Farheen Chowdhury joined us as a WISCIENCE Peer Leader in spring 2024. Peer Leaders are undergraduate students who support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses while learning valuable leadership skills. Find out more about Farheen and her experience as a Peer Leader!
Pronouns: She/her
Major: Neurobiology and Psychology
Peer Leader for: Exploring Biology (INTEGSCI 100)
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
If you could choose anyone to be a mentor to you, who would it be?
My parents! They are the epitome of kindness and hard work!
What is your favorite place on campus?
Memorial Library!
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital volunteer, undergraduate researcher in the Dey Lab at the Clinical Science Center (CSC), Vice President of the Anatomy Club
What do you like most about Madison?
Madison has the perfect balance between chaotic and calm!
What are your favorite snacks for a study session?
Popcorn and pistachios!
What is an academic accomplishment that you are proud of?
Taking organic chemistry in my first semester at UW-Madison was a challenging yet rewarding experience that pushed me to grow both academically and personally!
What sparked your interest in STEM?
I remember my first-grade teacher introducing me to the magical world of biology in a simple yet captivating way, sparking a curiosity that has stayed with me ever since!
What is your vision for life after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to apply to medical school and hope to one day become a pediatric neurologist!
What advice would you give a friend considering becoming a peer leader?
Embrace discomfort! Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. While things may seem intimidating at first, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you adapt! Plus, being a Peer Leader is an incredibly rewarding experience—it gives you the chance to make a real difference in students’ experiences here at UW!
What have you learned through your experience of being a peer leader?
As a peer leader, I’ve learned how to connect with students and help them feel welcome. I’ve also improved my ability to work with a team and communicate more effectively!
Meet the rest of the WISCIENCE Peer Leaders.
Learn more about the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program.