Email uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com with an individual peer advisor’s name in the subject to contact them!
ISA BUTZ
Year in School: Senior
Hey! My name is Isa and I am double majoring in Neurobiology and Psychology with certificates in Biocore, Health and the Humanities, LGBTQ+ Studies, Health Policy, and Leadership. I currently work as an Undergraduate Research Scholars Fellow, and I am starting research for my honors thesis on implicit bias and the use of they/them pronouns. After I graduate, I plan to go to medical school and also earn a Masters in Public Health. When I’m not doing school work, I like to exercise, play video games, and hang out with my friends. If you have any questions about how Biocore fits into a schedule that tries to do it all, feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
ALESSIA FUCENTESE
Year in school: Junior
My name is Alessia, and I am a Junior at UW- Madison in the College of Letters and Science. I am majoring in Environmental studies and Biology. I am originally from Needham, Massachusetts, and enjoy exploring the beaches, mountains and forests of New England. In my free time, I enjoy, hiking, spending time with friends, and weightlifting. Outside of class and Biocore, I work as a research assistant at the Freedman Lab, do plant specimen imaging at the Wisconsin State Herbarium, and pick up shifts at Wheelhouse Studios at Memorial Union (y’all should check it out). Feel free to reach out at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
NIKITA GONUGUNTA
Year in school: Senior
Hi! My name is Nikki and I’m currently a senior majoring in Neurobiology with certificates in Global Health, Development Economics, and Biocore. I work as a medical transcriptionist in the Department of Surgery at UW Health, and I’m also doing research in the Dey Lab where we study immune response to brain tumors. When I’m not at class, work, or in lab, I volunteer at Bristol Hospice and as a Biocore Peer Mentor. I am the president and founder of a mental health and wellness club here on campus called Wisco Mindfulness. After I graduate I plan on going to medical school and becoming a physician. In my free time, I love watching Youtube, playing tennis, and spending time with friends. If you have any questions about the pre-med lifestyle, Biocore, or mental health, feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
NAYEF HAMDAN
Year in school: Junior
Hi! My name’s Nayef, and I’m currently a junior majoring in neurobiology with a certificate in Biocore. I do research in the Samanta Lab, where we study remyelination in multiple sclerosis mouse models, and I also work as a math tutor at Mathnasium. Ultimately, my plan is to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. Outside of school, I frequently volunteer with the Undergraduate Neuroscience Society and Biocore Outreach Ambassadors, and I participate in events with the Biocore Adventure Club whenever they pop up. Beyond that, I like doodling, watching movies at the UW Cinematheque (check it out), and watching copious amounts of YouTube. If you have any questions regarding Biocore, neurobiology, or anything else, feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
THOMAS HARR
Year in school: Senior
Hi everyone! My name is Thomas and I am studying Biochemistry with Honors in the Major and getting a certificate in Biocore. I am unsure of what lays beyond graduation, but I am debating medical or dental school, continuing education in Biochemistry, or biotech/pharmaceutical industry. Currently, I am in the Sandbo Lab at the UW-Hospital in the Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Division researching Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis using the mouse model. Other than academics, I am a leader in Badger Cru, a student ministry on campus. I am also a Biocore peer mentor as well! I am a huge sports fan so you will see me at almost every Badger football, basketball, and hockey game. I also love to play any sport and in the winter I love to ski! If you have any questions about how Biocore fits into my time here and hopefully your time at UW please reach out uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
CADE HOTTMAN
Year in school: Junior
My name is Cade and I am a junior at UW-Madison! I am studying Neurobiology as well as Molecular and Cell Biology with certificates in Global Health and Biocore Core Curriculum. Within Biocore, I am a new peer advisor for 2023 and am also a member of the Biocore Outreach Ambassadors. I also research in the Sousa Lab of the Department of Neuroscience where I focus on the evolution of the human neocortex and the cellular mechanisms that govern the development of neuropsychiatric disorder. Outside of school, I work as a medical scribe in emergency departments across southwest Wisconsin with Madison Emergency Physicians and coach club baseball at GRB Academy. I also enjoy keeping up with the Milwaukee Bucks, learning obscure knowledge through random Sporcle quizzes, and keeping up an active lifestyle including marathon training, biking, and kayaking. Please reach out uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
TERESA JING
Year in school: Senior
Hello! My name is Teresa, and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry with certificate in Biocore. I am currently working in a lab in the cell and regenerative biology department and mainly focus on developing a primer sets for varies genes in mice fetal leydig cells. Besides studying, I am also a member of the Chinese Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA). After graduated, I am planning to go to graduate school to continue doing more research and hopefully get a PhD degree. My dream job will be to become a lecturer or professor in the university. In my free time, I like reading novels and hanging out with friends. Contact me uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
CASEY KAELBER
Year in School: Senior
Hi! I am Casey Kaelber; I am pursuing a major in global health with certificates in Biocore and possibly health policy. I plan to graduate early in December of 2022 and find a career in health informatics or health policy analysis. When I am not studying, I love participating in the events run by the Biocore Outreach Ambassadors (BOA). When I am home in the summer, I coach youth girls basketball with a travel program in Deerfield, IL. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, traveling, and just being outside. If you have any questions about how Biocore fits into the global health major or about my Biocore experience, feel free to contact me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
KEELEY KURU
Year in School: Senior
Hi everyone! My name is Keeley and I’m a senior studying biochemistry with certificates in Biocore and Health in the Humanities. Currently, I am also a Biocore Peer Mentor and now newly a Biocore Peer Advisor. I’m involved in undergraduate research through the Baum lab in the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery where we study the origins of life on early Earth. I’m hoping to pursue a degree in academia in the future after graduate school. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, sailing, traveling and reading. If you have any Biocore related questions or questions related to anything I’m involved in, feel free to send me an email through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
BRAD LI
Year in School: Junior
Hello! My name is Brad. I am a junior double majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish along with a certificate in Biocore! Within the Biocore program, I am involved with Peer Mentoring and Biocore Outreach Ambassadors. Some other student organizations I am part of are the Wisconsin Admission Volunteers (WAVs), the Chinese American Student Association (CHASA), and the fraternity Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ). I work at University Health Services as a Student Medical Assistant and volunteer at UW Health’s Occupational Therapy clinic. Additionally, I am a research assistant in the Ge Lab, where we utilize analytical and biochemical techniques to study proteins associated with cardiomyopathy. I enjoy staying active, playing the alto saxophone, and cooking healthy meals in my free time. Please feel free to reach out with any questions through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
LUCY McGUIRE
Year in School: Senior
Hi! I am Lucy McGuire, a current senior majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies with a certificate in Biocore! This past summer I worked with Dr. Monica Turner’s lab studying forest recovery after fire in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and fell in love with forests and trees and studying the complex ecosystems they’re a part of! I began an independent study through Biocore my sophomore year with a few peers studying the effects of green light on growth of Brassica rapa and we are currently working on a manuscript documenting our experience and the value of student driven research. I love to do anything involving being outside and enjoy reading (especially about nature) and creative outlets like painting as well. Feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com with any questions!
KATHRYN McKINNEY
Year in School: Junior
Hey! My name is Kathryn, I am majoring in Biology with a certificate in Biocore and possibly in athletic healthcare. Currently I work in the Biocore lab as a lab assistant but I also work as a phlebotomist at Mendota Mental Health. After graduating from UW-Madison my plan is to go to medical school to become a plastic surgeon with an end goal of doing Doctors Without Borders. In my free time I enjoy going to the gym, playing/watching sports, and during the summers I like to help out at my local hospital and volunteer in 4-H. If you have any questions about how Biocore fits into your major or want to know more about the Biocore experience, feel free to contact me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
MYRA MOHAMMAD
Year in School: Senior
Hi! My name is Myra and I’m a senior majoring in neurobiology with a certificate in integrated liberal studies. I had the unique privilege of being involved in a virology lab during COVID, which gave me insight into the complexities of SARS-CoV-2. I’m also an undergraduate writing fellow and help run a science communications journal here on campus. I hope to use the knowledge and skills I’m acquiring through Biocore to pursue a career in medicine. In my free time, I enjoy reading, biking, and watching TV. If you have any questions about Biocore, anything pre-med related, or if you just want to chat, feel free to reach out at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
NADIYA MUZYKA
Year in School: Junior
Hey all! My name is Nadiya, and I am currently a junior at UW-Madison majoring in Biology with a certificate in Global Health and Biocore. I was born in Ukraine and lived in Ternopil for 10 years before I moved to Wisconsin. I am planning on applying to medical school in the future because I want to apply my scientific knowledge to help people live healthier and better lives. In addition to school, I volunteer at hospitals and I recently started working in the Skop lab where we study the midbody. I enjoy traveling, painting, working out, and spending time with friends and family in my free time. If you have any questions about how Biocore fits into your major or want to chat about my personal Biocore experience, feel free to contact me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
SAMUEL NEUMAN
Year in School: Senior
Hi all, my name is Sam, and I am a current senior in biomedical engineering. I’m involved in research investigating therapeutic genomic editing and stem cell transplants as part of the Parkinson’s Preclinical Research Program. I’m also involved in Engineering World Health and Student Society for Stem Cell Research. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and playing piano. Contact me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
KRISTA PARAS
Year in School: Junior
Hi, I’m Krista! I am majoring in Genetics and Genomics with certificates in Biocore and Global Health. After graduation, I am planning on going to grad school to become a genetic counselor. In addition to being a Biocore peer mentor, I am involved in various clubs – for instance I manage the scholarship fund for Pre-Genetic Counseling Organization and I am the secretary for Cheese Club. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
MOLLY PARAS
Year in School: Junior
Hi, I’m Molly! I am a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering, with certificates in Biocore and Biology in Engineering. I am unsure of my future career path, but I am hoping to continue my education after undergrad. Outside of class, I am involved in the Wisconsin Track Club, Cheese Club, and BMES. Additionally, I work as a student assistant for INTER-EGR 170, am part of the custodial staff at the Wisconsin Union, and am a lead timer for In Focus Timing. I enjoy watching movies with my roommates, staying active, and spending time outdoors. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
ELLA PETERSON
Year in School: Junior
Hi! My name is Ella and I am currently a junior majoring in Neurobiology with certificates in Global Health and Biocore. I am an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Neuroscience Department at the Moore Lab where we study stem cell aging. This past summer, I observed surgeries as a Research Assistant in Dr. Nichol’s study to determine the instrument specific inventory for common surgical cases within the UW Health system. I am on the board of the Wisconsin Pre-Medical Society and a member of Badger Volunteers. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking and all other outdoor activities. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you have uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
MADELYN REILLY
Year in School: Senior
Hello! My name is Madelyn Reilly, and I am a senior majoring in Biology and pursuing certificates in Global Health and Biocore. As an aspiring physician, I plan on applying to medical school after my undergrad. Here on campus, I am the VP of Public Relations and Member Recruitment of NSCS, I am a member of AMSA, I am a peer leader through WISCIENCE, and I work as an undergraduate researcher in the Duncan Laboratory where we study glial cell transplantation and the biology of myelin disorders in the central nervous system. Additionally, I volunteer at a free health clinic in Stoughton, and I am a CNA at an assisted living facility on the east side of Madison. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, spending time with my friends and family, and playing the piano. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com
ELLEN ABAD SANTOS
Year in School: Senior
Hello! My name is Ellen! I am pursuing a major in Biology with certificates in Biocore and Public Policy. Within the Biocore program, I am involved with Peer Mentoring and Peer Advising. Some other student organizations I am a part of include the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), and the Filipinx-American Student Organization (FASO). In ASM I work as an administrative associate, and I also am a coordinator for their intern program. Previously with ASM, I had worked on updating campus policy regarding voting access. Additionally, I am a research assistant in the Odorico/Sackett Lab through the Department of Surgery at UW Medical School. In that lab, we use mouse models to develop methods of stem cell treatments for individuals with diabetes. I enjoy staying active by running and doing yoga. Furthermore, I spend my summers working as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp MInikani. Please feel free to reach out with any questions through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
NICK SCHULZ
Year in School: Senior
Hello! My name is Nick Schulz and I am senior studying Neurobiology and Spanish, with a Biocore certificate. I work in the Bendlin lab on campus, studying Alzheimer’s Disease and neuroimaging. Also, I have a job as an office assistant for the Neuroscience Training Program in the graduate school. When not studying or working, I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to the gym, and watching all types of sports. I plan on attending medical school, so if you have any questions about how Biocore helps with that preparation, please reach out at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com
JUDITH TAFUR
Year in school: Junior
Hello! My name is Judith and I am a Junior majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology as well as French with a certificate in Biocore. I work as a lab assistant in Osorio lab in the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Riday lab in the US Dairy Forage Research Center. I am looking forward to starting a research project next semester in one of my labs involving vaccine development and zoonotic diseases. In the future I would like to go to graduate school, although I have not decided on an exact path yet. In my free time I love to cook, exercise, explore new places and spend time with family and friends. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about my majors, my Biocore experience or anything else at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
ELIZABETH (ELLIE) THOMSON
Year in school: Junior
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Thomson (She/Her), and I am a junior studying pharmacology and toxicology with a certificate in Biocore. After graduation I plan to attend pharmacy school to obtain my doctor of pharmacy and become an oncology pharmacist. I am currently a pharmacy technician at Walgreens and I also work in the Zahasky lab in the geology department characterizing PFAS contaminants in the subsurface. Reach out at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
ANNA TURDO
Year in School: Senior
Hello! I’m Anna, and I’m a senior studying biochemistry with a certificate in Biocore. I plan to graduate in the spring of 2023 and go to medical school to become a pediatrician. Currently, I’m a Biocore peer mentor, a CNA, involved in HOSA, and work in the Cantor Lab. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, snowboarding, and watching all types of Wisconsin sports. If you want to learn more about the amazing opportunities that Biocore can offer, contact me through uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com
LIV VALENTINE
Year in School: Junior
Hey! I’m Liv Valentine! I study Nutritional Sciences and I am pursuing certificates in Athletic Healthcare and Biocore. I am a Biocore Peer Mentor, the treasurer of Community Health Volunteers, and I play Club Tennis! I also work as a Medical Assistant at a family medicine clinic and am a research assistant in the Hull Lab, where we study the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus Neoformans. In my free time, I love to cook, volunteer at the River Food Pantry, and spend time with my friends! Feel free to reach out uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
LUKE WHEELER
Year in School: Senior
Hi everyone! My name is Luke Wheeler (He/Him), and I am a senior majoring in Biology with a certificate in Biocore. Currently, I am one of the co-chairs for the Biocore Outreach Ambassadors (BOA), so please reach out if you are interested in hearing more! Outside of Biocore, I am a certified phlebotomist and I volunteer with my local church organization. Free time hobbies of mine include playing soccer, binging Netflix/Hulu/whatever, and spending time with my family and friends. Please feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!
BRIAN ZHENG
Year in School: Junior
Hi guys! My name is Brian and I am double majoring in Neurobiology and Asian Languages and Cultures. In the Biocore Program, I am a Peer Mentor and now a Peer Advisor. Outside of Biocore, I am a part of CHASA and the Mercile J Lee Scholars Program. In this program, I am a co-chair and aim to provide volunteering opportunities for scholars to give back and better the lives of underrepresented groups in the Madison area. In my free time, I volunteer at Our Lady of Hope Clinic in Middleton, WI to support those who do not have access to affordable healthcare. When I am not studying or volunteering, I love running and spending time with my friends and family. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at uwbiocore.peeradvisors@gmail.com!