The Wisconsin Week Wire — Nov. 14, 2007
Top News
Today’s forecast: Weather science, with a chance of humor
Two UW–Madison meteorology experts share climate and weather science with the public as guests on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Conversations with Larry Meiller.”
With $900 million at play, UW–Madison steps up in research rankings
Across all academic fields, UW–Madison now conducts more than $900 million worth of research annually, according to new statistics released by the National Science Foundation.
Research
Tool-wielding chimps provide a glimpse into early human behavior
A team of researchers, including a UW–Madison anthropologist, reports evidence of tool use among rare savanna chimps to harvest edible tubers, roots and bulbs.
Features
Director is the man with the dream job
You name it: China, Nicaragua, Mongolia, Panama, Africa … Doug Whittle, director of the Division of Continuing Studies’ Educational Travel Program, has been there — with a pack on his back and tour book in his hand.
Bridging the divide between math and biology
An assistant professor of mathematics and biochemistry has, with colleagues, created an enhanced computational tool that predicts how the surfaces of proteins interact during binding.
Beowulf’s world comes to life in new book
A new Hollywood film opening on Friday, Nov. 16, employs special-effects wizardry to tell the story of Beowulf, but a just-released illustrated edition of the epic tale from a UW–Madison English professor comes much closer to showing us the world where the action takes place.
Sale showcases student potential, affordable art
Student art will be on display and available for purchase during this fall’s Student Art Sale, to be held today (Nov. 14) through Friday, Nov. 16, in the Porter Butts Gallery of the Memorial Union.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
Berquam announces ODOS changes
Dean of Students Lori Berquam recently announced staff appointments to several key student life units.
Student debt levels continue to rise
Undergraduate student loan debt at the university continues to climb, according to the Office of Student Financial Services.
Order Thanksgiving to go from Wisconsin Union
Precooked turkey dinners with all the trimmings are available to order from the Wisconsin Union’s catering division until Friday, Nov. 16.
Program bring students to Washington, D.C., for global experiences
UW–Madison alumni in Washington, D.C., work with the university to develop a program that brings students to the nation’s capital for international affairs internships.
Two productions address disabilities, racism
This month, two student directors in their second year of the directing MFA program are bringing what’s often swept under the rug into the unforgiving stage lights of the Hemsley Theatre.
Exhibit chronicles medical education at university
For a school that began in an attic, the School of Medicine and Public Health has done rather well during the last 100 years.