UW-Whitewater student speaker chases storms — and a career in conservation

UW-Whitewater student speaker chases storms - and a career in conservation

April 24, 2026

When she first stepped foot onto the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus, Sabrina Wolf wasn't sure where her academic pursuits would take her.

A horizon-expanding exercise in learning about weather prompted a pivot from studying business - her initial plan.

This spring, Wolf, a 2022 graduate of New Lisbon High School, is earning a B.S. in environmental science with an emphasis in geosciences with a minor in general business and a certificate in geographic information systems.

Wolf will share her inspiring story as a student speaker for UW-Whitewater's May 2026 commencement ceremony at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

Sabrina Wolf signs "Happy Halloween." Students in the UW-Whitewater American Sign Language Club led by Dana Gordon of the Center for Students with Disabilities celebrated Halloween with word signing games and candy in Winther Hall on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

The pivot to environmental studies happened early in her campus career.

"I took a general lab class, to fulfill some credits, that was about global earth systems," Wolf said. "While I was in the class, my professor asked, 'Do you want to go storm chasing with me?'"

The answer, Wolf said, was an emphatic "yes." As a result, she went on a travel study trip that was a life-changing experience.

"I fell in love with it because we saw some incredible storms," she said. "I came back my sophomore year and switched my major. It was a pretty big milestone for me. It changed my career path. It got me passionate about the atmosphere, about nature and about different hazards."

Sabrina Wolf, fifth from the right, an environmental science student, is among students who participated in a two-week field study on forecasting and analyzing extreme weather patterns on the Great Plains in 2025. The annual study is led by John Frye, associate professor of geography and geology, on the far left. (Submitted photo)

Wolf credits two specific UW-Whitewater faculty members with playing instrumental roles in helping her decide where she wants to head into the future. Megan Matthews, a senior lecturer of management, was one of her greatest inspirations.

"It was nice to see someone who was so kind and approachable, but also in a position of authority," Wolf said. "When I was in her class, I thought to myself, 'You could be like that someday.'"

Wolf said John Frye, associate professor of geography and geology, played the greatest role in helping her decide on her academic and professional goals.

"He's the one that got me into storm chasing and was my mentor throughout undergraduate research projects," Wolf said. "He taught me that I can chase my dreams and have a career in severe weather if I wanted it."

While the classroom-based coursework was a foundational part of Wolf's academic growth, the hands-on activities on campus - and beyond - were also pivotal.

"In environmental science, I did research projects with professors in that department and had a lot of opportunities to travel with them," she said.

Sabrina Wolf, right, an environmental science major from New Lisbon, presented a research project on the "Comparison of Mesoscale Conditions in Tornadic Events" at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers in San Francisco March 16-21. (Submitted photo)

Looking back on her four years as an undergraduate student, Wolf said the small, close-knit environment within UW-Whitewater was appealing to her.

"Coming from a small town, one thing I loved was that everyone knew everyone," she said. "That sense of community, and knowing that someone is there for you, is very important to me."

Any uncertainty Wolf felt before she came to campus dissipated when she immersed herself into the campus community.

"I was a little worried that I would lose that sense of connectedness, but I was very wrong," she explained. "I met a whole bunch of people who were very kind; some of them are still my friends today. The same goes for my professors. It has been very easy to get to know them. Everyone is there to cheer each other on."

Wolf was involved in myriad clubs and organizations on campus, including DECA, the American Sign Language Club and the Chancellor's Student Advisory Council. She also worked as a resident assistant for a year and a half.

Payton Jarosinski, left, learns some American Sign Language from Sabrina Wolf. Both are environmental science majors and residence assistants at the Fisher-Arey complex. Students are moving in, picking up textbooks and reconnecting with friends on the UW-Whitewater campus on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

"It's been great meeting so many different people and learning so many things about them," Wolf said. "It's nice to be able to help people out if you can."

As she looks to the future, Wolf said she aspires to work in conservation, water quality, environmental science or mapping. A GIS internship last summer at Mead & Hunt in West Allis further solidified her goals.

"I'm going to apply for anything that has to do with nature," Wolf said. "I feel like college has set me up for enough skill sets to get my foot in the door somewhere and find something that I love."

Sabrina Wolf, an environmental science student who participated in a two-week field study on forecasting and analyzing extreme weather patterns on the Great Plains, describes the experience to residents at Fairhaven Senior Services retirement community as part of the Fairhaven Lecture Series on Monday, April 6, 2026. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)