We are thrilled to announce the winning designs of the 2025 WISCIENCE Sticker Contest!
“Celebrate Research” was this year’s theme. Students were encouraged to create designs exploring all things research—from the processes and tools to the unique discoveries that have impacted our world.
We received more than 20 entries—all offering a wide range of ideas and perspectives on research. Entries were evaluated based on artistic quality, creativity, interpretation of the theme, and suitability for WISCIENCE. Our judging panel was comprised of students, faculty, and WISCIENCE staff members.
The 3 winning artists created beautiful designs that convey different aspects of the breadth of research done by the UW–Madison scientific community. Each winning student will receive a prize of art supplies and a few other goodies.
Want a sticker for yourself? Starting in January 2026, you can pick one up for free at the WISCIENCE Library (445 Henry Mall, Room 118)!
Here’s a little more about the artists (in alphabetical order) and what inspired them.
Katelyn Lai
My name is Katelyn Lai, and I am a freshman studying biochemistry. I am from Cupertino, California, and since I was a child, I have always enjoyed all forms of art, like sketching, clay art, and crocheting. Now I am also interested in the sciences, with biochemistry exposing a huge variety of opportunities.
My design was inspired by the various breakthroughs at UW–Madison, ranging from specific inventions like the Babcock test (top right) to locations where great discoveries were made, like Pine Bluff Observatory (bottom left).
Instagram: @honeylynny_
Marcie Wait
My name is Marcie Wait and I am from Stillwater, MN. I am a junior majoring in neurobiology and psychology with a certificate in leadership. I am involved in research on campus, and used some of our missions in the lab, as well as the related equipment, to inspire my designs! I am a part of both the Advocates for Alzheimer’s and the Brain Exercise Initiative organizations on campus, and both of these work to advocate for further research focused on neurodegenerative diseases.
Instagram: marcie_wait
Amy Yi
I’m a junior in mechanical engineering from Madison, Wisconsin. I used to work at the Maeda lab, a botany lab here, and my sticker was inspired by the members of the lab who’d stay late to work on their research. I also remember walking past buildings on campus after I got off work in the evening and seeing the warm glow of windows from all the still-occupied labs. They sometimes had notes or other decorations on them, which I tried to capture. In my free time, I enjoy painting, yoga, anything outside, and trying new food/drink places!
Instagram: @4myy1