Welcome to STEM Learners!
A home base for STEM scholars at UW–Madison, located at Steenbock Library, 550 Babcock Drive.
Find your unique path, get inspired, find answers, cross boundaries, and build community.
BioCommons Will Be Closed for Renovations April 30, 2025 to Summer 2026
The first floor of Steenbock Library (including the BioCommons) is scheduled to undergo a major renovation that will create two large active learning classrooms, along with expanded and updated study spaces.
- The entire floor will be closed during this time and will not be available for reservation.
- Steenbock Library will attempt to accommodate event requests in their 2nd and 3rd floor conference rooms (rooms 240 and 340). However, availability will be limited and they cannot accommodate large events.
- Construction noise in the building may be disruptive to events.
- You are encouraged to plan ahead for this closure and reach out to other spaces on campus.
We appreciate your patience during this exciting improvement to the library and the BioCommons. We look forward to welcoming you back when the BioCommons reopens with new furniture and carpeting in Fall 2026!
Any questions related to programming can be directed to the Biocommons Manager, Keegan Buscaino, at buscaino@wisc.edu. Any questions regarding the renovation can be directed to asksel@library.wisc.edu.
Visit our project page to learn more about the remodel.
Creating Connections in STEM
STEM disciplines are spread all across campus, and it’s not always easy to connect with the people and opportunities that can make a difference in your education. The BioCommons offers a gathering space on the lower level of Steenbock Library that helps make it easier to navigate and find your place in the STEM landscape.
You can find:
- events that get you involved beyond the classroom, exploring careers, and connecting with peers
- peer leaders who’ve been there and can give you the real story
- advising and other services (without having to make multiple trips across campus)
- information about opportunities and tips for taking advantage of them
It’s a place to go when you’re not sure where to start.
A Cross-Campus Collaboration
The BioCommons is a collaboration initiated by WISCIENCE and Steenbock Library, with initial funding provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Units across campus that serve STEM students can bring services and events to a central location with which students are already familiar. If you want to connect with STEM students, the BioCommons is for you. You just might find something to make your job a little easier.
The BioCommons is a learning commons on the lower level of Steenbock Library for students interested in STEM. It is open during library hours. All students are invited to enjoy the space when events are not underway!
Students, staff and faculty are welcome to reserve space in the BioCommons.
The BioCommons spaces consist of:
- A large events/workshop/meeting area (110A) that can seat up to 46 people and offers projection and built-in speakers
- 3 private rooms that seat up to 2 people and have large screen monitors
- 3 glass cubicles that seat up to 2 people each and have glass boards
- A lounge area that seats about 6 people.
See the floor plan with room numbers to match a space with your needs.
Events
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Apr01
Weird Science Fair @ 12:00 pm CDT - 2:00 pm CDT BioCommons (Steenbock Library, 550 Babcock Dr)
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Apr22
Find a Mentor Workshop (4/22/25) @ 5:00 pm CDT - 6:00 pm CDT BioCommons (Steenbock Library Ground Floor) Register Here
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Apr23
Undergraduate Symposium Poster Presentation Practice @ 5:00 pm CDT - 7:00 pm CDT BioCommons, Room 110A (Steenbock Library, 550 Babcock Dr) Register Here
The BioCommons Collaboration
The BioCommons is located at UW-Madison’s Steenbock Memorial Library, 550 Babcock Drive in Madison, Wisconsin. The community space and its associated online resources are a joint Educational Innovation initiative of WISCIENCE and Steenbock Library. The BioCommons is a home base where undergraduates interested in the STEM can find information, events, opportunities, and services tailored to their unique needs and get help navigating the wide array of STEM options at UW-Madison. Undergraduates from across campus are invited to make the BioCommons theirs—create events, start projects, share ideas, or just hang out and play a game with friends. Everyone is welcome to join the collaboration and help broaden access to opportunities and build a cross-campus community to support STEM students and those who work with them.
