Dehlia Kilty heads to a physician’s assistant program
Dehlia Kilty, who grew up in Marshfield Wisconsin, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in biology. In this Q&A, she talks about how she found an 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. 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 to study biology after an introduction course in high school piqued my interest. The most interesting thing I’ve learned while studying biology is that the heart pumps out 5 liters of blood per minute. That’s over a gallon per minute!
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I co-founded and was president of Campus Craft Club and a member of the Aspiring Physician Assistant Association club. I also volunteered for UW Frozen Meals and Gilda’s Run/Walk.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
I plan on becoming a physician assistant, so I will have to attend PA school. I would also like to obtain a Master of Public Health degree.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
I was fortunate enough to get to travel to Vienna, Austria for fieldwork with a group of students who I hadn’t met before. We studied how obesity relates to each of the Sustainable Development Goals. While in Vienna, we got to tour the United Nations and met with a fellow UW Madison alum to discuss the severity of obesity and the response efforts currently being taken. We also visited a few notable palaces and attended the Vienna State Opera. Viennese food is amazing. The opportunity to study in another country was invaluable, but even more meaningful were the friendships I made on the trip.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I am proud of myself for connecting with people and making friends throughout my time here in Madison. I am proud of myself for co-founding the first UW-Madison craft club. I’m also proud of student-work-life balance.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
I would advise students to make sure to explore and take advantage of CALS opportunities such as study abroad and fieldwork experiences. These opportunities can help students gain a new perspective in their studies. Studying abroad also introduces one to new cultures, languages, and customs. Some of these programs occur in the summer and only last a couple weeks. They are perfect for students who don’t have time to study abroad for a whole semester or for students that are looking to fulfill their fieldwork requirements.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I like the community that CALS provides for its students. The advising staff are helpful with class recommendations and scheduling. The teaching staff are knowledgeable, and the students are proud to be a part of CALS.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It would have to be Mnookie Dough. I love cookie dough flavored anything, so I was an instant fan when the flavor dropped. The caramel and fudge are added bonuses.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about Madison is the plethora of scenic biking paths to run on.