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Recent grad is Dairyland's ambassador
Photo courtesy of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Selected as Wisconsin’s 77th Alice in Dairyland in May 2024, new UW grad Halei Heinzel has been traveling the state since July to meet with consumers, industry groups, school children, and the news media as the state’s official agricultural ambassador. It’s a one-year, full-time public relations gig with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
From the article: “I really want to work in the industry to the point where I can eventually have my own farm, whether that’s a couple beef animals or a small herd of dairy animals,” she says.
UW for You
Capturing valuable chemicals from plant waste
A team of scientists that includes two College of Agricultural and Life Sciences faculty members has developed a plant-based alternative to toxic petrochemicals. If successful on an industrial scale, the technology could reduce exposure to those chemicals and generate new revenue streams to make cellulosic biofuel as cheap as fossil fuels.
Helping older adults understand their meds
Created at the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy, Med Wise Rx is helping older adults understand their medications — and advocate for themselves. The program created by professors Beth Martin and Betty Chewning helps patients figure out who to call and what to ask when they’re unsure about medications. Related: the School of Pharmacy’s PearlRx network connects pharmacists and researchers to improve Wisconsin practice.
Making it easier to 'age in place'
To help make it easier and more affordable for older Wisconsinites to live at home, a UW–Madison team has developed the Augmented Reality Home Assessment Tool. Currently in prototype form, the tool takes users through a step-by-step process that measures relevant parts of a living space and offers suggestions to make it more accessible.
The Cheat Sheet
Cottage cheese is making a comeback this year, says Center for Dairy Research coordinator. ● UW–Madison program builds community, confidence among early-career teachers. ● New Aquatic Sciences Director will help protect state's water resources. ● Does technology interfere with our love stories? ● Wisconsin's graying population, county by county. ● UW's adapted fitness program has workouts that work for everyone. ● UW researchers develop novel methods for measuring how much people value lakes and rivers. ● UW graduate programs ranked among best in nation, including No. 1 ranking for School of Education. ● Professor studies the evolution of the modern sitcom by tracking the laughs.
Were U Wondering?
How do you resurrect an heirloom seed?
A red corn hybrid called W335A was developed at UW in 1939 and grown in Wisconsin for decades, but it faded from use when other varieties emerged. Plant and agroecosystem sciences professors Natalia de Leon and Shawn Kaeppler brought it back with some serious seed vault sleuthing, a deep dive into a germplasm bank and a retread of historical breeding efforts. It had been requested by the owners of J. Henry & Sons Bourbon of Dane, Wis., which now has distilled several flavors of bourbon whiskey that use the heirloom red corn.
Can't Stop a Badger
Alum Nick Whalen is senior media analyst for Madison-based RotoWire, which provides the latest information on the real athletes who populate fantasy sports leagues, and he cohosts its radio shows and podcasts. He’s a star in a company that regularly taps UW–Madison graduates for talent and has reached the heights of the fantasy sports world, partnering with the likes of ESPN and CBS Sports.
For more than 30 years, pharmacy practice professor Barry Gidal has been on a mission to eradicate epilepsy. He’s seen and helped some patients during that entire time. “I’ve learned that I really like that longitudinal experience, where I get to know these people over many, many years, and you go through the ups and downs with them.”
From 1949 to 1989, UW kinesiology professor Betty Roberts revolutionized sports by studying the science of movement. Her research demonstrated that a “soccer style” kick had better speed and accuracy than a straight-on kick, and she showed that the flex on a hockey stick helped accelerate slap shots. Roberts, now deceased, went swimming on her 103rd birthday in April 2023.
Coming Up
UW–Madison Day at the State Capitol
Madison | April 30, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
The annual UW–Madison Day at the Capitol highlights the amazing faculty, students, alumni and athletics at UW–Madison. UW–Madison is a national leader in research, which contributes to the state’s priorities including retention, graduation rates, workforce, and economic development. In addition to Wisconsin Alumni Association-hosted activities, several events sponsored by the UW–Madison Office of State Relations are held on this day, including the Graduate Research Showcase and Flash Talks with Faculty.
From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin
Peshtigo | May 5 | 5:30 p.m.
UW Anthropology professor Sissel Schroeder will discuss the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project, which showcases cultural traditions and technological ingenuity, engaging museums and historical societies.
Picture This
It’s like the ultimate sleepover with the grandparents: ice cream for breakfast, a behind-the-scenes tour of Camp Randall Stadium and then an afternoon of bug hunting and animal tracking along the Lake Mendota shoreline. Those are some of the activities offered at Grandparents University, which brings more than 1,300 children ages 7 to 14 and their grandparents to the UW campus every July to get a taste of college life and “major” in one of dozens of disciplines across campus.
