CALS Ambassadors

Meet the CALS Ambassadors

CALS Ambassadors are current CALS students who are eager to share about the CALS student experience. They connect with prospective first-year, transfer, and admitted students to help them learn about CALS and share their personal experiences as part of the CALS community. Ambassadors would love to answer questions about the transition to college, coursework in their major, getting involved in student organizations, and more on campus!

	Name: Jackson Banks (he/him) Hometown: Omro, Wisconsin Majors: Environmental Sciences and Educational Policy Studies Why I chose UW-Madison: Despite coming from a small town, I really liked the vibe Madison had where the campus was a very important part of the city and vice versa. I also liked how big the school was too, especially as an undecided student since I didn’t know what I really wanted to do. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: My favorite part of CALS is definitely the community aspect. Everywhere I go I see someone that I know and whether they’re a peer or a staff member, we’ll have a conversation. That type of thing is really common and makes Madison feel a lot more like home. Favorite Class: Inter-Ag 140. This is the QuickStart course that you can take before you start your fall semester. I really enjoyed it! I met tons of peers, advisors, faculty, and researchers prior to taking any in-person classes which gave me a good boost socially, academically, and professionally.
	Name: Nathan Buckley (he/him) Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota Majors: Biology and Life Sciences Communication (Pre-med) Why I chose UW-Madison: I wanted a Big Ten college campus with all the research opportunities and athletics. However, the most important factor to me was the ability to create meaningful relationships with faculty and students in the small campus feel of CALS! Favorite Class: My favorite class has been LSC 251: Science, Media, and Society because I can now apply strategies to communicate science in my classes and extracurriculars. Fun Facts, Hobbies, and Student Orgs: I am in the Science Communication Club, Bucky’s Pre Health Volunteering Association, Wisconsin Track Club, and am a writer for the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology (JUST). In Madison, I enjoy going to all of the sporting events and trying new restaurants throughout the city. One fun fact is that I won CALS trivia against the CALS Board of Visitors!
	Name: Alriana Buller-Jarrett (she/her) Hometown: Bowie, Maryland Major: Microbiology Certificate: Data Science Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison for its unique campus and top microbiology program. Coming from the suburbs of D.C., it was important that I studied somewhere with a ‘big city’ but enough green space to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. UW-Madison's distinct lakeshore and southeast neighborhoods gave me that perfect mix, so there was no other choice than to apply! My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: My favorite part about being in CALS is the attentive staff and availability of academic/career resources. One of my biggest fears attending to a Big Ten university was being seen as just another student by college staff. However, being in CALS has allowed me not to do so. In CALS, I was paired up with a major-specific advisor who specialized in advising/counseling and whom gave me the best course, career, and college advice based on my personal interests and passions, not just some generic flowchart. Favorite Part of CALS Campus: My favorite part about the CALS campus is the Bakke Recreational Center. When I want to hang out and spend time with friends, I always recommend hitting up the Bakke or spending time doing a group activity. At the Bakke, I’ve enjoyed numerous rock climbing, bouldering, basketball, and ice skating sessions with friends, which allowed us to spend time together, learn new skills, and build healthy relationships with fitness! The Bakke is sooo much more than just a gym to me, it’s a place to kick back, relax, and get my game on!
	Name: Elizabeth Cahill (she/her) Hometown: Oak Park, Illinois Majors: Genetics & Genomics and Sociology Why I chose UW-Madison: I initially chose UW-Madison because it was one of very few schools that had a Genetics & Genomics major. After I visited campus for the first time and experienced the stunning nature, vibrant shops on state street, and friendly community, I felt a strong inclination of where I wanted to be for the next four years. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: Being in CALS maximizes academic accessibility on a large campus like UW-Madison. The plethora of advising resources such as career, study abroad, and course selection being within reach makes this stimulating campus feel more grounded. Fun Facts, Hobbies, and Student Orgs: My fun fact is that I have had a streak of gray hair since 4th grade. Some hobbies I like are bike riding, yoga, puzzles, and exploring the Madison area. I am apart of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Planned Parenthood Generation Action, and the Bioethics Club on campus. I also work at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene as a public health intern in the Communicable Diseases Department.
	Name: Katie Cervenka (she/her) Hometown: Delafield, Wisconsin Majors: Life Sciences Communication and Wildlife Ecology Certificates: Environmental Studies and Leadership Why I Chose UW-Madison: I loved the impressive reputation and location of UW-Madison. UW-Madison is close to my hometown and has a great college atmosphere. CALS offered lots of majors that interested me, and I felt really comfortable exploring academics in this school. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: The incredible network of people that are available to support students in every aspect of the college experience. Fun Facts, Hobbies, and Student Orgs: Currently, I am involved with the Student Chapter of Ducks Unlimited that works to advance wetland conservation efforts! In my free time, I enjoy trying new Madison restaurants, going to indoor cycling classes, reading, and working on art projects.
	Name: Patrick Colegrove (he/him) Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Major: Biology Certificates: Science Communication and Biocore Why I chose UW-Madison: I was already drawn to UW-Madison as a hub of research and academics, but after visiting, I instantly felt the energetic and connected sense of community from the students, the campus, and the city itself. CALS Programs to Ask Me About: CALS Honors in Research, First-Year Seminars, UW Biological Sciences Research Internships in Thailand program (or any CALS study abroad program), Biocore Favorite Part of CALS Campus: The Microbial Sciences Building is an amazing place to grab coffee to take to your classes, learn about on-campus microbio research, or just to study. I also love to take breaks with my friend and walk through Allen Centennial Garden when the weather is nice.
	Name: Alli Dawiedczyk (she/her) Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan Majors: Global Health and Spanish (Pre-Law) Why I chose UW-Madison: I was torn between choosing a small or large college and I felt like within CALS I could really get the best of both worlds. I have access to world class faculty and can attend Big10 football games while still feeling like a part of a close knit community with professors and advisors who know me personally. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: The people. I have made lifelong connections within CALS from my classmates to my professors and advisors. I am part of a community here and feel at home. Fun Facts, Hobbies, and Student Orgs: I am president of BVA (Badger Volunteering Association) and I volunteer as a tutor for 7th grade students at Black Hawk middle school (through the Morgridge Center.) I also volunteer at Porchlight Inc., a local homeless shelter. I am part of the Pre-Law society and sit on two ASM student government boards. I am also involved in the Track club and various intramurals (soccer, flag football, and volleyball).
	Name: Caitlin Hanley (she/her) Hometown: Watertown, Wisconsin Major: Animal Sciences (Pre-vet) Certificate: Food Systems Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW for the amazing research opportunities on campus. Not many schools have 100 cows a few miles from the capital! I was excited to utilize these animals for hands on learning and not have to leave campus while still enjoying the city. CALS Programs to Ask Me About: Quickstart, the Honors in Research program, campus research, internships, and scholarships Favorite class: One of my favorite classes I've taken is Meat Science, or An Sci 305. This was a super hands-on course, and a lot of time was spent in the USDA meat processing facility learning about different muscle types. We even got to brine a chicken to bring home!
	Name: Molly Keebler (she/her) Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin Majors: Genetics & Genomics and Life Sciences Communication Certificate: Disability Rights and Services Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison for many reasons! One, the genetics program at UW-Madison is incredible. Also, I love the campus and its proximity to the lakes and downtown Madison. I grew up going to sporting events, and other UW-Madison activities and I love the community here at UW-Madison! Favorite Class: LSC 617! This course is on health communication in the information age. It emphasizes how to communicate health related topics to a wide audience and the most effective ways to do so with current technology, social media, and other media outlets! Favorite Part of CALS Campus: My favorite part of the CALS campus is the Allen Centennial Garden. It is such a great place to hang out, study, and get some time outside!
	Name: Naomi Olsen (she/her) Hometown: Arlington, Massachusetts Majors: Global Health and Life Sciences Communication Certificate: Food Systems Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison because I wanted to be on a large campus in a college town that allows me to find my independence and prosper. Madison is a beautiful place and being right on a lake in a huge plus! CALS Programs to Ask Me About: First year seminar, Global Health, study abroad, career advising Favorite Class: C&E Soc 341: Labor in Global Food Systems, you learn about all the levels of labor within the food system, from the gig economy, to large-scale agriculture work. You learn about the inequities in the system and get to engage in some really interesting readings and hear perspectives from people around Madison working in the food system.
	Name: Meghan Reimann (she/her) Hometown: Buffalo, New York Major: Animal & Veterinary Biosciences Certificates: Studio Art-Ceramics and Leadership Why I chose UW-Madison: Aside from the exceptional academics, I chose to attend UW-Madison because it felt like home! The minute I stepped foot on campus, I was comfortable and knew that UW was the perfect fit for me. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: My favorite part of being in CALS is interacting with those within the college. The people in CALS are truly the best part! Without the amazing support system I have here, I believe my college experience would look vastly different. Favorite Part of CALS Campus: One of my favorite parts is my lab, the Laporta Lab, located in the Animal Science building. My principal investigator and the other students I collaborate with are some of the most inspirational and genuine people I’ve met. The days I go to my lab are my favorite days of the week! Another place that is near and dear to my heart is 116 Ag Hall which is the Office of Academic Affairs. This place is not only my second home but where my CALS family lives. Lastly, the Microbial Sciences building is one of my favorite places to study or stop into between classes.
	Name: Quinn Thomas (she/her) Hometown: Millburn, New Jersey Major: Biology (Pre-Vet) Certificate: Environmental Studies Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison because it ticked all my boxes both academically and socially. I wanted a big school with all the excitement and opportunities of a city campus, but also a place where I could really connect with my professors and advisors. Favorite Class: My favorite class that I have taken so far was C&E Soc 248: Environment, Natural Resources, & Society. The class explores contemporary relationships that we have with the natural world, especially in the context of societal responses to environmental issues. I found the class very relevant to current political, societal, and environmental issues. Favorite Part of CALS Campus: My favorite part of CALS campus is the Allen Centennial Garden. Whether you go in between classes and study or just to enjoy the greenery, it is a great place to sit and relax on a warm day. I love to stroll through the garden and sit on one of the benches with a good book.
	Name: Mackenzie Twomey (she/her) Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Majors: Microbiology and Global Health Certificate: Gender and Women’s Studies Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison because whenever I was asking a question I was told no at other universities but UW-Madison told me yes or we’ll figure it out. CALS Programs to Ask me About: CALS QuickStart, CALS Honors in Research, study abroad advising, academic advising Favorite Part of CALS Campus: My favorite part of the CALS campus is the BioCommons in Steenbock Library because it is a comfy place to relax and study with friends.
	Name: Amal Vellani (She/Her) Hometown: Houston, Texas Majors: Global Health and Health Promotion and Health Equity Certificate: Athletic Healthcare Why I chose UW-Madison: I was torn between the interconnectedness of a small school and the liveliness of a big school. Being part of CALS allowed me to have a close connection to my professors and advisors, while also having all of the opportunities, academically and socially, within UW-Madison. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: CALS has opened so many doors for me, professionally, academically, and personally. Coming from Texas, it provided me with a support system that I could rely on while being scared to enter such a new place. Fun Facts, Hobbies, and Student Orgs: A fun fact about me is that I try a new restaurant in Madison almost every week because of how amazing the food is here. I am also a big supporter of the Dane County Farmers Market, the weekly local farmers market around the capital. On campus, I am a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and have an internship with the School of Medicine and Public Health’s Office of Global Health. I am also an after school tutor for an elementary school in the Madison area.
	Name: Raagav Vijayalakshmi Siva (he/him) Hometown: Coimbatore, India Majors: Agricultural Business Management Certificates: Entrepreneurship and Textile & Design Why I chose UW-Madison: Loved the large school feel and being in a city like Madison with two beautiful lakes. My Favorite Part of Being in CALS: The tight-knit community that CALS provides within the larger UW community - it's like I get the best of both worlds. CALS Programs to Ask Me About: Honors in Research program, campus research, and career Advising.