University of Wisconsin–Madison
News Give My UW
Menu Menu College of Letters & Science University of Wisconsin-Madison

Latest From Dean Wilcots

September 18, 2025

Dean Fall Update

Dear alumni & friends,

The fall semester is officially underway, and we are excited to welcome the Class of 2029 to the College of Letters & Science. The start of the fall semester always brings tremendous energy to campus and a renewed sense of purpose to our mission. This year I am especially mindful of the importance of early research and discovery in shaping a student’s experience. In August, I had the pleasure of attending the LASER symposium — a celebration of the undergraduate scholars who spent their summer immersed in research through our Letters & Science Summer of Excellence in Research (LASER) Program. It’s one of the true highlights of my year.

LASER is an exceptional opportunity designed for students in their first year at UW–Madison. Once accepted into the program, students enroll in a spring course on research design and methodology. That course prepares them for an intensive summer experience, where they join collaborative research teams led by L&S faculty, staff or graduate students. This year, 32 undergraduates completed the LASER program, spending eight weeks working in labs and research centers across campus, from physics and psychology to biology and the medical sciences. Since its launch in 2021, LASER has grown to include field trips to local companies, where students see science in action and meet peer mentors from previous cohorts to further promote student success.

And most importantly, we know this program works: Of the 48 students who completed LASER prior to summer 2025, 47 enrolled in STEM fields. We also have two cohorts who have now graduated from UW–Madison, with 80 percent of those students either working in STEM fields or pursuing advanced degrees in STEM or medical fields.

What struck me most at the symposium, beyond the depth of intellectual engagement, was the spirit of community the students had formed. I spoke with one of this year’s scholars, Nevaeh from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who shared how meaningful her experience has been, not just academically, but personally. Nevaeh spoke about the wide range of research happening within the cohort. “There are just so many different types of research that are happening,” she said. “Everyone can find something they love or are passionate about. It really gives us a chance to grow as researchers and young students.”

Programs like LASER show us what’s possible when we invest in early research opportunities and build inclusive pathways for students to thrive. They also remind us that world-class research doesn’t begin in graduate school; it begins here in L&S, when a first-year student walks into a lab for the first time and asks, “What if?” LASER is also a powerful reminder that an investment in research, whether from the federal government, industry or philanthropy, is an investment in people — our faculty, staff, and students who are doing the awesome work of discovery and innovation.

I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our faculty and staff mentors, and, most of all, the brilliance and curiosity of our students. Your support helps us foster meaningful learning experiences that shape lives and strengthen our academic community.

As we look ahead to a new year of discovery, thank you for being part of the College of Letters & Science — a place where stories begin, ideas flourish and futures take root.

On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

May 19, 2025

Dean Summer Update

Dear alumni & friends,

As another academic year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to congratulate the Class of 2025. This remarkable group of students has shown resilience, curiosity and a deep commitment to learning. As they celebrate the culmination of their UW–Madison careers at Camp Randall, they step into a world that needs their skills and their leadership more than ever. I have no doubt they will make an impact in their communities and beyond, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Their journeys reflect the heart of our mission in the College of Letters & Science: to serve the public good through education, research and outreach. The research we conduct is meant to inspire, to address the pressing challenges and opportunities in our communities and to contribute meaningful solutions — locally and globally. This belief shapes everything we do, and it is why we continue to invest in the people and ideas that drive discovery forward.

At the same time, we must acknowledge the challenges that the College of Letters & Science faces. Federal funding for higher education and research remains uncertain, and as the landscape shifts, we must continue to advocate for the financial support that makes so much of our work possible. As the liberal arts college of a major research university, L&S is uniquely positioned to foster the kind of interdisciplinary research that leads to transformative discoveries. The work that happens here is possible because we embrace a broad, integrative approach to knowledge — one that values connections between the sciences and humanities. Ensuring that this approach thrives requires sustained investment in research and education.

One of the ways we highlight the impact of our research is through our partnership with the Wisconsin State Journal in producing Fueling Discovery, an annual special insert that showcases groundbreaking work from our faculty, staff and students. This year’s edition offers a glimpse into the breadth and depth of research happening across L&S every day.

Philosopher Annette Zimmermann explores the ethics of integrating AI into our daily lives, raising critical questions about fairness, accountability and trust in emerging technologies. Grammy-nominated folklorist Jim Leary makes the case for why Midwestern folklore matters — not just as cultural history but as a living, evolving record of our shared identities. And undergraduate researcher Alexandra Ugalde is tackling one of the most pressing health challenges of our time: Alzheimer’s disease. Her work demonstrates the power of research that is both locally rooted and globally relevant.

These stories — and so many more — underscore the vital role that research funding plays in advancing knowledge and discovery. Grants and research support enable faculty and staff to pursue transformative work, provide students with unparalleled hands-on experiences and ensure that we remain at the forefront of solving society’s most pressing challenges. The Wisconsin Idea — the notion that our work should benefit people across the state and far beyond — comes to life through the researchers whose work is supported by public investment.

I encourage you to explore Fueling Discovery online and see firsthand the incredible work happening within L&S. As we move forward, I hope you will join me in championing the liberal arts, advocating for robust research funding and supporting the students and scholars who make this work possible.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Letters & Science. I wish you a wonderful summer, and to our newest alumni — congratulations once again! We can’t wait to see where your journeys take you.

On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

February 24, 2025

A Special Update on Federal Research Funding

Dear alumni & friends,

We are five weeks into the spring semester, and campus is alive with energy. I enjoyed that vibrancy at our annual L&S Night at the Kohl Center at the end of January, where nearly 500 L&S students packed the stands beside me, cheering on the women’s basketball team to a thrilling victory over Michigan. The excitement in the arena was electric, but what stood out most was the sense of community — our students aren’t just working hard in the classroom, they’re showing up for each other, celebrating together and embracing what it truly means to be a Badger.

At the same time, we are five weeks into a new federal administration. You’ve likely heard about the recent federal directives impacting funding from the National Institutes of Health, which Chancellor Mnookin addressed recently. I want to take a moment to reflect on this issue and how it strikes at the heart of our mission in L&S.

For more than 75 years, federal funding has allowed the U.S. to maintain its position as a global leader in scientific research and human discovery. Federal investment — whether from the NIH, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or other government agencies — has supported nearly every major scientific breakthrough we have made as a nation. Public funding has not only allowed UW–Madison to be a leader in solving the world’s biggest problems, it has also provided the support to launch tens of thousands of careers dedicated to research, including my own which began more than 30 years ago at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico.

Federal support of research, especially curiosity-driven research, is based on a simple but powerful premise: The road to discovery is long and, while sometimes indirect and unpredictable, leads not just to a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us, but to ultimately improving lives and driving economic development.

We see this right here at UW–Madison. For instance, in our Department of Chemistry, researchers are working to unlock new possibilities in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease — a debilitating illness that impacts millions of Americans and is projected to cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion by 2050. With support from the NIH, a research team recently developed a new approach that could lead to more effective treatments. It’s the kind of discovery that might not make headlines today but could, years from now, change lives. And this is just one of hundreds of examples of groundbreaking research in L&S that is made possible by federal support.

This is the nature of research. The impact is not always immediate, and the path is rarely straight. But without steady investment in curiosity-driven exploration, we risk cutting off the flow of ideas that will shape the future. Federal research funding doesn’t just fuel innovation — it supports the people behind the breakthroughs. It provides salaries for postdoctoral researchers, stipends for graduate students, and the resources needed to sustain research at every level. These dollars also have a ripple effect, supporting businesses in Wisconsin and beyond that supply the materials and equipment required to push discovery forward.

Right now, my colleagues and I are closely watching the uncertain landscape of federal research funding and considering what it means for our university, our researchers, our students and, most importantly, all citizens for generations to come. We remain committed to fueling the road to discovery, and we hope you’ll join us in advocating for this critical federal investment because as history has shown time and again, when we invest in knowledge as an institution, as a community and as a nation, essential progress follows.

On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

December 17, 2024

Dean Winter Update

Dean alumni & friends,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year in L&S, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. During this season of reflection, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our L&S community and to recognize the power of our collective commitment to our research and educational mission.

Next year marks 30 years since I arrived on UW–Madison’s campus as an assistant professor of astronomy. Throughout my career at UW, I’ve been fortunate to engage in curiosity-driven research unique to R1 institutions like L&S, which excel in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Now as dean, I take great pride in ensuring that our faculty, staff and students have the support they need to address the questions we all share, as we consider our place in an increasingly complex world.

In the coming years, WiCOR has the potential to reshape our understanding of everything we know about, well, everything.

Dean Eric M. Wilcots

This fall, the Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) moved into its own office and research space on the sixth floor of Sterling Hall. What began as an idea in 2019 soon coalesced around a group of researchers from seven different units — astronomy, botany, integrative biology, chemistry, geoscience, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, and bacteriology — all asking the same questions: How did life form on Earth? And what are the potentials for life elsewhere in our universe? In the coming years, WiCOR has the potential to reshape our understanding of everything we know about, well, everything. The collaborative efforts of our interdisciplinary teams will lead to new insights into the origins of life, the formation of planetary systems and the fundamental processes that govern our universe. These discoveries will not only enhance our scientific knowledge, but they will also inspire future generations of scholars and researchers.

These questions could not be asked without the unwavering support of our alumni, parents and donors. I want to especially thank the Department of Astronomy’s Board of Visitors for their foundational support of this important project. WiCOR is but one of the many interdisciplinary research centers housed in L&S and supported by our incredible community. Your generosity has been instrumental in enabling us to create environments where curiosity thrives and where we can tackle the big questions about our universe and our place within it.

Together, let us celebrate the accomplishments of this year and look forward with excitement to the possibilities that lie ahead.

As I look to the future, I am excited about the potential for new discoveries and the impact they will have on our understanding of the world. The work being done at WiCOR and across the College is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision and purpose.

With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the new year,

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

September 25, 2024

Dean Fall Update

Dean alumni & friends,

As we embark on another academic year, I am filled with excitement for the intellectual growth and discovery that lies ahead for our students. In the College of Letters & Science, we are committed to providing every student with an exceptional education, and a cornerstone of that mission is to offer our undergraduates unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research. I know firsthand how transformative these experiences can be, as my own career has been shaped by the research I pursued as an undergraduate astronomy student. The skills I developed — critical thinking, problem-solving and communicating complex ideas — are invaluable in my career. I want our students to have access to the same life-changing programs that I had in my own academic career.

This year, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) program. Each year, URS pairs some 200 undergraduate students with faculty mentors to explore career paths through hands-on, interdisciplinary research. Scholars learn what it means to do research in the lab and in the field through weekly small-group seminars, where they explore topics focused on the critical issues facing our society today, from climate change to health disparities within marginalized communities.

URS embodies a mindset of ‘you try, you fail, you try again.’ And you can learn so much from the people around you, from your peers and in your classes.

Hailey Patel ’24

Students join URS during their first or second year on campus, meaning they gain exposure to faculty labs and research practices early in their academic career. Scholars also learn to take risks, knowing there’s a support system in place to help them learn from their mistakes. “URS embodies a mindset of ‘you try, you fail, you try again.’” says Hailey Patel, a URS fellow who graduated last spring. “And you can learn so much from the people around you, from your peers and in your classes.”

For URS Director Hannah Bailey, exposing students to research early in their careers is critical to future success: “Our hope is that this early research experience will help our students make informed decisions about the classes they take, the majors they declare, and the career and post-baccalaureate plans they pursue.”

Philanthropy plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience across the College, and gifts to the Letters & Science Annual Fund directly support programs such as the Undergraduate Research Scholars. With your generous support, we can expand these initiatives, ensuring that every L&S student has the opportunity to participate in experiences that will profoundly impact their future.

I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing in L&S, and I hope you are, too. Please join me in ensuring that our students leave L&S prepared to lead by supporting the Letters & Science Annual Fund.

Thank you, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

June 13, 2024

Dean Summer Update

Dean alumni & friends,

I am thrilled to announce a groundbreaking moment for the College of Letters & Science! Last month officially marked the beginning of construction for Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall, a transformative new facility that will revolutionize the way we teach and study the humanities and qualitative social sciences at UW–Madison.

We hope generations of students and staff will find the building to be a real spark for both learning and creative energy.

Marv & Jeff Levy

While many universities are scaling back humanities programs, we’re making a bold investment in these crucial fields. We recognize the enduring value of the humanities in fostering critical thinking, effective communication and a deep understanding of the human experience. Once completed, Levy Hall will embody our commitment to ensuring that these essential areas of study continue to thrive.

Nearly every UW–Madison student, regardless of their major, will benefit from Levy Hall. The facility will house 1,100 seats in 13 modern, flexible classrooms designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration. Gone will be the days of static lectures — and getting lost roaming the labyrinth-like halls of the old Humanities building. Levy Hall will foster dynamic learning environments that encourage lively discussions and interdisciplinary exploration, along with an abundance of natural light, a rooftop garden and commons to support the well-being of Levy Hall visitors.

But Levy Hall is about more than just classrooms. It’s a powerful statement about the future of L&S. This state-of-the-art facility will be a major draw for top faculty and students. A world-class learning environment fosters a world-class education, and Levy Hall will position us to attract the brightest minds in the humanities and social sciences.

This ambitious project wouldn’t be possible without the extraordinary generosity of alumni Marv and Jeff Levy, whose vision and commitment to the humanities are truly inspiring. We are also deeply grateful to the late Chancellor Rebecca Blank for her leadership in launching this initiative. Her dedication to L&S leaves a lasting legacy. And our sincere thanks to Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin for her ardent support and for helping shepherd the process.

This project is also a testament to the vital role of state investment in public education. We are thankful for the support of Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin State Legislature. Additionally, we extend our sincere appreciation to the UW Foundation for their tireless work in securing private funding for Levy Hall and to the many alumni and friends of the College who joined the Levy family in supporting this project.

The groundbreaking for Levy Hall marks a pivotal moment in UW–Madison’s history. This state-of-the-art facility will position the College at the forefront of humanities scholarship and education for generations to come. We look forward to sharing updates on the construction progress as we approach our anticipated opening in the summer of 2026.

Please check out the Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall webpage for more information and opportunities to be part of the Levy Hall story.

Thank you for all you do to support L&S, and On, Wisconsin!

Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison

All Messages