Interested in STEM careers involving teaching or community engagement? Transform your passion into impact as a WISCIENCE Fellow.
If you’re a STEM graduate student or postdoctoral scholar looking to expand your reach beyond the lab, WISCIENCE offers three immersive, year-long Fellows Programs that equip you to turn your expertise into meaningful impact in the classroom or the community.
WISCIENCE Fellows Programs at a Glance
Overview
Three-Semester Structure. During one calendar year (January–December), Fellows spend each semester focused on a different phase of learning:
- Spring: learning the fundamentals
- Summer: building relationships and preparing materials
- Fall: implementing your learning in a practicum
Small Group Size. Because each Fellows Program is cohort-based, the group size is kept deliberately small (no more than 12 per program) to ensure Fellows can work closely with and learn from one another.
Complementary Experiences. Each program is designed to fit into your graduate or postdoctoral journey while expanding your career possibilities and professional network.
Why Apply?
Our Fellows Programs are built on a shared foundation of:
- Professional Development. Clarify your career goals and gain in-depth training and experience.
- Hands-On Experience. Apply what you learn in authentic settings—whether in a college classroom or through a mentored practicum with a community partner.
- Inclusive, Research-Based Practices. Learn and implement evidence-based strategies that promote equity and engagement in STEM.
- Community and Collaboration. Join a supportive group of peers and build connections with STEM colleagues from across campus.
- Academic Advancement. Take coursework that can count toward the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.
Application Deadlines
Each program has its own deadline—be mindful of this when applying.
STEM Public Service Fellows
Applications Due: October 18
Madison College Teaching Fellows
Applications Due: November 2
Scientific Teaching Fellows
Applications Due: November 16
“The structure of the program was my favorite part. I loved how we learned, created, and then put our knowledge and curriculum into practice. The collaborative nature of this process was also very educational.”
Jennifer Riehl, Teaching Fellows Alum
About the Fellows Programs
STEM Public Service Fellows
For those interested in connecting their scientific expertise with public service and community engagement.
Highlights:
- Choose a specialization in direct service, science policy, or community-engaged teaching.
- Complete a mentored practicum with a campus, community, or public sector partner.
- Develop skills in science communication, partnership development, and civic engagement.
- Take coursework (INTEGSCI 640: Public Service in STEM) that can count toward the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.
- Participate in a three-course seminar sequence that can count toward the doctoral minor in Community-Engaged Scholarship.
Application Deadline: October 18, 2025
Madison College Teaching Fellows
For those interested in teaching college-level courses to students from diverse backgrounds—especially at 2-year schools.
Highlights:
- Independently teach an introductory STEM course (biology, chemistry, physics, math, or computer science) at Madison College as a paid instructor of record.
- Learn how to design and deliver engaging STEM instruction that supports diverse learners.
- Gain experience working in a community college setting, where teaching is the primary focus.
- Help shape a growing program that bridges a research university and a teaching-focused institution.
- Take coursework (INTEGSCI 650: College Science Teaching) that can count toward the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.
Application Deadline: November 2, 2025
Scientific Teaching Fellows
For those in the biosciences and related fields interested in teaching college-level science.
Highlights:
- Teach a UW–Madison undergraduate biosciences course and build a strong foundation in college-level science education.
- Participate in a three-semester sequence that includes coursework, curriculum design, and collaborative teaching.
- Learn and apply inclusive, research-based teaching practices that promote student engagement and equity.
- Implement active learning practices and help create a supportive community for students new to UW–Madison.
- Take coursework (INTEGSCI 650: College Science Teaching) that can count toward the Certificate in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Which teaching program is right for me?
If you’re interested in teaching, each of our Fellows Programs has something to offer you—and each has a unique focus and benefits. Get more details about what sets these programs apart and which one may be right for you.
"I use the skills I developed in the Teaching Fellows Program daily. This was one of the most valuable things I could have done as a graduate student."
Teaching Fellows Alum
Fellows Program Benefits
These Fellows Programs are designed for scholars who want to use their STEM expertise to make a meaningful difference—in the classroom, in their communities, or in the broader public sphere. If you’re passionate about making STEM more inclusive, accessible, and impactful, these programs will equip you with the tools and support to lead that change.
Career-Ready Experience
- Stand out on the job market with real-world teaching or community engagement experience.
- Serve as an instructor or complete a mentored practicum, giving you a competitive edge for academic, nonprofit, public sector, or industry roles.
- Build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your commitment to inclusive, evidence-based practices.
Mentorship & Community
- Join a cohort of peers who share your passion for making STEM more inclusive and impactful.
- Work one-on-one with experienced educators and community leaders.
- Become part of a growing network of alumni who are transforming STEM education and public service.
Personal & Professional Growth
- Complement the skills you are building in your degree program or postdoctoral work, and gain confidence in your ability to lead and collaborate across disciplines.
- Clarify your career goals while reflecting on your values and how you want to use your expertise to serve others.
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of students, communities, and the broader public.
Info Sessions & Deadlines
STEM Public Service Fellows
There are no upcoming events.
Madison College Teaching Fellows
There are no upcoming events.
Scientific Teaching Fellows
There are no upcoming events.
Application Deadlines
Each program has its own deadline—be mindful of this when applying.
STEM Public Service Fellows: October 18
Madison College Teaching Fellows: November 2
Scientific Teaching Fellows: November 10
The cohort structure of the program…gave me the opportunity to meet other graduate students from STEM fields who also wanted to make an impact on their local communities….That network of like-minded people gave me a sense of belonging as a graduate student.
Evan Heintz, STEM Public Service Fellows Alum
Contacts
Anna Courtier
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Director of Community-Based Learning
Email:
anna.courtier
Sarah Sweger
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Assistant Director for STEM Student Engagement
Email:
ssweger
Cara Theisen
Credentials: PhD
Position title: Director of Professional Development in Teaching & Learning
Email:
chtheisen