Two writers from U.S. News & World Report will visit UW-Madison in the coming weeks as part of the UW-Madison's annual Science and Business Writers in Residence Programs.
Charles Petit, a science writer for the publication, will be at UW-Madison the week of Oct. 20 to speak with students, faculty and staff about his field.
\Charles Petit is a veteran science writer,"" Terry Devitt of University Communications, said. ""He's won numerous awards. Charlie was a slam dunk, an easy choice.""
Petit's focus ranges from astronomy and the earth sciences to new technology, evolution, archeology and climate change.
Devitt said most of Petit's time in Madison will be spent interacting with students.
""[The writers in residence] spend a whole week on campus and they're worked pretty hard. They visit lots of different classes and give a public lecture,"" Devitt said.
Petit will give speak at 4 p.m. in the Nafziger Room in Vilas Hall, Oct. 22. The lecture, ""In Words of One Syllable, Please,"" is open to the public.
Petit's visit is part of the Science Writer in Residence Program, which brings a renowned member of the field to campus each semester to provide a resource for students and faculty in the subject area.
A similar program, the Business Writer in Residence program, will host Tim Smart, deputy managing editor at U.S. News & World Report, Oct. 21-25.
Smart currently helps edit the publication's personal finance and business coverage. He previously was a senior writer in the business section at the Washington Post.
""[Smart] has a really wide variety of experiences that he brings to the table,"" Kent Barrett of university communications said.
Smart will guest lecture, host a series of dinners and meet with students individually while on campus.
""[The professors] will be trying to tap into his knowledge and some of his viewpoints on what's going on right now,"" Barrett said.
Smart has covered several high profile events including the Challenger space shuttle tragedy and the confirmation hearings of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
""We're bringing him in to give everyone an opportunity to talk to someone who has seen many of these things first hand,"" Barrett said. ""Maybe they will hear a real-world perspective that might not otherwise be available to them.""
