University of Wisconsin–Madison
Higher education is often described as a path to upward mobility, but students from low-income backgrounds are less likely to enroll and earn a degree. A new study by IDS affiliate Taylor Odle of UW–Madison’s Department of Educational Policy Studies examines the institutions delivering high-impact results. Odle and his co-authors developed an empirical model that …
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Multicultural Greek Council Room, Memorial Union On Tuesday, June 16th, IDS will host the second annual spring IDS Junior Conference, a fast-paced interdisciplinary conference featuring research conducted by IDS Graduate Fellows. Schedule 9:45-10:10 am: Registration, networking (coffee, tea, snacks) 10:10-10:50 am: First session of talks 10:50-11:10 am: Break, networking (coffee, …
Economics of Education Review (2026) Authors: Soobin Kim, Michael J. Culbertson, Eric Grodsky, Chandra Muller, John Robert Warren Abstract: We document the role of premarket human capital in explaining racial and ethnic income disparities in labor market outcomes for individuals from their late 20s to mid-50s. Using comprehensive measures of the human capital students possess …
Brookings (2026) Authors: Isabel McMullen and Taylor Odle Abstract: States are increasingly seeking ways to invest in programs that strengthen the workforce and widen the pipeline of those entering college and other career preparation programs. One type of intervention, college advising and coaching, is designed to help students navigate the complex college-going process. Using a statewide advising program …
IDS affiliates and graduate fellows from across multiple UW–Madison departments attended and presented at the annual conference of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology held February 26-28 in Chicago. The Society is the world’s largest organization of social and personality psychologists and includes researchers and practitioners from many academic disciplines. See a complete list …
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine have announced that IDS affiliate Kaiping Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Life Sciences Communication, has been selected of one of 20 members of the New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine program for 2026. Chen is a science communication scholar with expertise in deliberative democracy …
Children and Youth Services Review (2025) Authors: Cassandra Dorius, Margaret Gough Courtney, Quentin H. Riser Abstract: This study examines how mothers’ childbearing and relationship histories, specifically, whether they have children with multiple partners (multi-partner fertility, or MPF), are associated with long-term economic outcomes. Drawing on life course and human capital theories, we explore whether MPF …
IDS affiliates Max Besbris (Sociology) and Kate Walsh (Psychology, Gender and Women’s Studies) were recently awarded H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowships. The Romnes Fellowships recognize University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty who have had exceptional research contributions within their first six years of tenure. Max Besbris is associate professor of sociology and associate chair of the Department of …
IDS Affiliate Patricia Devine was recently elected as member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS), along with nearly 250 other leaders from across a variety of disciplines and mediums. Devine joins three other University of Wisconsin–Madison members elect: Harry Brighouse, Lisa Martin, and Mark Seidenberg. Devine is the Kenneth and Mamie Clark …
Five IDS Affiliates were recently honored with University of Wisconsin–Madison Vilas Professorships and Awards. These awards are given annually to extraordinary UW–Madison faculty and staff. This year, 44 total professorships and awards were given. Affiliates earning awards are: Felix Elwert, Sociology: Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professorship Kaiping Chen, Life Sciences Communication: Vilas Early-Career Investigator Award Lauren …