November Student Spotlight
Published on November 1, 2024
Madi Wahlen
She/Her
Program: PhD/MSTP
Hometown: Rochester, MN
Field(s) of interest: Cancer Epidemiology, Urology
Topic or title of thesis, dissertation, or current project: “Impacts of BCG Shortages: Investigating Patient Access, Patterns of Care, and Disease Recurrence for Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer”
Quickfire Queries:
What are your interests and hobbies outside of the Department of Epidemiology?
“I have become a big crafter during my time in grad school – my favorite is crochet, but I have also gotten into scrapbooking and coloring. I also like to run. I ran my first half marathon last year, and I just signed up for my first marathon!”
dog (pictured) thought he should have
What drew you toward your field(s) of research/interest? Why do you believe this is important?
“I became interested in bladder cancer as my clinical interest in urology developed. As a dual-degree MD/PhD student, it has been incredibly rewarding to see my research and research interests complement and evolve with my clinical interests.”
Describe a piece of your work or an accomplishment that you are most proud of:
“During my GRA with Dr. Charlton, I worked with small, rural hospitals to help them achieve and maintain certain quality cancer care standards (Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network). As a GRA, I got to help build relationships with folks at these hospitals and develop resources and frameworks to help them accomplish really excellent work in their communities. I think that’s definitely the coolest project I’ve been a part of so far, and it’s been really cool to see it grow.”
What is your favorite part of your week?
“Sunday morning coffee/pastry runs to the local bakery near my house with my dog and my husband.”
If you didn’t have to worry about money and couldn’t pursue Epidemiology, what would your dream career be?
“I would want to be a ski-bum in Colorado or Montana working at a beautiful resort so that I could spend all my time snowboarding.”
What are 3 essential items you recommend to survive grad school?
1. Coffee
2. A dog to keep you sane and physically active
3. Incredible office mates
What songs have been getting you through your research or studies?
Newsletter submissions
Do you have an accomplishment, note of advice, or other piece of work that you would like to share in an upcoming newsletter?