The Wisconsin Week Wire — May 3, 2006
Top News
University announces conservation campaign
A drive to slash campus energy consumption by 20 percent by 2010 is beginning under a campaign called “We Conserve.”
UW–Madison scientist among TIME’S 100 most influential people
TIME Magazine, the international news weekly, has recognized Richard Davidson as one of the most influential people of 2006.
Research
Communication study: Actions used with words speak even louder
Professor Martha Alibali and her colleagues are researching how gestures enhance communication.
Research proposals sought for Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery
A grant program aimed at stimulating collaborative research projects to be included in the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery has begun with an open invitation to UW–Madison researchers to submit initial proposals by June 1.
Scaled-down genome may power up E. coli’s ability in lab, industry
By stripping the E. coli genome of vast tracts of its genetic material — hundreds of apparently inconsequential genes — a team of Wisconsin researchers has created a leaner and meaner version of the bacterium that is a workhorse of modern biology and industry.
Scientists discover a master key to microbes’ pathogenic lifestyles
A team of scientists from the School of Medicine and Public Health reports the discovery of a master molecular sensor embedded in the spores of bucolic fungi that triggers the transformation from benign to deadly.
UW–Madison adds programs to ResearchChannel
UW–Madison is adding several new programs to the ResearchChannel, the 24-hour network for the broadcast of faculty research findings, institutional lectures, interviews, panel discussions and documentaries from the world’s leading research universities.
Features
Communities offer students chance to learn other cultures
UW–Madison’s International Learning Community gives students a chance to immerse themselves in other cultures without leaving campus.
New Colleges, Extension chancellor values partnerships
As the new chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, David Wilson values his institutions’ strong partnerships with UW–Madison. On May 1, Wilson became the first chancellor to lead two UW System institutions.
Ties to New Orleans help professor chart new course
David Hart spent the spring semester feeding history, geography and jambalaya to students in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. His course, “Rethinking New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina,” provided a glimpse into the cultural and historical significance of the city, as well as giving students a chance to help envision its future. As the semester draws to a close, they’ll present their ideas to planners working on the front line of reconstruction in Louisiana.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
Faculty, staff campaign thank-you event planned for June 29
The UW Foundation and its on-campus partners in the Create the Future — From Within campaign invite staff and faculty for a “Blue Ribbon” celebration, where fair food will be served from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, on Library Mall.
New administration building to open this summer
Several campus units will be moving to a new administration building, located at 21 N. Park St., in July and August.
Two honorary degree recipients to speak at commencement
Commencement ceremonies will take place at UW–Madison Friday–Sunday, May 12–14.
Upcoming teaching symposium to focus on diverse learning styles
The annual Teaching and Learning Symposium, scheduled for Wednesday–Friday, May 17–19, will explore the growing body of research on how diverse individual learning styles often determine academic success.
New research facility pays homage to former chancellor
The Department of Chemistry will host two days of public scientific, educational and artistic celebrations on Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, and will honor former UW–Madison chancellor Irving Shain with a new chemistry research tower, which was named for him.
Linden Drive to close for three weeks
Linden Drive will be closed for utility and road repairs between Elm Drive and Charter Street for three weeks, Monday, May 15–Monday, June 5.
New humanities faculty development seminar launched
The Center for the Humanities and the Institute for Research in the Humanities has announced the inauguration of the Faculty Development Seminar in the Humanities beginning in spring 2007.
Milestones
SPA honors nine with achievement awards
The Student Personnel Association honored the efforts of nine individuals with its 2006 Outstanding Achievement Awards. The honors were distributed at a luncheon held on April 19.
University recognizes 2006 classified staff award winners
People skills, creativity, a strong work ethic and an appreciation of the Wisconsin Idea form a common thread among the five recipients of this year’s Classified Employee Recognition Awards.
University names interim CIO
Provost Patrick Farrell has named Ken Frazier, director of the General Library System, to serve as the interim chief information officer (CIO) for the university after current technology leader Annie Stunden retires in July. The senior management team of DoIT will continue to manage operational functions and will report to Frazier, Farrell says. Ed Van Gemert, deputy director of the General Library System, will assume leadership of the libraries while Frazier is serving in this interim position. Farrell expects to name a search and screen committee soon and hopes to post the position by the end of next month. The closing date of the posting will likely be in early September, allowing the committee to conduct interviews early in the fall semester. Contact Farrell at 262-1304 with questions about the search or the transition team.
Professor receives presidential award
Antonia Folarin Schleicher, a professor of African Languages and Literature, was awarded the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the annual Conference of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages, held in Madison. Gail McGinn, U.S. deputy undersecretary of defense for plans, presented the award, which recognizes and encourages volunteer service nationally, on behalf of the president.
Community
New Web site to help Spanish-speaking cancer patients
A comprehensive new Web site for Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients and their families has been launched by the Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research.