The Wisconsin Week Wire — June 13, 2007
Top News
Midwest coalition addresses regional freight challenges
Ten Midwest state departments of transportation have joined in a coalition that will enable them, as a region, to tackle issues related to rail, water, highway and air freight transportation.
Digital Collections puts Wisconsin Blue Book online
More than 150 years of Wisconsin Blue Books went online last week in the university’s Digital Collections.
Research
Research points to arctic strategies for Norway
Plans for sustainable development in Norway’s Arctic region got a boost recently with the release of a study by UW–Madison graduate students.
UW–Madison launches astrobiology push
With the help of a $6.5 million grant from NASA, Wisconsin researchers will join the hunt for extraterrestrial life and early life on Earth by developing techniques and instruments to read the chemical signatures living organisms leave in rocks and minerals.
On Campus
Events calendar
Veterinarians embrace opportunity for public-health training
UW–Madison’s master of public health program, first offered in 2005, has opened opportunities for students in all health professions. The program has been particularly popular with veterinary medicine students.
Students cross border to study environmental justice
This month, seven students will learn about and try to remedy some of the major environmental injustices surrounding the Mexican-U.S.. border area through a UW–Madison summer course.
Chancellor’s statement on Joint Finance Committee votes
Chancellor John Wiley released a statement on June 5, following the Joint Finance Committee’s vote to support a $10 million UW System faculty retention package.
Campus about to bustle with notable summer activities
Summer camps and conferences, along with Student Orientation, Advising and Registration sessions, are making the UW–Madison campus a busy place.
Spoken word institute again offered to educators
The second annual Spoken Word and Hip-Hop Teacher and Community Leader Training Institute will be held Monday–Friday, June 18–22, at UW–Madison.
Korean studies initiative advances with major grant
The Korean studies initiative will be expanded significantly, thanks to a $750,000 grant from the Korea Foundation.
University welcomes students for summer graduate research experience
This summer, UW–Madison will host 100 of the brightest undergraduate students in their fields to do graduate-level research with faculty.
NSF Directorate leader to visit campus
Tony Chan, assistant director of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate at the National Science Foundation, will visit UW–Madison on Thursday and Friday, June 21–22. He will present “Current Portfolio and Future Directions for the Math and Physical Sciences Directorate at the National Science Foundation” on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2241 of Chamberlin Hall. (Please note that the time has changed from previous notice.) To learn more, contact Terry Millar.
Milestones
Solinsky wins second consecutive outdoor NSF 5k title
Senior Chris Solinsky earned his second consecutive NCAA Outdoor Title in the 5,000 meters at the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Sacramento, California.
Lakeshore Preserve Web site wins ‘Best of 2007’ award
The interactive Web site for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve has won another national award.
Media centers recognized for excellence
UW–Madison campus technology partners, including the newly renamed Digital Media Center @ Biotech, have received a 2007 Center of Excellence Award by the international New Media Consortium. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the consortium and recognizes demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement in the application of technology to learning or creative expression. The award was given for UW–Madison’s “systemic and comprehensive approaches to faculty support.” It specifically cited the efforts of media centers across campus, podcasting, games and simulations for learning, ComETS, the Engage program and DoIT Academic Technology.
Community
Continuing Studies conference to focus on at-risk boys
The second annual “Boys at Risk” conference, hosted by the Division of Continuing Studies, will explore research on male socialization and development, as well as ways to help at-risk adolescent boys succeed. The conference will be held Monday and Tuesday, June 18–19, in Oconomowoc.