Lucy Wersinger discovers her passion for microbiology
Lucy Wersinger, who grew up in Maple Plain, Minnesota, is graduating this winter with a bachelor’s in microbiology. Lucy was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the winter 2025 commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about her interest in microbiology and her research on campus. Lucy plans to complete a post-grad research program with the goal of getting her PhD in the future.
Why did you choose your major? What was the most interesting or the coolest thing you learned?
I chose my major, microbiology, because I’ve always had an interest in disease and thought research to develop vaccines was fascinating. However, throughout my classes, the most interesting thing I’ve learned is that if there is a chemical reaction that produces energy, there is most likely a microbe that uses that reaction for metabolism!
What student organizations, groups, and other activities were you involved in?
I’ve been the Communication Coordinator of the Microbiology Club here at UW-Madison.
What are your future academic and/or career plans, short-term and long-term?
For a long-term plan, I plan to get my PhD so I can continue in research and have my own research lab. I would also really enjoy teaching college courses as a professor. To get there, I am planning on gaining more experience in a post-grad research program.
When you think about your time here as a student, what are you proud of?
During my time at Madison, I am most proud of my growth and development into a better researcher in my lab and through classes.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with CALS students?
For other CALS students, my advice would be to appreciate your classes. So many of my classes here have been incredibly interesting and well-taught by wonderful professors.
What do you like most about being a CALS student?
My favorite thing about being a CALS student was having the opportunity to research abroad.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would eat the Bucky’s Birthday Bash flavor because it is probably the best flavor they have.
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
My favorite thing about Madison is all the food options and, of course, the beautiful lakes.