Category: News

UW–Madison to name new Computer, Data & Information Sciences building for John and Tashia Morgridge

For the first time, a University of Wisconsin–Madison building will bear the name of John and Tashia Morgridge, alumni and visionary partners to UW–Madison, who have for decades made significant contributions to the university, beginning with a humble $10 gift in the 1960s. With the recommendation of university leaders and the approval of the Board …

Faculty Q&A: Clinton Castro and Tim Aylsworth unpack how smartphones undermine human autonomy

Americans check their smartphones constantly—by one estimate, more than 12 billion times per day collectively. About 60% of Americans admit to using their smartphones “too much,” but many still struggle to cut back. And research has revealed numerous mental and physical health impacts of an unhealthy attachment to smartphones, including degraded attention spans and memory, …

‘Lead from where you are’: 2024 Power Up conference inspires attendees

On March 21 and 22, a group of over 150 youth services library professionals from around the country convened in Madison for the highly anticipated 2024 Power Up: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers and Staff. About a third of the attendees came from within the state of Wisconsin, while the rest made the …

Science-of-science researchers at the iSchool expose imbalances in biomedical research

Assistant Professor Ian Hutchins and PhD student Salsabil Arabi are researchers researching research. Yes, you read that right. Hutchins and Arabi, members of the Metascience Research Lab at the iSchool, are engaged in the “science of science,” using large datasets and machine learning to reveal trends and expose inequities in the complex landscape of academic …

MS Information student Rahil Virani contributes to UW-Madison Alzheimer’s research

Data skills can open unexpected doors. Rahil Virani MSx’25 knows this firsthand. Before coming to Madison, Virani was a software developer tackling coding projects while living in Mumbai, India, a city of 20 million residents. In his role as a software developer for ITdeation Technologies, he began to develop a keen interest in data and …

iSchool and UW-Madison Libraries expand partnership with new CDIS building on the horizon

The Information School (iSchool) and UW–Madison Libraries will collaborate more closely than ever to prepare the next generation of information professionals and shape the future of the university’s dynamic library ecosystem. The partnership’s expansion comes as the iSchool prepares to occupy a new home in the pathbreaking $260 million School of Computer, Data & Information …

Alumni spotlight: Meng Qu and the future of libraries

Years before the COVID-19 pandemic made virtual learning mainstream, Meng Qu ‘18 suspected online education was poised to grow rapidly. Equipped with a degree in Instructional Technology, Qu was curious about where future innovations in digital learning would take root. One answer, she found, was the library. As a result, she decided to pursue an …

New RISE initiative to focus on strategic faculty hiring to solve grand challenges

Announced on February 8, 2024, the new Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative is designed to help address significant, complex challenges of particular importance to Wisconsin and the world, through: accelerated and strategic faculty hiring research infrastructure enhancement interdisciplinary collaboration increased student and educational opportunities The RISE Initiative will choose focus areas anchored …

iSchool faculty offer insights in engaging Data Privacy Roundtable

To honor Data Privacy Day 2024, four iSchool faculty members offered expert insights on the evolution of data privacy, its relevance in higher education, and ways to minimize privacy risks in the information age. Read the full discussion on the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences website.

Student spotlight: Katie Kijak blends UX Design and Interior Design

To Katie Kijak x’24, interior design and user experience (UX) design have the same goal: creating spaces that work for the people who use them. Before enrolling at UW–Madison, Kijak—a current student pursuing the iSchool’s Capstone Certificate in UX Design—honed her skills in the interior design industry, helping create innovative workspaces for both Lerdahl Workplace …