Learning Connections Fall 2024
Welcome to the Fall 2024 edition of Learning Connections — a magazine for alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students of the UW–Madison School of Education. This issue puts the spotlight on our Department of Kinesiology, a national leader in research, teaching, and service in pursuit of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life for all. Other stories showcase the amazing work taking place in our programs across the arts, health, and education. A PDF print edition is available here.
Message from the Associate Dean
Marianne Spoon, associate dean for communications and advancement, reflects on the excellence of our School.
Haddix is new dean of the School of Education
Marcelle Haddix is serving as the 10th dean of the School of Education, bringing with her a distinguished record of leadership and a passion for the School’s pillars of arts, health, and education.
Media mentions
Faculty and staff are routinely quoted or make their voices heard in a range of media outlets across the country. Recent media appearances include “60 Minutes” and Forbes.
From Madison to Mars
Postdoctoral fellow Kaylin Didier and professor Bill Schrage’s project examines how radiation during space travel affects immune cells.
Out from the shadows
Kinesiology professor Dane Cook and his lab are leading research on chronic multisymptom illnesses, including long COVID.
Columna fosters more diverse voices in kinesiology
This fall, members of Luis Columna’s lab hail from Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and India.
New app helps groups connect and move
New resource from kinesiology faculty member, students offers activities for groups.
Body of work
Research projects led by kinesiology faculty span from head to toe.
Faculty examine how AI can help teachers and students succeed
Two faculty members are partnering to explore how AI could be made more useful in classrooms.
Rehabilitation Counseling program trains advocates
The School of Education’s master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling program has a No. 1 ranking — and a lot of passion for supporting people living with disabilities.
Book highlights the staying power of 2D video games
Some games have captivated players for almost 40 years — a new book seeks to explain why.
Research recap
An overview of recent high-impact scholarship from faculty and students.
Q&A with Omari Carter
Dance faculty member Omari “Motion” Carter shares his passions for dance and collaboration.
Class notes
Check out what School of Education alumni from across the globe have been up to.
Three decades of dedication
Paula Panczenko, who for over 30 years led UW–Madison’s Tandem Press, retired this summer.
$11 million in gifts back Wisconsin educators
Thanks to the generosity of its alumni and friends, the UW–Madison School of Education announced an $11 million investment to support Wisconsin educators on April 18.
Thompson supports future rural school leaders
Dance faculty member Omari “Motion” Carter shares his passions for dance and collaboration.
Keep in touch!
If you have questions or comments about Learning Connections, email Todd Finkelmeyer at todd.finkelmeyer@wisc.edu, or call
608-890-1430.
The School of Education wants to hear from our alumni and friends. We also want to make sure you are hearing from us. If you have not received electronic updates, it may mean we don’t have your current e-mail address. Please visit the Wisconsin Alumni Association website to update your information. In addition, the WAA offers free e-mail accounts to all alumni.