WISCIENCE Peer Leader Program
STEM undergrads: are you ready to grow as a leader and build professional development skills while helping other students? Consider becoming a WISCIENCE Peer Leader!
As a Peer Leader, you’ll make a difference by providing peer support and mentorship to students in one of several WISCIENCE courses or programs—from first-year Badgers adjusting to college life to students pursuing undergrad research. You’ll also develop valuable leadership, communication, and teamwork skills to support your academic journey and future career. No previous leadership experience is required.
Applications are now open!
Find more information below. Deadline: Sunday, November 1 at 11:59 PM.
About the program
The WISCIENCE Peer Leader program trains undergraduate students to support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses. Peer Leaders receive training in leadership skills and engage in leadership opportunities and reflection.
What you’ll do
As a Peer Leader, you’ll:
- Provide support and resources to help your peers thrive in STEM
- Develop leadership skills through hands-on training and practice
- Engage in experiences that count towards the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate
- Participate in professional development opportunities
- Contribute to a supportive learning community
Program at a glance
- Open to: STEM undergrads at UW–Madison (other requirements vary by position; see details)
- Courses:
- INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM (2 credits)
- INTEGSCI 330: Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (1 credit; not required for all positions)
- Leadership Certificate: Peer Leader activities can count toward the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate
- Application status: applications are open now through November 1
Program components
As a Peer Leader, you will complete these three components:
- Learn: Complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during your Peer Leader placement.
- Lead: Serve in a Peer Leader position in a STEM course or program.
- Develop: Engage in professional development while serving in your Peer Leader placement. This is done by participating in weekly meetings and/or taking the course INTEGSCI 330: Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (see position details below).
Program goals
Through the Peer Leader program, WISCIENCE seeks to train a community of undergraduate leaders from all STEM disciplines. Our goals for program participants are:
- Strengthen leadership capacity
Cultivate inclusive and adaptive leadership skills through hands-on practice, reflection, and mentorship within diverse STEM learning environments - Advance professional growth
Engage in structured activities that build transferable skills and reflect on growth in UW–Madison Leadership Framework competencies - Foster a strong STEM leader identity
Develop confidence, purpose, and belonging as a STEM leader through leadership training, peer collaboration, and exposure to leadership opportunities - Empower peers in STEM success
Support fellow undergraduates by serving as peer mentors, facilitators, and role models in WISCIENCE programs and courses - Translate leadership into impact
Use leadership experiences to positively influence the broader STEM community and prepare for future roles within research, education, outreach, and more.
How to apply
Before applying
- Review the WISCIENCE Peer Leader positions and identify which one(s) you are interested in and qualified for. Note that not all positions have openings every semester; some are only open in fall or spring semester.
- Remember that all students must complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during their service as a Peer Leader.
Application materials
When you are ready to apply, please prepare the following materials to submit through the online application form. We recommend writing your answers on a document before starting the application.
- Position(s) you are applying for
- You may apply for more than one position (if you do, please rank your preferences). If you are accepted as a Peer Leader, you will only hold one position at a time.
- Activities & leadership experience
- You will be asked to list your student activities (current or past student orgs, research, volunteering, etc.) and any current or past leadership experiences on or off campus. Note: these are NOT required to be a Peer Leader.
- Application questions
- What does the term “Peer Leader” mean to you? (1–2 paragraphs) Think about the roles peer leaders play, the skills and experiences they bring, and how they can support students. There is no single right answer. We’re interested in your perspective and experiences.
- What skills and experiences would you bring to this Peer Leader position? If applying to more than one position, please answer separately for each position.
- Statement of interest for each position
- Each statement should be 1–2 paragraphs and address this question:
Why are you interested in serving in this specific Peer Leader position? Please describe both what you hope to learn or gain in this role and how you hope or expect to impact students. - Important note: If applying for multiple positions, you must submit a separate, unique statement for each (on the same application).
- Each statement should be 1–2 paragraphs and address this question:
After applying: interviews (for select applicants)
Qualified applicants will be invited to interview with the course/program director. Interviews for fall semester will be held throughout the month of November.
WISCIENCE Peer Leader positions
There are several positions available. Read more about each position’s responsibilities and eligibility requirements below. Note that not all positions have openings every semester.
- Course-Based Peer Leaders serve in WISCIENCE courses (Integrated Science or INTEGSCI). They facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with instructors.
- STEM Engagement Peer Leaders serve in STEM Commons, WISCIENCE’s event and study space in Steenbock Library. They facilitate programming, provide resources, and support belonging for STEM students.
About
These Peer Leaders support student success in INTEGSCI 100: Exploring Biology, a 2-credit course for first-year students interested in the biosciences. Peer Leaders support in-class activities, collaborate with instructors, give presentations about campus involvement, and provide guidance to students on opportunities and strategies to make the most of their Wisconsin experience. Students in Exploring Biology learn about the biosciences at the college level and the diversity of majors and beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities at UW–Madison.
Eligibility
- Majoring in the biosciences or a related field
- Preference given to those that have taken Exploring Biology as a student
- Must be available to attend weekly Exploring Biology class sessions on Mondays OR Wednesdays from 2:25–4:20 p.m.
- Must be available Friday afternoons during the fall semester; time TBD
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM BEFORE Peer Leader placement
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330: Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (2 credits) in fall semester
Responsibilities
- In spring semester, attend monthly Exploring Biology Peer Leader meetings (all other responsibilities below are for fall semester)
- Attend assigned Exploring Biology class session each week (Mon OR Wed 2:25–4:20 p.m.) and weekly meetings with the Course Director and Peer Leader team (Friday afternoons)
- Help connect students to co-curricular experiences and campus resources
- In class, help facilitate student activities, develop and lead presentations about campus involvement and academic development, and work to develop personal relationships with students
- Outside of class, hold office hours, organize trips to campus events, and correspond with students
- Be proactive in supporting students and helping the instructional team offer a meaningful learning experience
Contact
Course director: Dr. Cara Theisen (chtheisen@wisc.edu)
If you have questions, please email the course director or Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu).
About
These Peer Leaders support students in INTEGSCI 140: Exploring Service in STEM, a 1-credit seminar for first-year students interested in learning about the public purpose of STEM. Peer Leaders facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with instructors. Students in this course get a taste of public service in STEM and get firsthand experience with successful outreach by getting involved.
Note: this course is offered in fall; applications for this role are accepted in spring.
Eligibility
- Previous experience in a first-year seminar, experience supporting first-year students or working in the community, or participation in INTEGSCI 140: Exploring Service in STEM or INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM
- Must be available to attend weekly class sessions on Thursdays at either 11:00–12:15 p.m. OR 1:00–2:15 p.m. Please note availability in the application.
- Complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
Responsibilities
- Attend all required classroom sessions for one of the sections
- Collaborate with the course instructor to provide instructional leadership for the course
- Meet weekly with the assigned course instructor to assist in planning the curriculum and instructional activities
- Help connect students to co-curricular experiences and campus resources
- In class, help facilitate student activities and discussion, and work to develop personal relationships with students
- Hold office hours and correspond with students outside of class
- Be proactive in supporting students and helping the instructional team offer a meaningful learning experience
- It is not required to enroll for course credit for this position. If you are interested in earning credit for this position, additional responsibilities will be required.
Contact
Course director: Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)
If you have questions, please email the course director or Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu).
About
These Peer Leaders help facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with the instructor for INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM, a 2-credit lecture/discussion course for STEM student leaders. Peer Leaders are able to draw on their own previous Peer Leadership experience to help new Peer Leaders consider how course content relates to real experiences supporting diverse students in STEM. Peer Leaders can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of peer mentoring for student success, as well as develop their own skills related to leadership, collaboration, and communication.
Eligibility
- Students must have completed INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM with a grade of B or higher before applying for this position
- Must be available to attend lecture and discussion (Lecture: Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; Discussion: Thursdays, 11:00–11:50 a.m.). Please note availability in the application.
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330: Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (1 credit)
- Preferred qualification: has held a WISCIENCE peer leadership position or other leadership position at UW–Madison for one or more semesters
Responsibilities
- Attend class sessions and weekly meetings with the instructors and other Peer Leaders (weekly meeting time will be selected based on peer leader and instructor availability)
- Develop and lead presentations and activities in class, emphasizing campus involvement, academic development, and application of leadership and mentoring principles to Peer Leader roles
- Share your own experiences as a Peer Leader with students
- Help to create a welcoming and supportive environment in class and work to develop personal relationships with students to more effectively support them
- Hold office hours and correspond with students outside of class
- Offer input and ideas from a student perspective to improve the course
- Be proactive in supporting students and helping the instructional team offer a meaningful learning experience for students in this course
Contact
Course director: Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu).
If you have questions, please email the course director.
About
These Peer Leaders facilitate student discussion and active learning in both lecture and lab components of INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM (SWYIS) . Students in this course learn how to work with community partners and lead after-school science clubs in the Madison area. Peer Leaders build upon previous work in the community to provide leadership, lead small discussion groups, and support after-school activity development and implementation.
Note: for Peer Leaders who have taken INTEGSCI 240, if you are also interested in continuing to lead after-school clubs, you can do so by registering for INTEGSSCI 341: Service with Youth in STEM Practicum in addition to your Peer Leader position (this is completely optional; it is NOT required to be a Peer Leader).
Eligibility
- Must be available to attend lecture or lab (Lecture: Tuesdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m.; Lab: Thursdays, 9:30–10:45 a.m.). Preference is given to those who can attend both lecture and lab.
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement*
- Preference given to those that have taken INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM as a student
Responsibilities
- Attend the lecture section and at least one lab section of the course
- Complete weekly meetings with the course director
- Help connect SWYIS students with the logistics of working with community partners, including assisting with information on transportation to the after-school sites
- In class, help facilitate student activities and discussion, and work to develop personal relationships with students
- Correspond with students (in-person and electronically) to support after-school site activities
- It is not required to enroll for course credit for this position. If you are interested in earning credit for this position, additional responsibilities will be required.
* The requirement to take INTEGSCI 230 may be waived if you have already taken Service with Youth in STEM and can show that your schedule cannot accommodate INTEGSCI 230.
Contact
Course director: Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)
If you have questions, please email the course director or Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu).
About
In this unique Peer Leader role, students practice and apply their leadership skills through peer-to-peer interactions as well as creating a supportive and welcoming environment for studying, events, and other forms of engagement. Peer Leaders in this role help achieve the goals of WISCIENCE’s event and study space, STEM Commons, located on the first floor of Steenbock Library, the campus’s main Science and Engineering Library.
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders facilitate programming, provide resources, and support belonging for STEM students in service of the STEM Commons mission and goals. Students in this role will have interest in supporting students and experiences in areas such as undergraduate research, transfer student support, medical and/or professional school preparation, first-generation student support, and more.
Eligibility
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM (2 credits) before or during Peer Leader placement
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330: Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (1 credit) during Peer Leader placement
- Must be available for 1-hour weekly meetings (meeting time will be shared once finalized, before applications are due)
- It is recommended that you wait until Spring 2027 courses are available before applying to ensure the weekly meeting time aligns with your schedule
Responsibilities
- Spend 2-5 hours each week in the STEM Commons supporting programming, helping students navigate the space, and sharing knowledge of campus resources and support services
- Plan, design, and facilitate WISCIENCE programming within the space
- Programming may include Peer Leader Drop-In Hours, Find a Research Mentor Workshops, Self-Care Sundays, STEM Study Squads, etc.
- Create and maintain asynchronous forms of engagement such as craft stations, makerspaces, study materials, etc.
- Maintain physical space through regular upkeep, supply replenishment, etc.
- Have knowledge and understanding of Steenbock Library policies and procedures
- Monitor event space when in use by groups (updating signage, assisting with furniture set-ups, etc.)
- Attend 1-hour weekly meetings with other STEM Engagement Peer Leaders and the Program Director
Contact
Program Director: Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu)
If you have questions, please email the program director.
Testimonials
Being a peer leader is the most rewarding opportunity I have had on campus so far. It is a unique position to use your college experience, including all of your successes and mistakes, to help younger students while simultaneously becoming a more knowledgeable and confident leader yourself.
If you are even considering it a little bit, do it! I have loved my time being a peer leader and have met some really amazing people along the way.
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!
All the peer mentors I’ve encountered have been incredibly helpful and insightful. It’s a great feeling to talk to a peer who truly understands what you’re going through….If you’ve had the benefit of such support, it would be amazing to pass that experience along to a fellow student in need….As a peer leader, I’ve also realized that I’m always learning and will continue to do so.
Being able to mentor those who are fresh to university life is rewarding in so many ways, for the student but for you as well. Your interpersonal communication skills, interview skills, advice skills, and teamwork abilities will grow and thrive within this program. I am also happy to say I have made some amazing friends!
It has been a great experience to help out new STEM students, and you learn so much about yourself by spending time in these kinds of leadership roles. Through being a peer leader, I learned that you are able to accomplish so much more when you work well with a team like we have with our peer leaders and instructors!
Peer Leader profiles
Get to know some of our current and past Peer Leaders and learn about their experiences.
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Meet Peer Leader Prisha Singh
“Being a peer leader pushes you to communicate clearly, be adaptable, and see learning from a new perspective, and you end up gaining just as much as the students you support.”
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Meet Peer Leader Erin Borchardt
“I have gained so much confidence in my ability to lead. This experience has allowed me to be myself in front of others.”
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Meet Peer Leader Samik Vanavasam
“Because of the variety of students I have met, I have learnt that a lot of struggles in college that you believe are unique to yourself usually are not. You are never alone and people will always be there to support you!”
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Meet Peer Leader Brock Peyton
“Being a peer leader is an opportunity to help others find rewarding experiences in STEM. Sometimes all it takes is a little support that we as peer leaders may be able to offer.”
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Meet Peer Leader Celeste Qin
“Being a peer leader has shown me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about growing alongside others.”
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Meet Peer Leader Megan Nchekwaram
“I love what I do—I love helping my peers and ensuring the academic success of others. In this life, we should all help each other reach greater heights, and that is a belief I am very passionate about.”