Congratulations to the spring 2025 graduates of the Information School!
The newest class of graduates from the Information School’s academic programs are ready to launch meaningful careers leveraging library and information science to transform organizations and communities.
Below, you’ll meet several exceptional iSchool graduates, read about the highlights of their UW–Madison experiences, and get a glimpse of their promising future endeavors.
Jacquie Kociubuk: PhD in Information
Graduate students from around the country and world are attracted to UW–Madison by the chance to work with leading researchers in their fields of choice. For Jacquie Kociubuk, that has meant learning from her advisor, Professor Rebekah Willett. With a focus on youth and libraries, Kociubuk has published numerous research papers and won multiple awards for her work, including the 2025 Jesse H. Shera Award for Support of Dissertation Research from the American Library Association.
“I deeply appreciate all the faculty, staff, and students at the iSchool, who have been wonderful mentors, colleagues, and friends. I continue to be inspired by my advisor, Dr. Rebekah Willett, who continually pushes me towards deeper thinking about children and childhood. Special shoutouts to Dennis Choi for his endless patience with my questions; Megan Adams and David McHugh who always freely shared their teaching insights; and my PhD cohort mates for helping ensure we all thrived during those first few years.”
Kociubuk has accepted a tenure-track assistant professor position at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies.
India-Bleu Niehoff: MA Library & Information Studies
During her MA program, India-Bleu Niehoff has served as a senior library assistant for the Wisconsin Water Library, conducting educational outreach, creating digital content, and curating the library’s unique resources. She expressed deep gratitude for the UW–Madison faculty and staff members who influenced her most.
“I am eternally thankful for my advisor, Megan Adams, who has been a continuous source of support and guidance. I would also like to thank my two supervisors in my on-campus jobs, Anne Moser of the Wisconsin Water Library and Maddy Davidsen in the Cataloging Department of Memorial Library,” Niehoff said. “Without the support of these three incredible women, I would not have had the enriching iSchool experience that I did. I’m also grateful to the iSchool for introducing me to my closest friends—people who have become not only my greatest support system, but also my future colleagues.”
After graduation, Niehoff will work as a Cataloging Librarian for the Utah State Library Division, based in Salt Lake City.
Isha Srivastava: MS Information
As a student in the MS Information program, Isha Srivastava has played a pivotal role in developing MAPWA, a practicum web application for MA Library & Information Studies students. She designed and implemented an algorithm that matches students with practicum sites—a complex task requiring both technical skill and deep understanding of user needs. This isn’t just coursework; it’s a real-world solution impacting students and organizations alike.
To round out her the MS program, Srivastava completed the new iSchool MS capstone course, working on real-world projects as an Analytics Engineer for Wisconsin-based ABC Supply. As one of her peers noted, she “goes beyond expectations, dives into challenges, and gets things done. Her work ethic is matched by her ability to foster a positive, collaborative environment. Whether she’s coding or coordinating, she elevates the team and the project. That rare blend of technical talent, initiative, and emotional intelligence makes her a standout.”
Anna Staresinic: BS Information Science
Anna Staresinic has described her UW–Madison journey as “well-rounded.” Majoring in Information Science and Data Science, she also served as president of the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board (WASB). In addition, Staresinic has been a radio show host at WSUM, UW–Madison’s student-run station.
Her iSchool coursework has stood out as some of the most illuminating during her time at UW–Madison. “A lot of the information science classes allow for creative applications of things you learn in your data science or computer science classes. I’ve gotten to take a bunch of interesting classes about how we can keep people at the center of technology,” says Staresinic.
Next up for Staresinic: a role with Oceaneering International as a software engineer.
Kaitlin White: MA Library & Information Studies
Kaitlin White has excelled inside and outside the classroom at UW–Madison. In 2024, she was honored with two iSchool Student Awards: the Fenster Research Paper Award and the Larry Jacobson Innovations in Library Science Award. The latter was given for White’s work as an Energy Educator for the Vermont Energy Education Program.
White said she is excited to harness the skills she sharpened at the iSchool, including database design and research, in her career moving forward. After obtaining her MA, White is expanding her current role as an systems administrator for a climate education non-profit. “I may look to move into a more traditional library role in the future, but for now, all the great skills I’ve developed with the iSchool are going to support a wonderful non-profit.”
Congratulations, graduates!