I’m honored to be the new editor of Wisconsin People & Ideas. I’ve been writing about scientists, artists, community leaders, and historical figures connected to our state for almost 20 years, since my freshman year as a journalism student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Back then, you’d be just as likely to find me in a dusty historical archive as a cutting-edge research laboratory in pursuit of a story, and that dual interest in looking forward to the future while also rediscovering valuable pieces of the past will inform my editorial approach to this magazine. To that end, while crafting this letter, I ventured into the basement of the Academy offices to dig up the oldest publications I could find.
Here’s what I discovered: In 1953, Academy leadership voted to begin producing a quarterly science and letters journal, and the first issue of the new Wisconsin Academy Review appeared in winter 1954. While those yellowing pages aren’t the most scintillating read of all time, I was struck by the opening letter penned by UW President Edwin Broun Fred:
“The most difficult problems confronting us and future generations lie in the field of the humanities and the social sciences … These problems have resulted largely from the changes forced upon us by our sciences and technology, changes we fail to understand completely. We need a better insight into the meanings and implications of science and technology.”
Seventy years later, Fred’s words could easily describe the technological and societal challenges we face now in terms of climate change, the rise of AI, and social-media misinformation, among other issues. We live in a complicated world, just like the postwar intellectuals who edited the first issue of this magazine. Now, as then, it’s clear that our path forward will require bridging a wide range of knowledge-ways to chart a healthier and more sustainable future for Wisconsin—and beyond. I believe these bridges can be built with stories, and there is no better platform for doing so than Wisconsin People & Ideas.
On my first day as editor, I attended the Academy’s 2024 Fellows Induction Gala at Promega’s stunning Kornberg Center in Fitchburg. It was immediately clear to me that the Academy’s network is comprised of exceptional, diverse, and inspiring people who are making profound contributions to the present and future of Wisconsin. My aim as editor is to amplify their work and also to put them in conversation with each other—and with you.
This particular issue of the magazine is, in large part, the product of interim editor Brennan Nardi’s vision, and I am also especially thankful for support from Executive Director Erika Monroe-Kane and graphic designer Katherine Thompson at Huston Design in helping us navigate this transition.
I’m thrilled to be here, and I’m very grateful you are, too.
