Recent CALS Alumni
Every year, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences highlights just a handful of our incredible students during spring and winter commencement. You can find question and answer profiles for alumni who have graduated in the past couple years below.
Spring 2025 Graduates
Emily Stumpf
Life Sciences Communication, BS
Emily Stumpf, who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in life sciences communication and a certificate in digital studies. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison 2025 spring commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the life sciences communication major and her involvement in multiple student organizations. She plans to continue to work for Wisconsin 4-H with the goal of working in agricultural communications.
Sam Mahlum
Biochemistry, BS
Sam Mahlum, who grew up in Germantown, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and a certificate in athletic healthcare. She is also the UW–Madison 2025 senior class president. In this Q&A, she talks about her leadership roles in student organizations, her hands-on learning experiences, and why she chose biochemistry. She was recently accepted into the masters of medical science in anesthesia program at South University in West Palm Beach.
Jasmine Hughes
Microbiology, BS
Jasmine Hughes, who grew up in Missouri City, Texas, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in microbiology and a certificate in global health. In this Q&A, she discusses her leadership in student organizations, her undergraduate research, and her involvement in the Community Resource Navigator Program offered through the global health certificate. She is a Mercile J. Lee Scholar and plans to attend medical school in the fall.
Mason Polencheck
Microbiology & Zoology, BS
Mason Polencheck, who grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in microbiology and zoology. In this Q&A, he talks about his research on mudpuppies all over the state and his extensive involvement in student organizations. He plans to get a master’s in conservation science at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and will continue his research on mudpuppies in partnership with the Minnesota DNR.
Mohamed AlMulla,
Genetics and Genomics & Agronomy, BS
Mohamed AlMulla, who grew up in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics and agronomy. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose his majors and his involvement in multiple student organizations. He plans to pursue a master’s of science in bacteriology at UW–Madison this fall.
Kylie Konyn
Dairy Science, BS
Kylie Konyn, who grew up in San Diego, California, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in dairy science and certificates in science communication and business management for agricultural and life sciences. In this Q&A, she talks about her passion for the dairy industry and her extensive involvement in dairy- and agriculture-focused student organizations and competitions on campus. She plans to attend graduate school at Cornell University in the fall.
Katie Cervenka
Wildlife Ecology & Life Sciences Communication, BS
Katie Cervenka, who grew up in Delafield, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and life sciences communication and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she talks about the connections she made between her two majors, her involvement in student organizations, and her role as a CALS Student Ambassador. She plans to work for a non-profit organization that specializes in natural resources communication.
Will Roder
Food Science, BS
Will Roder, who grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in food science and a certificate in fermented foods and beverages. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose the food science major and his involvement in the Food Science Club. Will also received the 2024 Jacob Leinenkugel Diversity in Brewing Award. He plans to work in the brewing industry as a brewer.
Cindy Dong
Life Sciences Communication & Global Health, BS
Cindy Dong, who grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in global health and life sciences communication and a certificate in Asian American studies. In this Q&A, she discusses what drew her to the global health and life sciences communication majors, her leadership roles in student organizations, and her involvement in the global health department. She plans to work in public health or higher education.
Sam Anhalt
Biological Systems Engineering, BS
Sam Anhalt, who grew up in Mishicot, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the biological systems engineering major, her involvement in Optima Dance, and her leadership experience in the UW American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. She plans to stay at UW–Madison and pursue a master’s in biological systems engineering.
Alex Krawczyk
Genetics and Genomics & Life Sciences Communication, BS
Alex Krawczyk, who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, he talks about why he switched to the genetics and genomics major, his study abroad experience in Thailand, and his involvement in student organizations. He plans to work in biomedical sales and marketing.
Sofia Fernandez
Bacteriology, MS
Sofia Fernandez, who grew up in Richfield, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a master’s of science in bacteriology. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose to pursue a graduate degree in bacteriology, her role in research and as a teaching assistant, and the impact of her study abroad experience. She plans to attend medical school in the fall and pursue an MD/MPH.
Jaya Hafner
Agroecology, MS
Jaya Hafner, who grew up in Fairfield, Iowa, is graduating this spring with a master’s in agroecology. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the agroecology masters program, her experience on the Agroecology Governance Committee, and her research on watershed health. She plans to continue working in water quality research and data analysis.
Becca Honeyball
Horticulture, PhD
Becca Honeyball, who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, will be graduating this spring with a PhD in horticulture. In this Q&A, she talks about her extensive involvement in student organizations, her experience in founding Mentorship Opportunities in Science and Agriculture (MOSAIC) and her research in wild bogs. She plans to work in the field of conversation and community building.
Winter 2024 Graduates
Winter 2024
London Bates
Community and Environmental Sociology, BS
London Bates, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s in community and environmental sociology and a certificate in sustainability. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW-Madison commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her switch to the community and environmental sociology major, and her growth as a leader through student organizations. She plans to get a masters degree in environmental conservation.
Jonah Naatz
Soil Science, BS
Jonah Naatz, who grew up in Sussex, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelors in soil science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose soil science, his interest in turfgrass management, and his rewarding capstone project in soil science. He recently accepted a position as assistant superintendent at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Quinn Ruzicka
Biology, Life Sciences Communication BS
Quinn Ruzicka, who grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, graduated with a bachelor’s in biology and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she explains how she found the LSC major, her involvement in the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology, and the value of her hands-on coursework. She plans to enter the workforce and do marketing and branding for a science-related firm.
Hermary Gonzalez
Wildlife Ecology, BS
Hermary Gonzales, who grew up in Pearl City Hawai’i, graduated with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she explains why she chose wildlife ecology, her experience working as an undergraduate researcher, and her opportunities to bridge her culture and ecology. Her future plans included getting a PhD in wildlife ecology.
Dehlia Kilty
Biology, BS
Dehlia Kilty, who grew up in Marshfield, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s in biology. In this Q&A, she talks about how she discovered her interest in biology, her leadership roles in student organizations, and her study abroad experience in Vienna, Austria. Her future plans are to attend a physician’s assistant program and get a Master of Public Health degree.
Caitlin Hanley
Animal Science, BS
Caitlin Hanley, who grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin, graduated this winter with a bachelor’s in animal science and a certificate in food systems. In this Q&A, she talks about her hands-on learning experiences, student organizations she is involved in, and her meaningful work as a CALS ambassador. She plans to attend vet school on the path to becoming a small/exotic animal veterinarian.
Jason Kaiya
Genetics and Genomics, BS
Jason Kaiya, who was born in Nairobi, Kenya and grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, graduated with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics. In this Q&A, he explains why he chose the genetics major, his meaningful involvement in the CALS Quickstart program, and his advice for other CALS students. In the future, he plans to travel to Kenya to serve and do mission, and then apply to medical school.
Sophia Green
Animal Science, BS
Sophia Green, who grew up in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s in animal science. In this Q&A, she talks about her involvement in student organizations and research, the meaningful experience working at World Dairy Expo, and her future journey to become a food animal veterinarian.
Everado Anta Galvan
Animal Science, MS
Everardo Anta Galvan, who grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, graduated with a master’s degree in animal science. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose to work with animals, his experience as an international student, and some of the meaningful research he has done in reproductive physiology. He was recently accepted into UW–Madison’s endocrinology reproductive physiology program where he will pursue his PhD.
Pat Pharino
Animal Science, MS
Pat Pharino, who grew up in Udon Thani, Thailand, graduated with a master’s degree in animal science. In this Q&A, she discusses her involvement with events at the Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery building, and her worthwhile experience attending the international meat science conference in Brazil. She plans to continue her education and get a PhD relating to meat safety.
Spring 2024 Graduates
Spring 2024
Keira Obert
Wildlife Ecology, BS
Keira Obert, who grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, graduated with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and certificates in environmental studies and studio art. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her experiences with the Hoofer Outing Club, attending her major’s “summer camp,” and her career plans, which involve promoting safe and sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation practices.
Bea Sutton
Food Science, BS
Bea Sutton, who grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s in food science and a certificate in global health. In this Q&A, she talks about finding the food science major, the value of participating in student organizations, and the satisfaction of working at campus’ Carson’s Market. Her future plans include interning at a California winery, then going to grad school.
Maxwell Chibuogwu
Plant Pathology, PhD
Maxwell Chibuogwu, an international student from Nigeria, graduated with a PhD in plant pathology. In this Q&A, he talks about his route to UW–Madison, his motivation to study pathogens of crop plants, his leadership roles at UW, and the journey he’ll take to reach his future career goal: to consult for African ministries of agriculture.
Dev Desai
Biochemistry, Microbiology BS
Dev Desai, who grew up in Nashik, India, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and microbiology. In this Q&A, he talks about his experiences doing research and being a TA, his appreciation for bacteria, and his next step to get a PhD in molecular and cell biology.
Maezy Beams
Horticulture, BS
Maezy Beams, who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. In this Q&A, she talks about her decision to transfer to UW, finding a supportive community at CALS, and her eagerness to work in a public-facing role in the horticultural field.
Brenen Skalitzky
Genetics and Genomics, BS
Brenen Skalitzky, who grew up in Waterloo, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in genetics and genomics, as well as three certificates: criminal justice, global health, and health policy. In this Q&A, he talks about his involvement in student orgs, undergrad research, study abroad — and his next steps to go to med school.
Andrea Wegrzynowicz
Biochemistry, PhD
Andrea Wegrzynowicz, who grew up in Ballston Spa in upstate New York, graduated with a PhD in biochemistry. In this Q&A, she talks about the satisfaction of doing the “hard things,” the importance of saying “yes” to spontaneous trips to Babcock Dairy and the Terrace, and her plans to work in infertility and reproductive health.
Luke McCullough
Dairy Science, BS
Luke McCullough, who grew up in Juda, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s in dairy science. In this Q&A, Luke talks about his role as student manager at campus’ Dairy Cattle Center, being on a winning team for the National Dairy Challenge competition, and his next steps to go to vet school and become a large animal veterinarian.
Jaya Suneja
Biological Systems Engineering, BS
Jaya Suneja, who grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biological systems engineering and three certificates: business management for CALS, environmental studies, and studio art. In this Q&A, she talks about her experiences in the her major’s student org, the value of investing in your health and wellbeing, and her goal to become a licensed engineer who works on water management projects in water-scarce areas.
Jim Spoden
Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences Communication BS
Jim Spoden, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences and life sciences communication. This UW news article describes how Jim, who had been working in U.S. trade compliance, decided to go to college in order to shift his career path — to better align with his interest in addressing climate change.
Rosalie Powell
Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences Communication BS
Rosalie Powell, who grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, graduated with a bachelor’s degrees in environmental sciences and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she talks about the satisfaction of registering students to vote, anticipation of publishing her undergrad research, and excitement about her upcoming conservation-focused fellowship in Washington State. Learn even more about Rosalie in this Grow article.