Libby Carroll combines her interests in science and writing
Libby Carroll, who grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in life sciences communication (LSC) and certificates in global health and political science. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose LSC, the relationships she’s built on campus, and her experience in the CALS Food Insecurity First-year Interest Group. Libby plans to explore career options in communications, marketing, PR, and medical device sales.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I’m a Life Sciences Communication major with certificates in Global Health and Political Science. I chose LSC because I loved how it connected my passion for science with my strength in writing. It felt like the perfect blend of my interests.
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
On campus, I’m involved with Alpha Xi Delta, the Pre-Law Society, and the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
In the short term, I’m excited to begin my career and am exploring roles in communications, marketing, PR, and medical device sales. Long term, I hope to find a career where I can create a meaningful impact.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
One of the most valuable experiences I had in CALS was taking the Food Insecurity FIG with Dr. Barak freshman year. Not only do I still keep in touch with some people from that FIG, but Dr. Barak has been someone I look up to professionally and personally. She’s been a mentor who has really supported me throughout my four years.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve made here. Whether it was talking to the person sitting next to me in class, getting to know the girls in my sorority, or connecting with other LSC students, I always tried to make this big campus feel smaller. I think putting myself out there has made me a better, more curious student.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
Build relationships with your professors. Go to office hours, participate in classes, and remember that they’re only teaching you a fraction of what they know. Those connections can really shape your experience.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
I love the small class sizes and the advisors. Speaking specifically as an LSC student, most of my classes are around 20 people, which made it easy to get to know professors and classmates. I also truly appreciate the relationships I’ve built with my advisors.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It would either be Union Utopia or Blueberry Swirl.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
Definitely being so close to the water no matter where you are. I love being able to walk along the water when it’s warm, and bundling up to enjoy the ice when it’s frozen.