Molly Keebler, who is from Middleton, WI, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and life sciences communication. In the below Q&A, she talks about her interest in neurobiology, her extensive involvement around campus in student organizations, research, study abroad, and as a CALS student ambassador. After graduation, Molly plans to stay in Madison for a gap year while applying to Genetic Counseling programs.
What’s your hometown? / Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Middleton, WI.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned in your courses?
I have always been interested in genetics, so choosing the genetics major was an easy choice for me. My favorite genetics course that I took was Neurogenetics, where we got to learn about the connections between neurobiology and genetics, and look into current and past research on different neurological disorders.
When I first came to campus, I didn’t know about the life sciences communication major. After taking one of the courses to fulfill a communications requirement, I realized the importance of the way science is communicated to the general public. From there, I started taking more courses in LSC and eventually declared the major. I have enjoyed learning about science marketing and how marketing concepts can be used for science to better communicate complex information to a broad audience.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
On campus, I’m involved in Swim Club UW, one of the sport clubs here on campus. This past year, I had the opportunity to serve as one of the co-presidents. I have enjoyed being able to continue a sport in college, gain leadership experience, and meet other students at UW. I am also involved in the Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization, which has helped me prepare to apply to grad school. Finally, I work as a CALS student ambassador. Through being an ambassador, I have gotten to meet many CALS professors, faculty, and staff as well as other students in CALS.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan to stay in Madison for a gap year while applying to Genetic Counseling programs.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
One of my most meaningful experiences I have had as a CALS student was getting involved in research. I am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Werling’s lab in the genetics department. This has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in genetics and apply a lot of the genetics topics I learned in class to real-life situations. This also furthered my interest in neurogenetics, as my lab specifically focuses on the genetics behind many neurodevelopment disorders.
Another impactful experience that I have had as a CALS student was through my student abroad. I had the opportunity to complete the UW Health Education and Tanzanian culture study abroad program offered through CALS. This experience allowed me to be immersed in another culture and expand my knowledge of global health care. My favorite part of this program was being able to visit the US Embassy in Tanzania and learn about the impacts of global health policy.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I’m proud of how much I have grown as a student here. I have been able to explore what I am interested in and take courses that I never would have thought of taking. This has shaped my career goals and who I am as a person.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Get involved! As someone who didn’t get involved in student organizations and research until my second year, I know it can be difficult to get involved later in college. It’s so important to step outside of your comfort zone and get involved in things that interest you! These experiences have made my college experience so much better, and I’m happy that I took the opportunity to get involved and stuck with it, even though it was out of my comfort zone.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
My favorite thing about being a CALS student is all the built-in support that we have here. I enjoy that my advisor and professors know who I am, and I can reach out to them whenever I have questions.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
As a coffee lover, I always get Mocha Macchiato!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about the city of Madison is that there is always something to do. Whether it is going for walks on the lakeshore path, hanging out on the Memorial Union terrace, going to sporting events, or going to the Farmers’ Market, there is never a dull moment in Madison.