Student NewsLink
Nov. 28, 2007
The News
UW scientists' new stem-cell finding alters the ethical debate
When UW-Madison researchers succeeded in reprogramming skin cells to behave like embryonic stem cells, they also began to redefine the political and ethical dynamics of the stem-cell debate.
Students urged to assess fire safety
In the wake of Nov. 18's tragic downtown fire, students are being urged to take time to inspect their houses, apartments or residence hall rooms for potential fire risks. The fatal fire at 123 N. Bedford St. was the second affecting UW-Madison students in just more than a week. A Nov. 10 incident at 505 N. Carroll St. displaced dozens of students from an apartment building.
UWPD: Exercise more caution on mopeds this winter
As the weather begins to get colder, days get shorter and streets become slippery with snow and ice, UW-Madison officials are encouraging moped riders to slow down for safety.
Living & Learning
Big Ten Network deal funds financial aid, libraries, athletics
A minimum revenue guarantee of more than $6.1 million from the Big Ten Network will make it possible to increase need-based scholarships to UW-Madison students, enhance campus libraries and keep UW athletics competitive, Chancellor John D. Wiley and Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez announced last week.
Chief diversity officer finalists to visit campus
The university has announced campus visits for the three finalists for the position of vice provost for diversity and climate. Each of the three candidates will meet with a range of student, faculty, staff and governance groups before a selection is made. Candidates will hold an open forum for students during their visit.
Nanotech's health, environment impacts worry scientists
The unknown human health and environmental impacts of nanotechnology are a bigger worry for scientists than for the public, according to a new report published this week in the journal Nature Nanotechnology with lead author Dietram Scheufele, journalism and life sciences communication.
Journalism's past examined in encyclopedia compiled by UW-Madison professor
The evolution and history of American journalism, from 17th century colonial times to the rise of contemporary blogging culture and digital photography, is chronicled in the newly released "Encyclopedia of America Journalism." Edited by Stephen Vaughn, a professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the compendium puts into historical context a craft traditionally dedicated to writing what's been called "the first draft of history."
Around Campus
Senegalese musician plays Wisconsin Union Theater
Youssou N'Dour, Senegal's foremost mbalax musician, has collaborated with artists such as Peter Gabriel, Sting and Bruce Springsteen. He offers a blend of the country's traditional griot percussion and praise-singing with Afro-Cuban beats, Sufi chanting, talking drum soliloquies and indigenous Senegalese dance rhythms. 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, Wisconsin Union Theater. $34-18 general, $10 UW-Madison students.
Researcher back from Afghanistan offers field report
Brian Glyn Williams, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, will discuss his travels to Afghanistan's tribal provinces as a terrorism expert and advisor for the U.S. military and government in the spring of 2007. Noon-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, 30 W. Mifflin St.
Workshop focuses on food security and human rights
Along with faculty commentary, this workshop features a presentation by Florence Chenoweth, former United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization representative and UW-Madison Honorary Associate Fellow, Division of International Studies. 3-5 p.m. today (Nov. 28), Conference Room, 6201 Microbial Sciences.
Speaker addresses sexual orientation and the Wisconsin Idea
Ruperto M. Perez, director of the Counseling Center at Georgia Tech University, will speak about LGBT concerns in the university community. 2:30-4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 259 Educational Sciences.
MFA candidates read and discuss their fiction
In the final installment of this year's Blue Ox Reading Series, MFA candidates Emma Straub and Ben Thompson will read and discuss their fiction. 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, Avol's Books, 315 W. Gorham St.
Notable
Flu shots available at UHS
Students are encouraged to get vaccinated to reduce their chances of getting the flu. Students can get a shot for free and do not need an appointment. Walk-in flu shot clinic hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m., at University Health Services, 1552 University Ave.
Forestry Club's annual tree sale celebrates 30 years
Fraser fir, balsam fir, and white pine Christmas trees and wreaths will be for sale for the 30th year of this annual holiday event. Proceeds help fund student field trips and conferences, summer camp, scholarships and workshop expenses. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, Stock Pavilion.
Opportunities
Fellowships support undergraduate environmental research
Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships and Holstrom Environmental Scholarships provide $4,000 to the student and $1,000 to the faculty/staff supervisor to help defray the costs of research. Applications are due Feb. 15, 2008.
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships jumpstart service-research projects
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships provide up to $3,000 to the student (up to $5,000 for a group project) for research-service projects involving community organizations under the supervision of a UW-Madison faculty or instructional academic staff member. Applications are due Feb. 15.