About Me

Tell us a little about yourself!

What is your full name, and what name do you prefer to go by? How do pronounce it phonetically?

My name is Alexander Richards, but I usually go by Alex.

What is your birthday? Are you OK with having your birthday publicly acknowledged/celebrated?

I was born on September 12th, and I wouldn't say no to free cake.

Where did you grow up?

I spent most of my years growing up in Hartford, WI.

Did you have any fun nicknames while growing up? Do you have any now? What is the origin (if you feel comfortable sharing)?

Some of my friends call me Richards, probably because of my last name.

What holidays do you celebrate (if any)?

All the usual ones, plus Leif Erikson Day.

Academics

What is your academic life like?

What year in school are you?

Finishing up my Sophomore year here at UW-Madison.

When do you expect to graduate?

I plan on graduating in 2021.

What is your major? How did you choose that?

Computer Science and Political Science, because I was looking for the nerdiest matchup possible.

Do you know what you'd like to do after you graduate?

I might end up shooting for my Masters degree, or find a city job with programming or leading groups.

Interests

What do you like to do when you're not in class/working for STS?

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to run, play tennis, and pass Midterms.

Do you have any hobbies or groups that you participate in?

I write songs and paint, and also am a member of the Madison Debate Society.

Do you have any other jobs or internships?

Over the summer I usually intern at Northwestern Mutual, in their Milwaukee office tower.

Any exciting plans for summer/winter break?

This Summer I'll be visiting Punta Cana, so if you're there make sure to say hi.

Neat Facts

What are some interesting, unexpected, or surprising facts about yourself?

What is something that might surprise someone who just met you?

I have thirty-some dress ties in my room - too many for a college student.

Where is somewhere you have always wanted to travel?

I'd like to travel to Hawaii at some point and get some black sand, eroded from volcanic lava.

Have you ever met anyone famous?

I got a picture with Al Roker once.

Life at STS

Talk a little bit about your time with STS

What is your favorite topic to teach?

Anything really, but it's especially nice when the students are excited about what they're learning.

What is something you are interested in learning?

I'd like to pick up some directing skills and make short movie skits at some point.

What has been the most challenging part of working at STS?

Sometimes it's difficult to prepare for all the questions that students might have, so I like to stay well versed on what I'm about to teach.

Miscellaneous

Other potentially interesting bits of information about yourself