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: Aditya Suresh (he/him) Hometown: Edina, Minnesota Major: Global Health Certificate: Data Science and Health Policy Why CALS: CALS provided a tight-knit sense of community while also challenging me academically and pushing my ability to analyze, dissect, and discuss real-world topics and challenges. Favorite place to eat in Madison: Rising Sons
	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! 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. Favorite sporting event to attend: Womens' club basketball
	Name: Bianca Alvarez (she/her) Hometown: Palos Park, IL Majors: Microbiology and Chicanx/e & Latinx/e Studies Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison for the perfect student and social life balance. Here I am able to devote myself to my studies and make great relationships with people and create beautiful memorie Favorite part of being in CALS: My favorite part of CALS is the connection! Here we are able to work together and make you feel that this huge university also has a perfect small tight knit community. Favorite building on campus: Microbiology
	Name: Ellie Baudhuin (she/her) Hometown: Rochester, MN Major: Genetics & Genomics Certificates: Health & the Humanities and Honors in Research Why I chose UW-Madison: The vibrant culture and scenic natural landscape initially drew me to Madison. I got excited as I continued to explore programs, learning about UW’s status as an R1 research institution and that it houses the first Genetics department in the country. Stepping onto campus during my first tour, I truly felt like I could see myself at this renowned university. Favorite part of being in CALS: The connection between peers, faculty, and alumni through their support of undergrads and celebration of accomplishments. Coming from a high school graduating class of 70 students, I was nervous that I wouldn't find my place at such a big university. However, I can confidently say that CALS has given me not just a place to belong, but a true home! Favorite place to eat in Madison: The Mediterranean Joint and cheese curds from Old Fashion
	Name: Emily Sydow (she/her) Hometown: Columbus, Wisconsin Major: Agricultural & Applied Economics Certificates: Public Policy Why I chose CALS: It's the foundation of the Wisconsin Idea. All roads lead back to CALS no matter where you go across the state, country or even nation. Favorite sporting event to attend: Hockey
	Name: Fred Blair (he/him) Hometown: Bloomer, WI Major: Biological Systems Engineering Certificate: Computer Science Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison because of the academic rigor, extensive extracurricular organizations, and vast career opportunities pre and post-graduation. Favorite part of CALS campus: My favorite part about CALS is the community that exists within the college. Walking from class to class, it's almost impossible not to see another CALS student! Favorite building on campus: Agriculture Hall
	Name: Gale Hakopian (they/them) Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan Majors: Microbiology, Entomology, and Global Health Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison because the mix of nature and city gave the campus a dynamic feeling which I was interested to explore. However, I also felt like the campus environment allowed me ample opportunities to explore academically as well. Favorite part of being in CALS:The ability to connect with so many others within CALS and be a part of an interconnected campus community. Fun facts, hobbies, and student organizations: I am currently involved in the Undergraduate Entomological Society as well as Hoofers Outing. When unoccupied I love to explore around the Madison area and find fun new places I haven’t been to before.
	Name: Gracie Ortizcazarin (she/her) Hometown: Plymouth, Minnesota Major: Dairy Food Animal Management Certificates: 3D Studio Art Design Why I chose CALS: I chose CALS because of the hands-on approach staff take to teaching, I want to show future students how they will be set up for success here. Favorite sporting event to attend: Volleyball
	Name: Laniya Hinton (she/her) Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Major: Biochemistry Certificates: Life Sciences Communication Why I chose CALS: I chose CALS for the freedom to explore different classes and career paths while in a demanding major (biochemistry). Being a part of CALS has allowed me to pursue my interests in dance and Spanish, while giving me the time to focus on my research as well, without spreading myself too thin. The support and academic freedom CALS has given me has been invaluable. Favorite building on campus: Morgridge Hall and Union South
	Name: Lila James (she/her) Hometown: Orono, Minnesota Major: Global Health and Spanish Certificates: Public Policy Why I chose CALS: I chose CALS because of the smaller, tight-knit, and supportive community within the larger campus. Also, because my CALS major has allowed me to explore other topics within life sciences while still counting toward my major and find new subjects that I am passionate about. Favorite place to eat in Madison: Ahan, Naples 15, and Canteen
	Name: Mackenzie Twomey (she/her) Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Majors: Microbiology and Global Health Certificate: Gender & 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 place on 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: Mali Draxler (she/her) Hometown: Glenwood City, Wisconsin Major: Agricultural & Applied Economics and Life Sciences Communication Certificates: Leadership and Public Policy Why CALS: CALS allows me to dive deeper into my passion for agriculture. The close-knit community and structure support my engagement in hands-on learning. I feel at home working with my peers and professors and I know that CALS will help me excel in my future career. Favorite places to eat in Madison: Mad Seafood Boiler and Barriques
	Name: Maye MacLean (she/her) Hometown: Presque Isle, Wisconsin Major: Food Science Why I chose UW-Madison: I grew up in a small town and was originally intimidated by UW-Madison's "big school" vibe. Choosing CALS nestled in UW-Madison, I immediately felt supported by the close-knit community. It's the best of both worlds as I have access to unique, hands-on learning opportunities, while still having the advantages of the "big school" setting. Favorite part of being in CALS: I love how everyone in CALS is so connected. I will often see many faculty members and students inside and outside of the classroom. I feel like everywhere I go, I see someone from CALS I know. Favorite place to eat in Madison: Bloom Bake Shop
	Name: Meghan Reimann (she/her) Hometown: Buffalo, New York Major: Animal & Veterinary Biosciences Certificates: Studio Art - 3D Forms, Ceramics, and Life Sciences Communication 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. 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 building on campus: Historical society and the Bakke
	Name: Nathan Buckley (he/him) Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota Majors: Biology and Life Sciences Communication 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! Fun facts, hobbies, and student organizations: 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). Favorite sporting event to attend: Football, Volleyball, Men's basketball
	Name: Nico Gitterle (he/him) Hometown: Weston, FL Majors: Wildlife Ecology and Life Science Communication Why I chose UW-Madison: I chose UW-Madison for its research opportunities and its significant role in global wildlife ecology. Outside of academics, I fell in love with the campus; it's one of the few places that combines natural surroundings and a city feel all in one place. Favorite part of being in CALS: The support and the people. Everyone in CALS wants to see you succeed, and they are always available to help. Besides that, I love how CALS has a significant emphasis on hands-on experience, which is crucial for learning. Favorite place to eat in Madison: La Pollera Colombiana Restauraunt
	Name: Olivia Uttech (she/her) Hometown: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Major: Dairy Science Why I chose UW-Madison: I have always had the idea that I wanted to be a badger! However, what really made me choose to come to UW- Madison compared to other universities was the immediate sense of community that I felt as soon as I visited campus. I could tell that there are so many opportunities for me to build my education inside, and out of the classroom; I could also tell that I would be more than just a student in CALS, also a person. This is a great place to be as a student who is interested in learning about Agriculture, or interested in anything else! Favorite part of being in CALS: My favorite part of being in CALS would have to be how much the college, or the people within the college, care about each individual student. CALS wants each student to feel welcome and succeed, which is clearly shown through the resources available, and the relationships that I have built with fellow students and faculty. Favorite sporting event to attend: Hockey
	Name: Raagav Vijayalakshmi Siva (he/him) Hometown: Coimbatore, India Major: 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. 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. Favorite building on campus: Kohler Art Library and Memorial Union
	Name: Sufi Siddique (she/her) Hometown: Naperville, Illinois Major: Global Health Certificates: Genetics in a Modern World and Business Why CALS: I feel that CALS is incredibly underrated, and I am so lucky to be a part of it and to have met so many amazing staff and students. I believe CALS allows students to truly understand why they are interested in a particular area of science, rather than simply creating a four-year plan focused on passing classes. CALS encourages students to immerse themselves in their major both inside and outside of the classroom, giving them opportunities to explore their interests, gain hands-on experience, and build meaningful connections along the way. Favorite place to eat in Madison : The foot carts on Library Mall (Fresh Cool Drinks and Bombay)
	Name: Tori Rudnick (she/her) Hometown: Center Moriches, New York Major: Biochemistry Certificates: Global Health Why I chose CALS: Coming from a small town, I was looking for a tight knit communtiy within the larger university, and CALS was the perfect place to find that! Aside from the many resources that CALS offers to stduents, our faculty and staff are truly one of a kind and together create an amazing support stystem for students. Favorite place to eat in Madison: The Globe
	Name: Tyler Hanson (he/him) Hometown: Sammamish, Washington Major: Biological Systems Engineering Why I chose CALS: I LOVE agriculture so much literally so much Favorite building on campus: College Library and Allen Centennial Garden