On Dec. 18, UW–Madison will celebrate its Winter 2022 Commencement. We reached out to a few of our students who are graduating from programs in the School of Education to learn about their favorite UW–Madison memories and future plans. Following is a Q&A with Brett Wannebo, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and neurobiology.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I am originally from Oregon, Wisconsin. Living in a Madison suburb, I have always known that I wanted to attend UW–Madison. I grew up wearing Cardinal red, attending Badger football games, and eating Babcock ice cream at the Memorial Union Terrace. In fact, UW–Madison was the only college that I applied to.
What is your major, and how did you choose it?
I am pursuing a bachelor of science in kinesiology with an additional major in neurobiology. In high school, I developed a passion for human anatomy and physiology. I loved learning about the structure and function of the human body. Additionally, athletics have always been a huge part of my life. In high school, I was a three-sport athlete, captain of the football team, and state qualifier in track and field. Considering my passion for human biology and exercise/sports, kinesiology seemed like the perfect fit. Through required courses such as Physiology of Exercise, Physiology, Human Anatomy, and Biomechanics of Human Movement, I knew that I would get the opportunity to combine both of my passions in an academic setting.
Later, after my sophomore year, I decided to double major in neurobiology. Pursuing this major has allowed me to expand my understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and exercise through a more focused neuroscience lens.
What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
Since the summer of 2021, I have worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Schrage Lab within the Kinesiology Department. I have had the opportunity to work on numerous studies involving sex differences in brain blood flow, sex differences in immunological function, and the effects of insulin resistance on brain blood flow in adolescents. My roles have expanded over the years, but my responsibilities have included processing/analyzing MRI images, assaying blood samples, and assisting in study visit interventions. While the experience has been amazing, the research staff have made the opportunity even more meaningful. Dr. William Schrage is an extremely kind, supportive, and intelligent principal investigator. Jessica Muer, my research mentor, is a brilliant PhD student who has patiently guided me through the process of research. Dr. Kaylin Didier, a postdoctoral researcher, has continually provided me motivation to expand my ideas on research and science. These individuals, along with the other amazing Schrage Lab members, have not only helped me grow as a researcher and student, but have supported my personal growth as well.
"If there is one piece of advice that I would give to future students, I would suggest that they always remain open to new opportunities. It is amazing how many cool things can happen by chance."
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Dr. Kecia Doyle is the interim director of the Adapted Fitness and Personal Training program at UW–Madison. While she is perhaps the busiest person I know, she is also very caring, passionate, and kind. On a weekly basis, I am inspired by the actions of Dr. Doyle. For more than a year, I have volunteered in Adapted Fitness, which provides personal training for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. Witnessing the support that Dr. Doyle provides each and every client is incredible. She is always willing to make time for a client or student in need, even when she has a million other responsibilities to attend to. As I move towards a career in healthcare, I aspire to provide patients with the same attention and care that Dr. Doyle provides every person in the Adapted Fitness program.
Did you participate in any study abroad programs, internship programs, or community activities? If yes, what were your experiences like?
For KINES 300, I completed an internship at the UW Health Heart Station. The UW Heart Station is responsible for administering electrocardiograms (EKGs) and cardiac stress tests at the University Hospital. As an intern, I assisted two of the exercise physiologists at UW Health with cardiac stress testing. Through this opportunity, I was able to explore EKG procedures, develop the skills needed to monitor an EKG, and learn how to administer an exercise stress test. Overall, it was an incredible experience that allowed me to work with supportive healthcare professionals as well as patients who had a wide range of conditions and backgrounds.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started at UW–Madison?
That there is no one-size fits all college experience. Starting at UW–Madison, I felt like I needed to select a major early and graduate in four years (or less). But this isn’t always the best approach. Instead, it is more important to slow down and appreciate college for what it is: an opportunity to explore and discover. There are numerous courses, clubs, jobs, and volunteer experiences that UW–Madison offers. Rather than following a predetermined career path, these opportunities allow students to discover new interests and, sometimes, that discovery can take more than four years. If there is one piece of advice that I would give to future students, I would suggest that they always remain open to new opportunities. It is amazing how many cool things can happen by chance.
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the future?
I am in the process of applying to medical school. Through my clinical and research experiences, I have fallen in love with healthcare, medical education, and clinical research. In the future, I would like to become an academic physician. Although I am interested in many specialties, I am currently fascinated by neurology, cardiology, and radiology.
You’re a UW–Madison expert now. What’s one thing every Badger should experience before they graduate?
Pulling an all-nighter at College Library. Although I would not recommend studying all night, there is nothing like seeing the sunrise over Lake Mendota after a full night of studying.