sagen lily quale

ilíiaitchik: indigenous correspondents program (icp), university of wisconsin-madison

major / minor: agroecology masters program

graduation year: 2026

sagen lily quale (red cliff band of lake superior ojibwe) is a first-year master's student in agroecology at the university of wisconsin-madison. originating from northern wisconsin's great lakes region, she has a strong background in sociology and a deep passion for social engagement and community-driven solutions. sagen's work centers on the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and modern science, particularly through her research on manoomin (wild rice) and its role in food sovereignty. as an early-career farmer and former environmental chair for the native american student organization at uw-madison, she is dedicated to reconnecting people with their food systems and cultural practices, while also exploring innovative ways to engage with the land and waters that sustain them.