After a successful return to in-person rush planned by Mara Penner, Theta Tau Xi Chapter is excited to introduce you to our new Fall 2021 Pledge Class!
Tanner Diring
Year: Junior
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Major: Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace
Why your major?: I’ve always been fascinated with airplanes and space travel. With the massive influx of commercial space travel companies, I knew I wanted to pioneer this industry.
Why UW-Madison?: I am a third-generation Badger and have always dreamed of coming here. It has a very good balance of academics while also being a Big Ten school.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Empathic, resilient, hard-working
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy lifting at the Nicholas Recreation Center in my free time as well as unwinding and playing some video games with friends.
Fun Fact: I worked at the same restaurant for all of high school which led to my passion and love for cooking.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to design a part or system of parts that leaves our atmosphere.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot has to definitely be the Memorial Union Terrace.
Louis Nguyen
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Major: Computer Science
Why your major?: I chose my major because I’ve always loved computers and building cool things.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because of its amazing campus, great social atmosphere, and its computer science program
Describe yourself in 3 words: Positive, Attentive, Friendly
Hobbies and Interests: I love Spikeball, Music and any outdoor activity
Fun Fact: I can make minute rice in 59 seconds
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to learn how to whistle
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot on campus is definitely Memorial Union.
Katie Mangus
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Worcester, MA
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I choose biomedical engineering because I hope to pursue a career in oncology and I hope to use a BME degree to do so.
Why UW-Madison?: I choose UW-Madison for its environment, being both in a city and on a lake. I also loved the atmosphere and culture that comes with being a badger.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Outgoing, adventurous, compassionate
Hobbies and Interests: Community service, soccer, golf, and baking
Fun Fact: I’ve walked a marathon
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: Visit all the national parks
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The Terrace
Milan Patel
Year: Freshman
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I enjoy the combination of medicine and engineering and want to change how healthcare currently operates.
Why UW-Madison?: It’s a good engineering school, great sports, and large undergraduate student body.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Driven, Caring, Adaptable
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy watching sports and playing basketball with friends.
Fun Fact: I’m a back to back fantasy football champ
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to complete an Ironman.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Hammocks in lakeshore
Naisha Bepar
Year: Freshman
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Major: Computer Science, Data Science, and Economics with a Mathematical Emphasis
Why your major?: I really like solving problems and working creatively and computer science offers me unlimited opportunities to do just that. The world is also starting to revolve around big data and knowing how to work with that will be incredibly beneficial. Economics helps me understand why and how so many aspects of the world run, and I find that really interesting. I wanted to diversify my education and economics seemed like the best way to do it (I also love math)!
Why UW-Madison?: What isn’t there to love about UW? It’s about an hour and a half away from home for me so I consider that perfect distance. I love the campus, I love the people, and I absolutely adore the spirit. I also believe UW genuinely cares about its students and I feel at home here. Not to mention how amazing we are in terms of academics.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Social, empathetic, driven
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy boxing and am currently in the boxing club at UW Madison. I also like lifting and strength training (started about 4 years ago)! I love being active and playing almost any sport.
Fun Fact: I am the first on in my family to be born in the US.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to buy a really nice place for my parents so that they’re close to me.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Bascom Hill
Spencer Ball
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Menolo Park, CA
Major: Computer Science
Why your major?: I love the problem-solving process of coding, and CS is a tool that can be used in so many different industries. I think there are very few problems, big or small, that CS can’t be used to help solve.
Why UW-Madison?: UW-Madison combines a strong computer science program, a flexible curriculum, and a vibrant campus community. I’m excited to learn the requisite skills for my career while also trying things, both academic and non-academic, that I’ve never done before.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Analytical, passionate, ironic
Hobbies and Interests: I love any sort of gaming, be it video games, board games, card games or word games. I also love watching, ranking, and ranting (mostly unsolicited) about movies. I recently wrote a screenplay, and have ideas for more I keep saying I’ll write when I have more time.
Fun Fact: I play the steel drum, and in early 2020 got to play for a week in the Caribbean. I’ve also had the chance to play with Robert Greenidge, Jimmy Buffet’s steel drum player, as well as Tony Lindsay, lead singer for Santana!
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: Top 8 a Magic: the Gathering Grand Prix
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Union South
Jaclyn Ness
Year: Freshman
Hometown: McHenry, IL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major?: I enjoy physics and I am interested in renewable energy.
Why UW-Madison?: UW-Madison is great for engineering and has a diverse campus of people.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Adventurous, curious, driven
Hobbies and Interests: Cheerleading, Baking, Thrifting, and Cycling
Fun Fact: I have never been to a concert but have always wanted to go to one.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to travel to at least twenty countries.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot on campus is the third floor of college library.
Matteo Tonelli
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major: EMA Engineering Mechanics
Why your major?: I chose engineering mechanics because I wasn’t sure what specific field of engineering I wanted to go into and EMA allows me to have a broader major while still having the option to minor in something specific like nuclear or aerospace.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because it’s a great school and it’s right in the city where I grew up. It has a good blend of urban life with a more suburban style, and the academic programs are really good.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Creative, Adventurous, Down to earth
Hobbies and Interests: I like going outside and being in nature, particularly in the woods and by lakes, rivers, of the ocean. I also like photography, ceramics, and watching Netflix.
Fun Fact: I flew a plane once.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to try scuba diving.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Observatory Hill
Jonah Elisofon
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Menlo Park, CA
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major?: I like math and physics and I’m not 100% sure what I want to do post grad yet so it has a lot of versatility.
Why UW-Madison?: Got to visit before quarantine and I loved the campus + engineering
Describe yourself in 3 words: Calm, Understanding, Passive
Hobbies and Interests: Baseball, video games, hanging out with friends, food
Fun Fact: I’ve broken 7 of my fingers
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: Career wise I want to do something that makes me happy and hopefully helps someone (non career wise I want to visit all 30 MLB stadiums)
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Lakeview Lounge at Memorial Union
Chase Monkemeyer
Year: Second Semester Freshman
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major?: I have always been interested in engineering, especially mechanical engineering. I enjoyed my math, science and business classes in high school and so far in college. I like working hands-on to learn how things run. Additionally, I find creating things fun and found my physics, chemistry and mathematics classes extremely interesting. I know many various engineers and have spoken to them about their professions. Of all the options, I felt Mechanical Engineering would provide me with a vast selection of opportunities I would enjoy the most.
Why UW-Madison?: Wisconsin has always been a second home to me. With great academics, a Big Ten atmosphere, and being surrounded by the lakes, it was a perfect fit for me.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Hardworking, Versatile, Loyal
Hobbies and Interests: I love playing basketball, fishing and playing the guitar.
Fun Fact: I taught myself how to play the guitar over Covid quarantine.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I would like to accomplish landing a 360 while wake surfing.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The Nick Rec Center
Ethan Dretzka
Year: Freshman
Hometown: New Berlin, WI
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I wanted to be able to combine my enjoyment of science with my love for engineering and design.
Why UW-Madison?: I love the campus and it has a great engineering program.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Kind, confident, logical
Hobbies and Interests: I like to bowl, play tennis and golf, cook, and go outdoors.
Fun Fact: I have bowled two 289 games.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to visit all or as many of the National Parks as I can.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot is the Memorial Union Terrace.
Ty Mountain
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Lee, NH
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I wasn’t super interested in any of the more specialized areas of engineering. Thought biomedical seemed pretty interesting
Why UW-Madison?: Mix of social and academic. I really liked the town.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Motivated, extroverted, passionate
Hobbies and Interests: My primary hobbies are skiing and golfing. My interests outside of engineering are mainly history and finance.
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: Send my kids to college.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Historical Society Library
Natalie Hooven
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Major: Chemical Engineering
Why your major?: I am very passionate about chemistry and math and I want to use my passion to aid in the real world development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals.
Why UW-Madison?: UW-Madison has a highly ranked chemical engineering undergraduate program and it also offers a great quality of life.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Perseverant. Passionate. Caring
Hobbies and Interests: A favorite hobby of mine is crocheting clothes.
Fun Fact: A fun fact about myself is that I used to have a pet bearded dragon.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to travel internationally (specifically to Strasbourg, France where I have some family).
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot on campus is Steenbock Memorial Library.
Vang Thao
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Holmen, WI
Major: Computer Science
Why your major?: I chose computer science as my major because I enjoy problem solving and because it allows me to create some pretty cool stuff.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because it was the best university in the state for computer science.
Describe yourself in 3 words: I am easygoing, gooney, and attentive.
Hobbies and Interests: I like to play tennis.
Fun Fact: I used to eat Cinnamon Toast cereal for every meal.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: One thing I want to accomplish in my lifetime is travel all around the world.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The docks near Mem. U terrace.
Isabelle Zingler-Hoslet
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Appleton, WI
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I have been searching for a profession that would give me the opportunity to meet many people and most importantly have a positive impact on the lives of others. Biomedical engineering seemed to be the perfect fit for my passion to research stem cells and develop stem cell-based therapies. I want to leave a positive impact on the world by helping research and cure different “incurable” diseases that affect a large portion of the population. Overall, the Biomedical Engineering program is perfectly suited for my interests and intentions with my future endeavors.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because they are one of the top research schools in the country. I have always been very interested in research and thought this would be the best place to get involved.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Loyal, determined, cheerful
Hobbies and Interests: I am very involved in running and being outdoors.
Fun Fact: I’m an only child.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want visit all the national parks.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The education building terrace
Varun Rajan
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Rosemount, MN
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Why your major?: I chose mechanical engineering because I was always interested in some sort of engineering, and mechanical would allow me to have a broad background in engineering while I can pinpoint my interests within it further down the line.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because it had a great balance between academic life and social life. The sports scene here and the rigor of academics made UW very appealing.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Outgoing, Ambitious, Determined
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy playing tennis and basketball, hanging out with friends, and traveling.
Fun Fact: I’ve been to 46 of the 50 states.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I want to be able to visit every continent.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: My favorite spot on campus is the Hoofers Lounge in Memorial Union
Grace Wilton
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I chose my major because I have always been interested in the medical field, combining that with my love of biology and math, I found that Biomedical Engineering would be the perfect major for me. It also allowed me to do design projects within the medical field, while preparing me for medical school. I am also interested in regenerative medicine and this major gives me an opportunity to be exposed to it much earlier than other majors.
Why UW-Madison?: I decided to go to UW- Madison because I felt that the school had a very good work-life balance, with a great department for Biomedical Engineering that allowed me to do a tissue engineering track. Not to mention one of the most beautiful campuses in the Midwest.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Adaptable, caring, enthusiastic
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy playing the clarinet and reading.
Fun Fact: In Chicago there is an intersection of my name, so the intersection of Grace st and Wilton ave.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I hope to one day work with regenerative medicine, whether through a medical practice or research.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The Memorial Union Terrace
Ellen Fricker
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
Major: Chemical Engineering
Why your major?: I have always loved math and enjoyed chemistry in high school! I knew that as an engineer I could combine my passions for STEM and creative problem solving and work to improve the world around me.
Why UW-Madison?: Madison has a super strong engineering program, a lively and beautiful campus, and is a fun place to be!
Describe yourself in 3 words: Bubbly, kind-hearted, driven
Hobbies and Interests: I do a Capella and love to dance!
Fun Fact: I did classical ballet for 10 years!
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: Do research regarding quantum physics!
What is your favorite spot on campus?: St. Paul’s
Allison Fisher
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Major: Industrial Engineering
Why your major?: I really like that industrial engineering can be applied to many different settings and that it is all about continuous improvement and efficiency, which is something I feel like I naturally have an eye for.
Why UW-Madison?: I fell in love with UW’s campus – particularly the fact that it has a city side, beautiful academic buildings, and a more quiet, nature side. UW Madison is also four hours away from my hometown which I felt was the perfect distance for me.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Dedicated, Loyal, and Blunt
Hobbies and Interests: Hammocking, Ice Cream, Volleyball, Binge Watching Netflix, and Puppies
Fun Fact: I have a birthmark shaped like a bunny rabbit
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I’d love to spend an extended amount of time outside of the United States to experience a different culture.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: The Discovery Building
Rebecca Shomaker
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Barrington, IL
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Why your major?: I chose to major in biomedical engineering for a few reasons. First, I decided I was passionate about engineering because I always knew that math and science were the subjects I found myself enjoying the most due to the problem solving process that comes along with them. In addition, I have found that I like when work is a little more personable, so I always was interested in all the possibilities and developments that went into the medical field because of its potential to enhance this connection. I feel that it’s rewarding when you can see your work pay off, and my goal is to focus on this passion in order to help others.
Why UW-Madison?: I chose UW-Madison because I thought it was a strong balance of academics and social life. I was interested in the opportunities that the College of Engineering had to offer, and I felt that it is a very focused and passionate community that strives for success and learning. In terms of activities outside of school, I liked the beauty of the campus, the sports environment, and the opportunity to get involved in groups like Theta Tau!
Describe yourself in 3 words: Personable, Confident, Considerate
Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, hiking, playing intramural sports, and being a part of Theta Tau.
Fun Fact: I am a state champion and runner-up for soccer. I played for 14 years so I’ve always had a love for all kinds of sports.
What’s one thing you want to accomplish in your lifetime?: I hope to be proud of all my hard work and be free of regrets.
What is your favorite spot on campus?: Memorial Union Terrance