The WISCIENCE Peer Leader program trains undergraduate students to support their peers in WISCIENCE programs and courses. WISCIENCE Peer Leaders (WPLs) will receive training in leadership skills and engage in leadership opportunities and reflection. WPLs are well poised to complete the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate.
Peer Leader applications are currently closed.
Interested in applying in the future? Sign up to get email notifications about the Peer Leader program.
Through the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program (WPL), WISCIENCE seeks to train a community of undergraduate leaders from all STEM disciplines.
Goals for the undergraduate students participating in WPL:
- Develop and practice leadership skills
- Engage in activities that fulfill the requirements of the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate
- Develop STEM identity through leadership training, leadership experiences, and professional development workshops
- Support fellow undergraduate students to be successful in STEM by providing peer leadership in WISCIENCE programs and courses
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at buscaino@wisc.edu.
WPL undergraduate students complete three components:
- Learn: Complete Integrated Science 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during their Peer Leader placement.
- Lead: Serve in a Peer Leader position in a STEM course or program.
- Develop: Participate in professional development workshops while serving in their Peer Leader placement.
WISCIENCE Peer Leader Positions:
There are several ways to get involved as a Peer Leader depending on your interests and schedule. Note: not all programs are available each semester (see position information below for details).
- Course-Based Peer Leaders facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with instructors. Courses are:
- Research Peer Leaders help students get involved with and succeed in undergraduate research.
- STEM Immersion Peer Leaders develop, maintain, and facilitate programming and resources for an immersive STEM learning community.
- Transfer STEM Immersion Peer Leaders develop, maintain, and facilitate programming and resources for an immersive community of STEM transfer students.
Peer Leader applications are open twice a year in fall and spring.
Reminders
- Before you apply, review the WISCIENCE Peer Leader positions and identify which one(s) you are interested in and qualified for. Note that the application period differs by position and may be in the fall semester, spring semester, or both.
- All students must complete Integrated Science 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during their service as a Peer Leader.
- INTEGSCI 230 is offered in person in both fall and spring semesters. Lecture is on Tuesdays from 8:00–9:15 a.m. and discussion is on Thursdays from 8:50–9:40 a.m.
How to Apply
When the application window is open in fall or spring, please assemble the following materials to submit through the online application form.
- A statement of interest for each position you are applying for. If applying for multiple positions, please submit a separate, unique statement for each. Statements should be 250–500 words and address the following questions:
- Why are you interested in serving in this specific WISCIENCE Peer Leader (WPL) position?
- What do you hope to learn in this WPL position?
- What skills and experiences would you bring to this WPL position?
- If applying for multiple positions, please rank your preferences.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
For questions about specific peer leader positions, you can also email the director for that position (listed below).
“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. I have learned how to be a better public speaker, how to be better at having difficult conversations, how to work with all different types of people, and how amazing collaboration can be!”
–Cole Witt, Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring Peer Leader
“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.”
It is such a rewarding experience to see the students’ experiences change for the better because of you. I have learned how to have difficult conversations, create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and collaborate on a multitude of tasks with colleagues.
“Becoming a peer leader is a great opportunity to push yourself into new territory and to grow as a person.”
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!
“[This is a] one-of-a-kind opportunity that is so rewarding. I have grown in so many ways as a leader and developed much more confidence.”
Being a peer leader is a great opportunity to connect with fellow STEM students while also providing them with valuable resources and support. Sharing the knowledge and comfort you have gained through your own experiences in STEM is truly a gift.
“I have learned skills in working with the other peer leaders, how to network with campus faculty, how to facilitate discussions and events, and overall how to provide a comfortable environment for undergraduate students to connect and create a community.”
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!
–Andrew Moysis, Exploring Biology Peer Leader
All the peer mentors I’ve encountered in my academic journey 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.
–Megan Nchekwaram, Research Peer Leader
Meet Our Peer Leaders
Learn more about the undergraduate students supporting their peers in WISCENCE courses and programs.
WISCIENCE Peer Leader Positions
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INTEGSCI 100: Exploring Biology Peer Leader
Course director: Dr. Cara Theisen (chtheisen@wisc.edu)
Description
Exploring Biology Peer Leaders support student success in 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.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 |
|
Requirements
- 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 or during Peer Leader placement
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330 Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (2 credits) in fall semester
- Majoring in the biosciences or a related field
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
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
INTEGSCI 140: Exploring Service in STEM Peer Leader
Course director: Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)
Description
These Peer Leaders support students in Exploring Service in STEM, a 1-credit seminar for first-year students interested in 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.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- 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 complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
Responsibilities
- Attend all required classroom sessions
- 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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM Peer Leader
Fall 2025 course instructor: Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu).
Description
Peer Leaders in Integrated Science 230 help facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with the instructor for 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.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- Students must have completed INTEGSCI 230 with a grade of B or higher before applying for this position
- Must be available to attend lecture and discussion (Lecture: Tuesdays, 8:00–9:15 a.m.; Discussion: Thursdays, 8:50–9:40 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
- 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 Integrated Science 230 students
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM Peer Leader
Course director: Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)
Description
Service with Youth in STEM (SWYIS) Peer Leaders facilitate student discussion and active learning in both lecture and lab components. Students in this course learn how to work with community partners and lead after-school science clubs in the Madison area. Peer Leaders taking this 1-credit internship build upon previous work in the community to provide leadership, lead small discussion groups, and support after-school activity development and implementation.
For Peer Leaders who have taken IntegSci 240: if you are interested in continuing to lead after-school clubs, you can do so by registering for IntegSci 341 in addition to your Peer Leader position (this is completely optional; it is NOT required to be a peer leader).
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- Previous work in the community, preferably in INTEGSCI 240 Service with Youth in STEM.
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
Responsibilities
- Attend the lecture section and at least one lab section of the course
- Complete weekly meetings with the course director and community liaison
- 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
- Lead a primary discussion or activity for one class period
- 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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
Research Peer Leader
Director: Nancy Ruggeri (nruggeri@wisc.edu)
Description
Use your research experience and training to help undergraduates identify areas of research interest and potential research mentors as well as provide insight into navigating lab cultures. Research Peer Leaders share resources with students interested in engaging in (or already engaged in) research through workshops, panels, one-on-one meetings, and courses. Research Peer Leaders also work with WISCIENCE staff to develop new resources and workshops to meet the needs of undergraduate researchers. Through their various responsibilities, Research Peer Leaders will develop skills in public speaking, facilitation, active learning techniques, and more.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- Must be engaged in undergraduate research for two or more semesters before serving in the position. In your application, be sure to describe your research experience and highlight the skills and interests you bring to the position.
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330 Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (1 credit) in fall semester
Responsibilities
The Research Peer Leaders work as a team to accomplish the following:
- Participate in a learning community of Research Peer Leaders
- Facilitate undergraduate research workshops and/or participate in panels on topics such as “Finding a Research Experience at UW-Madison”
- Meet one-on-one with students who have questions about undergraduate research
- Potentially develop new workshops and resources such as workshops and guides in support of undergraduate research
- Potentially act as a Peer Leader in a WISCIENCE research course, with responsibilities such as attending weekly class meetings, building community among students, leading small group discussions, providing peer feedback, and sharing your research insights and experiences
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
STEM Immersion Peer Leader
Program Director: Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu)
Description
STEM Immersion Peer Leaders support the STEM Immersion program, which is an immersive learning community for students interested in science, technology, engineering, math, or medicine disciplines. STEM Immersion offers events and informal gatherings throughout the academic year designed to support the transition to college and persistence in the field. Programming focuses on building community among peers, finding yourself in STEM, and sharing resources that support your academic journey.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- Majoring in a STEMM field.
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
Responsibilities
- Develop and facilitate programming focused on building community among peers
- Be a resource and/or know about the resources available to students that can support their academic journey
- Support WISCIENCE by participating in resource fairs and events offered to STEM students
- Maintain and support the STEM Immersion e-community canvas page
- Facilitate weekly Accountability Groups aimed to encourage consistent progress towards academic goals
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
Transfer STEM Immersion Peer Leader
Program Director: Sarah Sweger (ssweger@wisc.edu)
Description
Transfer STEM Immersion Peer Leaders support the Transfer STEM Immersion program, which is an immersive learning community for incoming transfer students interested in science, technology, engineering, math, or medicine disciplines. Transfer STEM Immersion offers a summer orientation program as well as events and informal gatherings throughout the academic year that focus on building community among peers, finding yourself in STEM at UW–Madison, and sharing resources that support your academic journey. This program can help create a less stressful—and more successful—transition to UW–Madison.
Timeline
| For Placement in… | Complete These Steps |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 |
|
Requirements
- Majoring in a STEMM field
- Have transferred institutions (preferred but not required)
- Must complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
Responsibilities
- Complete INTEGSCI 230 Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM before or during Peer Leader placement
- Develop and facilitate programming focused on building community among STEM transfer students
- Be a resource and/or know about the resources available to students that can support their academic journey
- Facilitate a STEM Transfer Mentor Group to help students navigate their transition to UW- Madison
- Support WISCIENCE by participating in resource fairs and events offered to STEM students
- Maintain and support the Transfer STEM Immersion e-community canvas page
- Offer input and ideas from a student perspective to improve the programming provided to transfer students
- 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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
“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.”
Fiona Flint, 2024 Exploring Biology Peer Leader
Summary of Application Timelines & Requirements
| Position | Upcoming Opportunities | Timeline | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTEGSCI 100: Exploring Biology Peer Leader | Fall 2026 | Fall 2025: Apply
Spring 2026: Attend monthly meetings and take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed) Fall 2026: Serve as Peer Leader and enroll in INTEGSCI 330 |
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 Majoring in the biosciences or a related field |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed) and serve as Peer Leader |
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. | |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Serve as Peer Leader and enroll in INTEGSCI 330 |
Must have completed INTEGSCI 230 with a grade of B or higher before applying
Must be available to attend lecture and discussion (Lecture: Tuesdays, 8:00–9:15 a.m.; Discussion: Thursdays, 8:50–9:40 a.m.); please note availability in the application. Preferred qualification: has held a WISCIENCE peer leaders position or other leadership position at UW–Madison for one or more semesters |
|
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed) and serve as Peer Leader |
Previous work in the community, preferably in INTEGSCI 240 Service with Youth in STEM | |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed), serve as Peer Leader, and enroll in INTEGSCI 330 |
Must be engaged in undergraduate research for two or more semesters before serving in the position. In your application, be sure to describe your research experience and highlight the skills and interests you bring to the position | |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed) and serve as Peer Leader |
Majoring in a STEMM field
|
|
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2025: Apply
Fall 2025: Take INTEGSCI 230 (if not already completed) and serve as Peer Leader |
Majoring in a STEMM field Preferred qualification: have transferred institutions (not required) |
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at connect@wiscience.wisc.edu.
Contact
Keegan Buscaino
Position title: Program Coordinator, BioCommons Manager
Email:
buscaino
Phone: (608) 263-0598