Program Ambassadors are current and former Applied Drug Development (ADD) and Psychoactive Pharmaceutical Investigation (PPI) students that look forward to connecting with prospective students about the ADD/PPI programs. The ambassadors represent a diverse group of students with unique experiences, insights and their perspectives on why they chose to join our program. You’re invited to chat with an ambassador for any questions or concerns you may have or get tips on navigating our programs. You may get in contact with our enrollment coach, Anna Denucci (anna.denucci@wisc.edu), to get connected to a Program Ambassador!
Meet our PPI program ambassadors!
Meet Christina Vulpitta, from Romeoville, IL.
Why did you decide to join this program?
I went to UW-Madison for my undergrad in pharmacology and worked on a research project that was studying psilocybin. It was the natural next step for me to apply to this program!What advice do you have for students applying or joining the program?
Get involved with your other classmates! Even though this is a virtual program there is still such a sense of community and people are so nice and welcoming.Any other interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I’ve attended all of the psychedelic symposiums so far and am planning to continue as long as I’m in Madison! Highly recommend making the trip if you aren’t local.What is your post-program career goal?
I’m planning to apply to pharmacy school after a gap year.
Meet Owen Wheeler from Jacksonville, FL.
Why did you decide to join this program?
I joined this program to expand my toolkit for investigating psychoactive substances so that I could hopefully enter into an impactful and meaningful form of work in this field.What advice do you have for students applying or joining the program?
Don’t let a background outside of the physical sciences limit you from at least applying; I came across this program in my first year after obtaining my bachelor’s in sociology, and after seeing how much of the curriculum centered around biochemistry I immediately thought, “This isn’t for me”. 2 years later, I was able to complete the necessary science prerequisites to apply and successfully entered into the capstone program. In short, if you really think it could be for you, try to find a way!Any other interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I was featured in a music video during my undergraduate years; find me if you can!What is your post-program career goal?
Still figuring that out!
Meet Lauren Sweezey from Auburn, AL.
Why did you decide to join this program?
I really enjoyed my class “Drugs and the Brain” that I took while doing my undergrad degree in neuroscience. I also saw how diverse and interesting the classes were for this program and knew I wouldn’t get bored of it.What advice do you have for students applying or joining the program?
Do not be afraid to ask questions and get to know your professors. They love to talk about their chosen subject and will be a valuable learning resource.What is your Post-Program career goal?
I am currently looking into becoming a patent examiner for the USPTO. I am still exploring all my potential career options.Any other interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
My dog and I have the same birthday!Meet Stephanie Wong from Bellevue, WA.
Why did you decide to join this program?
I decided to join this program because I have always been passionate about public health, pharmacology, and mental health. Throughout my life, I’ve cared deeply about therapy accessibility, harm reduction, and mental health equity, particularly for underserved communities. This program perfectly aligns with my personal and professional interests, blending evidence-based innovation with my dedication to healthcare treatment and mental health advocacy. It offers a unique opportunity to explore psychedelic-assisted therapies, which align with my values and goals.What advice do you have for students applying or joining the program?
Don’t be afraid to engage with peers and professors, even in an online program—it helps to foster a sense of community. Everyone in the program comes from unique backgrounds, so ask questions and connect with people. Also, apply for any scholarships recommended to you, as the advisors and faculty truly want to support you!What is your Post-Program career goal?
My career goals include advocating for harm reduction, addiction medicine, and psychedelic-assisted therapy integration. I want to focus on healthcare for women and children, mental health equity, and public health outreach, serving as an educational liaison between the psychoactive medical community and the general public to improve access and understanding.Any other interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
I volunteer at a dog rescue where Chris Pine and Max Greenfield (Schmidt from New Girl!!) adopted their dogs. Living in Los Angeles, I have been learning Spanish with a professor from Guatemala to better connect with my community. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my dog Kiwi, going camping, attending live music events, thrifting vintage furniture, and playing board games.
Meet Jesus Anchondo from Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico
Why did you decide to join this program?
The reason I decided to join this program is to get involved with the school, create social networks, and gain leadership experience.What advice do you have for students applying or joining the program?
Our community is a supportive program that pushes students out of their comfort zone into the world of academia. Professors are here to help, but students need to make the first move and show initiative. I love the people I have met in the program thus far. We all come together to challenge our ideas to bring innovation.What is your Post-Program career goal?
Ph.D. in NeuroscienceAny other interesting facts about you that you would like to share?
My favorite sports are soccer and football, FLY EAGLES FLY! I love traveling to different national parks to hike different trails, and I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.Meet our ADD program ambassadors!
