Student NewsLink
February 4, 2009
The News
Innocence Project helps reverse wrongful murder conviction
Robert Lee Stinson, a Milwaukee man convicted of homicide in 1985, was released from prison on Saturday, Jan. 30, based on new evidence brought by the Law School's Wisconsin Innocence Project. Stinson served 23 years in prison due to wrongful incarceration.
Chancellor credits brainstorming sessions with helpful suggestions
Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin is praising students, faculty and staff who took time to attend recent campus brainstorming sessions and share ideas for improving the university.
Study firms up idea that triceratops used horns in duels with rivals
Because nobody was around to witness their use, the functions of the impressive horns and frill of the triceratops have been a matter of speculation. But a new study, conducted in part by a student at the School of Veterinary Medicine, reveals that the beast routinely used its horns in combat with rival triceratops, much as contemporary animals like deer and moose lock horns in violent competition for mates.
Living & Learning
Encouraging entrepreneurs: Undergraduate invention competition turns 15
In 1995, the College of Engineering debuted the Schoofs Prize for Creativity, a competition that provides university undergraduates the tools and resources to develop an original, patentable invention or process. On Thursday, Feb. 12, undergraduates again will showcase their creativity as they present ideas and prototypes during Innovation Day, an annual UW-Madison celebration that features the Schoofs Prize for Creativity and Tong Prototype Prize competitions. Held in Engineering Hall, the competition is free and open to the public. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; see full schedule online.
New evolutionary biology option looks to the future of science
Charles Darwin would be proud of the way the biology major has evolved during the last academic year. Biological sciences departments are now offering an evolutionary biology option for biology students who choose to focus their advanced studies on evolution rather than on a broader spectrum of topics.
Early childhood stress has lingering effects on health
Stressful experiences in early childhood can have long-lasting impacts on kids' health that persist well beyond the resolution of the situation. The conclusion comes from a study by UW-Madison researchers that demonstrates impaired immune function in adolescents who, as youngsters, experienced either physical abuse or time in an orphanage, when compared to peers who never experienced such difficult circumstances.
Around Campus
Campus celebrates Black History Month
Events ranging from lectures to performances have been scheduled on or near campus in February in celebration of Black History Month. Some events have RSVP deadlines approaching, so don't wait to find out what is in store.
Free cake to mark UW-Madison's 160th birthday
UW-Madison held its first day of classes on Feb. 5, 1849, and since 1924, alumni across the country have commemorated this occasion at Founders' Day events hosted by local WAA chapters. This Thursday (Feb. 5), current students can get a taste of those celebrations with free cake and a talk by Jim Baughman, professor and chair of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who will offer a unique exploration of the relationship between the press and politics since 1960. His talk will be at 3 p.m. in Memorial Union's Tripp Commons. Please RSVP to attend.
Campus Poetry Slam to send winners to national competition
Attendees can hear the contestants or try to win a spot for themselves on Madison's slam poetry team. The winners of the Campus Poetry Slam will earn a spot on the regional slam team, which will compete in the National Poetry Slam, to be held later this year in Madison. 7-11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, Play Circle Theater, Memorial Union.
Distinguished Lecture Series hosts financial journalist Freeland
Chrystia Freeland, the U.S. managing editor of the Financial Times, is one of the world's preeminent experts on financial and international issues. At this lecture and book-signing, Freeland will provide valuable commentary on the implications of recent world economic events. 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, Wisconsin Union Theater; reception to follow, TITU Memorial Union. Cost: free, but see the DLS Web site for ticketing policy.
University to host bash for Darwin's 200th birthday
Feb. 12 marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the founding father of evolution, and scientists, historians and other Wisconsin scholars are planning a day-long celebration in honor of the British biologist and his legacy. The fourth annual Darwin Day celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 9 a.m. in the new Microbial Sciences building. The celebration includes keynote addresses in the morning followed by afternoon sessions showcasing the research of UW-Madison faculty, a panel discussion on science and the media, a teachers' workshop and a book-signing event. A complete schedule for the Darwin Day celebration can be found online.
Notable
Registrar: Friday is last day to pay tuition and fees without penalty
Friday, Feb. 6, is the last day to pay tuition and fees without paying a $100 late penalty. Students can pay online through the MyUW Web site.
Intramurals: Registration deadline next week for wallyball
Entries for wallyball teams are only taken from 8-4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12 and 13, in the Nat Program Office. Signing up early is encouraged because the leagues fill up fast.
Opportunities
Alt Breaks deadline approaching
The Alternative Breaks program on campus offers students an opportunity to spend Spring Break helping out economically, culturally and environmentally diverse locations across the United States. All of the trips involve service learning and volunteering opportunities that deal with important issues such as the environment, education, immigration, poverty and other unmet human needs. The application deadline to participate in an Alternative Break during the coming Spring Break (March 14-21) is 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6.
Multicultural Career Fair promotes diverse workforce
Students can meet and network with employers to learn about potential opportunities from companies recruiting for a diverse workforce. 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, Great Hall, Memorial Union.