October 22, 2025 Madeline Bingenheimer balances scales and studies Written By: Claire Massey Departments: Chemical & Biological Engineering Categories: Students|Undergraduate When not studying or in class, sophomore Madeline Bingenheimer plays the violin as part of the All-University Philharmonic Orchestra. A chemical engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she previously was a member of the University Symphony Orchestra and is pursuing a certificate in Energy Sustainability. Both her studies and music endeavors require top-notch technical skills. Let’s take a peak behind the curtain and learn more about Bingenheimer, her time in the orchestra, her passion for environmental sustainability, and how she juggles it all. Engineering with a conscience Growing up in Waukesha, WI, UW-Madison has always felt like home to Bingenheimer and she loves the culture of the city. Located on an isthmus–a strip of land two lakes–the Madison scenery also reinforced her decision to go to Madison. Her decision to pursue chemical engineering had a lot of factors. On the surface, the meaningful hands-on experience and problem-solving mindset drew her to the chemical engineering program. But digging deeper, Bingenheimer shares about her past travels to numerous national parks which instilled a deep appreciation for the environment. Bingenheimer at Custer State Park in South Dakota. Committed to preserving the natural beauty of our parks, she’s pursuing a chemical engineering degree with a focus on energy efficiency, which she is achieving through a Certificate in Energy Sustainability. Through the certificate, Bingenheimer aims to learn the practical skills necessary to enact change. “I hope to learn how to make energy systems more efficient and shift toward renewable resources over fossil fuels,” she says. Her future career aspirations are both ambitious and globally focused. She hopes to work abroad after graduation in critical areas like biofuels, nuclear energy, or hydrogen fuel research. Bingenheimer notes that the relevance of her curriculum has been a highlight, particularly CBE 250: Process Synthesis. She describes the course as the “first class that truly simulates what real-world chemical engineering looks like,” finding excitement in seeing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Music provides passion and learning Bingenheimer playing her violin as part of the orchestra. Amidst her demanding schedule, she is an active member of the All-University Philharmonic Orchestra and last year, she was apart of the of the University Symphony Orchestra. For her, being part of a university orchestra brings a welcome variety to her college career and helps to keep her passion for music alive. “Being part of a large ensemble is incredibly rewarding and has made my time at UW–Madison even more fulfilling,” she mentions. More than just a hobby, the act of performance is a collective effort that she finds profoundly meaningful. “Each member brings a unique background, but when we come together, it’s incredible what we can accomplish by performance day. Performing at the Hamel Music Center is so inspiring! I feel honored to share the stage with such talented musicians.” This dual commitment to engineering and music has provided her with invaluable preparation for her future career. She credits the collaborative nature of the orchestra on helping her hone essential soft skills. A recent opportunity to travel to Europe as part of an orchestra further strengthened her skills and reinforced the global perspective she hopes to maintain. “We performed in famous concert halls across Europe, an experience that I will never forget,” she remembers. “I learned some much about the culture of the different countries we visited, and made strong connections with other musicians.” Balance and breaks If managing the rigorous demands of engineering is challenging enough, Bingenheimer must also manage orchestra rehearsals, performances and other commitments, which has forged a strong sense of discipline and time management. She views music as a strategic tool for managing academic pressure and a welcome break from her intensive STEM coursework. “Even though it takes concentration and hard work, it’s rewarding in a different way,” she states. “Juggling rehearsals and coursework can be challenging, especially during midterms, but it’s taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay intrinsically motivated.” She’s also confident that this balance will be a defining asset in her professional life. For younger students who are considering both paths, Bingenheimer offers straightforward encouragement: “Stick with it!” She emphasizes that the journey is challenging but deeply rewarding. “It’s an amazing feeling to contribute to something bigger than yourself and give back to the community through music.” Bingenheimer and members of the University Symphony Orchestra stand up to receive their ovation after a concert. Madeline Bingenheimer’s experience is a clear reflection of the opportunities at UW-Madison, blending a world-class engineering education with a vibrant arts community. She is poised to be a leader in sustainable technology, carrying with her not just technical expertise, but the collaborative discipline of a seasoned musician. Fun Facts with Madeline Bingenheimer Flamingos or Badgers? Badgers Favorite Babcock Ice Cream Flavor? Badger Blast Sweet Caroline or Jump Around? Jump Around!! Favorite study spot? Memorial Union Terrace or in my hammock Favorite place for lunch? Michelangelo’s Cafe Top photo caption: Madeline plays as part of an orchestra at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Netherlands as part of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO).