Our Undergraduate Chemistry Ambassadors have different hobbies, interests, backgrounds, and goals; but one thing they share is a love of chemistry!
Whether you are a current UW-Madison student, already a declared chemistry major, or if you are a prospective UW-Madison student, our Chemistry Ambassadors are here to answer your questions about our chemistry courses from a student perspective. The Ambassadors can give their opinions on course selection, course sequencing, and life as a chemistry major overall! Some examples of questions you may want to ask our ambassadors are: “Do you have any tips for finding a research group?”, “What were your experiences with organic chemistry?”, “Have you taken any chemistry classes over the summer? If so, how did you find the workload?”, “If you’re a double major, how do you find balance in completing all of the courses required?”.
To contact our Ambassadors, please send your questions to: ambassador@chem.wisc.edu. If there is a specific ambassador you have questions for, please state that in your email.
For specific questions regarding major exploration, major declaration, or individual course planning please contact the Chemisty Advisor, Katie McCullough, at: klmccullough@wisc.edu.
Specific questions about chemistry undergraduate research? Don’t hesitate to contact our Chemistry Undergraduate Research Board to learn more!
Interested in becoming an ambassador? Recruitment for the 2026-2027 academic year has already taken place. Recruitment for the 2027-2028 academic year will begin in March 2027! Contact the Chemistry Advisor with any questions.
Meet our Ambassadors!
VASH ALLEN
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Science Communication Certificate
HOMETOWN: Eau Claire, WI (I’ve also lived in Missouri and Boston)
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: Chemical Instrumentation (CHEM524). I loved learning about how lab instruments work from first principles. I also gained practical experience using and simulating those instruments (yay Python), which will help a lot with the type of lab work I’d like to do in the future.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Either the lobby of the Chazen on a quiet morning or the roof of the AOSS building. There’s a lot of nice places to people-watch and recharge on campus.
FUN FACT: I almost became a tattoo artist before I went back to school, and I still do a lot of art and writing in my spare time. I still have some work on display in Eau Claire and St Paul!
MIRIAM ALVARADO
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry
HOMETOWN: Oakdale, MN
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: CHEM 311 – Inorganic Chemistry. I really enjoyed learning how different metals, ligands, and structures shape the properties of real‑world chemical systems.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Lakeshore Path
FUN FACT: I can speak fluent Spanish!!
DOMINIC AMATO
YEAR: Junior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Physics Certificate
HOMETOWN: Whitefish Bay, WI
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: My favorite chemistry course that I have taken so far is Chem 329 (Analytical Chemistry). I enjoyed this class because it helped me learn how to conduct research and design my own experiments. This course also helped me join my research group and got me interested in materials chemistry.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Camp Randall
FUN FACT: I studied abroad in Ireland over the summer for 2 months.
ANDREI CHIRUTA
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Biocore Curriculum Honors Certificate
HOMETOWN: Madison, WI
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: I really enjoyed Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM 547) with Professor Weix. It built nicely on all the material I learned in previous organic chemistry courses while expanding to more modern topics.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: I really enjoy spending time in the lakeshore nature preserve.
FUN FACT: In my spare time, I enjoy birding and fishing.
CLARISSA KRUEGER
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Certificates in German and Gender & Women’s Studies
HOMETOWN:
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: My favorite Chem course I’ve taken has been Analytical Chemistry (329). We worked on a collaborative research project throughout the second half of the semester which was testing the water along one of the roads that goes over Lake Monona. It was my first real glimpse into what a lab heavy class looks like, and I found that it was what I enjoyed most about Chemistry.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: The Microbial Sciences building. I love going there to study as they have this huge wall of glass that is so nice to look out of while I am studying.
FUN FACT: I am in a competitive Barbershop Quartet on campus. We competed in the International Barbershop Harmony Varsity competition this summer in St. Louis where we placed top 20.
MARIA MULLOY
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry
HOMETOWN: Neenah, WI
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 311) was so much fun! The lab was an absolute blast, where we got to synthesize some new and colorful complexes. Learning about organometallics, group theory, and coordination chemistry was also interesting. It was the first chemistry class I could just relax and enjoy.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Memorial Union Terrace
FUN FACT: I spent the past summer doing research in Uruguay!
AMRUTH MURTHY
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Certificates in Science Communication and Entrepreneurship
HOMETOWN: Erode, India
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: My favorite chemistry course at UW-Madison so far has been CHEM 311 (Inorganic Chemistry). I especially enjoyed this class because of the lab component and the vibrant colors I observed during the experiments. It was not only visually engaging but also helped me develop the important skill of compiling experimental data into professional lab reports. Most importantly, it allowed me to learn several essential laboratory techniques that will be valuable for my future career.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: The Discovery Building.
FUN FACT: I am also a numismatist, and have a collection of rare and old coins.
ELLIE SABEL
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry
HOMETOWN: Neenah, WI
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: CHEM 345 – Organic Chemistry II. I loved seeing reaction mechanisms come together and applying what I learned in lab.
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Memorial Union Terrace, especially when there is live music. It has such a nice atmosphere being right on the lake!
FUN FACT: I’ve had five different jobs, from serving to working in research labs.
JADE TOMBERLIN
YEAR: Senior
MAJOR(S): Chemistry, Environmental Soil Science Certificate
HOMETOWN: Sturgeon Bay, WI
FAVORITE CHEMISTRY COURSE: CHEM 561 because it helps you understand the world around you and why things happen the way they do. It also provides insight into the governing principles of some very important inventions (like steam engines).
FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS: Soil science library
FUN FACT: I collect paper maps of every place I visit.