UW–Madison Junior Earns Top Science Fellowships, Advances in Earth Sciences
Alissa Choi, a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is making waves in the earth sciences—driven by a deep-rooted curiosity nurtured by her immigrant grandparents and recognized nationally through prestigious scholarships and research honors.
Raised in New York City by her Chinese grandparents, Alissa first discovered her passion for science during library visits with her grandfather.
“I remember learning about the layers of the Earth in fourth grade,” she recalls. “Books on astronomy, ecology, and geoscience just captivated me.”
Although she attended a competitive magnet school—where, as she puts it, “classmates had memorized the periodic table by sixth grade”—earth science wasn’t central to the curriculum. Undeterred, she explored the subject independently, developing an advanced understanding well before graduating high school. Alissa’s journey took a pivotal turn when she was awarded The Posse Foundation Scholarship.
“That was my first major milestone,” she says. “I didn’t see in myself what the Posse folks saw in me.”
I almost quit early on because I lacked outdoor skills. I don’t want any future scientist to feel like they don’t belong because they haven’t camped or used a compass.
At UW–Madison, her Posse mentor Marquel Norton encouraged her to pursue geology seriously, urging her to “claim her place” in the university’s Geology Department.
That support proved transformational. Alissa went on to lead as president of the student chapter of the Association for Women Geoscientists—where she oversaw a board largely composed of graduate students—and served as the undergraduate representative on the department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Her academic and research achievements speak volumes. In summer 2023, Alissa conducted research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography as part of a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates. There, she honed ice-core sampling techniques and presented her findings at the American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting—earning first place in the student pitch competition and winning the Cryosphere Innovation Award. That funding enabled her to analyze some of the oldest ice samples ever run using cutting-edge instrumentation.
This year, Alissa’s accomplishments have earned her several of the nation’s most competitive undergraduate science awards:
• NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship (2024): Provides up to $9,500 per year for two years of STEM study, plus a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility.
• Morris K. Udall Scholarship: Awarded to 55 students nationally for their exceptional commitment to environmental policy and stewardship. It comes with a $7,000 award.
• Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship: Congress’s premier undergraduate award for students pursuing careers in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
She also received “last-dollar” funding from the Goldwater Foundation, supporting her continued academic journey and acknowledging her leadership potential in science.
“I don’t think I would’ve gone out of state for school without Posse,” she says. “Winning that scholarship gave my elder parents permission to retire when they’re ready, without worrying about my education.”
Beyond research labs, Alissa is committed to opening doors for others. For the past three years, she’s been involved with Inspiring Girls Expeditions, a program offering tuition-free field science experiences for high school girls and gender-expansive youth. Most recently, she served as an on-site coordinator in Alaska.
“I almost quit my major early on because I lacked outdoor skills,” she admits. “I had never ‘gone outside’ in a serious way. I don’t want any future scientist to feel like they don’t belong just because they haven’t camped or used a compass before.”
From childhood trips to the library to standing at the forefront of environmental research, Alissa Choi’s journey reflects the power of opportunity, mentorship, and grit. She exemplifies Posse’s mission: to identify, support, and elevate leaders from diverse backgrounds into roles of influence. With her passion, scholarship, and drive to serve, Alissa is poised to shape the future of earth sciences—and inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
