UW-Madison School of Human Ecology

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Associate Professor in Consumer Science Meg Doherty Bea who received funding via the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) Igniting Interdisciplinary Innovation initiative, as part of an interdisciplinary team with University of Wisconsin-Madison faculty in risk and insurance, sociology and environmental studies.

To understand how flooding affects household expenditures, Bea and the team will link high-resolution flooding data to near-real-time consumption data. Findings will be used to inform insurance pricing and disaster aid. The project aims to position UW–Madison as a leader in climate finance innovation: https://research.wisc.edu/uncategorized/2026/07/27/insuring-disaster-developing-high-resolution-models-of-the-economic-consequences-of-disasters-to-improve-insurance-pricing/

08/27/2026

What makes vintage shopping more than just thrifting? In a new Isthmus article, Professor Emerit Beverly Gordon, who spent her career studying material culture, textiles and fashion, explains that vintage clothing carries a context and story that mass-produced clothing often doesn’t. She also points to the excitement of the hunt and the appeal of finding something truly unique:

Vintage shops are more popular than ever in Madison. Vintage clothes have history, context and panache, different from current mass-produced fast fashion.

08/26/2026

Congratulations to Professor of Human Development & Family Studies Julie Poehlmann for being elected as a fellow in the American Psychological Association. This status is awarded in part based on evaluated evidence of outstanding contribution in the field of psychology.

This means that Poehlmann’s research, outreach and policy work has had an impact on and advanced the field of child, youth and family policy and practice on a national and international scale.

08/25/2026

How can Harley-Davidson attract the next generation of brand loyalists? This was the challenge extended to five Human Ecology students through a collaboration with the iconic, Wisconsin-based company and the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Human Ecology Kohl’s Center for Retailing.

With mentorship from alumni, the students worked as consultants—conducting consumer and market research and developing brand positioning. One stand-out pitch centered on a traveling, interactive pop-up experience called “The Harley-Davidson University Tour.” A semi truck would be transformed into a custom merchandise store. Inside, college students could learn about key parts of a Harley-Davidson bike via a colorful diagram, along with historical touch points of the brand, bringing the iconic Harley-Davidson culture directly to younger audiences.

Read the feature story: https://humanecology.wisc.edu/human-ecology-students-help-harley-davidson-rev-up-the-next-generation-of-riders/

Congratulations to the brand consulting team, from left to right in the first photo: Eliana Feinstein '26, Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies; Clara Weeks '26, Interior Architecture; Bryn Dresselhuys 'x'27, Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies; Julia Dobson '26, Textiles & Fashion Design; and Ava Beydoun '26, Textiles & Fashion Design.


Wisconsin Alumni

08/24/2026

Come see the new exhibit "Harley-Davidson: Hitting the Road to Reach the Next Generation of Riders"—now open in the Ruth Davis Design Gallery window!

As part of the annual University of Wisconsin-Madison Kohl's Center for Retailing Brand Consulting Project, five Human Ecology students were prompted by the Wisconsin heritage motorcycle and lifestyle brand to evolve the current go-to-market plan so that it better aligns with Gen Z consumers. On view, with objects and images on loan from the Harley-Davidson Museum and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, is the outcome of this innovative collaboration between industry leaders and students: https://cdmc.wisc.edu/on-view/

Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture
Harley-Davidson

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Amy Bertrand (right) and Hannah Hatlan-Atwell (left)—winners of the Outstanding Achievement Award and Collaborative Impact Award, respectively. The annual awards presented by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Academic & Career Success celebrate the meaningful contributions leaders like Bertrand and Hatlan-Atwell have made in our campus community: https://oacs.wisc.edu/2026/05/14/2026-spring-celebration-awards-ceremony-recap/

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Associate Professor of Design Studies Sarah Anne Carter for her selection as a fellow by the Institute for Research in the Humanities, UW-Madison (IRH) this upcoming academic year. Carter is also the Chipstone Foundation Design and Material Culture Chair and executive director of the Nancy M. Bruce Center for Design and Material Culture.

Her project “Boxes of Knowledge: Objects in Systems” asks: What kinds of lessons can be packed into boxes? With case studies stretching from the 1840s through the 1940s, she argues that carefully structured teaching boxes were used to naturalize abstract ideas as observable qualities of the material world: https://irh.wisc.edu/2026/06/01/full-list-of-incoming-and-returning-irh-fellows-2026-2027/

08/14/2026

Interior Architecture alumna Claire Wendland ’26 is featured in a story by the UW-Madison Division of the Arts about turning a classroom project into a unique professional opportunity.

Wendland's experience shows how hands-on learning can extend beyond the classroom. Through her Interior Architecture coursework, she gained tangible experience that helped launch a professional opportunity while building the skills and confidence to bring design ideas to life.

Experiential learning empowers students to apply their creativity, collaborate with professionals and make meaningful contributions before they graduate.

Art History classwork turns into a unique professional opportunity, giving four UW–Madison students new perspective on what makes a neighborhood.

08/12/2026

School of Human Ecology Dean Soyeon Shim is featured in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel where she discusses how social media is reshaping the live entertainment experience.

Dean Shim explains that social media has changed how people discover, share and experience live events. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can build excitement around concerts and festivals, while also influencing what audiences value and how they're willing to invest in memorable, in-person experiences.

As live entertainment continues to evolve, understanding the relationship between digital engagement and in-person experiences can help explain why people prioritize spending on concerts and festivals, even in challenging economic times:

Despite modest financial resources, many Gen Z music fans in Wisconsin make the trip to Lollapalooza for the communal experience and to see favorites.