Biochemistry

Graduating undergraduate Biochemistry students and their families are encouraged to join the Biochemistry Department for a celebration on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm! Babcock ice cream, light refreshments, and a photo booth will be provided. Come and go as you are able. Please reach out to biochemmicrobio-advisor@wisc.edu with any questions.

Biological Systems Engineering

BSE will recognize and celebrate spring graduates with a reception on May 8th at 3:00 p.m. in the B1 lounge. Refreshments will be served. Students will be sent an email with details.

Biology

Graduating biology students can stop by the 3rd floor of the Microbial Sciences Building near the Biology Major advising offices on Friday, May 2nd from 12:00-1:30 p.m. to enjoy ice cream with advisors and fellow grads. While you’re there, pick up your Biology Major mug – a gift to you as our newest alumni.

Community & Environmental Sociology

Graduating students and their families are invited to attend a graduation lunch on May 9th from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Allen Centennial Garden. Students will receive an e-mail with more information.

Entomology, Forest Science, Plant Pathology, and Wildlife Ecology (Russell Labs)

Russell Labs is hosting joint picnic for all graduates in their majors and graduate programs in early May. More details will be sent to students via email.

Environmental Sciences

The Environmental Sciences program committee will recognize candidates for graduation on May 8th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the atrium of the Wisconsin Energy Institute (1552 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726).

Food Science

A senior lunch will be hosted during the last week of classes where their efforts are acknowledged with a special gift bag. A formal program will be held May 10th in Babcock Hall prior to the full-campus commencement. Contact Rich Hartel with questions.

Genetics & Genomics

Graduates will be recognized at a ceremony and reception on May 9th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. More details will be sent to students via email.

Global Health

A graduation ceremony and reception will be hosted May 9th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Full event details on can be found on the major’s website.

Life Sciences Communication

The LSC graduation reception will take place May 9th from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the Holt Center. LSC faculty, instructors and staff will be in attendance and light refreshments will be provided. Remarks from the Department Chair will begin at 2:30 and Bucky will be joining us at 3:00 for pictures! Regalia is highly recommended.

Students received an invitation with more information via email.

Microbiology

The Bacteriology department is holding a graduation reception for Microbiology BS and Bacteriology Master’s graduates and their friends/families after commencement May 10th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Microbial Sciences Building. Refreshments will be served and a small gift will be provided to each graduate.

Nutritional Sciences and Nutrition & Dietetics

The Department of Nutritional Sciences is holding a Graduation Celebration event May 7th from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in Room 230 of the Nutri Sci building (1415 Linden Drive). Refreshments will be provided. More details will be sent to students via email.

Emily Stumpf
Life Sciences Communication, BS

Emily Stumpf, who grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in life sciences communication and a certificate in digital studies. She was selected to be the CALS flag bearer at the UW–Madison 2025 spring commencement ceremony. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the life sciences communication major and her involvement in multiple student organizations. She plans to continue to work for Wisconsin 4-H with the goal of working in agricultural communications.

Sam Mahlum
Biochemistry, BS

Sam Mahlum, who grew up in Germantown, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and a certificate in athletic healthcare. She is also the UW–Madison 2025 senior class president. In this Q&A, she talks about her leadership roles in student organizations, her hands-on learning experiences, and why she chose biochemistry. She was recently accepted into the masters of medical science in anesthesia program at South University in West Palm Beach.

Jasmine Hughes
Microbiology, BS

Jasmine Hughes, who grew up in Missouri City, Texas, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in microbiology and a certificate in global health. In this Q&A, she discusses her leadership in student organizations, her undergraduate research, and her involvement in the Community Resource Navigator Program offered through the global health certificate. She is a Mercile J. Lee Scholar and plans to attend medical school in the fall.

Mason Polencheck
Microbiology & Zoology, BS

Mason Polencheck, who grew up in Ashland, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in microbiology and zoology. In this Q&A, he talks about his research on mudpuppies all over the state and his extensive involvement in student organizations. He plans to get a master’s in conservation science at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and will continue his research on mudpuppies in partnership with the Minnesota DNR.

Mohamed AlMulla,
Genetics and Genomics & Agronomy, BS

Mohamed AlMulla, who grew up in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics and agronomy. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose his majors and his involvement in multiple student organizations He plans to pursue a master’s of science in bacteriology at UW–Madison this fall.

Kylie Konyn
Dairy Science, BS

Kylie Konyn, who grew up in San Diego, California, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in dairy science and certificates in science communication and business management for agricultural and life sciences. In this Q&A, she talks about her passion for the dairy industry and her extensive involvement in dairy- and agriculture-focused student organizations and competitions on campus. She plans to attend graduate school at Cornell University in the fall.

Katie Cervenka
Wildlife Ecology & Life Sciences Communication, BS

Katie Cervenka, who grew up in Delafield, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in wildlife ecology and life sciences communication and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she talks about the connections she made between her two majors, her involvement in student organizations, and her role as a CALS Student Ambassador. She plans to work for a non-profit organization that specializes in natural resources communication.

Will Roder
Food Science, BS

Will Roder, who grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in food science and a certificate in fermented foods and beverages. In this Q&A, he talks about why he chose the food science major and his involvement in the Food Science Club. Will also received the 2024 Jacob Leinenkugel Diversity in Brewing Award. He plans to work in the brewing industry as a brewer. 

Cindy Dong
Life Sciences Communication & Global Health, BS

Cindy Dong, who grew up in New Berlin, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in global health and life sciences communication and a certificate in Asian American studies. In this Q&A, she discusses what drew her to the global health and life sciences communication majors, her leadership roles in student organizations, and her involvement in the global health department. She plans to work in public health or higher education.

Sam Anhalt
Biological Systems Engineering, BS

Sam Anhalt, who grew up in Mishicot, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in biological systems engineering and a certificate in environmental studies. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the biological systems engineering major, her involvement in Optima Dance, and her leadership experience in the UW American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. She plans to stay at UW–Madison and pursue a master’s in biological systems engineering.

Alex Krawczyk
Genetics and Genomics & Life Sciences Communication, BS

Alex Krawczyk, who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will be graduating this spring with a bachelor’s in genetics and genomics and life sciences communication. In this Q&A, he talks about why he switched to the genetics and genomics major, his study abroad experience in Thailand, and his involvement in student organizations. He plans to work in biomedical sales and marketing.

Sofia Fernandez
Bacteriology, MS

Sofia Fernandez, who grew up in Richfield, Wisconsin, is graduating this spring with a master’s of science in bacteriology. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose to pursue a graduate degree in bacteriology, her role in research and as a teaching assistant, and the impact of her study abroad experience. She plans to attend medical school in the fall and pursue an MD/MPH.

Jaya Hafner
Agroecology, MS

Jaya Hafner, who grew up in Fairfield, Iowa, is graduating this spring with a master’s in agroecology. In this Q&A, she talks about why she chose the agroecology masters program, her experience on the Agroecology Governance Committee, and her research on watershed health. She plans to continue working in water quality research and data analysis.

Becca Honeyball
Horticulture, PhD

Becca Honeyball, who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, will be graduating this spring with a PhD in horticulture. In this Q&A, she talks about her extensive involvement in student organizations, her experience in founding Mentorship Opportunities in Science and Agriculture (MOSAIC) and her research in wild bogs. She plans to work in the field of conversation and community building.