Anusha Talwalkar, MPH

Experience

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  UW Madison Dept. of Bacteriology

  May 2018 - May 2021

  Undergraduate Student Researcher

  Published author June 2019. Perform independent research on strains of B. subtilis using various lab techniques (plates, liquid cultures, microscopy, gel electrophoresis, PCR, genomic DNA extraction, etc) for growth curves, sporulation efficiency assays, diffusion measurements, etc. Perform analysis on data. Assist in keeping lab clean and functional by washing glassware, autoclaving laboratory trash, making stock solutions of common lab reagents, and more. Performed an individual research project from Jan-May 2021 as part of my microbiology capstone course. Gained significant experience in creating scientific proposals, presentations, and posters. Show less

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  UW Health

  Jun 2018 - Mar 2020

  Volunteer in UW Hospital Infection Control. Helped ensure patient safety at UW Health through prevention of healthcare associated infections. Assessed/monitored compliance of staff and visitors with enhanced contact isolation precaution procedures (proper use of PPE, following hand-washing protocols) Observed inside rooms of patients in isolation and documented compliance of staff/visitors, then submitted forms for review. A great opportunity for real-life application of my microbiology education, as most patients in isolation had contracted infections from bacteria such as MRSA, C. diff, VRE, and other drug-resistant bacteria. Position was cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic and need to conserve PPE, as well as to ensure safety of staff, patients, and volunteers. Show less Volunteer role in American Family Children's Hospital Diagnostic and Therapy Center (DTC). Disinfected toys and cleaning spaces after use by patients and families, and helped ensure a safe environment. Facilitated developmentally appropriate activities for patients. Helped direct visitors to patient rooms. Provided simple physical assistance to patients such as helping them to the bathroom, adjusting their beds (with nurse permission), and bringing them snacks from storage (with nurse permission). Assisted clinic and Child Life staff with other tasks (mail sorting, small deliveries and restocks) to keep the DTC running smoothly. Provided emotional support to patients and families while maintaining professionalism. Show less

  • Volunteer

    Sept 2019 - Mar 2020

  • Volunteer

    Jun 2018 - Aug 2019
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  Amnesty International at UW-Madison

  Sept 2020 - May 2021

  Led a campaign focusing on the detention of immigrants in ICE facilities. Created educational posts on social media, circulated petitions and ways to contact government officials, and shared articles/places to donate with the larger UW Madison community. Held a fundraiser raising over $200 for the Freedom for Immigrants' National Immigration Detention Bond Fund, an organization dedicated to funding bonds and legal aid for immigrants detained in ICE facilities. Delegated tasks to campaign members to complete all of these events. Show less

  • Campaigns Officer

    Jan 2021 - May 2021

  • Campaign Coordinator

    Sept 2020 - Dec 2020
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  UW Health

  Nov 2021 - Feb 2025

  Medical Technologist - Microbiology

  Perform bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and molecular diagnostic testing on patient specimens. Testing ranges from moderate to complex and includes plating, culturing, staining, sequencing, and more. Ensure accurate tracking and protection of patient information. Communicate results and concerns with clinicians. Communicate cases of relevant pathogens to hospital Infection Control as well as Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for surveillance as part of the Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory Network. Show less

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  Madison Street Medicine

  Jan 2023 - now

  Volunteer

  Work on an interprofessional team to provide medical care to unhoused individuals in Madison, WI. Provide care within EMT scope of practice such as taking vitals, physical assessments, wound care, and injury/illness management. Perform non-medical tasks such as distributing water, food, socks, shoes, etc. as needed. Employ skills from both medical and public health fields to address needs. Assisted with implementation of a free harm reduction vending machine supplying Narcan, safer use kits, and personal hygiene items. Currently participating in a community health needs assessment to identify gaps in public health and medical interventions for the unhoused population. Show less

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  Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program (WiSOR)

  Feb 2025 - now

  Health Services Research Specialist