Sheet
Dogs get flu, too. ● Why Batman Smells and Robin Laid an egg. ● How much water should you drink in a day? It's complicated. ● Badgers of honor. ● Isotopes and internships. ● Students creating a buzz. ● Clearing the air. ● Beer, yeast and a mysterious journey. ● Soil lab finds a new home. ● The chilling reality of nuclear fallout. ● Hold the salt. ● The all-time greatest UW playlist. ● Science proves: cats can be difficult.
Coming Up
Thursday, January 5 at 12:00 PM
Badger Talks: "How to Use Time and Space to Your Advantage"
In this interactive session, we’ll explore alternative ways of thinking about what is classically known as “time management” and share practices that can support your ability to prosper within inevitable constraints of time and space. Note: this is a free, in-person event hosted by the Business Forum Madison in Middleton, WI.
Tuesday, January 24 at 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
2023 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum
The 2023 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum, which has the theme “Climate Smart Dairy in Wisconsin,” will be held at 1308 West Dayton Street, Madison, WI. The program os organized by the Renk Agribusiness Institute. Register by January 20.
Picture This
Commencement keynote speaker Charlie Berens addresses the audience during the winter commencement ceremony held in the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Dec. 18, 2022. Berens told students, "Time will move fast. Your job isn't to slow it down. Your job is to fill your days with what lights your soul. And don't worry if you can't see the path. Once your soul is lit, the path will reveal itself." (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison)
UW–Madison’s 2022 winter commencement celebrated an impressive array of notable grads, with just over 1,750 doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s students earning degrees.
Ahead of his winter commencement address, comedian Charlie Berens sat down with his sister and current UW student Bridget Berens to answer her questions about his undergraduate days at UW–Madison
