MMSD Planetarium Director Recognized for National Astronomy Research Leadership

MADISON, Wis.—Ben Senson, director of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) Planetarium and a science educator at Madison College, was recently recognized for his leadership in national-level astronomy research through the NASA/IPAC Teacher Archive Research Program (NITARP).

Senson participated as an educator mentor in NITARP’s 2025 cohort and was part of a team that presented original research at the recent winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The team studied infrared data from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope to see how the centers of distant galaxies change over time, helping scientists better understand how supermassive black holes behave.

“The impact this experience has made on my classroom is in how it crystalised the methods and purpose of science that I communicate to my students,” Senson said..”I want them to separate what science tells us is true about the world around us and how we use that knowledge in solving problems.”

Through NITARP, small groups of educators collaborate with professional astronomers on yearlong, authentic research projects, then bring that experience back to their classrooms and communities. Since its founding, the program has supported more than 150 educators nationwide and has reached thousands of students each year.

“Ben brings an extraordinary level of expertise, curiosity and passion to his work, and that shows in the opportunities he creates for students,” said Matt Hendrickson, principal of Vel Phillips Memorial High School. “His leadership at the planetarium helps make complex scientific ideas accessible and inspiring, while reinforcing that students in MMSD can engage in real, meaningful scientific inquiry.”

Senson’s involvement in NITARP also includes a commitment to professional learning. Educators in the program complete at least 12 hours of professional development for colleagues at the local, regional and national levels, extending the impact of their research well beyond a single classroom or presentation.

“Experiences like this demonstrate the power of connecting rigorous academics with real-world application,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, MMSD assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “Ben’s work exemplifies how educators can elevate student learning by bridging classroom instruction with authentic research and national partnerships.”

Senson will continue his work with NITARP as part of a self-funded alumni research team in 2026, with plans to present findings at the 2027 American Astronomical Society winter meeting. In addition to his research, he remains deeply engaged in planetarium programming that supports science learning for students across MMSD and the broader Madison community.

For more information about the MMSD Planetarium and its educational offerings, visit the district’s website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Vote for raSmith’s photo for cover of Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine

raSmith is always thrilled to share the impact that our clients’ projects make, from reshaping infrastructure and improving communities … to potentially highlighting the cover of a national magazine!

raSmith’s project image, shown here, is one of 10 finalists selected from 1,100 entries worldwide for Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s annual Year in Construction photo contest. Industry professionals and others will choose their favorite finalist, which will appear on the cover of ENR’s February 2 issue.

If you’d like to participate, we welcome your support by voting for raSmith’s photo. (One vote per internet-connected device.) The contest ends Thursday, January 22.

Pack the Pantry on State Street! (Jan. 16–Feb. 14)

The River Food Pantry is currently moving to its new home at 3301 Packers Ave on Madison’s Northside. This larger facility will allow The River—Dane County’s busiest food pantry—to expand their services and reach even more people as the need for food assistance continues to rise.

Before opening their doors in late January, The River needs our help to fill their new warehouse with food and essentials for our community.

You and your business are invited to support this effort by participating in Pack the Pantry on Packers Ave. There are several ways to get involved:

1.     Donate Food Directly: Drop off nonperishable donations at either of the following locations:

• 127 State Street: Volunteers will collect donations starting Friday, Jan. 16–Saturday, Feb. 14, at the following times:
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am–1:30 pm
  • Fridays from 4–7 pm
  • Saturdays from 12–7 pm
• The River, 3301 Packers Ave: Look for the black donation drop-off bin near the loading docks, available Monday–Friday from 10 am–2 pm starting Jan. 9. A drive-thru donation drop-off will also be held on Monday, Jan. 26 from 10 am–4 pm.

2.     Host a Food Drive: Use your business to collect food and supplies in one of The River’s donation barrels or your own containers. You can focus on collecting 1 type of item or a variety of nonperishables.

3.     Host a Round-Up Campaign: Offer customers the opportunity to round up their purchase at checkout to support The River.

4.     Sponsor Cases of Food and Supplies: Make a financial contribution to help The River purchase cases at wholesale pricing to fill pallets in the new warehouse.

Businesses that donate $1,500 or more will receive sponsorship benefits, including recognition on our website, at 127 State Street, and more!

Learn more and give today at www.riverfoodpantry.org/pack-the-pantry.

Boardman Clark Welcomes New Attorneys Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker

Boardman Clark is proud to announce the addition of three attorneys to the firm: Virginia Bartelt, Lindsey Cobbe, and Ashleigh Hacker. Each brings distinguished practices and years of experience to Boardman Clark.

Virginia Bartelt practices primarily in the areas of trust and estates, real estate, and business. Her clients include a wide variety of individuals, families, real estate investors, and business owners. Regardless of the type of work she’s doing, her goal is to provide her clients with practical solutions and to help them find peace of mind.

Lindsey Cobbe and Ashleigh Hacker are members of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Lindsey focuses her practice on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and physical placement matters, and financial issues, including child support, maintenance, and property division. She also drafts marital property agreements (pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements) and cohabitation agreements. Ashleigh represents clients through all aspects of divorce litigation, and in child custody, child support, and maintenance cases. She has extensive experience working with business valuations, complex financial assets, intra-state jurisdictional issues, and Hague Convention matters, and also represents clients in appellate cases.

“Virginia, Lindsey, and Ashleigh are outstanding attorneys with excellent reputations in their fields,” says Marta Meyers, chair of Boardman Clark’s Family Law Practice Group. “We know our firm and our clients will benefit immensely from their insight and leadership.”

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

M3 Promotes Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer

MADISON, WI – M3 is proud to announce the promotion of Erik Vandermause to Chief Information Officer and member of the firm’s executive operating committee, effective January 9, 2026. In this role, Vandermause leads M3’s digital strategy, driving transformation and advancing the firm’s next generation of growth and effectiveness.

Vandermause joined M3 in 2023 as Vice President of Applied Intelligence, where he led the firm’s data, analytics, digital, and CRM initiatives. His leadership in combining advanced technology with human insight has helped M3 deliver new levels of value for clients, employees, and partners.

Prior to joining M3, Vandermause served as a Managing Director at Accenture, helping insurance clients realize value from innovation in the front office. He also held several leadership positions at CUNA Mutual Group, including Director of Insurance Product Management and Vice President of Digital, Contact Centers, and Data.

“Erik’s wealth of experience in digital transformation and data-driven strategy has already made a significant impact on M3,” said Mike Moore, Chief Operating Officer and partner at M3. “As CIO, his vision and leadership will continue to strengthen our position as a forward-thinking organization focused on delivering exceptional and specialized outcomes for our clients.”

Vandermause earned his master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Wisconsin –Madison and his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Norbert College.

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About M3

M3 Insurance is a top private and independent insurance broker and risk management firm in the nation. Recognized as a leader in the products it represents and the industries it serves, M3’s people act as an extension of each client’s team, providing world-class resources to help manage risk, secure insurance solutions, and deliver comprehensive employee benefits. With a strong commitment to community, M3 works to build better places to live and work. For more information on M3 visit M3ins.com.