The Wisconsin Week Wire — May 10, 2006
Top News
Provost announces vice chancellor transition
Provost Patrick Farrell has announced that Virginia Sapiro will step down as associate vice chancellor for teaching and learning on Aug. 1 and that a search committee for the position will be formed soon.
Police urge attention to safety
In the wake of several recent downtown robberies, the UW–Madison and Madison police departments are asking the campus community to pay extra attention to personal safety.
Commencement ceremonies to be streamed live
Friends and relatives who are not able to attend the 2006 spring commencement ceremonies at the Kohl Center will be able to watch them online. This marks the first time the university’s commencement ceremonies will be available for viewing via the Internet.
Research
Scientists find gene in obese mice that increases diabetes
In a painstaking set of experiments in overweight mice, UW–Madison scientists have discovered a gene that appears to play an important role in the onset of type 2 diabetes. The finding is important because it provides evidence that the same gene in humans could give clinicians a powerful tool to determine the likelihood that some individuals will acquire the condition.
Metal-embedding method helps tiny sensors function in extreme environments
UW–Madison mechanical engineers have developed a method for fabricating “packages” of tiny sensors that measure temperature more accurately than bulk thermocouples.
Features
Test your knowledge with Timetable trivia
Timetable and Class Scheduling (TACS) staff in the Office of the Registrar recently celebrated the passing of an era by autographing the final printed version of the Timetable and sharing a bit of historical trivia. Take a walk down memory lane with these tidbits unearthed by Chuck Dvorak and Sharon Pero.
On Campus
Events calendar
Bike to Work Week held May 13–19
Bike to Work Week, scheduled for May 13–19, is a great chance to try bike commuting for the first time or renew your bike-commuting efforts.
Talk will explore new art project
Graduate student Steve Preston will talk about his personal journey with cancer and his art project on Engineering Mall at Wednesday Nite @ the Lab at 7 p.m. this evening.
Noted environmental author to speak at UW Arboretum
Peter Friederici, author of “The Suburban Wild” and editor of “Ecological Restoration of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests,” will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in the Visitor Center auditorium at the UW Arboretum. He will offer inspiring examples of how ordinary citizens are changing the way we think about nature. The event is free and open to the public.
Milestones
Howell named director of International Academic Programs
Robert B. Howell, professor of German, has been named director of International Academic Programs, within the Division of International Studies, following a national search.
Neoliberalism expert awarded 2006 Guggenheim
Jamie Peck, a professor of geography and sociology who has received an award from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, says he will use the award to develop a critical analysis of neoliberalism.
Newly named lab honors revered freshwater biologist
A dedication ceremony held May 8 at the Center for Limnology honored the vision and achievements of a late UW–Madison scientist by naming a laboratory after him. The newly named facility — the Arthur Davis Hasler Laboratory for Limnology — has been at the core of education and research in the aquatic sciences for more than four decades.
Awards honor veterinary medicine faculty, staff
The annual awards celebration at the School of Veterinary Medicine on April 29 recognized faculty and staff for their teaching and research skills.
College of Engineering honors faculty, staff
Chosen by a committee of their peers, seven faculty and staff at the College of Engineering have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in teaching, research and service.
Collection celebrates chapbook series
In a celebration of the first 40 poets featured in the Parallel Press chapbook series, “Encore: More of Parallel Press Poets,” brings the authors together in one collection that also allows readers to explore the poets’ thought processes.
Babcock Institute’s achievements noted
The Babcock Institute for International Dairy Research and Development has received an award that recognizes services that enhance the ability of Wisconsin firms to export products.
La Follette School environmental project among top 18 in nation
The La Follette School of Public Affairs’ 10-year investigation of innovative environmental regulation codified in Wisconsin law two years ago is being recognized by Harvard University and the Council for Excellence in Government.
Community
Professional development grants awarded
Academic Staff Professional Development Grants for 2006-07 have been awarded to academic staff for conferences, training or other professional development projects occurring between July 1 and Dec. 31.
Online style guides launched
University Communications has created a series of online style guides for those who communicate about the university via print and electronic publications, Web sites, and other communications projects. The guides include information about UW–Madison’s logo and graphic identity, standards for Web sites, details about editorial style, and communications policies ranging from copyright statements to appropriate use of photography.
View the guides: http://www.uc.wisc.edu/style-guides.html
Executive Education competition announced
The Professional Development and Recognition Committee (PDRC) of the Academic Staff Assembly has announced the 2006 Competition for Executive Education Courses.
Lectures Committee seeks applications for 2006-07
The Lectures Committee is soliciting applications from departments, academic programs and registered student organizations for support of public lectures to be held during the 2006 eight-week summer session and the 2006–2007 academic year. For guidelines and application forms, visit http://www.secfac.wisc.edu/lectures/lectcomm/ or call 262-3956 to request paper copies. For more information, contact Joe Farrenkopf, farrenkopf@bascom.wisc.edu or 262-3956.