Quinn Ruzicka discovers her passion for life sciences communication
Quinn Ruzicka, who grew up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in biology and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, she explains how she found the life sciences communication major, her involvement in the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology, and the value of her hands-on course work. She plans to enter the workforce and do marketing and branding for a science related firm. 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 came into college with a curiosity for science, but once I found life sciences communication I realized I wanted to focus more on communicating the science and ensuring everyone gets the chance to appreciate all the fascinating breakthroughs. My LSC course “Risk Communication” which covered how to communicate about “risky” topics and the public perception of risk has been one of my favorite topics during my time at Madison.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
For the majority of my time at Madison, I have worked with the Journal of Undergraduate Science and Technology (JUST) as their Director of Design. It has been so fun to put all the hard work of student science writers/editors and student researchers into a captivating layout with my design team
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
I’m looking to enter the workforce after graduation. Ideally, I want to do marketing and branding for a science-focused firm.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
I really valued the hands-on coursework and the open line of communication with my professors who were often world-renowned in their field. I’ve had the chance to work on marketing development projects for real clients in the agricultural industry, and I’ve gotten to collect limnological data in northern Wisconsin at a research station founded by the Badgers who were pioneers in the field of limnology. You’re learning from some of the best in a truly hands-on way.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I’m proud that I always dove in. In coursework, I stayed curious and sought out courses that would broaden my knowledge and used class projects to push that understanding. With JUST, I dove into design work, with about half a semester’s worth of InDesign experience, and I came out with a huge passion for design and branding, (which has led to a freelance business). Saying yes, when the timing is right, led me to a lot of really amazing people and opportunities
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
There are a lot of resources available to you; use them! Meet your major advisor, career advisor, and professors. After your conversation with these people, you’ll definitely get some questions answered, but you might also come up with new questions that’ll lead you in new and intriguing directions.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I really liked how flexible my majors were. I was able to work with my advisors to create a double major plan that allowed me to graduate early while still touching on a wide range of my interests and adhering to the requirements for each major.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It’s a tie! I’ll always love Blueberry Swirl and Orange Chocolate Chip.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Madison is a gorgeous city all year round, so that is definitely one of my favorite parts. You never get tired of the lakes or the view of the capitol from State Street. But, I also love how small this city can feel. You are almost always going to run into someone you know whether you’re sitting in one of many coffee shops, sitting on the terrace, or walking the farmer’s market. The community here is awesome.