Students from LaCrosse Visit UW Madison and Learn from Climate Solutions for Health Researchers

Climate Solutions for Health Lab Members and Visiting 4H Students at Wisconsin Energy Institution

February 20, 2026

BY Caitlin Warlick-Short

A group of 16 engaged 4H youth ages 9-18 from LaCrosse, Wisconsin visited Madison last week. During their visit they engaged with researchers at UW–Madsion from the Climate Solutions for Health Lab and Wisconsin Energy Institute as well as policy makers at the State Capitol to learn about issues related to Climate Change and energy that will impact their futures for decades to come.

Lab members Dorothy Lsoto, Monica Ortiz-Vazquez, and Ben Varick, presented on their work on air quality in Uganda, heat and energy instability in Puerto Rico, and bike safety for students in Wisconsin, respectively.

Dorothy Lsoto showing a map of where her local air quality sensors are placed in Kampala, Uganda.

The students asked engaging questions about the research, ways they could get involved, and how different policy choices can make a difference for energy, transportation, air quality, and health.