The School of Nursing is proud to introduce the 2025-2026 student ambassadors. The student ambassadors, who are traditional bachelor of science in nursing students, represent the School of Nursing through various outreach initiatives. They provide valuable insights to prospective undergraduate students and their families, foster connections with alumni, donors, and friends, and serve as peer mentors for current nursing and pre-nursing students.
Meet the 2025-26 Student Ambassadors
Katie Aglione x’27
Katie Aglione is pursuing dual degrees in nursing and health promotion & health equity. Originally from Rumson, New Jersey, she chose UW–Madison for its vibrant school spirit and welcoming community.
Katie is passionate about exploring different nursing specialties and hopes to find her niche through diverse clinical experiences. Her advice to future nurses is to stay present and flexible—plans may change, and that’s okay.
Fun fact: Katie’s last name means “big garlic” in Italian.
Hayley Slohn x’26
Hayley Slohn, from Los Angeles, California, was drawn to UW–Madison’s collaborative environment and access to top-tier hospitals. She aspires to work in pediatric critical care, particularly in the NICU or PICU.
Her favorite experience has been working as a student nursing assistant on the transplant unit at UW Health, where she has gotten a firsthand look at complex patient care and the importance of teamwork, compassion, and attention to detail. This environment has deepened her passion for nursing and reinforced how much skilled, thoughtful care can impact patients’ lives. Hayley encourages future nursing students to step out of their comfort zone, seek out diverse experiences, and learn from every opportunity.
Fun fact: Hayley has attended 25 concerts.
Nicole Schmitt x’26
Nicole Schmitt is earning a dual degree in nursing and human development & family studies, along with a certificate in global health. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, she values the rigorous and supportive environment at UW–Madison and the access to a wide variety of resources.
Nicole plans to begin her career in intensive care or psychiatric nursing and eventually become a nurse practitioner. Her favorite memory is spending time with friends in Curran Commons in Cooper Hall, where she found a sense of community. Nicole’s advice to future nursing students is to believe in themselves, take each day one step at a time, and create a supportive friend group that celebrates their achievements.
Fun fact: Nicole has seen 40 artists live in concert.
Ruth Mongoven x’26
Ruth Mongoven, from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, chose UW–Madison for its interactive learning and strong academic reputation. She plans to work in an ICU before pursuing a career as a nurse anesthetist. Ruth’s favorite class has been pharmacology, where she enjoyed learning about medications and appreciated her professor’s approach. She encourages aspiring nursing students to gain hands-on experience through volunteering or shadowing at a clinic, senior living center, or hospital.
Fun fact: Ruth is passionate about wellness and enjoys deepening her knowledge through her job at a spa in Fitchburg.
Chloe Diamond x’26
Originally from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Chloe Diamond was drawn to UW–Madison’s research opportunities, wide variety of clinical opportunities, and supportive learning environment. After graduation, she hopes to work in the NICU at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and later become a nurse practitioner. Chloe’s favorite experience was her pharmacology class, and she advises future nursing students to celebrate every win, remember the reasons they wanted to become a nurse, and lean on faculty for support.
Fun fact: Chloe is training for the Madison Marathon.
Abigail Schafer x’27
Abigail Schafer, from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, chose UW–Madison for its academic excellence, evidence-based clinical training, and commitment to community health. She says she wanted to be part of a program that not only trains skilled nurses but also empowers future leaders who can make a difference in health care systems and patient outcomes.
She hopes to work in an ICU and eventually become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Abigail’s proudest moment so far was getting accepted into the nursing program. She advises future nursing students to find their passion and explore all aspects of the field.
Fun fact: Abigail has been to Haiti on a mission trip.
Maddy Ancheta x’27
Middleton native Maddy Ancheta chose UW–Madison for its close-knit community and abundant student resources. She said that peer mentors, a phenomenal advising team, tutoring, the CTEN labs, and proximity to many hospitals made the program stand out.
She’s currently interested in women’s health and finds inspiration in connecting with patients and learning their unique stories. Maddy encourages future nurses to explore the many paths nursing offers beyond the clinical setting, including research and education.
Fun fact: Maddy studied abroad in Costa Rica for a summer to learn Spanish.
Narianna Tagura x’27
From Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Narianna Tagura always dreamed of attending UW–Madison. She values the university’s reputation, support for students of color, and its emphasis on leadership and compassion. Narianna plans to become a pediatric nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner. She’ll graduate with a BSN and a certificate in Asian American studies.
Her favorite experience was shadowing nurses at UW Hospital and Hyland Park Assisted Living, where she was able to step into their shoes—following their routines, observing their critical thinking, and taking on responsibilities under their guidance.
Her advice for future nursing students is to remember that nursing is not just bedside care, and to seek out different experiences—whether it’s working in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, studying abroad, or volunteering.
Fun fact: Narianna studied abroad in Australia to learn about disability care.
Alice Hu x’26
Alice Hu, from Cedarburg, Wisconsin, has always aspired to be a UW–Madison student. She plans to begin her career in the NICU and hopes to mentor future nurses. Her externship with UW Health in the NICU has been a highlight of her education. She has appreciated the connections she’s made along the way with professors and peers.
Alice encourages students not to worry if they don’t have all their interests figured out before they enter nursing school. She advises them to explore different nursing paths and trust the journey.
Her favorite tradition is “Jump Around” on game days.
Brandon Kreger x’26
Brandon Kreger, from Stoughton, Wisconsin, chose UW–Madison for its cutting-edge technology and strong nursing reputation. After graduation, Brandon plans to work at a hospital in the Madison area, in the float pool or in burn, vascular, or general med-surg. He’s also considering a doctor of nursing practice degree to pursue his interest in working with patients with endocrine disorders.
Brandon’s favorite experience has been working in the simulation labs. He says the technology is so advanced and real that it made transitioning into clinicals significantly easier. He advises future nursing students to follow their passion and embrace the many opportunities in the field.
Fun fact: Brandon won an esports state championship for UW–Madison in 2023.
Ava Ziemann x’27
Ava Ziemann, a transfer student from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, immediately felt welcomed by the UW–Madison nursing staff during her application process. After graduation, she hopes to work in an ICU or pediatric unit. Ava encourages prospective nursing students to shadow and ask questions to gain insight into the profession.
Fun fact: Ava is bilingual.
Allie Young x’26
Allie Young, from Greenwood Village, Colorado, chose UW–Madison for its national prestige, access to the health sciences campus, and love for Signe Skott Cooper Hall. She’s interested in ER nursing and women’s health, and may pursue an advanced degree in the future.
Her most memorable experience was studying abroad in Malawi, where she connected deeply with patients and enjoyed learning about a very different health care system. Allie advises students to say yes to everything, embrace new experiences, and learn from mistakes.
Fun fact: Allie is a fourth-generation Badger—her dad played football for UW.