News

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

goersab — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:30:00 +0000

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’goersab January 28, 2026

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

As an instructor of documentary filmmaking at ��, Assistant Professor Keif Oss ��. professional interests in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking center on tools that can meaningfully inform and streamline the creative process.

Oss, program director of video production, is currently using AI to explore a conceptual documentary based on his grandfather ��. World War II journal from the Battle of the Bulge. His grandfather, Jack Mooney, served in Company D, 405th Infantry Regiment, 102nd Infantry Division, in the European Theater of Operations.

Jack Mooney, 1952

“Until now, his experiences were things I could only imagine through black-and-white films and the few stories he shared. After he passed, I gained access to his journal, and the vivid detail of his writing reads almost like a film. I wanted to see whether AI could help me bring aspects of his experience back to life,” Oss said.

The Battle of the Bulge was fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium during World War II, from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945. It was the last major German assault on the Western Front, in an unsuccessful attempt to break Allied lines.

Just as he encourages students in his documentary courses, Oss used the AI tools Elicit and Perplexity as elevated forms of research support. Elicit surfaced research articles on troop movements and the broader context of the battle, while Perplexity helped confirm geographical details and historical images of the terrain.

These tools allowed Oss to map locations from his grandfather ��. journal and cross-reference them with known Allied troop movements, giving him a clearer sense of where his grandfather may have been during the campaign.

Using a photograph of his grandfather from 1952, Oss mapped his likeness into an AI engine and generated period-accurate still images of him in the European Theater. He used a combination of period stock photography, processes, and tools to generate initial stills in Midjourney, then brought them into Runway to create short live-action sequences.

“The results, while clearly artificial, had an uncanny resemblance to how my grandfather might have looked as a young soldier. Sharing these with my family produced the same mix of fascination and emotional weight I felt while creating them,” Oss said. “For one scene – his account of being in a foxhole in a beet field in Belgium during a German assault – I combined his descriptions with uploaded reference photos of uniforms and landscapes.”

During the assault, his grandfather ��. unit was taken by German soldiers wearing harvested officers’ clothing from American troops. “He and one other soldier escaped. Otherwise, the whole unit was captured. He didn't know it until later,” Oss explained.

Oss also attempted to use AI handwriting tools to decipher difficult portions of the journal. “While some engines struggled with cursive without a training sample, the process helped clarify what AI can and cannot yet handle,” he said. “This project remains an ongoing personal hobby, and AI continues to be a meaningful part of my ability to study, visualize and interpret my grandfather ��. experiences.”

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at �� in summer 2026. The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by Oss and fellow faculty members Jonny Wheeler and Co O’Neill. Students in the course will produce a short narrative film, using AI tools from pre-production concepts to completion.

Video Production

All Video Production News

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films

January 14, 2026

On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at ��

AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026

January 12, 2026

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes Keif Oss, AI research, documentary

University Marketing

B.S. Video Production

You can have the advanced technical knowledge and skills to create and edit your video and media products. Our team environment will teach you how.

Learn More

Keif Oss

Keif has an M.S. in Career and Technical Education and an MFA in Digital Filmmaking. He is an Assistant Professor of video production and serving as Program Director for the B.S. Video Production degree. Keif teaches a variety of courses in video production and photography with both narrative and commercial aspects.

Keif has worked on a range of professional and commercial video projects as a senior video producer and owner/independent contractor of A Creative Advocate, LLC. His work includes television/web advertising, documentary, motion graphics and a variety of marketing-oriented materials. Keif ��. expertise and creative contributions include work for 100+ clients including Mayo Clinic, Seventh Generation, State Farm Insurance, Royal Credit Union and others.

Keif has also worked on short and feature film projects in various capacities including writing, producing, directing, camera operation and post-production/VFX.

Full Name: Keif T. Oss

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Video Production Cinema Production Photography Graphic Communications Cross-Media Graphics Technologies

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Video Production

Curriculum Vitae: Keif T. Oss CV (408.56 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Digital Filmmaking

University: Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Filmmaking

Degree: M.S. Career & Technical Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Graphic Communications Management

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

CSTEMM SOAD

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

giffeyt — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025 giffeyt January 21, 2026

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

It was a year of big things at ��, from breaking ground for the biggest construction project in university history to posting some of the most notable enrollment growth in the Universities of Wisconsin to being chosen as the area ��. Large Business of the Year.

In 2025, Wisconsin ��. �� also earned big accolades, such as being named one of America ��. Best Colleges by Money Magazine for the second year in a row and made big waves by continuing to break down barriers and redefine higher education for the 21st century.

These milestones are just some of the university ��. Stout Story highlights as it looks back at 2025.

Reinvigorating renovations

The university began its fall 2025 semester with a groundbreaking for the long-awaited $144.3 million Heritage Hall renovation project, which will transform the half-century-old building into a cutting-edge educational hub to help meet Wisconsin ��. workforce needs. The project, which is expected to be finished in 2028, will be paid for with funding from the state as well as $13.5 million donated by university supporters, industry partners and alumni.

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Chancellor, lawmakers, community and campus leaders join to highlight project that will boost Wisconsin workforce

“The renovation of Heritage Hall is a direct reflection of our mission as Wisconsin ��. ��: to provide career-focused, applied learning and research, and industry collaboration that meets the evolving needs of the state ��. workforce and communities,” Chancellor Katherine Frank said.

The campus also looked forward to another major project, a $31.7 million revitalization of the Recreation Complex. Funded through the 2025-27 state budget as well as a record-setting $5 million gift, the renovations are expected to begin this year. And in October, �� celebrated the opening of a $1 million Esports Arena, a new high-tech home for the championship-caliber esports team.

Advances in AI

Artificial intelligence isn’t a stand-alone subject at �� — it ��. been integrated across all programs, a 360-degree approach to create tomorrow ��. AI-ready workforce.

“Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary,” said engineering and technology Assistant Professor Yuan Xing, who is working with applied social science Professor Tina Lee on a cross-disciplinary program focused on an AI-enhanced farming robot.

AI, fully integrated: �� . 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all programs

‘Equipping students from every major with AI skills is not only important but necessary.’

The university ��. AI Fellows and AI Innovation Committee, led by faculty and staff, ensure AI is embedded into learning, operations and innovation, while directing AI integration, governance, ethics and literacy. Among the many examples of faculty engagement with AI include employing machine learning in engineering and manufacturing processes as well as comparing human and AI-generated written communication.

Assistant Professor Cami Banger, program director of business information technology and digital marketing technology, created a business technology class with AI “baked in,” while Professor Betsy Pudliner used AI-driven prompts to transform hospitality industry experiences into interactive online course content.

Meanwhile, a $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will allow �� . Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence – CAM-AI – to provide advanced manufacturing and AI support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

Upgrading STEMM spaces

The completion of a two-year, $7.4 million renovation project ensured that labs in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing provide the technology, accessibility and visibility necessary for students to succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management.

Some of the new equipment in labs in both Jarvis and Fryklund halls — including production-level 3D printers, a fully-integrated automated manufacturing system and more — was funded through a $3.1 million donation from the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation. The gift was the result of an ongoing partnership between �� and the Wanek family and their business, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia.

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Machinery for automated manufacturing, 3D printing and more will impact thousands of students’ polytechnic experiences

Such campus labs create space for innovation, such as work by Associate Professor Kevin MacDonald, director of the B.S. construction management program, and his students to create innovative low-carbon concrete using blast-furnace slag, which was tested in April in a campus project.

Labs also provide workspaces for students like mechanical engineering senior Heidi Benningfield, who received more than tuition and an internship through the U.S. military ��. SMART Scholarship program. After graduation, she ��. guaranteed a job with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Alabama.

Other students brought research on optimizing plant growth through the use of robotics to the national stage, while a faculty-student collaboration created software for making better 3D models of priceless objects in museums from Minneapolis to Amsterdam.

Degree and university programs honored

�� and its programs continued to rake in top rankings in 2025. Princeton Review listed �� . undergraduate game design programs, which include the B.F.A. game design and development and B.S. computer science – game design concentration, No. 5 in the Midwest and No. 24 worldwide.

�� . game design programs ranked among international best by Princeton Review

Side gigs at Roblox, Respawn strengthen students’ skills; Stout Game Expo on May 8

�� . Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity was named a Top 25 Best Value Cybersecurity Degree Bachelor ��. Program in the U.S. by Programs.com, the only Wisconsin program on the list. And U.S. News and World Report said �� had some of the Best Online Programs in the nation, including the M.S. manufacturing engineering online (Top 20 in the Midwest), the M.S. education online (Top 45 in the Midwest), and the B.S. management and leadership online (Top 15 in the Midwest).

University programs also garnered state and national honors, with the Grow, Persist, Succeed on-campus job program earning an Academic Staff Excellence Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents and the Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute receiving the annual W.F. Faulkes Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for its nearly 60 years of helping tens of thousands of Americans with disabilities.

High-ranking services for veterans

For veterans and active military students, �� was named to the 2025 Best for Vets Colleges list by Military Times for its commitment to serving veterans and their families, ranking first in Wisconsin among traditional and online universities.

Serving those who served: �� among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list

University lauded by Military Times for services to veterans, their families

The university was also honored as a Military Friendly® School. Its silver designation marked the 16th consecutive year the university was named a Military Friendly® School for its efforts to offer service and support to meet the needs of military students. It was also named a 2025-26 Military Spouse Friendly School.

Army ROTC Northwoods Battalion students learn leadership theory, time management skills, basic soldier skills, map reading and other skills from experienced Army leaders. �� has a long-standing agreement with the Air Force ROTC program at University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul – a unique agreement among Wisconsin universities – that allows students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes while completing their degrees.

Top design awards

While ��'s School of Art & Design celebrated its 60th anniversary, students from across degree programs celebrated top wins in state, national and international competitions.

Interior design senior Khendra Thompson rose to the challenge at the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition and won with her design of a 16,000-square-foot workplace spread across two floors in a Chicago office building, beating four other finalists from a field that began with 1,600 students from across the continent.

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge.

To address the concern of microplastics in food and water, Master of Fine Arts in design student Ashley Jandro created a social awareness campaign called “MicroWhat?,” for which she received a Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Silver Pin at the Minnesota AdFed awards, sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota.

A team of four packaging students won first place among university teams from around the globe in the 2025 International Molded Fiber Association Student Competition. They created a sustainable packaging solution for a waffle iron, previously packaged in polystyrene, and replaced the components with molded fiber.

The claustrophobic, cooperative game Dread Not, in which players try to survive a sinking submarine, won the award for Best Student Entry at M+DEV, the largest game industry conference in the Midwest. Dread Not was developed by a team of 15 game design students.

With a design inspired by her adventures with her black lab, Max, studio art major Jaelyn Logterman won the 2026 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission pass design contest, announced by the state ��. Department of Natural Resources.

Students lending a Helping Hand

Two interior design students are working to ensure their peers have a more efficient, comfortable and warm experience at Helping Hand Food+ Pantry, the university ��. student pantry. Emma Walstra and Klaire Johnson, project co-leads, reimagined the pantry space to create an “atmosphere that reflects the care �� places in serving its students.”

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in a Light Construction Methods class built two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for The Neighbors of Dunn County, a senior living home. The project was part of a service-learning activity and was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students.

A team of animation and digital media students collaborated with Dunn County Humane Society to develop a public service announcement as part of the Animation Production junior capstone class. Their 72-second 2D animated film, “Stray,” was created to help advocate for pet adoption. The informative short features Bow, a stray orange tabby cat rescued during Wisconsin ��. bitter winter.

Industry-sponsored projects are standard practice

Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture sponsored multiple engineering student projects in 2025. A team of students, including Inspiring Graduates Luke Mertens and Zachary Morgan, designed an innovative nonstandard pallet stacker. Ashley Manufacturing Engineer Erik Kramer, the team ��. project manager, said, “The �� team built a better system, a better product for us. Now, with the team ��. documentation, our automation team can replicate their functional design to build six more stackers for our facilities.”

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company ��. facilities

Students also developed toolless bed connections for Ashley and worked in eight cross-disciplinary groups to research market trends, ideate preliminary designs, test materials and build professional prototypes. The class traveled to Ashley for a tour of the facility and to present their prototypes to the R&D team.

Packaging faculty and student research is poised to help Madison-based Tricky Foods deliver its tasty but temperature-sensitive charcuterie boards coast to coast. Associate Professor Kate Liu of �� . packaging program worked with Tricky Foods to test the insulating abilities of two eco-friendly packaging options – one made of cornstarch, the other of recycled paper.

Three industrial and product design students were awarded a cash prize by Room & Board in exchange for the rights to produce their designs if they choose. The senior’ project focused on storage solutions for media, dining, living, entry, bathroom and kitchen systems.

Blue Devil athletes excelling

The �� Blue Devil women ��. basketball team ��. Cinderella run to the Final Four last March marked the team ��. best-ever performance in the NCAA Division III National Tournament. They completed their historic season with a 23-8 record, going 10-4 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference. Senior Raegen Sorensen became ��'s all-time leading scorer with 1,754 career points.

Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

Records set in tenacious battle against undefeated, defending champions NYU

Gymnast Jamie Beatty delivered a historic performance at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association National Championships, capturing national titles in both the all-around and the uneven bars and being named WIAC Newcomer of the Year.

The inaugural women ��. flag football team hoisted the Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship trophy at the Minnesota Vikings’ TCO Performance Center in April. �� was a founding member of the collegiate league, which was kickstarted with support from the Vikings.

Women ��. golf took the WIAC conference championship, where they triumphed by a near-record margin. Sophomore Julia Imai and junior Brin Neumann placed first and second individually.

Blue Devils football made history at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium, earning the program ��. first-ever postseason victory with a 31-23 win over Washington University in the Culver's Isthmus Bowl. �� finishes the season 6-5 for their second straight winning season.

Officer Harvey: University Police therapy-dog-in-training is already warming hearts

The newest police officer at the University of Wisconsin-Stout is also the department ��. furriest.

BONUS: Introducing Officer Harvey

Officer Harvey, a therapy dog in training, joined ��'s University Police as its newest member in March. Once Harvey is fully trained, he will serve University Police by assisting people experiencing mental health crises as well as victims of crime and will help the department bridge the gap with members of the community, said University Police Chief Gregory Kalosis.

Applied Learning

All Applied Learning News

Supporting entrepreneurs: Edgewood Bakeshop benefits from business students’ cost accounting project

Successful small business collaborates with class to improve operations, sales

February 20, 2026

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models

Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game

January 22, 2026

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

January 21, 2026

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines Dignitaries with shovels at Heritage Hall groundbreaking

University Marketing

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Incredible employment rates. Guaranteed practical experience. Industry-aligned facilities. Tuition discount for South Dakota residents.

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

Hero Caption: Representatives from the campus, community and state took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmakinggoersab January 14, 2026

Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films

Abbey Goers

This summer at ��, students in a new AI Assisted Film and Video Production course will use AI tools from pre-production concepts to completion, generating scripts, storyboards, shot lists, visual effects, video, music, voice-overs and sound effects to produce a short film.

With the course, �� video production faculty are establishing AI use in filmmaking as a baseline competency.

“The core philosophy of the course is that AI tools are utilized to handle the technical ‘grunt work,’” Assistant Professor Jonny Wheeler said. “By offloading labor-intensive tasks, we are opening the potential for a high level of creativity, allowing students to focus entirely on their narrative vision without being limited by traditional budget or production constraints.”

With creative freedom over their storylines, students will develop a complete concept package for an original film. The specific deliverables will include a creative pitch document, a sizzle reel and a short video teaser.

The course will incorporate AI-generated images and short films as examples, including “Relic” by Wheeler. “Relic” is loosely based on the Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” but which takes place on a post-human Earth with an intelligent ape as the hero.

The film is set in the overgrown, futuristic ruins of a once-great city. The lone warrior navigates this concrete wasteland to hunt down a powerful, ancient weapon to end a reign of terror. His journey leads him into the heart of a monster ��. lair, where he must use this artifact to vanquish the creature or face extinction.

Wheeler was inspired by “Beowulf” and the famous quote by science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

“I wanted to take the ‘magic’ of the Beowulf tale and give it a technological origin – reimagining the mythical swords and monsters as remnants of a high-tech past,” Wheeler said. “Using AI allowed me to cast an ape as the lead and create a massive, ruined world – elements that would have been impossible for me to film live with a meager budget.”

The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by professors Keif Oss, Co O’Neill and Wheeler.

�� . School of Art & Design is one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, and an M.F.A. in design. �� also has a new program in game and media studies.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films Jonny Wheeler AI image, Cheetah, a frame used as an example in the summer class

University Marketing

B.S. Video Production

You can have the advanced technical knowledge and skills to create and edit your video and media products. Our team environment will teach you how.

Learn More

Is content a Story?: Yes

Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Jonny has a diverse and extensive background in stop-motion animation, photography, video production, graphic design, sculpture, and art/design education. Over the years, he has honed his skills across multiple disciplines, blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies to create visually compelling and thought-provoking works. His work in sculpture, in particular, has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and digital media, enabling him to explore how tactile, three-dimensional forms can enhance narrative storytelling in film and animation.

Jonny's formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where he developed his foundational skills in the arts. He later earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education, equipping him with the tools to teach and inspire others in the creative fields. His academic journey culminated in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he further refined his expertise in design and creative processes.

In addition to his academic achievements, Jonny has dedicated much of his career to education, designing and hosting cinema workshops for secondary students, where he nurtures the next generation of filmmakers by guiding them through the creative and technical processes of filmmaking. He has also taught summer video production camps on campus, helping young students explore video production techniques and the power of storytelling through film. His ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging has earned him praise from both students and peers. He has also contributed to the Visioneers Design Challenge at the Peck School of the Arts, where he mentors students to develop innovative design solutions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Jonny ��. educational journey also includes a transformative study abroad trip to Iceland, where he taught photography. Immersed in the unique landscapes of Iceland, he shared his expertise with students while also drawing inspiration from the country ��. dramatic natural beauty. This experience deepened his understanding of visual storytelling and enriched his approach to teaching and creating art.

Currently, Jonny ��. research is focused on the development of narrative cinema, with an emphasis on virtual production—a rapidly growing field that integrates real-time digital environments with live-action performance. He is particularly interested in how new technologies, including AI, can enhance storytelling, automate certain aspects of production, and open up new creative possibilities for filmmakers and animators alike. His work explores the intersection of human creativity and technological innovation, with a keen eye on the future of the film industry.

In addition to his research, Jonny is actively involved in the development of the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival. This festival aims to bring together emerging and established filmmakers, animators, and creators who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling through both traditional and digital media. By embracing AI-driven creativity, innovative techniques, and cutting-edge production methods, the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival celebrates the evolving landscape of film, animation, and sculpture while fostering a space for collaboration and experimentation in the arts. Through this festival, Jonny hopes to inspire a new generation of creators to explore the limitless potential of storytelling in the digital age, encouraging the integration of multiple artistic forms, including sculpture, into cinematic experiences.

Full Name: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Photography Video Production Digital Cinema Fine Arts Curriculum Design

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Website: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Design

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.F.A.

University: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Degree: B.S. Art Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Web Production

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biologygoersab January 14, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information

Abbey Goers

Professor Jennifer Grant, with �� . biology department, has been curious about how well everyday chatbots dispense health information, including pharmacology advice and influences on human health.

“You sometimes hear that these tools can give distorted or misleading answers, and that ��. what first caught my attention,” she said.

To quell her curiosity, Grant began several lines of AI research and developed projects for her introductory pharmacology and 100-level human biology students. For the results of the first study, Grant published a peer-reviewed manuscript, with reviews that noted that she is developing a unique angle on chatbot use in health care.

“Looking ahead, I plan to develop curricula that teach both students and, eventually, patients how to critically evaluate the quality of chatbot responses. Those skills will be of paramount importance in a world overflowing with digital advice,” Grant said.

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

A plot graph comparing ChatGPT and Copilot / Jennifer Grant

Grant asked her pharmacology students to put three chatbots to the test: ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. Their task was simple: ask the chatbots about the safety profiles of specific medications and look for errors. They looked at correctness and rated how thorough and helpful the generated answers were.

“To my surprise, and theirs, students found that the chatbot responses were highly accurate,” she said. “And yes, the chatbots differed. Each had their own style, and students preferred when chatbots organized information in a helpful way.”

Grant recently published an article on her findings in the open-access journal Discover Artificial Intelligence, titled “Undergraduates perceive differences in helpfulness and thoroughness of responses of ChatGPT 3.0, Gemini 1.5, and Copilot responses about drug interactions.”

“I published this research because this is truly a new academic frontier. This work is also very timely, because we believe that many people already consult everyday chatbots for medical advice,” she said.

Access to better information on human health

The pharmacology project experience led Grant to wonder how this approach could help students in her human biology class. Because the goals in that course are different, Grant redesigned the activity.

Instead of focusing on medications, students used Copilot and ChatGPT to explore how molecules influence human health. Every other week, students asked the chatbots a question tied to the organ system the class was studying. Early results showed that the chatbots provided accurate information, and Grant is excited to work up the rest of the data.

“Chatbots are everywhere now, which means learners and patients have more information at their fingertips than ever before. My hope is that this work will help people get better information, not just more of it,” she said.

A third line of Grant ��. research addresses biochemistry, using AI software to look at how proteins fold. These student projects are in mid-stage, with outcomes expected by June.

“I am very excited about these projects and will start looking for high-power collaborators with bespoke AI chatbots this spring,” she said.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information Jennifer Grant research, ChatGPT vs Copilot plot graph

University Marketing

Biology Department

Biology helps us understand ourselves, other species, and our place in the earth's ecology, and what life is and how it functions.

�� . biology department offers undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; biology; environmental science; as well as an online professional science master's in conservation biology. �� also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

Is content a Story?: Yes

Jennifer Grant

Teaching Interests: Proteomics (Bio425); Biochemistry (Chem311); General Chemistry (Chem135); Human Biology Lecture & Laboratory (Bio132); Biochemistry Lecture & Laboratory (Chem311); Introduction to Biotechnology (Bio210, Online); Advanced Biotechnology (Bio470); Introductory Biology (Bio101); General Chemistry (Chem 135); Biology of Aging (Bio125)

Research Interests: The impact of proteins in disease and the creation of functional foods using biochemistry.

Professional Interests: Mass spectrometry, protein chemistry, protein separations.

Full Name: Jennifer E. Grant, Ph.D.

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Mass Spectrometry Protein Chemistry Protein Separations

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Biology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Jennifer Grant CV (445.53 KB)

Website: LinkedIn Profile

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology

University: University of Wisconsin Medical School

Degree: M.S. Biochemistry

University: Case Western Reserve University Medical School

Degree: B.A. Biochemistry

University: Oberlin College

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, more

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:40:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, moregoersab January 14, 2026

Karaman Kabadurmus develops new economics course on AI in the Modern Economy

Abbey Goers

Assistant Professor Fatma Karaman Kabadurmus, with �� . social science department, researched how digital technologies and emerging tools, often described as “AI-enabled” or part of Industry 4.0, are reshaping how firms innovate, manage supply chains and compete in today ��. economy. A central focus of this work is how digitalization helped firms respond to the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through her research, Karaman Kabadurmus recently co-authored two book chapters in “The Palgrave Handbook of Supply Chain and Disruptive Technologies.” The chapters were “The Impact of Digitalization on Firm-Level Innovation Performance During the Pandemic” and “Revolutionizing Last-Mile Delivery: Discovering Disruptive Technologies and Innovative Solutions.”

The role of AI and predictive analytics in health care / GetOnData

Her chapters examine how supply chain digitalization influenced firms’ innovation performance during the pandemic. “The findings highlight that digital transformation helps firms adapt to shocks in logistics, inventory management, labor availability and rapidly changing demand,” she said.

Her research on last-mile delivery and Industry 4.0 critically reviewed emerging technologies, such as AI/ML (machine learning) applications, big data analytics, blockchain, IoT, digital twins, and autonomous systems, and evaluated their implications for efficiency, innovation, and implementation barriers in supply chain operations.

A smart factory ecosystem diagram / LightGuide, Inc.

“This work builds on my broader research agenda in the economics of innovation. Rather than focusing on the technical design of technologies, my research asks economic and social science questions: When do firms adopt new technologies? What barriers do they face? And how do market conditions, competition and institutions shape innovation outcomes?” Karaman Kabadurmus said.

Impact on students and career readiness

Karaman Kabadurmus’ research has a direct impact on her teaching and students’ learning, particularly through a new course she developed, which launches this spring semester: Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Economy.

“Employers want AI literacy,” Karaman Kabadurmus said. “As part of the Stout Core foundational education classes, I designed this course for students from all majors. They will learn to understand AI through an applied economic and social science lens.”

The course is an introduction to how digital and AI-enabled technologies shape innovation across sectors, such as health care, manufacturing, supply chains and more. Students examine real-world case studies, such as Amazon, Tesla and Google; observe changes in labor markets and firm strategy; explore ethical and regulatory dimensions; and study public policy debates that affect everyday economic decisions.

Stout Core ��. areas of expertise offer students opportunities to grow their global perspective, communication and critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and more, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Karaman Kabadurmus develops new economics course on AI in the Modern Economy Fatma Karaman Kabadurmus research, role of AI and predictive analytics in health care. Graphic by GetOnData

University Marketing

Social Science Department

The Social Science Department provides courses in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, sociology and global languages.

Is content a Story?: Yes

Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus

Dr. Karaman Kabadurmus is an assistant professor of economics in the Social Science Department. She is also one of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year.

From 2022 to 2023, Dr. Karaman taught in the John E. Walker Department of Economics at Clemson University. Prior to that, from 2013 to 2021, she served on the faculty in the Department of Economics at Yasar University. She worked as a visiting assistant professor at Kalamazoo College after completing her Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Her research focuses on the economics of innovation, health economics, industrial organization, and international trade.

Full Name: Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Economics of Innovation Health Economics Industrial Organization International Trade

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Social Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Applied Social Science

Curriculum Vitae: Fatma Nur Karaman Kabadurmus CV (156.34 KB)

Website: Google Scholar

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Economics

University: Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Degree: M.S. Economics

University: Istanbul Technical University

Degree: B.A. Business Administration

University: Istanbul University

CACHSS

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

�� faculty integrate A.I. research in machine learning, business technology, composition courses

goersab — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

�� faculty integrate A.I. research in machine learning, business technology, composition coursesgoersab October 29, 2025

University ��. 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence aims to ‘equip students with hands-on experience and an applied understanding’

Abbey Goers

As �� continues to strengthen its 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence, embedding skills across all programs, faculty experts across degree fields build on their growing knowledge with research spanning generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), machine learning, AI deep research methods and more.

Three professors – Augustine Twumasi, Cami Banger and Justin Nicholes – representing �� . mathematics, statistics and computer science; hospitality and technology innovation; and English, philosophy and communication studies departments – demonstrate the wide range of research topics and challenges they’re tackling through AI to impact their fields and improve their students’ polytechnic experience.

The university ��. AI Fellows and AI Innovation Committee, led by faculty and staff, ensures AI is embedded into learning, operations and innovation, while directing AI integration, governance, ethics and literacy. The interdisciplinary AI Fellows is supported by 2023-25 Workforce Development funding.

Machine learning in engineering and manufacturing

Artificial intelligence and machine learning Assistant Professor Augustine Twumasi ��. research broadly focuses on developing intelligent systems that integrate machine learning, optimization, and physics-based modeling to solve complex engineering and scientific challenges.

Machine learning is a subfield of AI. It is a way for computers to think, learn and act just like humans. As the term “artificial” suggests, this form of intelligence is created by humans. “Machine learning is a way we make computers intelligent and capable of performing such tasks without explicitly teaching them how to do so. It does this by identifying patterns in data,” he said.

“One aspect of my work involves robot path planning in Robotic Compact Storage and Retrieval Systems (RCSRS), where I use reinforcement learning and advanced optimization algorithms to improve retrieval efficiency and scheduling, helping robotic systems make faster and more adaptive decisions in dynamic environments,” Twumasi said.

Another major focus of his research is laser scan path design in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing. “In this research, I apply deep reinforcement learning and physics-guided machine learning to design toolpaths that control microstructure evolution, to enhance the mechanical performance of printed parts,” he said.

RCSRS are widely used in the logistics, e-commerce, manufacturing, and warehousing industries, particularly in automated fulfillment centers, pharmaceutical inventory systems, grocery distribution and retail supply chains. The systems help optimize storage density, retrieval speed and operational efficiency.

L-PBF technology is central to aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and defense industries, where it is used to produce lightweight, high-strength metal components with complex geometries. It ��. also increasingly applied in energy, tooling and custom medical implants because of its precision ability.

Twumasi ��. current and upcoming projects also explore scientific machine learning, uncertainty quantification, and AI-driven modeling for smart manufacturing and logistics optimization. He hopes to soon recruit student researchers.

GenAI and business technology

Assistant Professor Cami Banger, program director of business information technology and digital marketing technology, is leading a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study titled “Reimagining Assignment Design: An Exploratory Study of AI-Assisted TILT Implementation.”

“The project explores how instructors can use generative AI to redesign assignments using the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework, which focuses on clarity, grading efficiency and student learning outcomes,” she said.

Banger ��. AI research and teaching intersect around GenAI and its practical implementation in higher education and business technology. She has developed and is currently teaching a professional development course, AI Implementation Strategy, where students design organizational AI strategies aligned to NIST, IBM, and McKinsey frameworks. The course integrates real-world AI tools and showcases how polytechnic learning can connect strategy, ethics and technology practice.

She is incorporating AI across the business information technology and digital marketing technology programs and highlights her research in her article “Generative AI is coming to the workplace, so I designed a business technology class with AI baked in,” published in The Conversation.

“From piloting CoPilot for Business in our capstone course and doing CRM case simulations using Salesforce with GenAI support to reflective assignments on ethical AI use in business, these projects collectively aim to equip students with hands-on experience and an applied understanding of AI in business and technology contexts, which aligns closely with Stout ��. polytechnic mission,” Banger said.

Human vs. GenAI poetry

Associate Professor Justin Nicholes, director of First-Year Composition, explored “Ownership, Accuracy, and Aesthetic Merit” in human and AI-generated poetry.

His research, published earlier this year in “Written Communication,” asked the questions, Would college students judge their poems differently from those written by GenAI? Would they feel a stronger sense of ownership of their writing versus AI-generated poetry?

“With each passing semester and academic year, students’ attitudes and experiences with generative AI change,” Nicholes said. “One surprising result from my research into asking students to write with and without AI through poetry, and about autobiographical moments, is that students increasingly see GenAI as a tool that enhances their personal meaning-making. It is not enough to simply dismiss GenAI writing as a form of cheating. While some will refuse GenAI, especially for personal and creative expression, there is a role, and we need to keep trying to understand how students see GenAI tools and the writing they produce with and without it.”

For his research, Nicholes recruited 88 first-year students, who composed brief poems about meaningful or challenging life experiences, such as loss, pain, anger, disappointment or defeat. They then prompted a GenAI program, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, to compose a poem about that same event.

The students wrote poems that were more narrative, authentic, unguarded and emotionally negative in tone than the GenAI poems.

Following their writing, the students completed surveys to record their perceptions of their own poems and GenAI poems, based on ownership, accuracy and aesthetic merit. Ownership referred to whether the writing reflected an important part of the writers’ selves. Accuracy referred to whether the poem reflected their thoughts and feelings. Aesthetic merit referred to the quality of the writing, with features such as vivid imagery, a feeling of completeness, rhyme, meter, structure and form.

Finally, the students were asked which poem they preferred and why.

Nicholes’ findings showed that the students fairly evenly preferred their poems to the GenAI poems: 42% preferred their poems because of the personal connections to the events; 50% preferred the GenAI poems, mainly for their textual features; and 8% preferred both.

Students felt significantly greater ownership of and accuracy in their human-written poems. And while students rated aesthetic merit higher for GenAI poems, which portrayed greater imagery, language, and form, they felt the GenAI poems lacked originality.

“In terms of implications for teaching writing, meaningful literacy remains a valuable college-writing experience whereby college writers in various writing contexts have chances to create work they view as important parts of themselves, work they see as importantly conveying their life experiences and voices, and work that they see as unique contributions,” Nicholes said. “While GenAI may be used as a tool to assist in autobiographical, meaningful writing, and although it has the potential for assisting writers in ways similar to peer review processes, human creativity is a unique territory worth protecting.”

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

University ��. 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence aims to ‘equip students with hands-on experience and an applied understanding’ Students in a composition course

University Marketing

Artificial Intelligence at ��

Explore how �� is leading AI innovation with hands-on research, industry partnerships, and real-world solutions.

Search Keywords: Robotic Compact Storage and Retrieval SystemsLaser Powder Bed Fusion additive manufacturingAI generative poetryTransparency in Learning and Teaching

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

�� professor elected as Fellow of American Physical Society

goersab — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:14:11 +0000

�� professor elected as Fellow of American Physical Societygoersab October 23, 2025

McCullough receives prestigious nomination for impactful research, service

Abbey Goers

�� Professor Laura McCullough, chemistry and physics, was recently elected as a Fellow of the American Physical Society, a prestigious honor from her peers for her outstanding contributions to the field and “sustained, significant, and impactful research on and service toward promoting gender equity in physics.”

The American Physical Society (APS) is 150 years old and is considered the main international physics society. “It ��. the powerhouse of physics societies, and its work covers an extremely wide scope,” McCullough said.

APS helps physicists connect with colleagues and collaborate across more than 30 fields and subfields, including astrophysics, atomic and molecular physics, nuclear physics, data science, energy research, medical physics, quantum information and climate physics. Units also cover a breadth of topics, including public policy, history, physics education research and more.

McCullough is one of four fellows chosen by the APS Forum on Diversity and Inclusion this year. She was honored for her career ��. work on improving the physics climate for women and other minoritized groups. “By making physics more welcoming to everyone, physics as a field becomes better. And that is good for society as a whole,” she said.

Physics professor's passion for teaching honored with UW System Excellence Award

McCullough loves helping students learn challenging subject, works to increase women in STEM fields

McCullough has taught at ��, Wisconsin ��. ��, for 25 years. “Within STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), there is so much more awareness now of the importance of diversity. When I gave my first presentation on women in physics in 1996, it was the first such research of that type. My publications on women in STEM leadership are some of the first ever in that field. So much more work has been done since then. It makes me very hopeful,” she said.

McCullough ��. applied research doesn’t focus on figuring out the underlying causes of systemic discrimination but rather on the theories that inspire actions to make a difference, from research on gender bias to chairing the APS climate site visits program.

“I look back and see how different the world is from when I started. I’ve always identified as a teacher first, physicist second. Technology has made such a difference in both disciplines. Students have much more going on and are having more mental health issues, so I’ve become much more flexible. I’ve realized the importance of meeting students where they are. The classroom is about them, not me or what I hope they learn. Physics has always had a bad reputation for being hard, and I feel that attitude is diminishing. My students are more accepting when I say that everyone can learn physics. I love that,” she said.

Physics professor honored by American Association of Physics Teachers

McCullough recognized for her work in helping break down gender barriers for females in science

Each year, APS Fellow nominees represent fewer than 0.5% of the society ��. total membership. McCullough was nominated by Jennifer Blue of Miami University, Ohio, and Charles Henderson at North Carolina State. The process was started by Ramon Barthelemy at University of Utah.

McCullough received the Universities of Wisconsin Teaching Excellence Award in 2022 and the American Association of Physics Teachers’ Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT in 2019.

�� . chemistry and physics department offers undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, applied science, chemistry, environmental science, and physics, as well as minors in chemistry, environmental health, materials science and physics.

Student & Faculty Research

All Student & Faculty Research News

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

Heritage Hall renovation, AI innovations, industry-sponsored focus among year ��. notable headlines

January 21, 2026

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films

January 14, 2026

McCullough receives prestigious nomination for impactful research, service Laura McCullough

University Marketing

B.S. Physics

Our B.S. Physics program prepares you for a career in engineering, science, technology, and more through applied experimentation, computation, and research.

Learn More

Search Keywords: American Physical SocietyAmerican Physical Society Fellows

Laura McCullough

Teaching Interests: Introductory physics courses, meteorology, and light & color.

Research Interests: Gender and leadership in STEM, gender and science and physics education research.

Full Name: Laura McCullough

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Chemistry & Physics Department

Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Laura E. McCullough CV (148.04 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Science Education

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: M.S. Physics

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: B.A. Physics

University: Hamline University

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region ��. waters

giffeyt — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region ��. waters giffeyt September 18, 2025

Latest grants from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin bring $389K for research, education, monitoring

By Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin and Tom Giffey / ��

Cayanna Erickson says interning with the 2025 Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group will give her a step up when she enters the job market. The University of Wisconsin-Stout undergraduate recently declared a B.S. environmental science major, and the summer internship gave her experience with hands-on field work.

“My career goals involve water monitoring, specifically in the Eau Claire area as that is where I am from originally,” she said. “The skills that I learned this summer directly relate to what I want to do in the future.”

Erickson was one of six students from ��, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls who spent the summer collecting and analyzing data that helps show the impact of restoration efforts in the Red Cedar Basin. This watershed includes Lakes Menomin and Tainter, which are listed as impaired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Nutrient pollution causes frequent harmful algal blooms in these water bodies and others throughout Wisconsin.

Despite the multitude of problems facing the Red Cedar Basin, the lakes and rivers are heavily used for angling, recreation and power generation. This has led to multiple restoration projects to improve the health of the watershed.

The initial monitoring group was started two decades ago as a volunteer organization but languished after its leader retired. It was revived with funding from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, a partnership of Wisconsin ��. 13 public universities, connecting with industry partners, local communities, policymakers and advocacy groups. Since 2022, Freshwater Collaborative funding has provided continuity of data collection and built capacity to gather data from more sites and more diverse ecosystem types. Eighteen students have participated so far, and recent funding investments will ensure the project continues.

Students Carter Lane of ��, right, and Grant Ableson of UW-River Falls survey black ash impacted by emerald ash borers in Muddy Creek.

Fulfilling a community need

“The Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group trains students to collect data on aquatic ecosystems and fills a critical need of collecting data related to management and restoration,” said Nicole Hayes, an assistant professor at ��.

Hayes said the goals of the Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group are twofold. First, it leverages the expertise of scientists at �� to work with local community groups to understand how environmental change is impacting lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands in the watershed. Second, it builds a better understanding of how these ecosystems are responding to ongoing degradation and mitigation and restoration efforts. The data gathered is used to support management decisions.

“We are informing best management practices in trout stream restoration and maintenance,” added Professor Amanda Little, program director for environmental science. “Students are studying harmful algal blooms and monitoring the zebra mussel invasion of Lake Menomin in order to better understand the dynamics of the lake. Future projects will investigate aquatic vegetation restoration in local lakes to improve fish habitat. Students are also studying sedimentation in Galloway Creek in Menomonie to understand the impacts of sanding during the winter and erosion on this urban stream.”

Four �� educators – including Hayes and Little as well as Associate Professor Keith Gilland and lecturer Julia Chapman – collaborate with DNR Fisheries, the City of Menomonie, Dunn County, Beaver Creek Reserve, the Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and The Prairie Enthusiasts, among others. This allows students to start building a professional network while gaining professional skills.

�� student Cayanna Erickson, left and UW-River Falls student Grant Ableson measured sediment type, sediment depth and particle size to assess soil erosion on Galloway Creek.

Each intern also develops an independent research project in addition to contributing to the overall data collection. Several students have continued their research projects into the following academic year, and many have presented their findings at local, state and even national conferences.

This summer, Erickson ��. independent student project focused on zebra mussels, an invasive species first identified in Lake Menomin in 2024. “I hope that the survey allows for a deeper understanding of the abundance of zebra mussels in our lake as well as their high-density areas,” she said. “In turn, both city and county could use the data as a means for reducing/confining the spread of zebra mussels.”

Erickson concluded that the internship was an “amazing experience” that will prepare her for future classes.

Little agreed, adding that working on the project prepares students for what lies ahead. “Students will be well-prepared for specific upper-level courses that incorporate the skills from the summer,” Little said. “The wide range of projects that they worked on over the summer are great resume-builders and give them a broad scope of work to discuss during interviews. This internship really makes them super-competitive due to both the breadth of skills and the depth of their own individual project which demonstrates leadership and initiative.”

Thanks to Freshwater Collaborative funding, 14 of the interns have received scholarships to participate in additional freshwater coursework at ��, UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls. The coursework helps prepare them for their internships and provides the opportunity to work with faculty and students from other universities.

Crop Per Drop: �� students provide soil and water R&D for Chippewa Valley Bean

How much water does it take to grow 100 pounds of kidney beans? Most people wouldn’t think to ask such as question — but if you are a family business competing

New funding announced

The Freshwater Collaborative recently announced that funding would continue for the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group for the next two years thanks to money included in the most recent state budget, which covers 2025-27.

In total, �� will receive $389,256 for four projects:

The Red Cedar River Basin Monitoring Group will receive $258,452 to continue the internship program and related research projects.

Crop Per Drop, a collaborative research project between �� and UW-River Falls aimed at understanding and improving water use in dry bean production, will receive $30,307.

Field Hydrology, a three-week summer field course for upper-level students from ��, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-River Falls, will receive $21,050.

Water in Western Wisconsin: An Interdisciplinary Freshwater Field Camp for High School Students, a collaboration among the three western Wisconsin universities that targets rising high school seniors, will receive $79,447.

Overall, the Freshwater Collaborative will invest $4.2 million in projects that involve faculty, staff and students from all 13 Universities of Wisconsin, as well as dozens of partners from industry, government, local communities, tribal nations, nonprofits and K-12 education. They will increase research and training opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students and will address Wisconsin ��. biggest water challenges, including PFAS and phosphorus pollution.

“The Freshwater Collaborative has helped campuses develop innovative statewide courses, programs and research collaborations over the past five years,” said Marissa Jablonski, executive director for the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin. “With this latest round of funding, we are committing to ongoing investment in those programs that will best recruit and train the next generation of water professionals to address the needs of Wisconsin.”

The funding is part of a statewide initiative, backed by the Wisconsin State Legislature and Gov. Tony Evers, to tackle Wisconsin ��. grand water challenges and support recruitment, hands-on curriculum, undergraduate research opportunities, career development, and field training experiences for students interested in water-related careers.

Grant descriptions for the latest funded projects are available at freshwater.wisconsin.edu.

�� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

Rural communities experienced broad population decreases between 2010 and 2020 for the first time in history, impacting jobs, health care, education and more.

Environmental Science

All Environmental Science News

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region ��. waters

Latest grants from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin bring $389K for research, education, monitoring

September 18, 2025

Research across realms: Students present to legislators, supporters at Research in the Rotunda, April 2

Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin scholars discuss importance of stream restoration to health of state ��. watersheds

March 31, 2025

Biology professor joins team of scientists to study glacial methane emissions in Iceland

Research finds small organisms play significant role in slowing emission of greenhouse gas

January 31, 2025

Latest grants from Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin bring $389K for research, education, monitoring Students take water samples on Lake Menomin

University Marketing

Search Keywords: Freshwater CollaborativeRed Cedar Basin Monitoring Groupenvironmental science

Hero Caption: As part of the Red Cedar Basin Monitoring Group, students from �� and UW-Eau Claire collect water samples to measure microcystin, a toxin produced by harmful cyanobacteria, near Wakanda Park on Lake Menomin.

Nicole Hayes

Full Name: Nicole Hayes

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Biology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Nicole M. Hayes CV (103.02 KB)

Education:

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Sabbatical recap: Wei Zheng, Plastics Engineering, 2024-25

goersab — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Sabbatical recap: Wei Zheng, Plastics Engineering, 2024-25goersab September 16, 2025

Building biodegradable, sustainable plastics

Abbey Goers

As Wisconsin ��. ��, �� emphasizes lifelong applied learning for its students and faculty alike, including promoting excellence in teaching and research through sabbaticals.

Sabbaticals enable recipients to engage in intensive study to become more effective teachers and scholars and to enhance their services to the university.

During the 2024-25 academic year, plastics engineering Professor Wei Zheng conducted sabbatical research to advance sustainability in the field of plastics, focusing on the biodegradation of plastic materials and the recycling of thermosetting materials.

Zheng successfully designed and built a biodegradation system, calibrated it using cellulose, and tested a biodegradable polymer, working with mechanical engineering and plastics engineering double major Molly Garber, of Blaine, Minnesota, and chemistry major Madeline Candline, of Pooler, Georgia. They also scaled up the synthesis and produced sufficient “green” thermosetting resin material for reverse crosslinking experiments.

Mechanical engineering and plastics engineering double major Molly Garber assisted Professor Wei Zheng in her sabbatical research / Wei Zheng

“The project aims to benefit not only �� students but also to positively influence the general public ��. perception of plastics,” Zheng said. “I hope this work will have a multi-level impact on the field of plastics engineering, quantifying the biodegradation of environmentally friendly materials and developing viable methods for reverse crosslinking to address the critical needs in today ��. plastics industry.”

Many biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources. Biodegradable plastics help to reduce waste in landfills, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and fewer microplastics, leading to a cleaner environment.

Thermosetting plastics are polymers that undergo a chemical reaction when heated. Once cured, they cannot be remelted or reshaped, posing a challenge in the recycling process. However, plastics engineers and chemists researching the reverse crosslinking process are developing ways to break the chemical bonds, allowing thermosetting plastics to be recycled.

Zheng plans to integrate the accumulated knowledge into the plastics engineering program curriculum and design a pamphlet to promote sustainability within the community.

Professor Wei Zheng and plastics engineering students research sustainable materials in a plastics lab

A setback Zheng encountered involved difficulties in removing the water byproduct during synthesis, which caused a few failed attempts and delayed progress. “In the meantime, I had the opportunity to supervise a capstone project, which involved the characterization and molding of a common plastic material. The group investigated the pressure dependence of viscosity and its impact on molding and simulation,” she said. “The project was highly successful and received enthusiastic praise from our advisory board.”

The importance of a polytechnic education

Garber and Candline think it was incredibly rewarding to work with Zheng and to have an interdisciplinary research experience across their fields of plastics engineering and chemistry.

“Working with Wei and Madeline was one of the most transformative parts of my college experience,” Garber said. “The research challenged me to think critically, collaborate effectively, and approach problems with curiosity. What made it especially valuable was the hands-on nature of the work. Being able to identify issues in real time, make adjustments, and witness the results firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of the process and a stronger sense of ownership. I not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also grew personally and gained skills that I know will carry me far beyond the classroom.”

“This experience truly shows the importance of a polytechnic education,” Candline added. “Most of my chemistry classes have focused on how different substances interact with each other and their applications within the confines of chemistry. With this project, I was given the opportunity to apply my knowledge of chemistry to real-world problems outside of my own field of study. It was really interesting to see the connection between plastics and chemistry. This experience helped me learn more about potential directions my degree can take me.”

Professor Wei Zheng advises students on their plastics engineering capstone

Candline has also assisted Chemistry Professor Ana Magdalena Vande Linde with research, providing her with opportunities to attend national presentations and conferences alongside undergraduate researchers and professionals from across the country.

“Working on research with faculty has been beneficial to my college career. Research gives students hands-on learning opportunities and helps build lasting connections with fellow undergraduate researchers, faculty and professionals in the field,” she said. “If anyone is ever debating if they should join a faculty member for research, I always say to do it. You never know where the opportunity will take you, and no matter what, you will learn something from the experience.”

Candline presented her own research, “Changes in Chemical Properties of Surface Waters in Dunn County,” under the advisement of Vande Linde, at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, in Pittsburgh last April. She was one of several �� students to present at NCUR, the largest symposium of its kind in the U.S.

Candline will graduate in spring 2027 and is interested in materials chemistry, pharmacology and nuclear chemistry. Garber will graduate in spring 2028 and plans to work in the plastics medical industry.

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering is home to five ABET-accredited programs, including computer and electrical engineering, engineering technology, plastics engineering, and a bachelor ��. program in packaging. A master ��. in manufacturing engineering is available on campus or online.

Plastics engineering graduates report an average starting salary of $70,000 with 100% employment, according to Career Services’ First Destination Report.

Plastics Engineering

All Plastics Engineering News

Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack, B.S. Plastics Engineering

Hired before graduation as a GaMra Composites engineer

December 23, 2025

Sabbatical recap: Wei Zheng, Plastics Engineering, 2024-25

Building biodegradable, sustainable plastics

September 16, 2025

How single-stream recycling works − your choices can make it better

Professor Alex Jordan demystifies the plastics recycling process.

April 16, 2025

Building biodegradable, sustainable plastics Wei Zheng sabbatical story

University Marketing

B.S. Plastics Engineering

Our B.S. Plastics Engineering program will prepare you for a career leading innovation in medical, automotive, and other industries.

Learn More

Search Keywords: plastics engineeringbiodegradation of plastics materialsthermosetting plasticssustainability in plastics

Wei Zheng

Dr. Zheng is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Plastics Engineering Program at University of Wisconsin-Stout. Prior to joining ��, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Polymer Science and Engineering Department at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2008. She is the recipient of several state-funded grants including the WiSys Applied Research Grant and the G. A. Taft Professorship of ��.

Her current research focuses on the bio- and/or biodegradable polymers including rheology of polymer melts and glasses, physics of crystallization and glass transition, curing kinetics of reversible thermosets, and structure-property-processing relationship. She has published 32 refereed articles with more than 700 citations. Dr. Zheng has also been active in the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) including serving as the Councilor of the Applied Rheology Division of SPE and the President of Chinese American Society of Plastics Engineers.

Full Name: Wei Zheng

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering Engineering & Technology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Curriculum Vitae (134.14 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Chemical Engineering

University: Texas Tech University

Degree: B.S. Chemical Engineering

University: East China University of Science and Technology

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Sabbatical recap: Charles Matson Lume, Studio Art, 2024-25

goersab — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Sabbatical recap: Charles Matson Lume, Studio Art, 2024-25goersab September 16, 2025

Celebrating a shared commitment and love of making art within community

Abbey Goers

As Wisconsin ��. ��, �� emphasizes lifelong applied learning for its students and faculty alike, including promoting excellence in teaching and research through sabbaticals.

Sabbaticals enable recipients to engage in intensive study to become more effective teachers and scholars and to enhance their services to the university.

During his 2024-25 sabbatical, studio art Professor Charles Matson Lume held solo exhibitions and artist talks across the country. Through a 2025 Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individual grant, Matson Lume collaborated with three artists: �� alums Darren Tesar (’08), Galilee Peaches (’18), and Beck Slack (’21) to publish “at the fountain, at the fountain,” a free artists' book that features their art and texts.

Two book launches will be held this fall:

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2 to 5 p.m.: FOGSTAND Gallery & Studio, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 4 to 5:30 p.m.: North Shore Readers and Writers Festival at the Grand Marais Art Colony, Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Professor Charles Matson Lume collaborated with three artists to create 'at the fountain, at the fountain,' a free artists' book / Charles Matson Lume

As a visual artist, one of the mediums that Matson Lume uses is light. His investigation into light started with painting. Like Giorgio Morandi, an Italian painter and printmaker of the early- to mid-1900s, Matson Lume noticed the objects he painted could speak.

“Their ‘thingliness’ and sense of light liberated something ineffable and true,” he said. “Over time, I realized each thing had its own image — its shadow. I didn’t need to paint the thing; it had its own painting it carried around with it.”

Matson Lume began to experiment with the “object/image relationship.” By using translucent and semi-translucent objects, such as plastic sheeting or fabric, illuminated under the right conditions, he created shadows that became more present than the objects themselves.

Professor Charles Matson Lume uses light to show an object's image and shadow / Charles Matson Lume

“A major shift happened in 2008 when I began to place objects on the floor and had their image arise via light ��. reflection or refraction,” said Matson Lume, who has been teaching studio art at �� since 2001. “Another fulcrum of my art is poetry. I not only read it to my students at the beginning of every class, but use it to find ways to release something unknown or distinct in my art.”

‘lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)’

Matson Lume's solo exhibitions during his sabbatical included two showings of “lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)” at the Minneapolis Institute of Art; and at the Jack Olson Gallery in the School of Art & Design, at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, where he also held an artist talk entitled “that which you fear.”

The installation for “lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)” was based on using light, poetry, beauty and mortality to engage in the common and uncommon, Matson Lume said in his artist ��. statement. It was dedicated to Sobin, a poet and a mentor to the artist.

“The exhibit invited viewers to reflect on the interplay of presence and absence, the ephemeral nature of light, and the poetic resonance of space,” he said. With his art, he tries to give people the space to feel like themselves and to feel their senses and the world again.

'lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)' at the Minneapolis Institute of Art / Charles Matson Lume

He held a second artist talk, “Flowers Before Bread,” at Bloedel Reserve, in Bainbridge Island, Washington, where he was artist-in-residence, as well as at Grand Marais Art Colony, in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

He is the recipient of the international 2025 Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant and the 2025-26 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship, a major regional art award.

View the Minneapolis Institute of Art ��. YouTube video capturing the exhibit.

Bringing images and texts together

Working on “at the fountain, at the fountain” for nearly a year brought Matson Lume, Tesar (who also serves as program director of �� . studio art and arts administration and entrepreneurship programs), Peaches, and Slack together and challenged their ideas and beliefs. A group exhibition will be held at FOGSTAND in spring 2026 to celebrate their shared commitment and love of making art within community.

Professor Charles Matson Lume begins each of his studio art classes by reading a selection of poetry

“While Darren and I live in St. Paul, Peaches lives in Brooklyn, New York, and Beck lives in Glasgow, Scotland. It ��. truly an international collaboration,” Matson Lume said. “Although I have made four artist books over the last decade, I have never made one with three visual artists, let alone with three former students. I am very excited about this collaboration and believe it will provide future vitality for all.”

Though their images and texts vary widely, they are held together through mutual conceptual and formal considerations.

“It is an honor to see their artistic maturation flourish. As much as I have helped to shape my former students’ artistic sensibilities, I look forward to how their art and ideas will recalibrate mine. I am inspired by their insights, wit and poetic sensibilities. I love working with them,” Matson Lume said.

�� . School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest, offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design.

School of Art & Design

All School of Art & Design News

Board game renaissance: �� professor puts the pieces in place for successful game design business

Dave Beck ��. Paverson Games creates elaborate, concept-driven games with the help of other talented faculty

February 16, 2026

Year of Design celebration central to ��'s spring 2026 event schedule

Community invited to exhibitions, civic and literary conversations, film screenings and performances

February 11, 2026

�� students’ submarine survival game surfaces to victory at M+DEV, the Midwest ��. biggest game industry event

PC game ��. win at M+DEV expo highlights �� . globally ranked program

December 9, 2025

Celebrating a shared commitment and love of making art within community Charles Matson Lume sabbatical story

University Marketing

School of Art & Design

We guide aspiring artists and designers to build theoretical and practical foundations, and encourage personal development in art, design, and the humanities.

Hero Caption: A detail of Professor Charles Matson Lume's art installation 'lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)' at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Charles Lume

Full Name: Charles Lume

Job Title: Professor of Art

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Art Painting Drawing Installation Art Professional Practices

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Visual & Performing Arts Department

Curriculum Vitae: Charles Lume CV (274.45 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Painting/Drawing

University: University of Wisconsin- Madison

Degree: M.A. Painting/Drawing

University: University of Wisconsin- Madison

Degree: B.A. Psychology

University: Wheaton College

CACHSS SOAD

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

News

�������� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��������. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

B.S. Video Production

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �������� top story highlights of 2025

Reinvigorating renovations

‘Power of Partnership’: �������� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

Advances in AI

AI, fully integrated: �������� ��������. 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all programs

Upgrading STEMM spaces

Ronald & Joyce Wanek Foundation donation transforms labs with advanced manufacturing equipment

Degree and university programs honored

�������� ��������. game design programs ranked among international best by Princeton Review

High-ranking services for veterans

Serving those who served: �������� among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list

Top design awards

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Students lending a Helping Hand

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Industry-sponsored projects are standard practice

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Blue Devil athletes excelling

Blue Devil women ��������. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

Officer Harvey: University Police therapy-dog-in-training is already warming hearts

BONUS: Introducing Officer Harvey

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

AI reshaping industry: New �������� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

B.S. Video Production

AI reshaping industry: �������� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

Access to better information on human health

Biology Department

AI reshaping industry: �������� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, more

Impact on students and career readiness

Social Science Department

�������� faculty integrate A.I. research in machine learning, business technology, composition courses

Machine learning in engineering and manufacturing

GenAI and business technology

Human vs. GenAI poetry

Artificial Intelligence at ��������

�������� professor elected as Fellow of American Physical Society

Physics professor's passion for teaching honored with UW System Excellence Award

Physics professor honored by American Association of Physics Teachers

B.S. Physics

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region ��������. waters

Fulfilling a community need

Crop Per Drop: �������� students provide soil and water R&D for Chippewa Valley Bean

New funding announced

�������� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive

Sabbatical recap: Wei Zheng, Plastics Engineering, 2024-25

The importance of a polytechnic education

B.S. Plastics Engineering

Sabbatical recap: Charles Matson Lume, Studio Art, 2024-25

‘lacuna (for Gustaf Sobin)’

Bringing images and texts together

School of Art & Design

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Breaking ground for polytechnic partnerships: �� top story highlights of 2025

‘Power of Partnership’: �� celebrates groundbreaking for $144M Heritage Hall renovation

AI, fully integrated: �� . 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence embeds skills across all programs

�� . game design programs ranked among international best by Princeton Review

Serving those who served: �� among top 25 in Midwest on annual Best for Vets list

Blue Devil women ��. basketball makes history in Cinderella run to the Final Four

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

AI reshaping industry: �� professor examines impact on manufacturing, supply chains, health care, more

�� faculty integrate A.I. research in machine learning, business technology, composition courses

Artificial Intelligence at ��

�� professor elected as Fellow of American Physical Society

University interns gain environmental job skills assessing health of region ��. waters

Crop Per Drop: �� students provide soil and water R&D for Chippewa Valley Bean

�� Center for Sustainable Communities aims to help rural areas thrive