University News

Faculty forum to explore Zika virus: evolution, international impact

The 2016 Olympic Games held in Brazil were overshadowed by the Zika pandemic that had gripped the country since 2013. During that time, popular media became an outlet for disseminating concern about the health and well-being of international athletes competing in the games. The virus gained much attention because of its connection to microcephaly and other birth defects and how it is transmitted.

Students research bentonite to improve waste containment solutions

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville students are contributing to research on the properties of bentonite, a naturally-occurring clay that is used in the construction of waste barriers. Next month, they will present their findings at the annual Research in the Rotunda event in Madison, Wisconsin, where they hope to inform legislators and other state leaders about the critical impacts their research can have on environmental protection.

Education students lead local Family Math and Reading Night

Thirty-two University of Wisconsin-Platteville elementary education majors recently led meaningful activities at Family Math and Reading Night for more than 100 elementary students from Platteville’s Westview Elementary School and Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center and their parents.

Professor panel to present on sexual harassment in the workplace

University of Wisconsin-Platteville professors Mary Bartling and Marge Karsten from the School of Business were inspired by the #MeToo movement to dig deeper into the issue of harassment in the workplace. They will host a panel, open to the public, on this topic on Wednesday, March 27 at 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the University Rooms of the Markee Pioneer Student Center.

Students team with NASA to test limitations of polymer for cleaning aerospace equipment

University of Wisconsin-Platteville student research teams have been experimenting to find the limitations of the First Contact™ adhesive polymer, which is already being used by NASA to clean its astronomical equipment, like telescopes, mirrors and lenses.

Degree program leads to discovery of new passion

As the Human Trafficking Case Manager at Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Asia Jackson provides advocacy to survivors of trafficking and develops trainings on human trafficking for the community and service providers. She also collaborates with local and federal law enforcement partners and other non-governmental agencies to identify and provide support to survivors of sex and labor trafficking.

Fourth iteration of WiSys Prototype Hackathon to be held at UW-Platteville

Student teams will soon compete in WiSys’ fourth annual Prototype Hackathon for a $1,000 cash prize and a chance to develop their product commercially.

National Science Foundation and UW-Platteville a winning combination for supply chain student

Saying that working as a Supply Chain Specialist at Fastenal, the largest fastener distributor in North America, keeps Steve Koldykowski busy is an understatement. From forecasting and inventory to purchasing and order processing, he looks for improvements that will benefit the company and client alike.

International student crosses ocean to pursue education degree at UW-Platteville

About three years ago, after much research, thought and consideration, Youkuan Yan made a decision that altered the course of his life: he decided to leave his hometown of Wuhan, China, and travel more than 7,100 miles to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher.

Engineering partnership renewed in Fox Valley

The successful University of Wisconsin-Platteville Engineering Partnerships program will continue in the Fox Valley, UW-Platteville Dennis J. Shields and UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt announced at a joint news conference Friday in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Dr. Michael O'Connor named 2018 Outstanding Alumni

Dr. Michael O’Connor, a 2006 graduate of the Master of Science in Project Management program, was recognized at UW-Platteville’s 2018 Homecoming as an Outstanding Alumni. The award honors alumni who contribute to and are recognized in their profession and community, and who are engaged with the university.

Students to present on metallic organic frameworks at Research in the Rotunda

Two University of Wisconsin-Platteville chemistry students will present their research project in Madison, Wisconsin, at the 16th annual Research in the Rotunda on April 17. Student researchers JaLynn Schuh, a senior from Plymouth, Wisconsin, and Hyeong Cheol Yoo, a junior from Seoul, South Korea, are collaborating with Dr.

Inspirations of NARCOS to be Distinguished Lecturers

Steve Murphy and Javier Peña are former DEA agents who successfully hunted down and captured the Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellin Cartel in the 1980s and 1990s. Their exhilarating pursuit of the world’s first narcoterrorist has inspired the Golden Globe-nominated Netflix Original three-season series “NARCOS.”  

Grads published in New Teacher Advocate

A manuscript written by three recent University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education graduates was published in the Spring 2019 issue of New Teacher Advocate, a quarterly professional journal that Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education, designed to support new teachers.

Students, alumnus aid Special Olympians

Five University of Wisconsin-Platteville students and an alumnus gained hands-on coaching experience with individuals with varying abilities by helping coach 30 members of three Platteville Special Olympics basketball teams, including two adult teams and one youth team.

M lighting tradition wins national award

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Homecoming tradition of lighting the world’s largest M earned the “2018 Your Best Campus Tradition” in a vote by the National Association for Campus Activities.

UW-Platteville streams C++ class to local school district

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is collaborating with the Platteville School District in teaching students computer science. Donna Gavin, senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at UW-Platteville, has piloted a program this semester teaching high school students C++.

Teacher and coach uses education to be a postive influence

When Matthew Janisch started coaching youth and high school football in Stoughton, Wisconsin, it unlocked a passion for teaching he didn’t know he’d had. Working with students of any age drove him to be a positive influence in their lives. However, he didn’t have a degree to pursue a full-time teaching career.

Students gain insight into value of German studies at statewide conference

Three University of Wisconsin-Platteville students gained insight into the value of German skills and studies at “The Graduate School Experience in German” held at UW-Madison. The UW-Platteville group, led by Dr. Madelon Köhler-Busch, associate professor of German and director of the German program at UW-Platteville, was one of six groups from universities throughout the state who attended.

Gavin creates new opportunities with Amazon Future Engineer sponsorship

Donna Gavin, senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been accepted into the Amazon Future Engineer program for her work with the Girls Who Code Club.

Alumnus credits undergraduate professors, internships for success in law school

Fueled by a strong work ethic and a desire to pursue a career in which he can create lasting social change, University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumnus Spencer Wingert is already well on his way to achieving one of his lifetime goals: to earn a law degree.

Madison police chief talks with students about police-community relations

More than 100 University of Wisconsin-Platteville criminal justice and forensic investigation students, faculty and staff recently gained knowledge and insight into police-community relations from an expert in the field: Michael C. Koval, chief of police at the City of Madison Police Department.

Chancellor Shields delivers State of the University address

With a new strategic plan, three building projects and a strong commitment to campus climate, University of Wisconsin-Platteville has the opportunity to transform its three campuses, Chancellor Dennis J. Shields said Tuesday in his annual State of the University address.

School of Agriculture, Business collaborate to offer networking opportunities

At the recent Wisconsin Bankers Association’s open house, co-hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s School of Agriculture and School of Business, students had the opportunity to learn firsthand about careers in community banking and agriculture lending. The WBA organized a panel of industry professionals – all UW-Platteville alumni – from across Southwest Wisconsin.

Students, faculty create cross-country ski trails

More than 20 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Health and Human Performance students, faculty and staff recently created cross-country ski trails for people on campus and in the community to use and enjoy.

Students and faculty present at materials and manufacturing symposium

Students and faculty from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presented at the Regional Materials and Manufacturing Network (RM2N) symposium on Jan 16. The symposium is an annual networking activity that aims to bring together the UW System campuses and several companies and industry partners from across the state to improve collaborations and increase networking opportunities.

Faculty forum to examine impact of Ojibwe landuse on Boundary Waters forests

What is wilderness?

UW-Platteville to host 52nd annual band camp

This year marks the 52nd year of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Pioneer Summer Band Camp to be held Sunday, July 7-Saturday, July 13. 

Student designs Mars greenhouse concept for NASA

University of Wisconsin-Platteville student Eva Birtell’s research on agricultural production systems is – literally – out of this world.

UW-Platteville begins strategic planning process

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville began a comprehensive preparation for its future by beginning work on its next five-year strategic plan. Approximately 70 faculty, staff and students gathered recently to begin shaping its priorities.

Engineers Without Borders travel to Ghana to begin construction on new school

In early January 2019, seven members of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Engineers Without Borders chapter traveled to the community of Chinderi in Ghana for three weeks. Chinderi is about six to seven hours from Accra, the capital of Ghana. Their goal was to begin the construction of a new junior high school.

Faculty forum to examine ways to re-engage with those who have Alzheimer’s disease

Adults aged 65 years and older are the fastest growing age group in the United States population. In fact, the older adult population is projected to double by 2060 and the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is projected to triple by 2050 (Population Reference Bureau, 2018).

Scholar, mentor, graduate: Project Management alumna works towards a better future

When Sorayda Santos decided to pursue a project management certificate in 2016, she had little idea of the domino effect of accomplishments that would ensue. Only two years later, she had received her master’s degree in project management and earned two promotions.

Innovation mixer to provide an opportunity for networking and collaboration

University of Wisconsin System and University of Wisconsin-Platteville innovators from broad disciplines and backgrounds have once again teamed up to host the WiSys Innovation Mixer in an effort to provide students with a unique networking opportunity and to collaborate on an absurd design challenge. The event will take place on Monday, Feb. 11, from 5-7 p.m., in Nohr Gallery in Ullsvik Hall. Check-in is at 4:45 p.m.

Collins named to WiRSA board as new higher education representative

Dr. Jennifer Collins, assistant director of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, was recently named to the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance board of directors as its new higher education representative.

Daughter in landmark Brown v. Board of Education to speak at UW-Platteville

In commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education decision (May 17, 1954) and the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act (July 2, 1964), the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host “The Relevance of Brown v Board of Education in 21st Century Rural America,” on Monday, April 29, in the university’s Lundeen Lecture Hall and Velzy Commons.

Pioneer Players to present Sam Shepard’s ‘Fool for Love’

UW-Platteville’s Department of Performing and Visual Arts-Theatre and Pioneer Players will present Sam Shepard’s powerful 1983 play, “Fool for Love.” Performances are Feb. 13 at 11 a.m., Feb. 13-16 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Theatre.

Halfmann receives inaugural New Faculty Professional Development Award

Dr. Kameko Halfmann, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, earned the university’s inaugural New Faculty Professional Development Award. The award provides one new faculty member each year with funding to help launch his or her research or creative endeavor program at the university.

Industrial Studies safety programs become GSP qualified

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Industrial Technology Management program's building construction safety management emphasis and occupational safety management emphasis have been approved as Qualified Academic Programs by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

UW-Platteville to host Ebony Weekend Conference

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Black Student Union will host the 14th annual Ebony Weekend Conference Feb. 8-9, beginning at 4 p.m. Friday at the Markee Pioneer Student Center and concluding Saturday night in Velzy Commons in Ullsvik Hall. The event is open to students, faculty and the community.

OCL students find a network of support through their online classmates

In spring 2018, Master of Science in Organizational Change Leadership students and classmates Debi McCullough and Jana Nelson met for a casual lunch in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Little did they know that their initial meeting would soon spark a series of get-togethers with an expanded group of students from across Wisconsin and Illinois.

Scholar, mentor, champion: Project Management alumna lends a helping hand

During her time with UW-Platteville, Autumn Fisher has played many different roles—including one she still performs since graduating in the spring of 2017.

Lessons from the classroom and the family farm

One of the first lessons you learn when growing up on a farm is the value of hard work. It’s a lesson that Quinn Crubel learned at the hands of his parents and five siblings on the cattle farm they run in Bloomington, Wisconsin. It was one of the many values his family instilled in him that would help prepare him for college.

Signs dedicated at branch campuses

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville formally dedicated the welcome signs at its new branch campuses in Baraboo and Richland Center Monday, further cementing the partnership that was made official July 1.

Board of Regents endorses branch campus names

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents formally approved the new names of the two UW-Platteville branch campuses Friday, cementing the relationship that will strengthen education across Southwest Wisconsin.

"Opportunity from the start": UW-Platteville introduces new branding, logo

UW-Platteville is kicking off the 2018-19 academic year with a new look and message, as it recently launched a new brand platform.

Attenborough recognized with award for teaching excellence

Dr. Holly Attenborough, assistant professor of mathematics, was selected to receive the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s 2018 Early Career Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member who has made distinguished contributions to the mission of UW-Platteville as an outstanding teacher. 

HLC approves collaborative integration

On June 29, the Higher Learning Commission approved the collaborative integration of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with two-year campuses UW-Baraboo/Sauk County and UW-Richland.

UW-Platteville welcomes Smith as interim vice chancellor

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields announced that Paige Smith has been appointed a two-year position as interim vice chancellor of Administrative Services at UW-Platteville. Her appointment begins on April 15.

UW-Platteville officials meet with two-year colleges

University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields met with students, faculty and staff at UW-Baraboo/Sauk County and UW-Richland, just days after the UW System voted to integrate those institutions with UW-Platteville.