Amanda Rusch, who is from Waunakee, WI, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in global health. Amanda was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison 2026 spring commencement ceremony. In the below Q&A, she talks about why she decided to major in global health and her involvement in activities all around campus. She plans to continue her research in Madison as she prepares for graduate school.
What’s your hometown? / Where did you grow up?
I was born in Madison, but I grew up in the small town of Waunakee, Wisconsin, which is about 30 minutes away.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned in your courses?
I chose to major in global health because it goes so far beyond the core science courses and connects that knowledge to make a real world impact. Not only do you get a very strong foundation in science, but you also dive into the environmental, social, and economic factors that shape health outcomes. This background will help me to approach my future career more holistically, allowing me to understand patients in the contexts of lived experiences and communities. One of the coolest things that I have learned is in my epidemiology coursework, where we got to see how outbreak investigations rely on identifying patterns, tracing the source, and showing how computer data leads to public health action.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
During my time here I have been very involved in both research and academic support roles. I participated in Tiny Earth for one semester within the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery, where I conducted research characterizing soil derived bacteria to look for potential antibiotic production. That opportunity sparked my interest in research, which I have since pursued in the Boydston Research Group. I have been a part of that group for nearly two years, where we focus on polymer chemistry. I also served as a lab assistant for Chem 104 for 4 semesters, where I guided students through the laboratory portion of their second semester of general chemistry.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Following graduation, I intend to continue my involvement in research with the Boydston group while I prepare for graduate school. I am interested in pursuing a career in academia and healthcare where I can combine patient care with continued research and discovery.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most meaningful part of my CALS experience has been the connections that I have made that I know will stay with me long after I graduate. I also have been able to explore my interests, both old and new, through so many different hands-on opportunities. These opportunities have allowed me to develop skills that go far beyond learning in a lecture classroom.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am most proud of the academic growth that I have experienced within my major. I feel as though I have grown in not only my scientific knowledge, but also in my ability to apply it to the real world, which has greatly prepared me for what I hope to pursue next.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
A piece of advice that I would like to share with CALS students is to always introduce yourself. Many opportunities that you will have do not always start with a formal application. Some of the most valuable experiences start as small moments and a simple introduction could take you down a path you would’ve never imagined. You do not always have to have everything figured out and a concrete plan. Introduce yourself anyway, and it may lead to a valuable connection or opportunity.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
What I love the most about being a CALS student is the tight-knit community. There are always events happening for both social and academic matters that make it so easy to stay connected to the college. The advisors in CALS are so accessible and genuinely invested in my success, which has made navigating my path feel effortless. I have also built so many meaningful relationships with my peers and professors, which has given me a very strong support network. That foundation has been essential to my academic and personal growth.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
If I had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of my life I would choose Blue Moon. It is such a deeply nostalgic and unique flavor that reminds me of my childhood summers.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about the city of Madison is the balance between city life and outdoors. I love to explore new coffee shops while also being surrounded by the lakes, which give the city a peaceful but scenic feel. There is also no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy whether it is walking by the water, biking, or just simply being outside.