Sam Anhalt seeks to implement sustainable conservation practices

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. You can watch her video interview at the bottom of the page or on YouTube.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose my major, biological systems engineering (BSE) on a natural resources/environmental engineering track, because of my roots in agriculture and my passion for protecting the environment. Globally, agriculture is important, and I want to play a role in continuing to implement sustainable conservation practices, specifically related to water resources. One of the most interesting topics I learned about was wetland restoration techniques to provide essential habitat for wildlife! This was through my capstone engineering design team project in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
On campus, I have been involved in Optima Dance, the largest student-run dance organization at UW–Madison, and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). During all of undergrad, I have performed 2-6 group dance pieces at Optima’s two end-of-the-semester showcases. Over the years, it has been amazing to see the organization grow to over 200 members! In these past two years, I have served on the organization’s executive leadership board as the 23-24 Apparel & Design Coordinator and 24-25 Finance Coordinator. ASABE is a pre-professional organization geared towards BSE students, in which I have been able to network with industry professionals, students, and faculty/staff. In ASABE, I have served on the officer team these past two years, and this year I led the organization as President.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
My future academic plan is to continue my education here at UW–Madison in the BSE department for a master’s! I will be starting a research assistantship program in June, developing a nitrate sensor for growers in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin. Long term, I plan to find a career in Wisconsin utilizing my engineering knowledge and experience gained at UW–Madison. I want to be actively making a positive difference in the health of the environment and the sustainability of agricultural practices. To achieve this, I aspire to spend time working in an office setting and in the field, on-site with the people impacted by my projects.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most valuable experience I had in CALS was co-planning the ASABE Midwest Regional Rally (MRR) 2025 with three other ASABE officers. It was a collaborative effort of many hours reaching out to sponsors, organizing industry tours and speakers, figuring out catering logistics, and hosting the three-day event. We hosted 77 students from five visiting universities and UW–Madison. This experience developed my skills as a leader, event planner, and networker. I’m thankful for the opportunity to host this event and for all of the hard work dedicated by all ASABE members and the BSE department faculty and staff.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
Thinking about my time here as a student, I am most proud of achieving my academic goal of being on the Dean’s List every semester while also enjoying time on campus with friends from class and the student organizations I have been a part of!
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
The advice I’d like to share with CALS students is to strive to find community on campus! There are so many opportunities to become involved in student organizations, on-campus jobs, and more. Everyone has a home in the CALS family! Also, enjoy the beauty of all the natural spaces on the CALS campus!
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
What I like most about being a CALS student is the care all advisors, faculty, and staff have for their students. Within the CALS community, there is a dedication to learning and preparing for a career post-graduation that will make an impact!
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, it would be Blueberry Swirl! The blueberry swirl in the classic vanilla ice cream is a refreshing balance, perfect for all seasons of the year, especially summer.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about the city of Madison is the wide range of events and activities always going on. I’ve enjoyed the Farmers’ Market on the square countless times, as well as the integrated natural spaces such as Picnic Point and Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Coming from the small rural town of Mishicot, Wisconsin, which has a population of 1,400, I was overwhelmed by the size of Madison. Now, after four years of exploring, I confidently call Madison a second home with endless opportunities!