About MOSAIC
Motivations for MOSAIC
In the wake of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, Korede Olugbenle (then an M.S. student in Agroecology) noted the absence of Black faculty, staff, or post-docs in Moore Hall to lean on for support. He voiced the need for this kind of connection to a gathering of plant scientists in the summer of 2020, and together with fellow graduate students Jenyne Loarca (then a Ph.D. student in Plant Breeding & Plant Genetics) and Becca Honeyball (then a Ph.D. student in Horticulture), and through many helpful conversations with other allies in the university, the mission took shape, the network was slowly grown, and the community core values of honesty and respect clearly emerged. Our role is to be facilitators and administrators, supporting mentors and mentees on their path. Whether through one-on-one mentorship, and social lunch-and-discuss hours, we hope that this community will be a place of comfort, support, and connection for everyone in it. Please join us.
MOSAIC Leadership
Current Admin Board
Andrea Gonzalez
Andrea is a first-year Agroecology master’s student with a focus on food sovereignty, local food systems, and community engagement.
Ophelia Tsai
Ophelia is a first year Ph.D. student in the Agronomy program. She obtained her M.S. degree in Horticulture in 2024 and is currently researching soybean nitrogen dynamics using isotope analysis. Ophelia enjoys gardening, crocheting, and taking her dog Chloe for a hike in her free time.
Maneisha Lewis
Maneisha is a M.S. student in the Agroecology program in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. Her research will concern the loss of phosphorus and nitrogen from overwintering cover crops in Wisconsin. Outside of academics she enjoys creating art, participating in outdoor activities, and traveling.
Hariom Yadav
Hariom is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. His research focuses on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving water quality. Beyond his academic work, he enjoys cultivating social networks and spending quality time with friends.
Advisory Team & Former Admins
Ana María Vázquez-Catoni (Ph.D. candidate in Plant Pathology; Former Admin Board Member): vazquezcaton@wisc.edu
Becca Honeyball (Ph.D. candidate in Horticulture; Co-founder of MOSAIC; Former Admin Board Member): honeyball@wisc.edu
Dr. Korede Olugbenle (Ph.D. in Agronomy; Co-founder of MOSAIC; Former Admin Board Member)
Dr. Daniela Orjuela Díaz (Ph.D. in Soil Sciences; Former Admin Board Member)
Dr. Meareg Amare (Ph.D. in Cellular & Molecular Biology; Former Admin Board Member)
Dr. Jenyne Loarca (Ph.D. Plant Breeding & Plant Genetics; Co-founder of MOSAIC; Former Admin Board Member): jloarca@wisc.edu
Dr. Maeghan Murie (Ph.D. Neuroscience Training Program; Former Admin Board Member): maeghan.murie@gmail.com
Media Exposure
Our Timeline
Short term (6 mos-1year):
In the short term, we are working with graduate students and post-docs to determine exactly what they are looking for in a mentorship relationship and recruiting BIPOC faculty, staff, post-docs and alumni to form a network of mentors for BIPOC students. We are creating contracts for these relationships and establishing mentor training protocols to ensure the safety and sanctity of everyone involved.
Intermediate (2 years):
In the next two years, we aim to institutionalize MOSAIC through UW, so that its continued success is not dependent on the fleeting presence of student leadership.
Long term (10 years):
Our long term goals are to foster a sense of community among BIPOC at UW Madison (a predominantly white institution), including students, staff, post docs and faculty. We aim to improve quality of life through creating a safe and welcoming environment.