GridgeFridge

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we dive into how one local agricultural nonprofit organization, Rooted, runs its multifaceted mission to build community-led food systems, making fresh, quality food accessible to everyone. Urban farms, community gardens and a neighborhood center are just some of the cornerstones to how Rooted strengthens its community outreach and development. Education is a pilla...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we explore the burgeoning housing crisis in Madison and the ways in which it intersects with health and well-being for students and community members alike. Through conversations with UW students and staff, affordable housing advocates, mental health professionals, and community leaders, we examine how rising rents, limited availability, and unstable living conditi...

In our final episode of the semester, we are joined by two Morgridge Center interns, Preet Talwar and Estrella Garza. These two soon-to-be graduates have made a substantial impact on the Morgridge and Madison community, working to fulfill the center’s mission every day. Preet is studying psychology and consumer behavior & marketplace studies with certificates in criminal justice and entreprene...

In this episode of GridgeFridge , we sit down with Dr. Ellen Marks, director of Mental Health Services at University Health Services (UHS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Ellen first came to UW–Madison as part of a one-year internship for her doctoral training. Ten years later, she’s still here, sustained by her family, the campus community and the ability to build a life here. Now, she is...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we are joined by Amy Liang, a junior at UW–Madison and a Wisconsin Idea Fellow working in partnership with the Literacy Network of Dane County. Amy’s fellowship project focuses on improving health literacy for immigrant and ESL communities in Madison. Through tailored workshops offered in English, Spanish, and Hmong, Amy’s work helps people learn how to navigate he...

In our final GridgeFridge episode of the semester, we are joined by Dr. Jessica Lee Stovall, an assistant professor in the Department of African American Studies at UW–Madison. Dr. Stovall’s research explores how Black teachers create liberatory and sustaining spaces within schools, using Black Studies as a framework for reimagining education. She has received recognition for her work through fell...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we’re talking with Jordyn Czyzewski and Mae Moen, some of the student leaders behind Rewear It Wisconsin. Jordyn is the President of ReWear It, and Mae is the Community Outreach Director. They work together as part of an executive team to reshape how UW–Madison students think about clothing, consumption, and sustainability.

In this special episode of GridgeFridge, we venture on a walking tour throughout campus, to learn about the spooks within Science Hall and the boos behind Bascom Hill. With notable stops including the “axe in the stacks” attack of graduate Susan Oldenburg in Memorial Library 1979, or the shocking former life of Bascom Hill and all the history buried beneath its soil.   These chilling stories discu...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we'll explore concepts related to what it means to be a first generation college student, equitability in the classroom, and the importance of authenticity, cultural recognition, and diversity with Brenda Yang. Brenda is the assistant director of career communities at SuccessWorks at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds a position as the Dane Cou...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with UW-Madison's new and current Newman Civic Fellow, Devin Guthrie. Devin's work exists at the intersection of environmental science, justice, and community engagement. President of We Outside , Devin has created opportunities for underrepresented students to access the outdoors. He has facilitated activities ranging from horseback riding to c...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Ryan Stowe, an assistant professor of chemistry at the UW-Madison. Ryan earned his bachelor of arts in chemistry from Albion College in 2010 followed by his PhD in chemistry from the Scripps Research Institute in 2016. Stowe’s research involves reforming science education to make it more accessible to students and their community goals, including t...

In this special episode of GridgeFridge—and the last episode of season 5—we examine an issue and hot topic amongst students at UW-Madison—food insecurity. As housing becomes more expensive, and tuition costs rise, food access has become a prevalent concern for students on campus. Reduced access to nutritious food has been shown to impact physical and mental health, student GPA, class attendance, a...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, Dr. Jennifer Gaddis shares her journey discovering the world of food labor, her commitment to equitable access to nutritious meals, and the deeper systems behind how school food programs operate. From the politics of lunch lines to the potential for collective care infrastructure, Dr. Gaddis examines what it truly takes to nourish a nation. Dr. Gaddis is an associa...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Ryan Dostal, the programs and events lead at Madison’s Allen Centennial Garden. With an undergraduate degree in history from Nebraska Wesleyan and a master’s in horticulture with an urban food systems emphasis from Kansas State University, Ryan brings a unique blend of historical knowledge and horticulture expertise to his work. He’s also worked at...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Chloe Shomo, a third-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Chloe is an advocate for basic needs on campus and is involved with both the Associated Student Government and the Open Seat Food Pantry. Chloe has been involved in several impactful projects at UW-Madison, such as the implementation of the new basic needs case manager, the b...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Travis Blomberg, the campus resource coordinator at the University  of Wisconsin-Madison. As an administrator spearheading the university's zero waste initiatives, Travis manages procurement practices and encourages mindful consumption on campus. He shares his journey regulating sustainability efforts at UW-Madison, including the creation of the Fo...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we speak with Dr. Barry Burden, a professor of political science at UW-Madison who specializes in civic engagement, elections, political parties, U.S. Congress, voting behavior, and more. He also directs the Elections Research Center and is the author of Personal Roots of Representation , a book that explores the significant role personal influences play in shaping...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Monique M. Chism, the under secretary for education at the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian Dr. Chism is responsible for establishing the Institution’s educational priorities. She oversees the Smithsonian’s collective initiatives, communication strategies and funding for programs with the goal of bringing the Smithsonian int...

In 2023, UW–Madison celebrated its 175 years of leadership in ground-breaking research, revolutionary social movements, and pioneering academic studies. 175 years ago, UW was officially incorporated by Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey. In 1851, North Hall, the first UW–Madison campus building, was opened and used as a classroom facility and a men’s dormitory.  But long before UW–Madison ev...

Since the grand opening of the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center on April 24, 2023, the facility has been used by an average of about 4,000 students daily. In combination with the Nicholas Recreation Center, together, both gyms see about 10,000 students a day, a fifth of the student population.  In this episode, we are talking with Sadat Khan, the director of facilities and operations at Rec...

In this episode of GridgeFridge, we bring you an Intern Extravaganza Special. GridgeFridge host, Laine Bottemiller, is joined by Morgridge Center interns Barsha Pantha, Isa Hernandez-White, and Makayla Cole to share and reflect about their personal and professional experiences at the center as graduation is around the corner. Tune in to learn how they've grown and hone their skills over the co...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Elise Ahn, the founding director of the International Projects Office and lecturer in educational policy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Elise studies language, linguistics, and education policy. Previously, Elise has also lectured at KIMEP University in Kazakhstan. The International Projects Office, or IPO, globalizes the Wisconsin Idea through internatio...

Did you know that UW–Madison has an economic impact of $30 billion dollars annually on the state of Wisconsin? In this bonus episode, we talked about how Crystal has seen UW–Madison’s impact across the state of Wisconsin and how she communicates this value to Wisconsin policymakers. As the senior director of State Relations for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Crystal Potts is the connecting p...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Travis Wright. Dr. Travis Wright has been the faculty director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service since 2022, but beyond the Morgridge Center, his life experiences have been full of public service. Growing up facing housing insecurity instability and then finding his own passion for public service, Travis has witnessed firsthand the importance of service a...

In this episode, we talk with Gracey Niedzielak and Avery Simpson, the chapter president and vice president of A Moment of Magic at UW–Madison. A Moment of Magic, also known as AMOM, is a nonprofit organization that uses engaging social wellness activities to inspire children to be brave, strong, and fearless. The organization raises awareness for families impacted by pediatric cancer, children wi...