Chloe Sroga, who grew up in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering. In the below Q&A, she talks about her leadership positions in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) UW Chapter and her research internship while studying abroad in Greece. After graduation, she will join the Supply Chain Development Program at Conagra Brands.
What’s your hometown? / Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a suburb north of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned in your courses?
I knew I wanted to be an engineer, but I chose to major in Biological Systems Engineering because it allowed me to focus specifically on crop and food production systems. Within the BSE department, I specialized in the Food and Bioprocessing pathway. I am really interested in uncovering the “invisible” logistics of food, since most people don’t realize the countless steps and processes needed to consume a single food product.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
For most of my college career, I have been an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Serving as the CALS Representative, Treasurer, and Secretary for the UW-Madison chapter was incredibly rewarding. ASABE provided me with leadership experience, a way to meet others in the BSE department, connected me with professional engineers, and took me to places like Omaha and Purdue University.
For fun, my friends and I formed an intramural volleyball team this past semester. We might actually be the worst team in the league, but it has been really fun having time to be with friends and stay active.
What are your post-graduation plans?
This summer I have chosen to join the Supply Chain Development Program at Conagra Brands. It’s a three-year rotational program that allows me to experience different locations and roles annually. I’ll be starting my first rotation in Waterloo, Iowa, working with brands like Snack Pack and David Seeds!
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
Through CALS, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, for a six-week summer research internship. I conducted research on edible coatings for cherries to extend their shelf life, which directly applied my BSE coursework to a real-world problem. Beyond the lab, I had to adapt to local customs and push my personal boundaries, including hiking Mount Olympus. It was a great mix of professional growth and personal adventure.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I’m most proud of my resilience during the job search process. Applying and interviewing for internships and full-time roles can be mentally draining, and there were moments when I questioned if my experience was enough. By utilizing CALS Career Services, I was able to regain my confidence, refine my approach, and eventually land a position I’m truly excited about. I’m proud that I didn’t let the “no’s” stop me from finding the right “yes.”
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
- Explore your curiosities: whether it’s a club, random course, or a chat with a faculty member, follow what interests you.
- Plan early: build your four-year plan during your first year and have as many people as possible (advisors, professors, peers) look it over. Every course registration season double-check that your planned courses are actually available for that specific semester.
- Advocate for yourself: ask every question you have (you are paying to be here!) and do not let others stop you from pursuing what you deserve.
- Study abroad: if you are able to, do it! It’s a unique experience that you may not have the chance to replicate later in your life.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I love the diversity of perspective of CALS. While BSE is an engineering major, being housed in CALS means I’m surrounded by students in Food Science, Global Health, and Agroecology. It has broadened my worldview; instead of seeing food production as just a series of inputs and outputs, I’ve learned about the biological and social complexities of food.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would choose Mocha Macchiato. I love the coffee flavor and crunch from the chocolate chips!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Madison is a perfect combination of natural beauty and city life. I love spending time by the lakes, exploring different restaurants, and seeing the State Capitol lit up at night.