Finding Home in Wisconsin: Perspectives with Academy Fellows

media release: The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters will celebrate and announce the newly nominated class of Academy Fellows, at a special public event on March 23rd. This inaugural announcement event is a complement to the Fellows Induction Gala in Fall 2026. This extraordinary evening will feature a distinguished panel of Fellows, John Gurda, Richard J. Davidson, Katherine Cramer, and Karen Ann Hoffman—each sharing a singular perspective from history, neuroscience, political science, and the arts and moderated by Steve Paulson and Anne Strainchamps.

This discussion will explore a variety of diverse perspectives on what it means to “find home”, using the lenses of the sciences, arts, and letters. We will consider the sense of belonging and peace associated with creating a home, as well as what it has meant and continues to mean to call Wisconsin home. The event will not only let attendees hear from prominent Wisconsin thought leaders about their perspectives but will also give audience members the opportunity to share their own perspectives and ask questions of this esteemed panel. Through this conversation, the Academy aims to foster a deeper understanding of commonalities and differences, bringing people together in resonate and lasting ways.

Richard J. Davidson: A pioneering neuroscientist whose Wisconsin-rooted research explores how belonging, well-being, and human connection help communities flourish.

Katherine Cramer: A renowned political scientist who listens to Wisconsinites where they live to understand how "home" shapes our perspectives, our politics, and our sense of belonging.

John Gurda : As Wisconsin’s beloved historian, his storytelling reveals how the places we call home shape our shared past and civic identity.

Karen Ann Hoffman: An artist and culture bearer of the Oneida Tribe whose work honors Wisconsin as a homeland, connecting land, history, and living Indigenous presence.

Moderators: This conversation will be led by Steve Paulson, Academy Fellow and co-host of the Peabody-Awarded Show To The Best Of Our Knowledge on Wisconsin Public Radio.