Expo and exposes with Isabelle Egizio

From Plainfield, Illinois, undergraduate Isabelle Egizio is working on more than just experiments. A senior in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Egizio is also heavily involved in the Engineering EXPO and the Wisconsin Engineering Magazine. We asked Egizio some questions about her time here in Madison.

Why did you choose the University of Wisconsin-Madison?

I chose the University of Wisconsin-Madison because of the notable engineering curriculum and extracurriculars that have thus far prepared me for future career opportunities. Being a student at UW-Madison has enabled me to grow academically and personally to further develop the professional goals I have set for myself. Outside of academics, I enjoyed the campus community and beautiful expanse that Madison as a city offers. 

What drew you to chemical and biological engineering?

I decided to major in chemical and biological engineering in college because of my interest in chemistry and its applications toward real-world problems. This degree offers the technical background I will need to pursue patent law in the future. 

What’s been the highlight of your chemical engineering education so far?

One of the highlights of my chemical engineering education so far has been the lab courses I have taken. I enjoy a challenging lab environment that encourages me to learn from my mistakes and those of my peers. My favorite lab coursework I have taken so far has been the Analytical Chemistry lab offered through the Department of Chemistry. 

What made you decide to join Engineering Expo leadership team and Wisconsin Engineer magazine?

When researching UW-Madison during high school to see if I would be interested in attending, I learned about the Engineering EXPO event that was held every spring. I was and continue to be passionate about creating new opportunities to teach members of the community about recent S.T.E.M. advancements in order to help inspire the next generation of engineers. Learning about this unique outreach event encouraged me to ultimately attend UW-Madison and was even the main topic of my “Why UW-Madison” admissions essay! When I attended E-Bash my freshman year, I knew that I had to join the Engineering EXPO leadership team and help continue the mission of the organization. 

During my freshman year of college, I also became interested in honing the technical writing skills I developed in high school. I wanted to challenge myself to pursue an opportunity outside the standard skillset of an engineer by joining the magazine as a writer. Three years later, I am thankful for the opportunities to be Head of the Writing Department and currently Editor-in-Chief of the magazine.

What opportunities do students in extracurriculars like Engineering Expo and WEM get to take advantage of?

Students that are part of organizations like EXPO and WEM are able to make connections with faculty, staff, alumni, industry, and other students on campus! Leading an event like Engineering EXPO entails extensive networking with companies for sponsorships and working closely with CoE staff to coordinate the event. These connections have helped students like myself secure internships in the field!

Participating in the magazine as a writer, photographer, or even graphic designer also helps students network with other individuals in the College of Engineering and greater campus community. Whether it be interviewing a professor or taking pictures of a lab on campus, these connections carry on throughout the student’s college career!

Please share more about your experience with Engineering Expo and Wisconsin Engineering Magazine. Why is it worthwhile? Do you have any favorite memories?

Every year when I walk around EXPO on the days of the event, I am constantly reminded of why I wanted to pursue engineering. Experiencing the wonder that the children have for different exhibits like the science behind making ice cream or building their own LED light inspires me to continue studying engineering despite the accompanying challenges!

The satisfaction of seeing my name in a published magazine every semester constantly reminds me of how impactful WEM has been on my academic journey. Beginning as a writer for the magazine helped hone my technical writing skills, and now as the Editor-in-Chief, I am able to extend this knowledge to new writers on the magazine.

How can someone get involved if they want to? If you are interested in joining either Engineering EXPO or the Wisconsin Engineer Magazine, you can reach out to the leadership teams either through any of our social media pages or via email at executive@engineeringexpo.wisc.edu or wiscengrmagazine@gmail.com. 

What might you share with other incoming engineering students?

Take advantage of the student organizations on campus and challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone! Whether you decide to join Engineering EXPO, WEM, or another organization, become involved as much as possible during your freshman year. Your interests outside of academics are just as important as those that you foster in a classroom! These experiences help define you as an individual and your future career aspirations.   

Fun facts with Isabelle Egizio

Flamingos or Badgers Badgers

Favorite Babcock Ice Cream flavor Blue Moon

Sweet Caroline or Jump Around? Jump Around

Favorite study spot? Wisconsin Historical Society Reading Room

Favorite place for lunch grub? Paul’s Pel’meni

---