WISCIENCE, UW-Madison

WISCIENCE, UW-Madison Inclusive STEM education for all. We enhance engagement & strengthen success in STEM for students, the UW campus community & beyond.

Since 1989, WISCIENCE (the Wisconsin Institute for Science Education and Community Engagement) has collaborated with educators at all levels to create model programs, courses, events, projects, resources, forums for dialogue, and other solutions that help broaden participation in science and make science education and mentoring more effective for more people—at UW-Madison, in K-12 schools, and bey

ond. We provide a temporary or permanent home for effective solutions that have no other means of support, so our constellation of programming continually evolves in response to community-identified needs.

Calling all UW–Madison STEM students! Are you looking for a place on campus to call your own? Check out STEM Commons, an...
09/02/2026

Calling all UW–Madison STEM students! Are you looking for a place on campus to call your own?

Check out STEM Commons, an event and gathering space on the first floor of Steenbock Memorial Library. Find cozy study spots, attend events, or discover resources to help you get connected and involved.

The space used to be called BioCommons, and it was closed last year for renovations. It's starting out the school year with a new name *and* new look!

Whether you're a new or returning student, sure of your major or still figuring it all out, everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there!

Learn more: wiscience.wisc.edu/stemcommons

We are proud of the students in our Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program for a successful po...
07/15/2026

We are proud of the students in our Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program for a successful poster session!

Each student has been pursuing an independent, mentored research project in a campus lab, in disciplines ranging from oncology to entomology. This poster session gave them an opportunity to share their research while practicing science communication skills. It’s an important part of their learning experience while they’re immersed in research at UW–Madison for the summer!

We are so excited about the new features in our renovated STEM Commons space in Steenbock Library—like this beautiful mo...
07/10/2026

We are so excited about the new features in our renovated STEM Commons space in Steenbock Library—like this beautiful moss wall!

Designed by Thysse, our facility branding partner, the wall is created from preserved reindeer moss dyed in shades of green and blue. You’ll see this pattern echoed throughout the space. We love it because it reminds us of things like molecules and circuit boards, while also representing the connections between people, ideas, and scientific disciplines that fuel learning and discovery.

There will be seating in this area soon—could it become one of your new favorite study spots? Come see for yourself when the space opens on July 27!

Get your hard hats on, we’re visiting the STEM Commons!STEM Commons manager Keegan Buscaino got a behind-the-scenes tour...
06/24/2026

Get your hard hats on, we’re visiting the STEM Commons!

STEM Commons manager Keegan Buscaino got a behind-the-scenes tour of the build-out of our remodeled space in Steenbock Library. These renovations are part of a yearlong remodel of Steenbock Library’s first floor—in addition to the STEM Commons updates, there are also new active learning classrooms and study spaces, modern amenities, and more.

It’s exciting to see the renovations coming together, and we can’t wait to welcome you for a visit once the space opens to the public later this summer!

We're excited to welcome this year’s Summer Research Program students to campus! In our program, The Cellular and Molecu...
06/04/2026

We're excited to welcome this year’s Summer Research Program students to campus!

In our program, The Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress, undergrads from schools across the US spend ten week at UW–Madison engaging in full-time, immersive bioscience research and professional development.

After arriving last week, they had a full schedule of activities to help them prepare for the weeks ahead. In addition to things like touring campus and getting ready for lab, community building was an important part of this—and they even got to enjoy some sunshine while doing it! Here, students and program directors gathered for an activity called Common Ground, where they shared facts about themselves, learned new things about each other, and discovered interests that they had in common.

We're looking forward to getting to know them more over the summer and learning more about their research experiences!

We are so proud of our Peer Leaders! Eight alumni of the WISCIENCE Peer Leader Program received the UW–Madison Leadershi...
05/06/2026

We are so proud of our Peer Leaders! Eight alumni of the WISCIENCE Peer Leader Program received the UW–Madison Leadership Certificate this semester! And one of these remarkable students, Kaylee Sweno, won the Anne Louise Martino Leadership Award, which honors an outstanding graduating senior who has distinguished themselves as a campus leader and has advanced women’s leadership. Congratulations to all!

Photo 1 (L–R): Rina Mistrioty, Chloe Martin, Sevilla Reed.
Photo 2: Atharvan Srivastava
Photo 3: Kaylee Sweno (second from left)
Not pictured: Pate Lantz, Sophie Greene, Kate Curtis

Every semester, we look forward to watching students’ presentations about working with K–5 students in after-school scie...
04/29/2026

Every semester, we look forward to watching students’ presentations about working with K–5 students in after-school science clubs!

This is part of INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM, a community-based learning course where students learn about community partnerships and get hands-on experience leading STEM activities for kids.

We heard about the kids’ favorite activities—programmable robots and “drops on a penny” were favorites—and meaningful moments, like getting inspired by the recent Artemis space mission. The presenters also reflected on their own growth in the process, and how they will apply what they’ve learned going forward.

We love hearing about the impacts of these community partnerships on everyone involved!

Does this sound interesting to you? You could take this course in fall 2026! Learn more at go.wisc.edu/dalfny

Meet WISCIENCE Peer Leader Sara Dennis!Sara is a third-year student from Rockford, IL, majoring in neurobiology and gene...
04/23/2026

Meet WISCIENCE Peer Leader Sara Dennis!

Sara is a third-year student from Rockford, IL, majoring in neurobiology and genetics & genomics. We are thrilled to have her as a STEM Engagement Peer Leader!

About Sara:
Favorite snacks for a study session:
Dark chocolate and pretzels!

Extracurricular activities:
I am involved in Badger Volunteers, Undergraduate Neuroscience Society, ALS research, and I participated in the Atlantis Fellowship program in Milan, Italy.

What sparked your interest in STEM?
I was always incredibly fascinated by the complexities of the human nervous system and its disruptions. I took these passions and decided to build on them and participate in Neuroscience camps across the nation. This enthusiasm led me to places like Johns Hopkins, Ohio State, and Drexel University, where I was able to learn more about medicine based neuroscience from a young age.

What is your vision for life after graduation?
I aspire to go to medical school and become either a Neurologist or a Neurosurgeon.

Learn more about Sara and the rest of our Peer Leaders at: https://go.wisc.edu/8t488p

Meet WISCIENCE Peer Leader Megan Nchekwaram!Megan is a fourth-year student from Milwaukee, WI, majoring in biochemistry,...
04/16/2026

Meet WISCIENCE Peer Leader Megan Nchekwaram!

Megan is a fourth-year student from Milwaukee, WI, majoring in biochemistry, biology, and global health with an African studies certificate. We are thrilled to have her as a Research Peer Leader!

About Megan:
Favorite snacks for a study session:
Fruit or Cheddar Cheez-its

Favorite place on campus:
Biochemistry Building

Hidden talent:
I’m pretty good at cooking

What have you learned by being a peer leader?
I’ve learned that we know more than we often admit and that we—not just peer leaders, but everyone—are full of knowledge and great ideas just waiting to be shared. As a peer leader, I’ve also realized that I’m always learning and will continue to do so.

What is your vision for life after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take time to strengthen my medical school application. So I will be doing a lot of studying and mental preparation.

Learn more about Megan and the rest of our Peer Leaders at: https://go.wisc.edu/8t488p

Calling all UW undergrads in STEM majors: we’re looking for Peer Leaders for Exploring Service in STEM (INTEGSCI 140)!Ma...
04/13/2026

Calling all UW undergrads in STEM majors: we’re looking for Peer Leaders for Exploring Service in STEM (INTEGSCI 140)!

Make a difference by providing peer support and mentorship to students in this first-year course. This is an excellent opportunity to further your journey as a STEM leader and build skills to boost your professional development. Plus, your experiences can count towards the Leadership Certificate.

No previous leadership experience is needed. Deadline: April 26, 2026.

Learn more and apply at go.wisc.edu/1t35ty

Address

445 Henry Mall, First Floor
Madison, WI
53706

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16082630478

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