The Wisconsin Week Wire — May 31, 2006
Top News
Campus health officials say drinking water is safe
Recent news coverage has highlighted the issue of elevated levels of manganese (greater than 50 micrograms per liter) found in Madison Water Utility wells No. 3 and No. 10. UW–Madison and University Research Park are not served by either of the affected wells, says Rick Johnson, director of the Environmental Health Program at University Health Services.
Physicists persevere in quest for inexhaustible energy source
Seven countries signed an agreement in Brussels last week (May 24) to launch construction of the multibillion dollar International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in southern France. An international collective of physicists and engineers is working to both complement and lend expertise directly to the ITER initiative — and UW–Madison researchers are firmly placed among them. (See related item in Milestones.)
Research
New approach allows closer look at smokers’ lungs
Aided by a powerful imaging technique, UW–Madison scientists have discovered they can detect smoking-related lung damage in healthy smokers who otherwise display none of the telltale signs of tobacco use.
On Campus
Events calendar
Archive of national student leaders launched
UW–Madison has established a new National Student Leadership Archive and Resource Center, a collaborative effort between the UW–Madison Libraries and the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Provost’s office in search of new ombuds
The provost’s office is looking for two new ombuds. Ombuds Ted Finman and Doris Slesinger, who have been with the program since its inception in 2003, have retired, effective this summer. The program serves as a safe and accessible place for members of the faculty, academic staff and classified staff to come for informal, impartial and confidential means of facilitating dialogue and resolving conflicts. Additional information about the ombuds, their role and an annual report can be found at http://www.ombuds.wisc.edu/ Anyone interested in the positions or anyone interested in nominating someone for one of the positions may call or e-mail Associate Vice Chancellor Bernice Durand at 262-5246 or bdurand@wisc.edu.
Milestones
Professor to coordinate U.S. fusion science effort
A UW–Madison professor will be the liaison between U.S. plasma and fusion science researchers and a group that is building the U.S. share of ITER, an international fusion experiment that eventually could lead to an abundant, economical and environmentally benign energy source.
Graduate assistant coach wins Mad City Marathon
UW–Madison women’s soccer graduate assistant coach Kelley Hess won the Mad City Marathon on May 28 with a time of 3:24:50.