Space telescope ‘a little like a time machine’
Assistant professor Michael Maseda was one of many who contributed to development of the James Webb Space Telescope. He looks forward to using the instrument to take “baby pictures of galaxies” — potentially looking as far back into the history of the universe as the Big Bang itself.
Meet the 2022 Academic Staff Excellence Award winners
Each year, UW–Madison recognizes outstanding academic staff members who’ve excelled in leadership, public service, research and teaching. They bring the university’s mission to life and ensure that the Wisconsin Idea extends far beyond the campus and the state.
Staff survey will help UW–Madison better understand work environment
The 2022 UW–Madison Staff Climate Survey, open for responses April 12–May 3, seeks feedback on a wide range of topics, from remote work policies and compensation to workplace respect and diversity efforts.
You’re muted — or are you? Videoconferencing apps may listen even when mic is off
Not only did researchers find that the apps gather audio data while "mute" is activated; they could identify activities picked up when microphones weren't believed to be on, such as eating, playing music, typing and cleaning.
Meet the vice chancellor for finance and administration finalists
Three finalists for vice chancellor for finance and administration will visit campus and make public presentations April 12, 14 and 15 at Union South. Laurent Heller, the previous vice chancellor, left UW–Madison in 2021 to take a similar role at Johns Hopkins University. Rob Cramer holds the position on an interim basis.
Headed in the write direction
The Greater Madison Writing Project at UW–Madison works with teachers in rural Wisconsin school districts, such as Jessica White in Gresham, to offer professional development for educators as well as enrichment opportunities for students and young adult writers.
Reminder: Testing, masks and booster shots
Through the rest of spring semester, UW–Madison will continue to offer free PCR testing, antigen test kits, and surgical and N95 masks to students and employees. Mandatory testing of unvaccinated individuals is paused, effective April 4.
COVID questions: Are more severe colds and flu in our future?
Preventive medicine chief resident Devlin Cole from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health explains why discontinuing masking does not put us at risk of contracting infections that are more severe.
Nonprescription CBD product labeling largely inaccurate, study finds
UW–Madison School of Pharmacy students concluded that just 15% of CBD-infused oil, beverages and other products are labeled correctly, based on a survey of stores in Southwestern Wisconsin.