Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Day at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 17 showcased the diverse impact of the university, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and community members to engage in discussions and presentations highlighting various research projects and initiatives.

Vice Chancellor for University Relations Charles Hoslet emphasized the economic benefit of the university, stating, "For every dollar the state invests in our university, we generate $26.73 for the state." Hoslet underscored the mutually beneficial partnership between UW–Madison and Wisconsin.

Among the research presented at the event was Vedant Basu's work on particle astrophysics, where he described the impact as "opening a brand-new window—a new way to explore the farthest reaches of the universe." Ibrahim Zuniga-Chaves discussed the interplay of social and economic factors in shaping the microbiome and how it can help improve understanding of microbiome health.

Sophie Stephenson's research delved into the evolution of norms on TikTok regarding parents sharing information about their children. Carmen Haseltine presented a data-driven tool to aid policymakers in enhancing the resilience of the voting by mail process, aiming to provide valuable insights for decision-making.

Furthermore, Benazir Meera shared insights on an adaptive horseback riding program for adults living with dementia, expressing hope for policy advancements to support its expansion. The day also featured discussions on topics such as antibiotic research, data science, and HIV prevention, showcasing the breadth of UW–Madison's research endeavors.

The event provided a platform for graduate students, faculty members, and alumni to engage with legislators, community members, and policymakers, highlighting the university's commitment to innovation and public service driven by the Wisconsin Idea.