The Commons – December 2022

  • Science Hall 2022 Nelson in Review

    2022 Year in Review

    Take a look back at some of our favorite moments of 2022.

  • Sustain-a-bash

    In Their Words: UW Undergrads on Environmental Issues

    The first weeks of each UW–Madison fall semester are alive with activities, fairs, and events.

  • Jules Reynolds

    Farm-to-Table, UW-to-Community

    Students in Nelson Institute PhD candidate Jules Reynolds’ capstone course have had the unique opportunity to make a difference in their local community.

  • Ford Freyberg

    The Next Chapter

    Ford Freyberg is starting a new chapter of his life. Recently married, he began a new job in October and will be moving out west early next year to live in the mountains that he and his wife love being around.

  • Artman hiking in the Copenhagen mountains on a study abroad trip for sustainable development. Image courtesy of Bennett Artman

    Championing Campus Sustainability

    In his four short years at the university, Bennett Artman has taken on a full plate of activities and responsibilities to give back to the environment.

  • Bumble bees fly around flowers at the UW-Madison Arboretum. Photo by Leo Kim/University Communications

    Q & A: Meet James Crall

    Have you ever wondered how insects fly? If you have, you’ve got good company in James Crall, Nelson affiliate professor and researcher in the Department of Entomology.

  • Salt Tips

    Did You Know?  It only takes one teaspoon of salt to pollute five gallons of water to a level that is toxic to freshwater organisms, according to Wisconsin Salt Wise. 

  • How the Tropics Work

    For years, the prevailing belief among climate scientists was that Earth’s tilt was the primary factor in determining seasonal climate in the tropical Pacific.

  • Community Environmental Scholars Program

    STEM, Sustainability, and Scholarship

    “I believe the Nelson Institute is the only part of campus that has ever successfully won a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant,” says Rob Beattie, his voice tinged with excitement and pride.

  • Creating Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

    Wisconsin’s changing climate conditions affect the structures and facilities we use daily.

  • Pass the Salt

    UniverCity Year partnership helps Marathon County get less salty.

  • A Decorated AOS Alumna

    UW graduate and former CCR scientist was recently honored with an alumni award.