In this episode of GridgeFridge we sit down with Amy Liang, a junior at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a 2025 Wisconsin Idea Fellow.
Liang is double majoring in political science and neurobiology with a certificate in health policy. She is a Madison-area native and has spent four semesters interning with Literacy Network of Dane County, where she develops lesson plans for adult ESL students. It was through this classroom work that she started noticing a consistent need for support navigating healthcare systems.
This inspired her current Wisconsin Idea Fellowship project, focusing on embedding health literacy directly into ESL curriculums. Instead of offering separate workshops that may create barriers or limit accessibility, Liang works alongside Literacy Network staff to integrate practical health lessons into existing classes. Topics include understanding insurance terminology, communicating with medical providers and building confidence in healthcare settings.
Health literacy is the ability to discern, understand and use health information and affects one in three adults in the United States, disproportionately impacting minority communities. Liang’s project aims to reduce those gaps by equipping students with accessible tools and real-world practice.
Looking forward, Liang wants to expand these lesson plans to other organizations and forums across Wisconsin. Personally, she plans to attend medical school getting a dual MD-PhD degree, and later wants to work at the intersection of medicine, public health and policy.
If you’re interested in learning more about Liang’s work with the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship and her partnership with Literacy Network of Dane County, visit go.wisc.edu/wif.