Congratulations to the 2014-2015 CALS Senior Award recipients
CALS Senior Awards recognize students for their scholastic performance, leadership, and service. Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher can apply. Applications are approved by faculty and staff on the CALS Prospective Students and Scholarships and Loans Committee.
CALS Prospective Students and Scholarships and Loans Committee members are: Brian Asen, Amin Fadl, Ann Haase-Kehl, Heidi Kaeppler, Marisa Otegui, Jonathan Pauli, Shiela Reaves, Tom Browne, Karen Martin, and Sue Ryan.
This year, each CALS Senior Award winner maintains at least a 3.9 grade point average. In addition to their outstanding academic performance, these students demonstrate remarkable records of both leadership and service.
2014 – 2015 Senior Award Winners
Adam Bartling
Hometown – Waterford, WI
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Food Science, Certificate in Business
Adam distinguished himself from other high ability students through a variety of co-curricular and leadership activities. Adam completed two research and development internships, one with Newlywed Foods and the other with Pepsi Co. He also completed undergraduate research with the Food Research Institute and he participated in several product development competitions including the Institute of Food Technologists Product Development Competition. In addition, Adam served in leadership positions for the Food Science Club and welcomed new students to the college as a CALS Ambassador. Adam fully immersed himself in his academic discipline and his career preparation. Adam remembers his CALS Freshman Orientation, where a graduating senior told him to become comfortable being uncomfortable. He said that advice stuck with him, and allowed him to pursue goals both in and out of the classroom.
Rachel Dvorak
Hometown – Rice Lake, WI
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Biochemistry
Rachel had an extremely productive undergraduate career at UW-Madison. While earning Dean’s List recognition every semester on campus, Rachel was active in student organizations, tutoring, and undergraduate research. She held two important leadership positions for the UW-Madison Lions Club. In addition to her leadership in student organizations, Rachel served as a tutor for physiology and chemistry. Rachel was also highly engaged in mentored research. She completed independent projects in the Amasino and Cox laboratories. She also completed a summer research experience at Cambridge University. Rachel attributes much of her accomplishments to her mentors at UW-Madison who inspired her to set lofty goals and helped her to achieve her aspirations. Rachel will be starting the Medical Scientist Training Program this summer in her ultimate pursuit to become a physician scientist.
Taylor Kirby
Hometown – Carlock, Illinois
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Biology (Neurobiology Option), Life Sciences Communication
Taylor, a varsity pole-vaulter, made a large impact at UW-Madison by getting involved in student organizations, service, and undergraduate research. While earning Dean’s List recognition every semester, Taylor served as president of Students for Life of Madison. She also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Badgers for Special Olympics. Taylor completed undergraduate research projects with the Population Health Sciences Department; Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand; and the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Taylor will begin working in the Alzheimer’s Center full-time, as a Research Specialist, after graduation. She has plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.
Kelsey Corrigan
Hometown – Whitefish Bay, WI
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Biology, History of Science, Global Health Certificate
Kelsey had a very impressive undergraduate career. She engaged in many health related activities while preparing for medical school. Kelsey served in leadership roles for the CALS Health and Research Society, and the Health Occupations Student Association. She also volunteered in the Meriter Hospital Elder Life Program and at a Muscular Dystrophy camp. Kelsey completed a summer internship that focused on clinical care and worked in University Health Services. Kelsey participated in undergraduate research projects in two oncology laboratories where she co-authored four papers. Kelsey says she has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Madison the past four years. After graduation, she will be attending medical school.
Megan Theisen
Hometown – Kewaskum, WI
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Animal Science
Megan accomplished a great deal during her time at UW-Madison. She was actively involved in student organizations serving as a president of Sigma Alpha and social chair for the Pre-Veterinary Club. With a strong interest in animal health, Megan worked as a veterinary assistant for the Kewaskum Veterinary Clinic and as a livestock caretaker for the UW-Madison Livestock Laboratory. Megan also conducted an independent research project examining equine reproduction and how reproductive technologies can help maintain the wild horse population. In her free time, Megan is a pianist for her church and an entertainer for Top of the Ridge Restaurant. Megan says she has enjoyed her time in Madison with her classes, her student organizations, and the friends she has made. Megan has been accepted to a college of veterinary medicine and will begin classes this fall.
Taylor Holterman
Hometown – Watertown, WI
Major(s) / Certificate(s) – Life Sciences Communication, Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Taylor has engaged in significant leadership activities on campus. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm, Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC, and brought her passion for dairy and agriculture to campus. Taylor is currently president of Collegiate Farm Bureau and an active member of the Association of Women in Agriculture in which she was named Outstanding Freshman, Outstanding Junior, and Outstanding Senior. Taylor’s work experience includes internships with the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association, Agri-Nutrition Consulting LLC, Merial, and the UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science. Following graduation, she will move to Omaha, Nebraska to start her career with Union Pacific Railroad as an Account Representative in the Market Development and Sales Center.