The Graduate School has selected two UW–Madison graduate students to participate in the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop in Washington, D.C., April 6-9. Sponsored by a coalition of scientific groups including the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the workshop is an opportunity for students to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. The experience empowers participants to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers.
The two graduate students selected to attend the 2025 CASE workshop are:
Cynthia Feng
PhD student, Microbiology
Cynthia Feng is a second-year Microbiology PhD student researching influenza viruses. She studies how variations across influenza viral strains and their interactions with host immune systems contribute to flu strain severity. Outside of the lab, Cynthia enjoys being outdoors, exploring indie bookstores, singing in choir, and eating her way through Madison’s restaurants.
Cynthia relocated to Wisconsin from Canada, where she completed her undergrad and master’s studies at McGill University. Prior to her PhD, she worked in medical communications for healthcare industry clients and in curriculum development for undergraduate science students. She loves sharing about science and has continued to pursue her interest in science communication as a graduate student, organizing inclusive science communication training with a Canadian non-profit and earning a Graduate Certificate in Science Communication at UW–Madison.
Martina Rogers
PhD student, Chemistry
Martina Rogers is a fourth year PhD candidate in Dr. Tim Bertram’s atmospheric chemistry lab. Before starting graduate school at UW–Madison, Martina earned her bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry, summa cum laude, from Miami University. There, she fell in love with field work as a limnologist and has carried that passion through her studies. As a graduate student, Martina has led a field campaign studying air quality in downtown Chicago and is now concurrently studying the effects of harmful algal blooms on lake spray aerosol and, consequently, human health.
Professionally, Martina values accessible science communication above all else, and has enjoyed communicating her work with farmers, lawmakers, and other members of the public. She hopes to retain science communication as a fundamental aspect of her career and is excited to grow her skillset to be a better communicator and educator, especially for underserved populations. Within the department, Martina has organized many events for the Graduate Student Faculty Liaison Committee, including therapy dog visits, Halloween costume contests, and, most notably, regular “Pet of the Week” emails. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, attending concerts, cooking, reading, and annoying her cat, Smokey.