Introducing Lauren Wunderlich - 2024 Damon Anderson Scholarship Recipient

WLIA awarded the Damon Anderson Memorial Scholarship to three students this year. It's time to get to know them!

Let's meet Lauren Wunderlich, a Junior at the University of Wisconsin - Madison studying Cartography

 and GIS, Human Geography, Environmental Studies and Integrative Design of Natural and Built Environments. (Whew! That's a lot!)

How did you decide on your field of study?

I was a part of a FIG (Freshman Interest Group) and took a human geography course as part of it. Through that course I became interested in cartography, and from there I declared a major in Cartography and GIS. I later picked up other majors as I took more courses. This summer, I interned as a Land Use planner, which ultimately solidified my passions for these fields.

What is your dream job?

Within my field, my dream job would be to be an environmental planner/ GIS specialist. My biggest goal in my career is to create a more sustainable future. At one point in my life, I would also love to be a park ranger.

What’s the best advice someone has ever given you?

The best advice I have ever received comes from one of my professors and the advice is to slow down and enjoy college, but to work hard.

What do you like to do for fun? (Hobbies, volunteer work, etc.)

In my free time I love to keep busy. I am a very musical person, so I am currently directing a musical-comedy show as a part of UW-Madison’s Humorology program that raises money for a philanthropy in Madison. I also participate in the UW-Madison All University String Orchestra as a violinist. Outside of music, I love going to the Madison Farmers Market, camping, and paddleboarding.

What’s something most people wouldn’t guess about you?

I love movies! During the original 2020 quarantine I got super into watching movies to pass the time. One of my favorite movies is Knives Out.

Would you rather live in a big city, small town or in solitude?

I love living in Madison, so I suppose that would qualify somewhere in between big city and small town.