This magazine has been in the works for months. We picked out this lineup of stories before the holiday season at the end of 2024. There was uncertainty about the future at the time, but it was impossible to predict all the obstacles that higher education would face in the new year.

Take our cover story, “The Future of Health,” for example. We were excited to tell the story of how researchers across the College of Letters & Science are doing groundbreaking work around topics that include medicine, health policy and personal wellness. But we couldn’t have known that we would be publishing this magazine shortly after major federal funding cuts would threaten grants toward critical research projects like the ones we highlight here. We couldn’t have known how important it would be to share this story now, because this is the type of essential work that is being affected. A common thread you will see in many of these magazine stories is that the amazing research happening in L&S is supported by a partnership between you — the taxpayer — and the federal government through agencies like the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As this magazine goes to press, it is this long partnership that is at risk.

Despite the storm of uncertainty we’ve weathered this spring semester, our important work continues. As the liberal arts college of a major research university, L&S is uniquely positioned to tackle some of the biggest questions facing our society. You’ll see this in stories such as “In Their Element,” which profiles three leaders in sustainability science that are experts on water, fire and air. You’ll also find a story about how the interdisciplinary nature of L&S allows researchers in psychology, computer sciences and journalism to team up to build what they call “The AI Terrarium.” Our students are involved in influential research, too. You can also read about two graduate students who traveled to Antarctica for an ecological study.

The research happening in the College is remarkable, but we’re also excited to share stories about our alumni, who are making a difference in our world today. In L&S, we teach problem-solving, communication skills and a lifelong pursuit of curiosity. These qualities are assets for anyone working in business, public service, technology and beyond. When we see our alumni living that out, it’s a powerful thing. In “A Concrete Solution,” you’ll travel to Langlade County, where a group of Badgers is carrying out the Wisconsin Idea through their concrete fracturing business, Antigo Construction. The business has worldwide impact by playing an essential role in our transportation system, but it started with the Shinners family in a small town in rural Wisconsin. Or read the story of Meghan Morgan Juinio (’94). She’s a video game executive paving the way for the next generation of women to work in the industry. And Casey Durandet (’89, MS’91, PhD’95) shares how the legacy of her professor and mentor inspired her to give back and ensure that the next generation of Badgers has opportunities to conduct physics research.

As we continue pursuing impactful research, providing an outstanding student experience and uplifting the accomplishments of our incredible alumni community, we are grateful for your support of L&S and our mission. Thank you for championing the College of Letters & Science.

On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots
Dean and Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy,
College of Letters & Science