The Wisconsin Week Wire — March 28, 2007
Top News
Reaccreditation effort set to lead conversation about UW–Madison’s future
A UW–Madison leadership team will seek campus participation as the university embarks on the 2009 Reaccreditation Project.
Journalism professor traces birth, growing pains of network TV
Journalism professor James Baughman chronicles the tug of war that network executives waged in the early days of television for the soul of mass culture in his new book “Same Time, Same Station.”
Pair of undergraduates receive Truman Scholarships
Two UW–Madison juniors are among 65 students from 56 colleges and universities nationwide who have been selected as 2007 Truman Scholars.
Research
Stem-cell therapy shows promise for rescuing deteriorating vision
In a study in rats, neural progenitor cells derived from human fetal stem cells have been shown to protect the vision of animals with degenerative eye disease similar to the kinds of diseases that afflict humans.
In quest for less risky drugs, scientists listen to neurons
A team of researchers will go to the source of behavior — the brain’s neurons — to uncover the biological mechanisms that allow “psychostimulant” drugs to calm behavior and focus attention.
Scaling up stem cells: Project aims to churn out cells in quantity, quality
With the help of a Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery seed grant, a team of Wisconsin stem-cell researchers is taking the human embryonic stem cell down the path to mass production.
Unique models help teach nanoscience to the blind
Nanoscale experiments offer great opportunities to teach blind and visually impaired students about science and pique their interest in the field, says a UW–Madison researcher.
Global warming forecasts creation, loss of climate zones
A new global warming study predicts that many current climate zones will vanish entirely by the year 2100, replaced by climates unknown in today’s world, according to UW–Madison researchers.
Features
Preparing for better weather forecasts
UW–Madison scientist Allen Huang is at the forefront of preparations for new satellite instruments and the predicted weather data deluge. His contributions will improve weather forecasts and environmental monitoring and lead to a better understanding of the Earth’s changing climate.
Training grants a boon to research, scientists
Training grants have a rich legacy at UW–Madison, helping launch hundreds of successful research careers.
Students enhance undergraduate experience with research
On Thursday, April 12, more than 200 undergraduate researchers from disciplines across campus will present their ideas to the community at the ninth annual Undergraduate Symposium.
On Campus
Events calendar
Employee Matters
Brothers showcase Indian classical music
Shri Ganesh and Shri Kumaresh promise an evening of musical excitement when they perform on campus on Sunday, April 1.
Campus financial changes planned
A series of business process changes are set to take effect on July 1, with additional changes planned for coming months. Campus financial offices can plan for the adjustment.
Campus program works on efficiency
Developing more efficient ways for the campus to conduct business — built from the ground up with employee involvement — is the aim of a new cross-campus program.
Strategic plan lives on during self-study timeline
As the campus begins to undertake a multifaceted accreditation process culminating in 2009, strategic priorities will continue to guide decision-making, administrators say.
Leader on climate, diversity issues to retire
Bernice Durand, a professor of physics and a campus leader in the areas of climate and diversity, has announced her retirement from the university, effective at the end of June.
Billups headed to Georgetown University
LaMarr Billups, senior special assistant to the chancellor, has accepted a position at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Milestones
Four faculty honored with Hilldale Awards
Four faculty members have received the 2007 Hilldale Awards, which annually recognize excellence in teaching, research and service.