Postdoctoral fellowships occupy an unusual space between being a graduate student and becoming an independent scholar. The postdoc stage is marked by a focus on refining research skills, expanding their knowledge-base, and developing key professional development skills (e.g., grant writing) needed to be an independent scientist. It can feel at times, like a second adolescence: a transitional phase defined by learning new skills, exploring new areas of research, and supported independence.
Year
New AI tool enhances cell segmentation with gene expression data
At a Glance: SegJointGene is a new AI software developed by the lab of Daifeng Wang, PhD, that improves cell segmentation by integrating spatial information with gene expression data. A unique aspect of …
Crisis Prevention Summit brings providers together to strengthen support
Every year, the Collaborative Stabilization Coalition (CSC) of Greater Dane County gathers care providers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or dementia for the Crisis Prevention Summit, a space to learn about how to help prevent or respond to a crisis. This year’s summit took place on March 23 at the Alliant Energy Center.
A legacy of support: Connie Stevens retires after decades of advocacy for families of children with hearing differences
After more than two decades of advocacy, collaboration, and compassionate support for families of children with hearing differences, Connie Stevens, MA, retired at the end of June 2026. A veteran support parent with Parents Reaching Out, a longtime collaborator with Wisconsin Sound Beginnings, and trusted voice for families across the state, Stevens leaves behind a legacy defined by connection, empathy, and impact.
Students are the lifeblood of science: How students contribute to and shape research
Science is not static. It constantly grows through curiosity, experimentation, and the continuous pursuit of new knowledge. Every question asked, every experiment conducted, and every discovery made build upon what came before it—moving science forward step by step. Students play a critical role in that process. They are not passive learners observing from the sidelines, but active contributors to research.
Family-Led Academic Grand (FLAG) Rounds: Family stories as a tool for teaching patient and family-centered care to medical trainees
FLAG Rounds were developed by Coleman and Danielle Gerber to use family faculty, or family members of children with complex medical needs as lecturers, and storytelling as a strategy to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude in medical students and providers to dismantle ableism in pediatric care and partner with families in the care of their children.
Changes in walking patterns could be an important new screening tool for Alzheimer’s in individuals with Down syndrome
Individuals with Down syndrome have a 90% lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Typing, tapping, and eye-gaze tracking: Augmentative and alternative communication provides crucial access to communication when speech is out of reach
For many, talking is as easy as breathing. A few words to tell your friend that you are hungry and ready for lunch. A long rant to your partner about frustrations at work. A description of what hurts to your doctor. A quiet, ‘I love you,’ to a close family member. Being able to talk helps to make communicating efficient and effective. But not everyone has access to speech.
New book shares the experiences of individuals with disabilities through the COVID-19 pandemic using photos
The Pandemic Cancelled It, and They Never Brought It Back takes readers into the daily lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the COVID‑19 pandemic, using their own photographs and words to reveal moments of loss, adaptation, resilience, and connection. Created by researchers at the Waisman Center, the book offers an intimate portrait of a community whose experiences are too often overlooked.
Waisman Center to pilot Adult Autism Program this summer
This summer, the Waisman Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) will launch the Adult Autism Program, with services focused on mental health, life skills, and social connections for supporting quality of life in autistic adults and their families.