Name : Vanessa Aileen
Major : Food Science and Certificate in Business
Graduation date: May 2019
What awesome things are you up to now?
I am going to be a senior this coming semester. Currently, I am working in a research lab under a professor here on campus. I am doing a study about cocoa powder, looking at the stickiness and its application in the food industry. I am also finishing up my research paper about the experiment that I have been doing since last year in the field of meat. Outside work, I spent most of my time hanging out with my friends, especially those who will be leaving Madison soon.
How are you involved on campus?
During my freshman year, I volunteered with the American Red Cross during their blood donations event. I also started exploring my interest in Food Science. I started my first job during my second semester of freshman year in the school’s dairy plant. It broadened my interest in food science. When I was a sophomore, I started to be more involved with Permias Madison. I was the head of the outreach committee, reaching out to the new incoming students. My sophomore year was also the year where I got busier as I started my research experiment in the meat department. That summer was the busiest summer. I interned at Seneca Foods in Wisconsin. I also participated in a product development competition and went to Las Vegas for the final during IFT (Institute of Food Technologist). That same summer, I also had the opportunity to present my research experiment in a meat conference (AMSA). I was the president of Permias Madison during my junior year and that was probably the biggest leadership experience I had during college, especially planning for Indo night. Next semester I am going to be involved with the food science club as a historian.
What's your favorite thing about Madison and the UW?
Madison is a very beautiful city. It is not too big but yet there are always things to do here in Madison, especially during summer time. Strolling around state street stopping by different local stores, sitting by the terrace for sunset, kayaking or paddle boarding in the lake, running or jogging to picnic point, and many more. Even though it’s brutal during winter, but I always enjoy ice skating, sledding, and walking on the frozen lake! I also love how Madison is very accessible by bus and as a student we also get free bus pass.
What about your favorite thing about Permias Madison?
It’s always been the people. The people are the ones who made Permias Madison special. We create events by ourselves and for ourselves and it always feels like home every time I’m around Permias.
One-liner advice for future Badgers?
Try your best to find balance between school, social life, and the things you enjoy doing.