Four exceptional students have earned the 2026 Outstanding Information Science Student Award, recognizing Information Science (iSci) undergraduates for excellent academic achievement as well as leadership and experience outside the classroom.
The awards offer financial support and well-earned recognition for exemplifying what’s possible in the iSci major, which has grown to over 500 students since its inception in 2022.
Meet the winners:
Alexander Bussell x’26
For Alexander Bussell, choosing iSci felt like “a leap of faith, especially because it was such a new major at the time.” In fact, Bussell was one of the first students to officially declare the major. It quickly became clear that iSci was “the right fit,” Bussell said, thanks to mentorship from faculty who made the field feel accessible. “[Teaching Faculty] Jeff Nyhoff taught in a way that felt thoughtful, approachable, and genuinely centered on helping us understand,” he said. Teaching Faculty David McHugh offered a different kind of influence, connecting AI and emerging technologies to “the perspective of a generation that has grown up alongside constant technological change,” Bussell reflected.
Bussell found his academic center in LIS 663: Introduction to Cyberlaw, which he said “brought together two areas that have shaped my time at Wisconsin: technology and law.” That course, he added, “showed me that the skills I developed through the major, like thinking critically about systems, understanding the human impact of technology, and analyzing complex issues, can be applied far beyond a traditional tech setting.” As he prepares for law school at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the award will help offset some of the associated expenses.
Bussell shared a nugget of advice for future students: “Success in the classroom often starts with the way you choose to engage with life outside of it.”
Nadia Choi x’26
Discovering iSci was “a pivotal moment” for Nadia Choi. It connected technology with her background in art and design and showed “how design and information can shape people’s experiences,” Choi said. A double major in iSci and Psychology, Choi has also served in leadership roles of the student organization Design Interactive, based in the Information School (iSchool).
Choi credits Jackson for sparking her interest in Human-Computer Interaction and UX through “enthusiastic and accessible” teaching. LIS 510 (Human Factors in Information Security) pushed her interest in these areas even further, she said. “More than anything, that course taught me not to put myself in a box.” As she prepares for a customer experience internship with Allianz, Choi says the award will give her “the flexibility to focus on my growth … exploring new tools or taking on projects that challenge me.”
As she prepares to graduate, Choi offered guidance for tomorrow’s students: “Lean into your relationships. Never stop looking for opportunities to apply what you’re learning, share your work, and show your value.”
Sophia Darras x’26
Sophia Darras describes the iSci major as transformative for her undergraduate experience. “It challenged how I think and helped me discover a real interest in technology and innovation,” Darras, who is also majoring in Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies, explained. Her work in courses and research with Assistant Professor Corey Jackson sharpened that focus. “I developed a strong interest in how AI connects with law and policy as well as user experience (UX).” LIS 201(The Information Society) also left a lasting impression on Darras; it “opened my eyes to how much information systems shape everyday life,” she noted.
After graduation, Darras plans to use the award to support her transition into a technology-focused career in digital risk and consulting, areas in which she has already completed internships with EY and National Research Group. Her advice to younger students: “Say yes to new opportunities, try classes that challenge you, and stay curious and open to learning.”
Shelly Zhang x’27
Shelly Zhang, a first-generation college student, says the award serves as recognition of persistence and possibility. “This award reflects the time and effort I have put into each opportunity,” she said. “It reminds me that I have the potential to change our society.” Her path to iSci began unexpectedly in a coding class with Nyhoff. “He introduced me to the world of Information Science,” she said. “I found out how broad it was … I could learn so many different skills.”
Courses with Professor Emilee Rader, Digital Footprints: Privacy and Technology (LIS 220) and Data Storytelling Visualization (LIS 407), reinforced the major’s range of applications for Zhang. “One focused on the social science aspect of information, while the other showed the technical aspect.” Outside the classroom, Zhang also interned at UW–Madison Libraries, assisting with library computing systems and digital collections management.
She plans to use the award toward tuition as she enters her final year at UW–Madison. For future students, Zhang advises, “You have to put yourself out there. Growth comes from initiative.”
The iSchool congratulates all of the 2026 Outstanding Information Science Student Award winners. Explore our Information Science undergraduate major or learn about other iSchool student awards.