Peer Leaders are undergraduate students who support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses while learning valuable leadership skills. Find out more about Sophie and her experience as a Peer Leader!
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Neurobiology, Psychology, and Human Development & Family Studies
Peer Leader for: STEM Engagement
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
If you could choose anyone for a mentor, who would it be?
The PI of my research lab, Dr. Ellen Selkie!
What is your favorite place on campus?
Nancy Nicholas Hall
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Phi Upsilon Omicron, Psi Chi, Phi Kappa Phi, Learning More From Adolescents Online Research Lab, Mental Health Services Student Advisory Board, Her Campus, Greater University Tutoring Services, Red Cross Volunteering
What do you like most about Madison?
I love how much Madison has to offer. There are so many things to do and so many fun places to go!
What are your favorite snacks for a study session?
Iced coffee is a must, and then usually popcorn or goldfish.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A cow, because they are the cutest animals to exist. I have had a love for cows my whole life.
What is your hidden talent?
Most people don’t know, but I actually have a black belt in Taekwondo! I think that counts as a hidden talent.
What is an academic accomplishment that you are proud of?
An academic accomplishment I’m very proud of is getting As in organic chemistry because I was constantly told that class would ruin a GPA, and now I’m a tutor for organic chemistry!
What sparked your interest in STEM?
What initially sparked my interest in STEM was taking biology in high school. I constantly found myself wanting to know more and would look into other biology topics we briefly discussed outside of class. That sparked my interest in taking other STEM courses that I enjoyed a lot.
What is your vision for life after graduation?
I want to go to medical school to become a physician!
What advice would you give a friend considering becoming a peer leader?
I would say that it is a great experience as you learn so much. It not only helps you communicate better with your peers but also provides you so many skills transferable to all areas of your life!
What have you learned through your experience of being a peer leader?
I have learned a lot of skills to deal with having conversations about difficult topics. I feel like a much more competent communicator.
Meet the rest of the WISCIENCE Peer Leaders.
Learn more about the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program.