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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 2h

The future of public policy is here! Students from our first cohort of public policy majors met with the LFS Board of Visitors today to share their excitement for the new major and the impact they hope to make. #undergrad #student #studentlife #publicpolicy #UWMadison

Three students in a meeting, a young man in the center speaking and gesturing while two students listen and smile across a conference table with name tents, paper cups, and framed group photos on the wall.

Three students in a conference room participating in a hybrid meeting — a woman speaks while two peers listen as a projector displays remote participants on a video call and framed group photos hang on the wall.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

110 alumni and students from La Follette and Political Science joined us for some casual networking last night. Special thanks to Sarah Barry, Rachel Janke, Rebecca Hogan, and Meghan Roh for headlining the event! And major thanks to our alumni in Governor Evers’ office who hosted us as well!

A formal meeting in an ornate government chamber: students and officials seated around a long wooden table with American and Wisconsin flags behind the panel beneath a gilded, painted ceiling.

Group of about 28 smiling people posed for a formal group portrait in an ornate wood-paneled room with a large marble fireplace and gilded paintings, arranged in three rows with seated front row and standing behind, wearing business-casual attire.

Panel discussion at a long conference table, a bald man speaking with Wisconsin and U.S. flags behind him while audience members sit attentively around the table.

Woman speaking at a wooden podium in an ornate room beside a banner for the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Don't miss your chance to hear Michael Barbaro, host of NYT's "The Daily" podcast, here in Madison! Get tickets before they sell out! buff.ly/qFY9rnq

Two smiling young women in a building lobby hold red flyers promoting Michael Barbaro; a red banner above reads "Badgers for Barbaro! Don't miss the chance to see your favorite podcast host in person!" and a red button at the bottom says "Get Tickets Now!"

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Chad Ruppel, Housing Director and Community Development Authority of the City of Madison, explored housing challenges in Madison with our students Monday. "The population of Madison continues to grow while the contracts stay the same," Ruppel said, giving students insight into local housing issues.

Selfie of Chad Ruppel and the students of PA 200.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Revisit highlights from La Follette's historic 2025-2026 year! This past year was transformational for the La Follette School, marked by incredible growth, exciting new opportunities for our students and important milestones that will shape La Follette for years to come. buff.ly/1iEceGV

Cover of 2025-2026 LFS highlights report.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

On Wednesday, grad students in Governor Doyle's class got to learn about political persuasion with Bill McCoshen, former chief of staff for Tommy Thompson and Commerce Secretary of Wisconsin from 1994-98, about what makes a politician successful.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Bob Lang, Director of the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, came to PA 200 last week to give a talk on the importance of budgeting in public affair. Lang took the time to share his expertise from his 54 year long legislative career with our students.

Bob Lang giving a talk to PA 200 classroom

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Join us on Sept. 30 for the State Capitol Eat & Greet with the Department of Political Science. Alumni and partners working in and around the Capitol will network with students after a panel of experts share insights from their career paths. 🔗 Register today: buff.ly/5z3mEZC

Photo of flowers in front of the Wisconsin Capitol.

Two students speak to last year's speaker, Ryan Ring.

Two attendees of last year's event speak.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Last night, we teamed up with The Wisconsin Policy Forum to host a joint panel and presentation: The Data Center Challenge. Framed by the Forum's new research report, four panelists tackled tough questions about the growth, safety, and regulation of data centers in Wisconsin.

Panel of speakers, Maggie Brickerman, Jason Delborne, Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin and Rep. Shae Sortwell

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

We're hiring an Assistant Prof. of Public Policy (Market-Based Solutions to Societal Challenges). We're seeking a scholar who examines how market-based institutions, competitive structures, and incentive-compatible policy design addresses societal challenges. Learn more and apply: buff.ly/T2XaoeR

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Join us on October 20 for Michael Barbaro on Covering Today's America, where The Daily podcast host will reflect on his career in journalism and discuss the challenges and opportunities of covering America during a period of political polarization. Tickets on sale now: buff.ly/9Pq2TcB

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This week, we held our annual Fall Welcome event, with speakers Director Susan Yackee, J. Michael Collins, LSSA president Anna Spahn, and Clara Yoder, the first student to declare the undergraduate major. Thank you to everyone who attended, and good luck with the upcoming school year!

La Follette students stand holding "All policy is implementation" and "I Heart Public Policy" signs.

Director Susan Yackee speaks to Marie Koko, and Anna Spahn speaks to someone in the background.

Copies of the 2025-2026 Highlights Report lay on a table.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

La Follette's new undergraduate major in public policy, launched this semester, was featured in a Wisconsin State Journal article on the UW system's newest major offerings. 🔗 Read more and hear about Katherine Langan, one of the program's first students: buff.ly/fC8AVQh

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Associate Professor Lauren Schmitz was one of just 18 UW-Madison faculty members to receive a coveted H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship this summer for her research on the factors that influence health and aging. Congratulations, Lauren! 🔗 Read more about the award and her research: buff.ly/uhlXzde

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

We're committed to connecting Wisconsinites on the issues that matter to them. Susan Yackee's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel piece outlines one way we do this: our biennial Main Street Agenda project. This year, we're excited to debuts two new efforts in the project. 🔗 Read it here: buff.ly/mrgK9yC

Participants speak at a Main Street Agenda event.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This fall, we have two exciting faculty promotions as Associate Professor Morgan Edwards officially becomes a tenured member of faculty and Professor Yang Wang is promoted to professor after her exceptional work as an associate professor. 🔗 Read more about their work: buff.ly/EFwLSsX

Associate Professor Morgan Edwards, left, and Professor Yang Wang, right.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

The La Follette School is excited to welcome three new faculty members this fall. Michael Powell, Katherine Richard, and Sarah Strochak will be joining La Follette as assistant professors. 🔗 Read about their research: buff.ly/5A2Lq78

Left to right: Michael Powell, Katherine Richard and Sarah Strochak

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

After Susan Yackee's transformative tenure, Professor J. Michael Collins will serve as the next director of the La Follette School. He will begin his post on January 1, 2027. 🔗 Read about Yackee's tenure and what's to come: buff.ly/RnRlJzg

Photo of J. Michael Collins with text: "J. Michael Collins to serve as new director".

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Reposted by @uwlafollette.bsky.social

On Wisconsin Magazine @onwismag.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

As part of @uwmadison.bsky.social’s initiative to advance pluralism on campus, @uwlafollette.bsky.social offers a public policy course that encourages conversation and compromise. Students regularly change seats so that they hear different opinions. onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/just-talk-to...

onwisconsin.uwalumni.com

“Just Talk to Each Other” | On Wisconsin

At a time of intense polarization, a unique public policy course at UW–Madison encourages conversation and compromise.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Join us on September 16 from 5-7 p.m. for a Policy in a Pub event held in partnership with the Wisconsin Policy Forum. The event will begin with a brief presentation from the forum on their recent research on data centers in Wisconsin, followed by panelist insights. 🔗 Register now: buff.ly/IYQil23

Maggie Brickerman (top left), Jason Delborne (top right), Jodi Habush Sinykin (bottom left), and Shae Sortwell (bottom right).

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Salute to Local Government awards has been extended to August 7! Submit a nomination by this Friday to recognize an outstanding public servant in Wisconsin.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

At this year's Environmental Politics & Governance Conference, participants visited the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), discussed emerging environmental challenges, and heard introductory remarks from Tia Nelson and La Follette professor Manny Teodoro. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/OHWoPJP

EPG Conference participants listen to an MMSD tour guide

Maura Allaire presents her poster at the conference

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Don't forget — the 2026 Salute to Local Government awards are due July 31! Awards recognize outstanding public servants in local or state government agencies, school districts, or employees across Wisconsin. 🔗 Submit a nomination today: buff.ly/hcpJGQ0

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Assistant Professor Denia Garcia's new study finds that low-income families with access to informal supports are less likely to turn to federal assistance programs, despite these forms of social capital being an inadequate solution to meet resource needs. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/nBl7P0k

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

This year, La Follette's Professor Jon Pevehouse and Assistant Professor Héctor Pifarré i Arolas (@HectorP90663372) earned two of UW-Madison's highest honors, showcasing La Follette’s expertise and teaching talents across disciplines. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/rRLdUdN

Headshots of Professor Jon Pevehouse and Assistant Professor Pifarré i Arolas.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

This semester, La Follette capstone students partnered with the Madison Metropolitan School District to create a proposal for the upcoming statewide law restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools, and their research could guide schools across the state. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/yGmTgRr

La Follette students Anna Kane, Grace Skiba, Carlos Puga, Katie Campbell, and Connor Smith (L to R) present their work.

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Reposted by @uwlafollette.bsky.social

On Wisconsin Magazine @onwismag.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

@uwlafollette.bsky.social offers one of the only public policy classes in the country to directly address the political divide. It’s a key part of @uwmadison.bsky.social ’s initiative to advance pluralism on campus. onwisconsin.uwalumni.com/just-talk-to...

onwisconsin.uwalumni.com

“Just Talk to Each Other” | On Wisconsin

At a time of intense polarization, a unique public policy course at UW–Madison encourages conversation and compromise.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Salute to Local Government awards! We're excited to partner with Wisconsin Policy Forum on this award, which recognizes a state government employee or program demonstrating an innovative solution for their department. Learn more about nominating: buff.ly/ewzkJUg

Kenneth Munson (right) presents the La Follette/Gladfelter Award to Secretary Dan Hereth (left). Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Policy Forum.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Hear Assistant Professor Morgan Edwards on Tuesday, June 2 as she introduces the latest edition of the State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report. Edwards, the lead author of the edition, will join her co-authors in discussing their findings during the webinar. 🔗 Reserve your spot: buff.ly/1N9DPPx

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Missed the ceremony? 🎓 View photos and a recording and read more about our graduates: buff.ly/OTS2kA5 Congratulations, class of 2026! 🎉

Photo of the back of graduates' heads wearing their graduation caps, with Senator Tammy Baldwin in the background.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

At La Follette, research doesn't end in the classroom. This month, several La Follette master's students presented their research at UW Day at the Capitol, sharing their findings on complex problems facing Wisconsin with legislators. 🔗 Read more about the students' research: buff.ly/RLP0SVi

Participants of the event showcase their research.

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Reposted by @uwlafollette.bsky.social

The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal @stateofcdr.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Join us on 2 June for the launch of the #StateOfCDR Edition 3 🌍 This live webinar will bring together the report’s authors and experts to explore the newest data, emerging trends, and biggest questions shaping the future of #CDR. Register now: tinyurl.com/StateOfCDR

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Prof. Jason Fletcher and co-author Hamid Noghanibehambari investigated effects of early-life exposure to citywide water filtration on longevity in the early 20th-century, finding filtration systems may add 3.2 months to male mortality in the U.S. ⬇️ Learn more about their research:

buff.ly

New study shows drinking water filtration systems may add months to lifespan

As more than two billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water, new research from the La Follette School of Public Affairs investigates the effects of early-life…

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

This spring, La Follette alumni stepped back into the classroom to share insights from their careers and connect classroom learning to real-world work. Alumni in local and federal government and nonprofit work visited classrooms to show the careers students can explore. 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/WXM3Zu0

Chad Ruppel speaks to students in class.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Today at The Advances in Social Genomics Conference, researchers from around the world came to Madison to discuss advances in the social genomics field. La Follette is home to the Initiative in Social Genomics which fosters collaboration across academic disciplines to broaden research into genomics.

A researcher presents his research to two onlookers.

Two researchers look at a research poster.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Client project proposals are due this Friday, May 15! This fall, La Follette undergrad and graduate students will provide research and analytic support on public policy or public management issues for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Learn more and submit your proposal: buff.ly/HvePfm6

La Follette students and Manny Teodoro stand together in front of their presentation.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Congratulations to the La Follette master's degree class of 2026! 🎓 On Friday, we celebrated graduating master's students at the Wisconsin State Capitol, with speakers Senator Tammy Baldwin, Jason Delborne, Morgan Pincombe, and Dr. Mariel Barnes. Congratulations, graduates!

Graduates throw their graduation caps in the air.

Senator Tammy Baldwin speaks at the ceremony.

Student speaker Morgan Pincombe speaks at the ceremony.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

MIPA student and May 2026 graduate Andrea Lamarche was recognized for her outstanding achievements in global engagement in the class of 2026. She is also a member of the International Student Services Advisory Board (ISSAB). 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/plWiVWh

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Associate Professor Jason Delborne serves on the committee for @nationalacademies.org which recently published a report examining synthetic cells, an emerging frontier in engineering biology. The report examines the risks and calls for adaptive, evidence-based governance. Read more: buff.ly/hh6FNfM

Consensus Study Report. Supporting Responsible Innovation of Synthetic Cells: Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Environmental Considerations
National Academies Sciences Engineering Medicine

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Let La Follette students take on your project this fall! Each year, teams of master's and undergraduate students provide research and analytic support on public policy or public management issues for public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Submit a proposal by May 15: buff.ly/f8CPoA6

La Follette Graduate students present a client project.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

This week is Public Service Recognition Week, and we're celebrating by recognizing all of the amazing work our alumni do in public service! Today and every day, we want to honor the public servants who keep us safe, strong and healthy. Learn more at psrw.org #PSRW2026

"Public servants fuel America every day, in every community. Thank you from the partnership for public service. Public Service Recognition Week"

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The La Follette School of Public Affairs' 2026 Alumni of Distinction Award goes to Tony Carroll (MA '80) for outstanding service throughout his career and his contributions to the La Follette School. Congratulations, Tony! 🎉 ⬇️ Learn more about his impact:

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2026 Alumni of Distinction Announcement

The La Follette School of Public Affair's 2026 Alumni of Distinction Award goes to Tony Carroll (MA '80) for outstanding service throughout his career and his contributions to the La Follette School.…

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

To close out the semester, Jason Stein, Jim O'Keefe and Sara Hynek visited graduate students in PA892:Public Budgeting to share insights and give students the chance to practice reporting a public policy budgeting issue. Thank you to all of our speakers for taking the time to visit our students!

Students and Jim O'Keefe speak during the class visit.

Students listen during Sara Hynek's discussion.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Yesterday, La Follette graduate students Jacklyn Alsbro, Janet Lee, and Connor Smith presented their research during a poster session at the UW-Madison Day at the Capitol. The engaging event included a flash talk from Professor J. Michael Collins on the credit consequences of justice involvement.

LFS student Janet Lee explains her research to Representatives Mayadev and DeSanto.

Professor J. Michael Collins presents at the event.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Public policy certificate student Miranda Garcia-Dove was named a recipient of a Truman Scholarship this year for her incredible work in public service. The award is given to just 55 students out of 781 candidates across the country. Congratulations, Miranda! 🎉 🔗 Read more: buff.ly/YfOVQmQ

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

On Monday, La Follette students and Associate Professor Amber Wichowsky presented at the CommUnity Conference with the Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies. We're proud to be a co-sponsor of the conference and the work our students and faculty are doing within this field.

Associate Professor Amber Wichowsky speaking.

La Follette student Jacob Hicks speaks at the event.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

This morning, Marjan Ehsassi, Executive Director of FIDE North America, visited students in PA520. Tonight, she'll continue the conversation on FIDE's citizen assembly model at a follow-up event to yesterday's CommUnity Conference. 🔗 Register today: buff.ly/w4DAJNT

Marjan Ehsassi speaks with students in class.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Certificate students joined Governor Tony Evers as he signed Act 168, a law expanding access to pharmacy services by allowing more pharmacies to operate under remote supervision. The students previously partnered with @pharmacysocietywi.bsky.social to analyze pharmacy deserts across the state.

La Follette certificate students and Tony Evers at the bill signing.

La Follette certificate students watch as Tony Evers signs the bill.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Four innovative and diverse projects have been selected for the 2026 Kohl Competition. Professor J. Michael Collins, Assistant Professor Morgan Edwards, Associate Professor Lauren Schmitz, and Professor Manny Teodoro have all been selected. 🔗 Read more about the projects: buff.ly/bUlL7tg

Portraits of J. Michael Collins, Morgan Edwards, Lauren Schmitz, and Manny Teodoro.

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uwlafollette.bsky.social @uwlafollette.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Last week, Associate Professor Jason Delborne and MIPA student Morgan Pincombe contributed to a workshop on the genetic biocontrol of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes region. Through speakers and discussions, participants explored the opportunities and challenges of the genetic biocontrol technology.

Jason Delborne speaking during the event.

Presentation projected that reads: "Genetic Biocontrol of Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes Region" along with the La Follette School of Public Affairs, NC State University Genetic Engineering and Society Center, and Great Lakes Restoration logos.

Jason Delborne speaking next to the screen.

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