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:
- 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.
WPL undergraduate students complete three components:
- Learn: Complete INTEGSCI 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: Engage in professional development while serving in their 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).
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at buscaino@wisc.edu.
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:
- STEM Engagement Peer Leaders facilitate programming, provide resources, and support belonging for STEM students in the STEM Commons, WISCIENCE’s event and study space in Steenbock Library.
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 buscaino@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!”
“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 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!”
–Sophie Greene, STEM Engagement Peer Leader
“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.”
“When you take full advantage of the Peer Leader experience, it is so reflective and molding—and I can truly say that it has changed me as a person, for the better!”
“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!”
“Becoming a peer leader is a great opportunity to push yourself into new territory and to grow as a person.”
“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.”
“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.
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
- Preference given to those that have taken Exploring Biology as a student
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 buscaino@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.
Requirements
- Must be available to attend one of these sections (Lecture: Thursdays, 11:00–12:15 p.m.; OR Thursdays, 1:00–2:15 p.m.). Please note availability in the application.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at buscaino@wisc.edu.
INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Peer Leadership in STEM Peer Leader
Course director: 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.
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 buscaino@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 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 also 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).
Requirements
- 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 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
- Must enroll in INTEGSCI 330 Practicum in STEM Peer Leadership (1 credit) in fall semester
* 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.
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at buscaino@wisc.edu.
STEM Engagement Peer Leader
Program Director: Keegan Buscaino (buscaino@wisc.edu)
Description
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.
The goals of STEM Commons are: increase student awareness and use of available academic, professional, and support resources; provide a space for high-impact, beyond-the-classroom learning experiences that enhance and extend traditional STEM coursework; cultivate an inclusive and collaborative learning environment for STEM students; create and maintain dedicated space for STEM student-led activities, initiatives, and events; and support student well-being as a foundation for success in STEM.
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders facilitate programming, provide resources, and support belonging for STEM students in service of the STEM Commons 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 students, and more.
Requirements
- 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 (1–3 credits) during Peer Leader placement
- Must be available for 1-hour weekly meetings on Friday afternoons (between 2:00-4:00 p.m.)
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, Accountability Study Groups, 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 on Friday afternoons (between 2:00-4:00 p.m.) with other STEM Engagement Peer Leaders and the WISCIENCE Assistant Director of STEM Peer Leadership Education
Questions?
We’re happy to help! Reach out to Keegan Buscaino at buscaino@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
Contact
Keegan Buscaino
Position title: Assistant Director of STEM Peer Leadership Education
Email:
buscaino
Phone: (608) 263-0598