With majors ranging from political science and journalism to biology, human ecology, and landscape and urban studies, University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate and undergraduate students are pairing up this semester with Wisconsin local governments through the UniverCity Alliance Scholars Program.
These eight students are working on projects with five partners – Town of Irving, City of Beaver Dam, the Village of DeForest, Sheboygan County, and UW South Madison Partnership – to address community-identified priorities like emergency management services, budgeting, trail design, facilities studies, and civic resources.
Through the UniverCity Alliance Scholars Program, the students aim to build on their professional skills, apply academic work to practical projects, and make a meaningful difference in communities.
“I hope to learn how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and apply my science and data skills in ways that are meaningful outside of the classroom. I’m excited to see how academic research can be part of real community problem-solving,” said Lola Lee, who is a third-year student majoring in biology with a certificate in data science. “It will help me grow both as a student and as someone who cares about making science more accessible and useful to the public.”
Through this program, now in its third year, UniverCity is able to convene a group of committed students with a range of skills and interests to work on individual projects with local government partners.
Upon completion of the project, the students will receive $1,500 scholarships that have been generously provided by the Division of Continuing Studies and UW alumni John Holton, Pat Thiele, Colleen Goggins, John Nelson, Bill and Karen Monfre, John Bauman, Jane Mandula, Curt Fuszard, and others.
“UniverCity Alliance is excited to continue offering the UniverCity Alliance Scholars Program, which provides unique projects to students who are seeking meaningful experiences and opportunities to grow their skills,” UniverCity Alliance Managing Director Megan McBride said. “We are grateful for our supporters who continue to make these experiences possible for UW–Madison students and our community partners across the state.”
The cohort’s mix of graduate and undergraduate students offers unique opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and peer learning. Additionally, students receive professional development and mentorship by working with Amy Gangl, director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Political Science, and Emmeline Prattke, an advisor at SuccessWorks throughout the semester.
Rachael Shields, a doctoral student in human ecology and design studies, is a licensed landscape architect and drone pilot. Shields said the scholars program is a “pivotal opportunity for professional growth.”
“I aim to engage in community-focused design work with my future students, and I am confident this experience will enhance my capacity to do so,” Shields said. “I hope to connect with local governments in Wisconsin and fellow UniverCity Alliance scholars to explore additional ways designers can support local government initiatives.”
Shu Sun, a doctoral student in landscape architecture studying the impacts of climate and urban design on public health, is looking forward to applying research to solutions in a collaborative environment.
“Working directly with local governments will allow me to see how theoretical knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions, deepening my understanding of sustainable design, environmental equity, and public health,” Sun said.
Junior Megan Dorsey and senior Jordyn Czyzewski are both majoring in landscape and urban studies. Dorsey, who is also earning certificates in integrative design of built and natural environments and environmental studies, is excited to “expand my knowledge in community engagement and development.”
Czyzewski, who is also majoring in people-environment geography and environmental studies, said the program meets “my goal to pursue a career in urban and regional planning that advances environmental and social well-being through inclusive, community-driven strategies.”
“This program serves as a bridge between my values of equity, reciprocity, and place-based problem-solving, and I aspire to advance my practical skills needed to implement these values in municipal settings,” Czyzewski said.
For students interested in the policy and communication fields, this opportunity provides insight into how local government works and can create meaningful changes for residents.
“I am happy to be providing a public service and working closely with university partners to do so,” said junior Maggie Claussen, who is majoring in political science and information studies. “I hope to gain a practical understanding of policymaking in my community and the role that I can serve with the curriculum I have learned so far in my academic career.”
As a student majoring in journalism and mass communication and political science, senior Madeline Green said she is “looking forward to seeing how local governments communicate with the communities they serve and how these interactions shape policy.”
“I hope to leave the program with a deeper understanding of how community engagement can drive positive change and a clearer vision for how I can contribute through future legal and public service work,” continued Green, who is also earning a certificate in criminal justice.
Lexi Golding, a junior majoring in political science, is motivated by better understanding the “intricacies that exist within the relationships between social justice, community, and government.”
“I am committed to enhancing my knowledge of how legislation and community partnerships can foster social justice initiatives,” said Golding, who is also interested in learning more about future career opportunities in local government.
—Abigail Becker