José J. Madera

BS, Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico–Cayey
MS, Water Resources Management (Water Chemistry minor), University of Wisconsin-Madison

José has served in different capacities in the College of Letters & Science for more than twenty years. Currently, he leads the STEM Scholars Initiative which aims to enhance student experiences in STEM majors. Prior to that, he served as assistant director of the Academic Advancement Program, a campus-wide academic support program that aimed to enrich student academic experiences. He continues to be committed to helping to provide a safe, healthy, and amiable environment for all students.

Born and raised in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, José developed his musical abilities while performing with groups specializing in Afro-Caribbean rhythms in a variety of cultural and classical events throughout the island. José’s preferred hobby is listening to salsa, Latin jazz, and world music, playing percussion, and collaborating with local and international musicians. Most notably, José is a founding member of BENTETÚ, Trova Viva, El Maderazo, and MadiSalsa, a Madison Favorites Latin Band for many years between 1992 to 2016.