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Zachary Costa
Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Zachary Costa LinkedIn
Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My favorite moments at UW were during my time as a TA for Accounting 215. This position gave me the opportunity to not only impact student's classroom performance, but also their overall experience at UW, and for that I'm forever grateful for this position!
Hi! My name is Zac Costa, and I'm about to graduate with a B.A. in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting and Finance. Most of my time at UW has been spent helping students with academics, such as through tutoring at Foster Instructional Tutoring (FIT). I also have worked as a Teacher's Assistant for ACCTG 215, UW's intro accounting course, where I led quiz sections, held office hours, and helped prepare/grade exams. During my time with honors, I wrote papers on Nintendo's strategic positioning, and how images can impact financial disclosures. Overall, I've had a blast at UW, and am excited to continue learning as I move into full-time work with EY's assurance department this Fall.
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Evyn Grace Kuske
English & Education, Communities, and Organizations
Evyn Grace Kuske LinkedIn
English & Education, Communities, and Organizations
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was being elected Chapter President of my sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. I believe the person I am now, bold, confident, outspoken, was always somewhere inside of me. But becoming the AOII Chapter President gave me the opportunity to see it for myself and show everyone else the person I was always capable of being.
Thesis: The Continued Importance of American Prison Literature: A Brief Exploration of Writings from Incarcerated Black Men
The past four years have been characterized by growth and personal development. I struggled to adjust my first-year year, and was forced to reflect on where I wanted to be three years later: pursuing my dream of becoming a lawyer. Since that moment, I have put every ounce of myself into setting these dreams in motion. During my time at the University of Washington, I have interned with Chelan-Douglas County Volunteer Attorney Services, Washington State Employment Security Department, Washington Pro Bono Council, PNW Anti-Defamation League, served as the Student Support Committee Chairman for the UW College of Education, volunteered with Family Law CASA of King County, been a member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and served as the Chapter President of Alpha Omicron Pi.
I am so proud of everything I have accomplished in the last four years, and am excited for the next chapter of my life. This fall I will be attending the University of Oregon School of Law to pursue a J.D. with specializations in family law and child advocacy!
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Maia Mae Cunningham
Medical Anthropology & Global Health
Maia Mae Cunningham LinkedIn
Medical Anthropology & Global Health
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Running home to Gamma Phi Beta after recruitment week, getting 100% on my research paper in my HIV/AIDS course, moving to France alone to study French and Global Health, securing my internship and first job at Seattle Children's Research Institute
maia.cunningham@hotmail.comI am from Vashon Island, WA where I lived with my mom, dad, younger brother, and dog (Major). I came into college with the intention of pursuing a medical or dental degree, but quickly found that my passions and interests aligned with Public - Global Health. I chose to declare my major as Medical Anthropology & Global Health and never looked back. Career-wise, I am particularly interested in pediatric clinical research and plan to pursue a PhD in order to facilitate my own lab. After college, I will be working as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Seattle Children's in the Pediatric Pain and Sleep Lab.
Outside of work and school, I love to cook new recipes, play card games, travel, and read.
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Kendall Horan
English (Creative Writing)
Kendall Horan
English (Creative Writing)
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: I'll never forget a student I tutored telling me writing never made sense to her until she heard me talk about it. I don't think there's a more profound moment of fulfillment and validation for a writing major.
Thesis: Identifying with the Immortal: The Superhero Icon and the Identificatory Paradigm
kendallkmh@gmail.comSome six or seven years ago, my family took a trip to the far and distant Seattle, Washington, and I got it in my head and heart that this city and its big old purple and gold school was where I wanted to be. Now, I couldn't be more certain it's where I was meant to be. My time at the University of Washington and in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program allowed me to indulge every one of my interests and pursue every one of my passions. Though I decided early on I'd be abandoning the path of an engineer for that of a creative writer, UW, thanks in no small part to the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, never required me to give up on my STEM side completely. This school allowed me the confidence and freedom to step blindly but securely into a host of exceptional opportunities. From a quarter spent writing poetry among real live scientists and their real live research at Friday Harbor Laboratories, to the hours I spent problem solving in on-campus creative writing and English thesis workshops, the remarkable thought and reflection I was allowed to facilitate as an Honors Peer Educator and CLUE Writing Tutor, and the unparalleled experiences I shared with peers within my field and well beyond, I've so enjoyed being a Husky. The growth I've undergone these past four years has prepared me to continue following my dreams, as I set my sights on a career in screenwriting. Though I'm loath to leave Seattle, the goals UW has enabled me to pursue will take me to Los Angeles in the next year, and hopefully, before long, to a theater (or television screen) near you.
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Julia S Mitsch
Public Health-Global Health
Julia S Mitsch LinkedIn
Public Health-Global Health
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Working with a group of public health honors students to begin implementing a patient assistance fund at Hall Health for students who need support paying for their health care!! Completing five Honors Ad-Hoc projects during my senior year, going on a study abroad trip to Italy alone, and living with my best friends all four years!!
My Website juliamitsch@icloud.comI am a Public Health student with an interest in health-related law. I came to UW unsure of what to study and found the Public Health-Global Health major junior year. During my time, I discovered so many different interests including, disability justice, ancient history, law, environmental justice, the gender gap, fundraising, and so much more!! After graduation, I will be working at Disability Rights Washington, a disability rights nonprofit, and preparing for grad school. I am grateful for the time I spent at UW and all the professors, staff, and friends who helped me find my way.
My favorite hobbies include reading, baking, cooking, barre classes, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!
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Annie Mae Barker
English Language and Literature
Annie Mae Barker
English Language and Literature
Education, Learning, and Society
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest memories is working with high school students on college admission through the Pipeline Project.
I recently graduated from the University of Washington magna cum laude with a degree in English. I'm currently pursuing a Masters in Teaching at the UW with a Secondary English Language Arts Endorsement, and I hope to become a high school English teacher in the Seattle area.
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Keong Mu Lim
Neuroscience
Keong Mu Lim LinkedIn
Neuroscience
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Becoming a Rhodes Scholarship finalist
Hello! My name is Keong Mu Lim, and I go by Jason. I graduated from the University of Washington in June 2021. I majored in Neuroscience (B.S.) and minored in Chemistry. My bigger goal is to reconceptualize and bring equity in healthcare in the States and Korea by promoting progressive capitalistic ideals. I see my career in medicine, working in clinical, research, and entrepreneurial settings. Ultimately, I wish to work towards building a network of hospitals, research institutions, and start-ups to help people at the individual, molecular, and population level. I truly believe that this network can advance medicine by effectively transforming scientific discoveries into scalable
Outside the class, I love exploring nature and getting involved around campus. I love hiking, camping, and hope to start beekeeping someday! I was part of several activities and programs on campus, including the interdisciplinary honors program, which helped me enrich my education at UW.
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Ann Nguyen
Nursing, Public Health
Ann Nguyen
Nursing, Public Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: For as long as my passion for pediatrics has existed, I had an extraordinarily ironic fear of working with premature infants. My senior capstone clinical at the UWMC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has allowed me to overcome my fear in providing care for the smallest humans and become a confident caregiver to children of all ages and sizes.
Thesis: The Doorway Cafe: Addressing Youth Homelessness with a Cafe Model
As my undergraduate career comes to a close, I reflect on all that I have accomplished in the last five years at UW and all the personal and societal values that hold more closely as a direct result of my public health and nursing education. I believe that my two deepest personal values, family and good health, are consistent with the values of most people. My future career as a pediatric nurse and practitioner not only upholds these two values, but gives me the unparalleled fulfillment of helping youth to live healthy lives so they too can become the nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers, and philanthropists of the coming generation.
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We love Honors
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Nikki Kurtz
Law, Societies and Justice
Nikki Kurtz LinkedIn
Law, Societies and Justice
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my internship with Books to Prisoners.
Thesis: From Buyer Beware to Ending Exploitation Collaborative: The Nordic Model and Human Rights of Sex Workers in King County
I graduated in December of 2018 with a Bachelors' of Arts in Law, Societies and Justice. I focused my honors research on the violations of human rights perpetrated by the local government and prosecutors in Seattle and King County against women working in the sex trade, particularly through the use of pseudo-legalization. Since then, I've been working on preparing my thesis for publication and have been working as a residential rehabilitative counselor at an in-custody competency restoration center for those found incompetent to stand trial with Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
I will be moving to Dallas this summer to begin attending Southern Methodist University School of Law. I will be working towards my juris doctor for the next three years and hope to work in civil liberties law in Texas after graduation and after taking the bar exam.
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Tian (Sky) Qiu
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences - Data Science and Statistics
Tian (Sky) Qiu LinkedIn
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences - Data Science and Statistics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Got accepted into a PhD program.
Thesis: Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Survival Analysis Methods
tq21@uw.eduI grew up in Suzhou, China. I’m broadly interested in the statistical methodology used in Epidemiology and Causal Inference. My undergraduate honors thesis focuses on applying survival analysis methods to identify risk factors for hospital readmission of type 2 diabetes patients. I love animals, especially dogs and seals. I also enjoy watching classical concerts.
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Emily Margaret Thomas
Chemical Engineering
Emily Margaret Thomas LinkedIn
Chemical Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I was very proud to see my group's capstone project come together
My WebsiteHi! I'm Emily Thomas! I'm excited to be studying chemical engineering at the university of Washington, and I love doing art and reading in my spare time.
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Ganesh Shrestha
Architectural Design
Ganesh Shrestha LinkedIn
Architectural Design
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: When my first studio project was selected for student archive for the departmental cite.
Thesis: Building with Bamboo: An exploration of joinery between traditional and contemporary method.
shresthamartin@yahoo.comArchitecture has a power to change the world. In a way, architects are like a magician, who can make fantasy into reality. With the modern approach, our world is getting rather boring with predictable designs and box architecture everywhere. So, as an architect my interests are to make interesting architecture that deviates from the normal ones and the one that enhances human experience, which also aids for the better and sustainable future.
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Nola Peshkin
English Language and Literature
Nola Peshkin LinkedIn
English Language and Literature
French Language, Sociolinguistics, and Translation
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Opening my email and finding out I had been granted a Fulbright Scholarship! I applied on a total whim, and only started the application a few weeks before the deadline, so I was definitely a little shocked.
Thesis: Flowing With Milk and Honey: How the Fertile Powers of Women and Nature Create Patriarchal Fear and the Desire for Control and Commodification
My Website npeshkin@gmail.comSumming up 4 years in a few sentences is the hardest assignment I've had yet! From working to change campus environmental policy as the Executive Director of SEED, to interning for Rick Steves, to falling deeply in love with victorian literature, my time at UW has been a succession of wonderful and varied adventures. UW Honors has given me so much more than I could have hoped for, including a foundational community and an amazing Partners in the Parks trip. I'm currently trying to balance my passions for environmental conservation and english literature, and figuring out where/how/if the two intersect.
Next fall I'll be working under a Fulbright Scholarship to teach university-level English in Hasselt, Belgium and absolutely can't wait for some amazing learning experiences, new languages, and good beer!Tags:
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Noah Emmett Leary Johnson
Mechanical Engineering
Noah Emmett Leary Johnson
Mechanical Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Making turbine parts that enabled new marine renewable energy research.
My WebsiteMy parents are wonderful and shaped me in all the best ways, helping me become a compassionate, patient, and thoughtful person. I majored in mechanical engineering at UW and participated in projects and work that are linked together with the common threads of renewable energy and water. I’m looking forward to traveling the world as a Bonderman Fellow, guided by thoughts about humanity’s varied relationship with water. Upon returning, I’d like to extend beyond my engineering background into spaces that holistically work on improving community identities, understandings of water, and design.
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Melissa Birchfield
Computer Science
Melissa Birchfield LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Publishing my first book in 2019: "Data for Dignity: Leveraging Technology in the Fight Against Human Trafficking"
Thesis: Understanding the Role of Data in Cross-Sector Collaboration to Combat Human Trafficking
My Website mybirchfield@gmail.comI'm an educator, researcher, author, adventurer, and anti-trafficking advocate who thrives at the intersection of disciplines. I'm grateful for the space to explore culture, language, and literature through Interdisciplinary Honors, where I've played with poetry to ponder life's deep questions and immersed myself in history during a study abroad in Rome. These experiences gave me new angles for viewing the world, allowing me to recognize the resilience of the human spirit and appreciate the unexpected joys in life.
At the same time, honors courses opened my eyes to the horrific realities of human trafficking today. Since then, I've intertwined my heart for teaching, technology, and anti-trafficking work through research and outreach. From podcasts and TEDx talks to social media campaigns and on-campus events, I seek creative ways to use my voice as an advocate. As I build connections with policymakers, direct service providers, and other stakeholders, I focus on opportunities for technology to come alongside these efforts. I plan to continue pursuing the tech-against-trafficking space during my next chapter: completing my Master's in Computer Science at UW.
In the meantime, you can find me hiking, swimming, making banana nut butter smoothies, or deep in conversation over coffee. My anti-trafficking work has taught me not to take freedom for granted, so I'm motivated to make the most of every moment!
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Megan Banks
Computer Science
Megan Banks LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My research work with the Ubiquitous Computing Lab
banksma3@gmail.comIn my time at UW, I have had so many amazing and unexpected experiences. I have taken countless amazing and challenging courses, participated in computer science research on making medical diagnoses more accessible with mobile applications, completed internships in industry, studied abroad in London with the English Department, held a leadership position supporting underrepresented students in computer science, and (last but not least) met so many inspiring people and incredible friends. UW and the Honors Program have given me the skills to succeed as I begin my career as a software developer with Facebook in Seattle working on virtual reality.
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Megan Christina Robillard
Public Health-Global Health
Megan Christina Robillard LinkedIn
Public Health-Global Health
Education, Learning, and Society
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at the University of Washington was creating an ethnographic scrapbook about Japan’s health outcomes, complete with interviews of my family and friends.
megan.r333@gmail.comHi! My name is Megan and I am majoring in Public Health-Global Health and minoring in Education, Learning, and Society. My interests lie in promoting inclusive and accessible spaces and advocating for equity among people of all races and genders. I have worked at the Fred Hutch COVID Clinical Research Center during the coronavirus pandemic. I enjoy using my public health background to connect with people from diverse backgrounds while being a part of new and exciting research. Thank you to all my professors, friends, and family for supporting me through my honors experience!
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Aashik Raman
Bioengineering
Aashik Raman LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Jumping into Drumheller Fountain after finishing my last final of my undergraduate career.
Thesis: Development of a Cuboidal Cancer Tissue Model for Intravenous Flow and Drug Delivery
aashik_raman@yahoo.comI have always been fascinated with the way we can combine technology and technology to help improve the lives of those around us. For this reason I chose to major in Bioengineering and I could not be more happy with my choice. The things that I have learned from UW have set me up to become the best possible version of myself. In my free time you can find me at the climbing gym or outdoors with friends exploring all the nature that Washington has to offer.
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Sophie Ye
Business Administration: Finance; Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences: Quantitative Finance and Mathematical Economics
Sophie Ye LinkedIn
Business Administration: Finance; Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences: Quantitative Finance and Mathematical Economics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was when my team and I designed an eco-friendly produce label that won Seattle University's Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition!
Hi! My name is Sophie and I'm a Finance and ACMS: Quant. Finance and Math. Economics major. During my time at UW, I had the opportunity to serve on the board for AIESEC and the Undergraduate Women in Business with incredible women, two amazing organizations that support and develop future leaders. And through both of these RSOs, I have found friends and a community. Through the Honors program, I expanded my knowledge by researching and writing papers on the dollarization of economies and the hostile takeover of Versum by Merck Group. I am so thankful for my experiences at UW and am excited to join MFS Investment Management this fall!
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Madeline Elizabeth Ile
Music (Voice), Communication
Madeline Elizabeth Ile LinkedIn
Music (Voice), Communication
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was performing in Latvia and Estonia with Chamber Singers and Chorale!
madelineile@hotmail.comI am a singer and activist from Wayzata, Minnesota. I have loved my time at UW singing in choir and being a member of Huskies for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. I plan on attending law school after a gap year, with the goal of working for a public interest law firm.
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We love Honors
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Emma Josephine Spickard
Public Health (BS)
Emma Josephine Spickard LinkedIn
Public Health (BS)
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Being named a President's 2019 Medalist was a huge honor. A close second was conquering my claustrophobia to go caving in Budapest during Study Abroad.
My Website emjspickard@gmail.comUW has been a place of phenomenal growth for me. As a Public Health major, I have been grateful to find myself passionate about the intersection of policy, politics and public health, thanks to the experiences I have had. Highlights include working with organizations like Real Change, the Homelessness Empowerment Project, and participating in Global Health Case Competitions with the Foster School of Business.
UW has also provided me with amazing communities. I have found mentors and friends through my work as a Tour Guide, Orientation Leader, Honors Peer Educator, Student Coordinator of Orientations, and as a performer with The Collective, UW's Improv Troupe.
It is with gratitude and excitement that I will be traveling on the Bonderman Fellowship July 2019-April 2020 to South America and Southeast Asia. Upon my return, I look forward to pursuing a career creating meaningful health and economic policy.
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Hyejoo Ro
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Hyejoo Ro
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Quantitative Science and Marine Biology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Gaining so many great mentors in various aspects whether its professionally, academically, or life in general.
Thesis: Assessing reliance on Pacific salmon as a food source for brown bears (Ursus arctos)
hyejooro97@gmail.comI am really grateful to have various research experiences through my time at UW. I was able to help with a variety of different grad student projects, and work on my own research as well. Because of research, I've spent a lot of hours in a lab or in front of a computer screen, but what I love most about aquatic sciences are the times spent out in the field.
After spending a good chunk of my life dedicated to school, I am looking forward to seeing what's next in this upcoming chapter of life, and I hope it includes time to travel/explore.Tags:
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Mengwei (Crystal) Chen
Marketing & English
Mengwei (Crystal) Chen LinkedIn
Marketing & English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was founding my RSO and see it grow in numbers over the years and host meaningful events that made a impact to cultural diversity. On top of that, it would be my summer internship working for the White House AAPI projects to better represent and promote the AAPI community during a time that's filled with fear and xenophobia to make a positive difference.
Thesis: "Extinction: The Bargain with Humanity - Climate Change and Social Marketing"
My Website mengc12@uw.eduMengwei (Crystal) Chen was born in Kaifeng, China, and immigrated to Washington State with her family when she was eight years old. She is graduating with Departmental Honors this Spring majoring in Marketing and English. By using the narrative skills from English and packaging skills from Marketing, she practiced innovative campaigns such as "Selling Climate Change" with social marketing. As the Founder and President of the Ancient Chinese Association (ACA), she conceives that marketing shouldn't be limited to "products" and that it's possible to market a "culture." She believes miscommunication is a catalyst to a majority of the crises in this world, and her goal in the future is to enhance message flow and combat miscommunication for individuals, groups, and societies at large. Outside, she's also a motivational speaker who traveled to different high schools promoting students to seek higher education and ways to practice personal branding. In summer 2020, she interned for the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), aiming to learn strategies to enhance the construction of narratives and other skills to better represent and promote the AAPI community. She's also worked as an advocacy intern at the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce assisting local projects and as an outreach specialist for the City of Seattle through ECCC. As a former competitive swim team member, she's very active and seeks the opportunity to go swimming during her spare time and other activities such as hiking and archery.
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Juliet Romano-Olsen
International Studies
Juliet Romano-Olsen
International Studies
French, European Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I am really proud to have made the Dean's List consistently throughout my time at UW.
I am filled with gratitude, pride, and relief to be graduating from the UW with interdisciplinary honors, a degree in International Studies, and minors in French and European Studies. I have cherished my time at the UW: all that I’ve learned, the friends I’ve made, and the wonderful and varied experiences I’ve had. In addition to my major and minors, I was able to explore interesting honors courses and find creative outlets through dance and theater. I’ve been fortunate to work at UW, first at Meany Center during my sophomore year and currently as a member of a research team through Global Research Group. Many of my most memorable experiences of the past four years have been spending time with good friends, traveling with my family, and studying abroad at Sciences Po in Paris. Even though the past year has been unusual, I feel prepared for the “real world” and look forward to the challenges and adventures that the future holds for me.
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Margaret Claire Sarfatis
Microbiology
Margaret Claire Sarfatis
Microbiology
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Working as a Peer TA for MICROM 302
My WebsiteI'm from Dallas, Texas, and have loved my last four years studying microbiology at UW. Some of my favorite memories from college include traveling to Costa Rica on an Honors Study Abroad, playing tabletop games with friends I made first-year year in Terry Hall, and working in the Lidstrom Lab.
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Georgia Coleman
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Georgia Coleman
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Quantitative Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I've had so much fun and have learned so much in my research of ravens in Yellowstone National Park. Getting involved with research was one of my goals going into college, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity I've had to be involved in the whole process, from data collection, to analysis, and finally the presentation of results.
Thesis: Using Fine-Scale Movement Data to Analyze Common Raven (Corvus corax) Roost Sites Across Time and Space in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Hello! My name is Georgia and I have spent the last four years immersed in the world of wildlife ecology. I never could have imagined all the opportunities that have come my way during my time at the UW. From studying abroad in Costa Rica, to leading students on field trips as a TA, to spending a week in Yellowstone National Park conducting research on ravens, it has been the most delightful adventure. Along the way I've learned to closely observe and identify nature in my surroundings and have gained a strong interest in ornithology, a field of science I now hope to pursue. With the support of my environmental peers and passionate professors (especially my mentor Dr. John Marzluff) I've gained the skills necessary to begin a career in wildlife science. I'm so excited to put my knowledge to use as a wildlife field technician and plan to eventually attend graduate school to further my skills as a wildlife biologist.
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Diego Andreas M. Lingad
International Studies (Development)
Diego Andreas M. Lingad LinkedIn
International Studies (Development)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Helping lead the Filipino American Student Association during the centennial year of Filipino organizations at the UW.
My WebsiteI've always wanted to learn more about the world. My UW experience allowed me to do just that—and then some. In my classes, I've learned about Singaporean foreign policy, represented the Czech Republic in an EU simulation, and co-edited a task force report on Japanese politics. My desire to learn more about the world led me to Singapore, where I spent a year as an exchange student. I've gotten involved in Voyage UW, a student-run magazine that provides a platform for students to share their travel stories. While I was learning about places far and wide, I'm glad to have found a home community at the UW with the Filipino American Student Association (FASA). Serving as FASA's Historian my sophomore year taught me lessons in leadership and the importance of community.
While I've done a lot these past few years, I know there's so much more world for me to learn—and I can't wait to get out there.
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Emily Elaine Sawan
Psychology and English
Emily Elaine Sawan
Psychology and English
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Publishing my very first short story!
Thesis: With Capitalistic Intent: Conspecific Consumption and Consumerism in Science Fiction
emily.sawan@gmail.comWhen I first walked onto the UW campus, I thought the years would drag by. Now that I’m on my way out, I realize just how quickly they’ve flown.
These past four years have brought with them an eclectic variety of experiences. I was a Peer Health Educator, a student librarian, a book reader at a Literary Agency. I volunteered in a special education classroom and currently work in the specialized program division of Seattle Parks and Recreation, working with people with disabilities. I am a clog dancer, a foodie, and more than anything else I love a good book.
I walked into UW thinking about psychology and walked out thinking about English, obtaining both degrees along the way.
I’ve received an array of scholarships, from the Dillman Scholarship First-year year to the Distinguished Alumni Senior Scholarship last year, in addition to winning the WaCLA College Essay Contest Sophomore year. I am also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board honor societies. I will be graduating magna cum laude and will be earning departmental honors with my English degree.
Going forward, I’m excited to take a year off and pointedly think about anything but school, before jumping back in and pursuing a PhD in Literature.
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Stephen Anthony Chmelewski
Political Science, Spanish
Stephen Anthony Chmelewski
Political Science, Spanish
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting into Honors! I was not admitted when I applied as a senior in high school, but I reapplied at the end of my first-year year (after taking an Honors course during each of my first three quarters, despite not being in the program) and got in! Huzzah!
At heart, I'm just a pig-raising Eastern Washington boy who somehow found himself in the bright lights of big-city Seattle.
When I arrived at the ol' U Dubya, I knew deep down that I just wanted to study Political Science and Spanish. It was because of these two deep and abiding interests that I found some of the most formative experiences of my college career. My love for politics took me deep into the halls of power (or at least the front desk of Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's office, where you could catch me on Friday afternoons fulfilling intern duties like shredding paper and answering phones). My affinity for the Spanish language took me all the way across the world (three whole flights! each way!) to the seaside Spanish town of Cádiz, where I spent the entirety of my junior year pretending to do homework while actually eating tapas, chatting with my host mom, and going to the beach every day. It was the life.
So what's up next for the Stephenator now that he's likely peaked and his glory days as an undergrad are coming to an end? Great question, and to be completely honest, y'all have as good of an idea as I do! Perhaps a lil' bit of traveling here, a lil' bit of applying to law school there. No one knows. Anyways, go Dawgs!
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Benjamin K Rinehart
Political Science with Political Economy Option
Benjamin K Rinehart LinkedIn
Political Science with Political Economy Option
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my Honors Thesis
Thesis: The Road to the Ballot Box: A discussion of how quality of infrastructure effects elections
bkrben@gmail.comI'm a jazz bassist. I have substantially lost 70+ pounds since the end of my freshmen year. I love public transportation. I currently am heading towards a career in public policy: I'm an admitted student to the Evans School of Public Policy and I work for the Ruckelshaus Center for Public Policy.
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Mimi Reed
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Mimi Reed
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Quantitative Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Studying abroad and meeting lifelong friends
Thesis: Evaluation of Maasai-Water Relationships in a Changing Landscape: A Case Study of Former Kimana Group Ranch
As an Environmental Science major, I started at UW with an interest in protecting our environment and wildlife, and after these four, short years that interest has grown into a dedication for the decolonization of conservation practices and the inclusion of communities in environmental decision-making. I worked in the SEFS advising department, interned at King County for three summers, studied in Kenya, volunteered, danced in two dance departments shows, and made a lot of good friends and memories along the way.
I am so grateful for my time here and my support system. I couldn't have done it without them. I hope to effect positive change and work towards a more sustainable future, as well as hike, sew, and drink lots of tea.
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Henry David Zing
History
Henry David Zing
History
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Completing and presenting my undergraduate thesis for the History Honors Program after nearly a year of research and writing.
Thesis: Desolation Dirtbags: A History of Rock Climbing in the Cascade Range, 1960s-1970s
henrydavidzing@gmail.comWith a strong personal interest in rock climbing and ski mountaineering, I focused my undergraduate thesis for the History Honors Program on the evolution of rock climbing in the Cascade Range in the 1960s and 1970s. While attending the UW I worked as a writer for the UW's Daily, and spent my last two quarters writing a bi-weekly series exploring the history of music in the greater Seattle area. I become a member of the UW NROTC program during my first-year year, completed Officer Candidate School during the summer of 2020, and recently commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. I will be beginning The Basics School in Quantico, VA in June.
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We love Honors
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John Peter Feltrup
Computer Science
John Peter Feltrup
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: The moment I got my first internship offer. I felt like I had really made it in the world.
John Feltrup is a University of Washington graduate from Yakima, Washington. He graduated cum laude with a degree in Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Honors in the Winter. During his time in college, he has worked on projects at several large tech companies such as Microsoft and Facebook. He has started working on a Master degree in Computer Science here at the university, and plans to earn it within the next year.
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Zoe Moser
Psycholgy
Zoe Moser LinkedIn
Psycholgy
Informatics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was submitting a very vulnerable essay about my "personal philosophy" in an Honors class that I had thought was out of my wheelhouse. I received the most thoughtful, positive feedback to my writing (that I have kept to this day), encouraging me to share this essay with friends and family. The pride I felt reading the feedback from my professor, as well as my friends and family, motivated me to share my creations more.
My name is Zoe Moser, and I'm graduating from the UW with a major in Psychology and minor in Informatics. Throughout my years at UW, I have been lucky enough to be involved in activities that have shaped my college experience, prepared me for the future, and helped me grow into the person I am today. Interdisciplinary Honors has provided me with many opportunities that I attribute to that growth, as well as the importance of reflection while doing so. Check out my Honors Portfolio to read more about how Interdisciplinary Honors has impacted my life!
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Anna C Maxwell
POLS, ESRM
Anna C Maxwell LinkedIn
POLS, ESRM
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my honors thesis and making it to NCAAs my sophomore year
Thesis: Diffusion of Agricultural Innovation: A case study of the use of biosolids in the state of Washington
Annamaxwell@Comcast.netI had the honor of running on the UW Track and Field and Cross Country team for the past five years while completing a BS in Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource management and a BA in Political Science. I love hiking, biking, trail running, birding, photography, and anything to do with rivers. I hope to run the Boston Marathon next year while I study for the LSAT.
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Gina Pak
Environmental Studies
Gina Pak LinkedIn
Environmental Studies
Urban Planning and Design
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my 9 month long capstone project and finding an amazing team of support throughout my journey at UW.
Thesis: Utilizing Technology for Interpretive Materials in Urban Parks (Friends of Discovery Park)
pakgina96@yahoo.comI'm entirely grateful for my experience at the University of Washington. I have learned so much about how to think critically and work with different groups of people on a variety of projects, while also balancing work and a social life. I'm so passionate about the environment, sustainability and building community! I cannot wait to use these skills I have gained through my undergraduate experience to make an impact on the world, no matter how small or large!
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Kaley M Aldrich
Political Science & English
Kaley M Aldrich LinkedIn
Political Science & English
Human Rights
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting to share the email naming me a Rhodes Finalist with my Papa!
Thesis: We Have No Choice: Roe v. Wade, Black Women, & The Afterlife of Slavery (Political Science); Atwood’s Gilead: Exaggerating Patriarchal Governance in Speculative Fiction as a Form of Political Protest (English)
kkaldrich@nyu.eduHi, my name is Kaley Aldrich, or KK, as my nanny kids call me, and I am graduating with a BA in Political Science and English. My time at UW was well spent learning from brilliant instructors and peers, and caring for others. I have been spending the last four years dedicating my education to critically researching American institutions and their failure to promote reproductive justice. As a research fellow at the Center for American Politics and Public Policy, my work on how ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment impacts sexual subordination outcomes in the United States, introduces The Sexual Subordination Index (SSI). The SSI quantitatively measures women's sexual subordination by state. Applying my quantitative skillset from my fellowship, I've gone on to create The Abortion Access Index and The Reproductive Justice Index, measuring how access to reproductive healthcare differs on the basis of race, class, and geography. My fellowship also inspired me to take on departmental honors in both majors, where I focus on the concept of choice in Roe v. Wade, and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" as an important piece of rhetoric for examining reproductive politics in the United States.
In my personal life, I am most proud of my dog Alta Ruth "Muffin," whom I adopted before the start of my Senior year. She is a Rottweiler/Shih Tzu mix, who absolutely loves her mama. After graduating Alta and I are moving to New York City, where I will attend New York University to begin my pre-doctoral Masters in Politics!
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Taylor Bastian
Biology
Taylor Bastian LinkedIn
Biology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments is when I presented my honors portfolio. I was surrounded by peers, friends, and family, and I was able to look back on all the challenges and successes I've had over the years!
My WebsiteTaylor studied Biology with Interdisciplinary Honors, and will be graduating Cum Laude. She sang with the University Chorale during her time at UW and with the University of Washington Chamber singers during her senior year; Taylor also spent much of her time interacting with students in the Honors program as a resident advisor and ARD in the LLC. She loves baking, being outdoors, and her many houseplants. Taylor is excited to work in ecological research next year and pursue a PhD the following year. She hopes to someday be a professor so that she can continue her love of learning and science while helping future students to succeed!
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Taylor Yu Ka
Computer Science
Taylor Yu Ka LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Lauching Hack'20 during my time as co-director of DubHacks
I'm so thankful for my time at UW, and especially for the wonderful community I've found in my fellow 14X TAs. I'm wrapping up my 8th quarter of TAing and I can truly say that teaching has been the most important experience of my college career. Shoutout to my favorite Honors classes, Game Theory (which I knew I would love) and Russian Crime Fiction (which I did not expect to like at all). Other highlights include attending Grace Hopper Celebration with the Allen School, taking ballet classes at Meany Hall, biking across the 520 bridge, and crocheting by the fountain! Next year, I'll be pursing my Master's degree through the Combined BS/MS program at the Allen School.
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Korok Sarkar
Microbiology
Korok Sarkar
Microbiology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Undergraduate Research Symposium Presentation
Thesis: CoViD-19: A Probable Transition to Endemicity
There is little enough to say about me. I am a student at the University of Washington, working on a degree in Microbiology. I am a student in the Honors program, trying to broaden my horizons and open my mind to new possibilities. I am fascinated by zoonotic pathogens, and find them a truly delightful topic. I dislike pictures or photography, particularly of myself, but immensely enjoy the written word. I read voraciously, and write with enthusiasm, on the rare opportunities when I have the time. I am a musician of some little skill, particularly on the piano. I have enjoyed my time at UW, and look forward to whatever might come next.
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Maekara Serena Keopanapay
Political Science
Maekara Serena Keopanapay LinkedIn
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Finding out I got the Washington State Senate internship and the State Department internship in South Africa!
maekarakeopanapay@gmail.comMy time at the UW fostered my academic, personal, and professional growth while helping me discover my connection to the world around me. I have been part of numerous communities both on and off campus, surrounded by the most hardworking and passionate people. They motivate me to consciously continue and improve upon making spaces inclusive for those who have been historically excluded in politics, international affairs, security, and beyond.
Now, I'm excited to pursue my MA in Security Studies at Georgetown, working toward a career that delves into political violence while prioritizing human security as a method to prevent and alleviate conflict. I am so proud to be a Husky and cheer on the Dawgs from this moment forward!
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Michael Neal
Communications
Michael Neal LinkedIn
Communications
Diversity & Business
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Making the Dean's List with a 3.8 GPA while taking 19 credits.
Thesis: Black Student-Athletes' Experience at Predominantly White Institutes
I am a former full-scholarship Tight End for the UW football team. I struggled in school for my first 2.5 years of college because I didn't care about school and never believed I could succeed. I made a switch in my approach to school late in my sophomore year, in the midst of battling through multiple injuries.
I turned my entire academic experience around starting from ground zero. I didn't know how to study or what studying really looked like. After turning my grades around from 2.6s to now 3.7s+, I am now driven to set the example for other Black student-athletes and people of color in general. I will continue to break barriers that were set in front of Black students, in particular, Black student-athletes, of what we can and can't do.
My accomplishments are as follows:
1. Securing an internship with Amazon Web Services as a Product Marketing Intern
2. Student Athlete Leadership Forum, PAC 12 Representative:
Selected as one of two student athletes conference wide to represent the PAC 12 in Orlando, Florida3. Sigma Leadership Conference, Motivational Keynote Speaker:
Spoke to a group of minorities, 9th-12th grade, about what it takes to be successful and excel not only in college but as a future business leader4. Student Athlete Leadership Team, UW Athletics Representative:
Selected to represent UW athletics regarding athlete legislation at NCAA conference5. UW Board of Regents Representative
Selected to represent all UW student-athletes to talk about the student-athlete experience in both academics and sports6. Husky Leadership Academy - Executive Leadership Certificate recipient:
One-year designed to challenge UW student-athletes through coursework in leadership competencies and experiences. Provides participants with tools to effectively lead themselves and others, navigate challenging environments, and empower others to lead.7. Washington Student Athlete Advisory Committee (WSAAC):
Gave input on NCAA legislation centered on Division I athletics; serves as the voice of the student-athlete at the University of Washington on how to improve our communityTags:
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Siena Nicole Traverso
Early Childhood and Family Studies
Siena Nicole Traverso LinkedIn
Early Childhood and Family Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Being selected as a sophomore medalist
The first thing to know about me is that I hate writing bios. :-) I'm originally from just north of San Francisco, but have made Seattle my home away from home. I decided in the third grade that I wanted to be a teacher and have been on that pathway ever since, so naturally I majored in Early Childhood and Family Studies. In college I've been involved at a variety of places around campus, including as a Peer Adviser, Peer Educator, Tutor-Mentor, Peer Mentor, and Housing Tour Guide. The Honors program has played a big part of my college career, connecting me with many of these opportunities, as well as some of my close friends and mentors. One of my proudest moments (as you can see below), was being awarded the Sophomore medal for high scholarship. I was so honored to be chosen and grateful to those who helped me get there. What's next for me? I'll be sticking around the UW to earn my Masters in Teaching for Elementary Education and can't wait to have a classroom of my own.
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Briana E Lee
Biochemistry and Neurobiology
Briana E Lee
Biochemistry and Neurobiology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Completing a research project and writing it up into a scientific paper!
Thesis: Differential Longitudinal Posterior Cingulate Cortex Connectivity Trajectories in Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer's disease
s-brlee@comcast.netApart from research, I enjoy long distance running and writing.
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We love Honors
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Danny Beeson
Aeronautics and Astronautics
Danny Beeson
Aeronautics and Astronautics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My very first radio show on Rainy Dawg with my pal Joe
I once won a chocolate chip cookie baking competition during Junior year using my very own recipe. Other hobbies include, but are not limited to: drinking coffee. That is pretty much my life, eating cookies and drinking coffee. And playing with my cat.
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Priyanka Taneja
Physiology
Priyanka Taneja
Physiology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was when my PI asked me to be the youngest co-author of their paper on the very first research project of my life.
Hi, My name is Priyanka. I came to UW from a very small high school so naturally I was a little nervous to be starting at such a big school. However, I came in with a strong passion for medicine which helped me stay on track, and a strong desire to find my community. I can honestly say that over the past four years I have met some of the most amazing people and professors that have helped me navigate my interests in medicine while teaching me a lot about myself.
One of my biggest goals in college was to do something related to breast cancer, so after a lot of trying I finally got the chance to work at the Fred Hutch and contribute towards advancing chemotherapy treatments. Another thing I noticed is that whether I was working as a Resident Advisor or doing research in lab, every opportunity I have explored in college has helped me become a more aware and understanding individual. Compared to my first-year year self, I have definitely become a more confident, strong, and risk-taking woman.
On a more fun note, I am always down to watch a James Bond movie with a side of chicken wings which I for sure did a lot of in college. When I graduate, I plan on taking a nice break over the summer before I move away to start medical school.Tags:
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David Alejandro Alvarez
Communication
David Alejandro Alvarez
Communication
Diversity; Gender, Women's, Sexuality Studies,
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Actually graduating
Thesis: Engaging transfer voices An analysis of communication and information exchange between transfer students and university program
davigator@comcast.netDavid is a transfer student from Seattle Central Community College. He was a reading tutor for the Washington Reading Corps at Solid Ground and a Middle School English Teaching Instructor in Foshan, China before enrolling at UW in January 2014. At UW, he was involved with various activities including as a Resident Adviser, Husky Leadership Initiative peer advisor, Unite UW facilitator, Dream Project mentor, First-Year Programs transfer ambassador, Office of Minorities and Diversity Student Advisory Board member, and a research fellow for the Center of Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). This summer, he will be participating in a Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) National Undergraduate Fellowship Program internship at the University of Missouri, before becoming Unite UW Early Fall Start Program Leader. He hopes to continue advocating and supporting students who transfer and identity as underrepresented as he eventually pursues a Ph.D. in education.
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Christopher Erwin Hogan
Drama Performance
Christopher Erwin Hogan LinkedIn
Drama Performance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Performing for elderly and disabled people at several care centers in the Seattle area with the Acting with Kindness student organization has been tremendously rewarding. I'll never forget seeing someone's eyes light up when she heard us perform a song from her favorite television show The Love Boat. I think it rekindled very fond memories for her and several of the other residents.
Thesis: Virtually There
chrishogan1000@gmail.comMusic and acting have been my passion for many years. My brother Matthew and I started playing dramatic improvisational games when we were very young, and I picked up the Trombone in high school. At UW, I had the privilege of appearing in the two short films Pseudonym and Good Boy with the LUX Film Production Club, a play about driving social and environmental progress called Something About Hope, and a voice-over narrative describing actual students' struggles with mental health. I designed sound for the 2019 UW School of Drama mainstage production of Body Awareness and performed popular-themed music in the Acting with Kindness student organization at over a half a dozen care centers in the Seattle area. More recently, I am directing an original play performed entirely in virtual reality that combines music, custom-built CGI scenery and motion capture technology.
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Brendon E Davis
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (B.S.); Mathematics (B.A.)
Brendon E Davis LinkedIn
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (B.S.); Mathematics (B.A.)
English: Writing
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Receiving the Mary Gates Research Scholarship. This represented the culmination of my undergraduate research.
My Website brendon.davis120@gmail.comI am a proud UW graduate with a strong interest in biomedical research. Working in the Kaeberlein Lab at UW for most of my college experience was a great way to build a basis of research knowledge. I am also involved in a number of hobbies, including verse writing, programming, and powerlifting. I was excited to graduate with both departmental honors in biology and interdisciplinary honors, many of the courses for which integrated my interests into other academic contexts.
I will be applying to graduate school to continue research and biomedical training.
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Bochen Steve Ma
Computer Science
Bochen Steve Ma LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Presenting at ISGSB 2020.
Thesis: Testing Dynamical Systems: An Application To Systems Biology
My Website bochenma@cs.washington.eduHi! My name is Steve, and I am a 4th year BS/MS student in the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle. I am very fortunate to be advised by Dr. Joseph Hellerstein.
I believe that Computer Science can have a broader impact than engineering and software. My research focuses on building infrastructures that support in silico experiments for studying the system-level dynamics of complex, nonlinear biological networks.
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Hailee Christine Herbst
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Hailee Christine Herbst
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Comparative Religion
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Completing a 10 day backpacking trip in the Olympic National Park
My WebsiteLover of rock climbing, hiking, being outdoors, and all the floofy dogs. Baker of granola, gardener of vegetables, and consumer of coffee. Student of biology, religion, interdisciplinary honors, and all the spaces in between.
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Elyse Janzen
Psychology
Elyse Janzen
Psychology
Statistics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: In my position as a Resident Advisor, being told that I made my residents year
Thesis: Development of Perineuronal Nets in the Auditory Centers of Eptesicus fuscus, the Big Brown Bat
My WebsiteElyse is a Mary Gates and Hagenstein Research Scholar who is greatly looking forward to pursuing her graduate education in Neurobehavioral Psychology. She will be taking the next year off to save up money for grad school and hopes to continue her research focus in neurodegenerative disorders, specifically Alzheimer's Disease.
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Alex Spofford
Comparative Literature
Alex Spofford
Comparative Literature
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was the completion of my senior thesis.
Thesis: Pet Perspectives: The Role of Companion Animals in Modern British Literature
I will soon be studying Czech during my MA at the University of Michigan.
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Astrid Isabel Berge
Mathematics (Bachelor's of Science)
Astrid Isabel Berge
Mathematics (Bachelor's of Science)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Getting accepted to my dream summer research program and then an amazing Ph.D. program!
Thesis: The spectrum of the adjacency operator on graphs
I am so honored and happy to graduate from the University of Washington. I learned so much from many different mentors and am excited to continue on in the next chapter of my life. Uncountable thanks to UW for the amazing projects, coursework and memories!
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Kari Hope Bergstedt
Human Centered Design & Engineering
Kari Hope Bergstedt LinkedIn
Human Centered Design & Engineering
Global Health
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My biggest point of pride and gratitude was leaving the familiar to study abroad in Kathmandu during autumn quarter of 2019. It was three months filled with growth, learning, and constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone!
My Website kariberg@outlook.comEven before I came to UW, I knew I wanted to pursue the field of design. I'm currently planning to start full-time work as a product designer, and I love how this type of work enables me to problem-solve and exercise my creativity within the digital realm. I thrive on moments of creative collaboration, whether that's brainstorming in a room filled with sticky notes or engaging in participatory design with communities. I also have an interest in the world of global health and am always looking for ways to engage with initiatives in this area.
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Anastasia Evgenievna Voronina
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship
Anastasia Evgenievna Voronina LinkedIn
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Getting invited to join Foster's Honors Program
My entire life I traveled the world with my circus family, and only in the last five years have I settled down. In this time, I have managed to participate in the Running Start program, thereby saving two years worth of time and tuition, and complete Foster's Honor's Program! Although prioritizing my studies has been well worth it, I think I'm ready to return to my roots and rejoin the artistic community. Except now I have the ability to both be on stage as well as run the business.
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We love Honors
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Ingrid Pelletier
Architectural Design
Ingrid Pelletier LinkedIn
Architectural Design
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: The best moment was getting into my major, the Architecture school became a second home!
Thesis: Soak in the Rain: Designing for Our Climate by Engaging the Senses
Four years seemed to go by in four seconds. Over the past several years I have enjoyed staying involved at UW. I started my first-year and sophomore year in leadership for HFS, participating in Hall Council and eventually the Residential Programming Board. After getting into my major I participated in the student led groups, AIAS, The CBE Student Council, Happy Hour Committee, and ASUW Achitectural Commission Board. I met life long friends in my architecture studios and learned a lot within my design classes. In 2019 I was able to be apart of the Furniture Design studio and entered my finished piece in the Interior Designers of Idaho Chair Affair (a furniture competition for students and professionals in Boise) and won Best Functional Design. I also was able to do independent research throughout 2019 and presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. To finish off my time at UW I was recently awarded along with another classmate the "Faculty Award for Scholarship and Leadership". It was a long journey but I couldn't have done it without the support of friends, my professors and advisors, family, and coffee.
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Christine Lew
Disability Studies, Psychology
Christine Lew LinkedIn
Disability Studies, Psychology
American Sign Language
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Becoming the Director of the ASUW Student Disability Commission!
Thesis: Disability Gain: Exploring the Advantages of Different Bodies and Minds
My Website lewchristine3@gmail.comHeyo! My name is Christine. I am a Disability justice advocate and CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Most of my work has centered around creating inclusive and accessible spaces for people with disabilities. I'm always happy to answer questions you may have, or just participate in a nice invigorating conversation about the world in general. Let me know if there's any way I can support you :)
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Madeline G Clarke
Informatics
Madeline G Clarke LinkedIn
Informatics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: I enjoyed presenting my capstone with my wonderful team at the 2017 Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Thesis: Analyzing the Potential Effects of Online Tutoring on Accessibility in the Context of College Writing Centers
My WebsiteI graduated from UW with a B.S. in Informatics with Interdisciplinary Honors. In my time at UW, I played sax in the Husky Marching Band, performed with the UW Dance Department, and worked as a writing tutor at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center. I was also involved as a leader and mentor at the Center and focused on accessibility to tutoring services in my Informatics capstone. In addition to my passions for communication and technology, I love art. After college, I hope to hone my electronic music production skills and explore new genres of dance. Professionally, I am interested in continuing my work in high tech and am seeking a position where I can work with people to solve difficult problems with creative solutions. My goal is that both my tech and music work will bring people joy and make life easier.
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Hannah Farrell
Law, Societies, and Justice
Hannah Farrell
Law, Societies, and Justice
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Receiving a Library Research Award for a paper I wrote, inspired by my time at the Washington State Senate. Also… working for the Washington State Senate!
My WebsiteMy time at UW has been transformative academically, socially, and personally. These three years have been rife with opportunities for growth and challenge. Some highlights were studying abroad in Berlin, working at Leschi Elementary School, my job as a writing tutor and director of a support program for multilingual writers at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center, joining the UW climbing team, working for Washington State Senator Patty Kuderer, taking a class alongside prisoners in Monroe, throwing concerts at my house (called the Pink Castle), and embarking on a nine-day backpacking trip/“environmental science class” in Olympic National Park. At UW I have become an avid skier, an enthusiastic rock climber, a road bike novice, and a pie baker extraordinaire. UW has instilled in me a passion for equity, inclusion, and sustainability. In the coming years, I hope to pursue environmental law or policy in order to equitably and thoughtfully address climate change’s urgencies. But first I’ll be taking a year off to ski bum in Montana.
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Kate Pierce
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Kate Pierce
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: N/A
Thank you Honors Program for allowing me to get an interdisciplinary education and making a big school feel small. Thank you to all of my teachers and mentors for instilling a passion for learning in me. Thank you to my great friends for keeping me laughing. Thank you to my sister for keeping me strong and grounded. And lastly, thank you to my parents for their unwavering love and support in all that I choose to pursue.
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Kisho M Fukuoka
Neuroscience
Kisho M Fukuoka
Neuroscience
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Being able to spend study abroad and make lifelong friends in Leon, Spain and Tokyo, Japan.
My Website kishofukuoka@hotmail.comFrom friends, memories, and classes, my 4 years as a Husky has been amazing. UW has allowed me to explore my interests and learn so much more than I had ever imagined. My major has piqued my interest in medicine and I plan on traveling while applying to medical school this year.
Thanks to my family, friends, and mentors that made my experience possible.
Go Dawgs!
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Gabrielle Anjelica Gersten
Public Health--Global Health
Gabrielle Anjelica Gersten LinkedIn
Public Health--Global Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments is when I was able to share my research about e-cigarettes with legislators in Olympia, WA to lobby for public health bills.
gabbygersten@gmail.comI was born and raised in Seattle and I am so proud to graduate from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health--Global Health. I have learned so much and have made so many meaningful relationships these past four years that I will always cherish. After graduation, I will be continuing to work as a Behavior Technician, a challenging yet rewarding position, and I hope to attend graduate school to earn a Master's in Occupational Therapy within the next few years.
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Madeline O'Dwyer
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Madeline O'Dwyer
Environmental Science and Resource Management
French
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments has been when I represented UW at an international conference and had the opportunity to sharing my research.
Thesis: Winter under-ice patterns of greenhouse gases in lakes of interior Alaska
I have had moments of great joy in the last four years of UW. Not all my moments were as joyful as others but there were certain parts of my UW life that kept my spirits high against the coursework and winter weather of UW. Working in David Butman's lab pushed me out of multiple comfort zones and as a result gave me one of the most steady and consistent parts of my UW career. I have to thank UW Women's Rugby for giving me a community which turned into forever friends and best roommates. Lastly, I loved all of my ESRM classes and I have treasured this experience that started with an interest and grew into a passion making me not only a scientist but more of a steward of the Earth.
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Elizabeth Rylance
Neuroscience
Elizabeth Rylance
Neuroscience
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: It's hard to pick! Traveling to Peru on a study abroad trip and doing field research in the Amazon rainforest was a huge one. Also, receiving the Mary Gates Research Scholarship for my work towards my Honors thesis, and finishing my thesis in general!
Thesis: Olfactory learning and memory in the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus
My Website lizzyrylance@gmail.comHi! I'm Lizzy Rylance and I am graduating from the Neuroscience major at UW with College Honors. I am so grateful for the incredible opportunities and experiences I have had over the past four years, and especially grateful for all the people I have met along the way. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without the friends, mentors, faculty, coworkers, and classmates that I met throughout this journey.
As I move forward, I am more determined than ever to live fully, meaningfully, and with constant gratitude. I am planning on taking a gap year (or several) to travel, gain research experience, snowboard, backpack, read, listen, learn, and figure out how I can use my education and the opportunities that I've been given to contribute to a better future. Once I'm ready, I plan on pursuing graduate education somewhere in the realm of neuroscience, biology, ecology, psychology, or environmental studies.
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Angie Lai
Environmental Studies
Angie Lai LinkedIn
Environmental Studies
Law, Societies, and Justice
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was probably getting into the Husky 100. Actually, the nomination meant more to me than the selection because it felt really rewarding to be recognized by a professor I looked up to!
angie.l.lai@outlook.comHi! I'm Angie and I consider myself to be a generalist with a passion for environmental and climate justice. My Capstone Research Project looks at promising practices for the federal government in prioritizing sovereignty for federally recognized Tribes, Nations, and Confederacies in climate adaptation.
In my time at UW, I've met a lot of amazing people and have had some incredible experiences. I've been a Campus Sustainability Fund Outreach Ambassador, College of the Environment Student Ambassador, Teaching Assistant, and intern with the US EPA Region 10. I was also in the pre-law fraternity Phi Alpha Delta, which helped me decide that I wanted to pursue a JD to practice environmental law and/or policy. I want to help us move toward a better future by making the big changes we desperately need. Outside of academics, I have a wide taste in movies, shows, music, food, and art!
After graduation, I'll be doing a year of service with AmeriCorps as a College Coach in Philly. After that, law school (hopefully)!
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Joanne Chen
Finance and Marketing
Joanne Chen LinkedIn
Finance and Marketing
Real Estate
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My fondest memory was studying abroad in Madrid during in 2019. Living, walking, and existing in a new place forced the growth that I needed. When I came back, it gave me a newfound appreciation for the little things about ordinary days in Seattle I overlooked before.
Hi, I'm Joanne and I am from Bellevue. But Taipei, Chicago, Madrid, and Seattle are all places I call home.
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Ken Aragon
Computer Science
Ken Aragon LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Seeing one of my past students become a TA herself, making me a “TA Dad”.
I’m 21, have plans to continue to work at Microsoft as a Software Engineer, as well as pursuing hobbies such as traveling and aviation.
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We love Honors
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Caleb Timothy Huffman
Political Science and Communication
Caleb Timothy Huffman LinkedIn
Political Science and Communication
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Definitely hitting the 1,000 kilometers ran marker in December, 2016. There’s a long-term New Year’s resolution that I actually kept!
Thesis: 1. Fuel on the Flame: Open-Air Drug Markets and Homicide Clusters; 2. On the Tipping Point? Open-Air Drug Markets and Homicide Rates; 3. Secular Prosperity Gospel: A Rhetorical Analysis of Donald Trump's Presidential Announcement Speech
calebh12@uw.eduCaleb Huffman graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and with College Honors in both political science and communication. Raised in a small, rural town in the United States, Caleb overcame various socioeconomic barriers to begin studying at the local college (Running Start) at sixteen and, by eighteen, formally represented youth in state government as a member of the Washington State Legislative Youth Advisory Council, being appointed by the Lt. Governor. Caleb completed three undergraduate theses, was a Gilman Scholar, Leadership Fellow with former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton, inaugural student fellow at Georgetown’s U.S.-China Initiative, and delegate with the Forum for American/Chinese Exchange at Stanford. Caleb’s interest in China was sparked through his studies of American politics, where he learned the importance of the U.S.-China relationship in shaping international norms. Caleb is a Yenching Scholar and will study Chinese Law & Society immediately after graduating, with the goal of understanding China and its legal system better, with the goal of obtaining an American J.D. and entering the realm of international law. His interest in law can be traced back to Professor Theo Myhre's Honors Introduction to American Law course, which he took autumn quarter of his Freshmen year.
At UW, Caleb served as President of Pi Sigma Alpha (the Political Science National Honors Society), the Student Director for Veritas at UW, a Peer Educator with Honors, a UWAA Student Ambassador, and a tour guide (all four years) with the Office of Admissions. He received over a dozen merit scholarships with a combined worth of more than $40,000, allowing him to study abroad three times with UW, including with Honors to Rome, Italy -- the very first time he ever left the country.
Personally, Caleb is an amateur coffee fan, runner, and, his senior year, lived in the International Friendship House at University Presbyterian Church with housemates from around the world.
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Maia Luz Sinteral-Scott
English
Maia Luz Sinteral-Scott
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I'd have to say my proudest moment at UW was getting into the English department Honors program and fulfilling one of my academic goals. Being able to learn and work with the faculty and my peers has been amazing, and I literally could not have picked a better time to be in an Honors cohort focusing on temporality and human extinction.
Thesis: In the Wreckage of Humanity: Ruins, Agency, and the Art of Post-Apocalyptic Video Games
My experience at the University of Washington has been defined by my commitment to literary scholarship and health care, as well as the personal empowerment I've felt in pursuing both English literature and STEM. This has all set me on my path towards becoming a physician, (hooray for studying for the MCAT soon!), and I'm hoping to keep up my writing as much as possible in the future. My love for creative writing and English has only grown in the English Honors program, and I can't be more excited for what's next.
I'm beyond grateful for the friendships I've made during my undergrad, and for everything I've been able to learn. Cheers to four years, UW.
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Ashley Ambrisko
Interdisciplinary Visual Arts
Ashley Ambrisko LinkedIn
Interdisciplinary Visual Arts
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was my first quarter. I came in as a transfer student and went directly into upper level classes even though I was nervous about how I would do in them. I was so proud when I came out of my first quarter with the best grades I'd ever had.
My Website ashley.ambris@gmail.comI was born and raised in the silicon valley of California and came to UW as a transfer student. As soon as I got here I fell in love with the state and have used my surroundings as inspiration in both my drawing and interior design. I enjoy playing with textures, patterns, fabrics and natural elements to create aesthetically pleasing visuals. Now I'm working as a full-time interior designer in Washington.
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Olivia Helena Witt
Sociocultural Anthropology
Olivia Helena Witt LinkedIn
Sociocultural Anthropology
Human Rights; Law, Society, and Justice; Comparative History of Ideas
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was probably when I got published in two different UW publications: The UW Journal of Anthropology and Voyage Magazine.
Thesis: The Handcraft Movement: Analyzing of the Subjectivity of Value
My WebsiteHi! My name is Olivia and I am graduating UW with college and interdisciplinary honors. Being from out of state, finding a fit in Washington was challenging at first but UW gave me so many opportunities to better discover myself and what I love to do. My time at UW has pushed me as a writer, connected me with individuals who have inspired my artistic pursuits, and has given me a family away from home. Looking into the future, I am excited for all the opportunities ahead of me and I know the skills I have learned during my past 4 years here will set me up for success.
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Bridger Machus
Natural and Environmental Resource Management
Bridger Machus LinkedIn
Natural and Environmental Resource Management
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My entire college career has been a moment of pride for me, my mother always dreamed of seeing me attending UW as a continuation of her legacy, but never got the chance. This was because she passed away my junior year of high school from cancer. I spent a great deal of time in mourning but once I saw a future at UW I knew I had to make her dream a reality. Now that it's 2018 and my graduation year, I truly feel like I’ve make her proud as well as myself.
Thesis: The Effects of Pond-Leveler Devices on Salmon Migration through Restored Riverine Beaver Pond Complexes
Born and raised on Lake Chelan, Washington, I followed in my mother’s footsteps and became a UW student, pursuing a degree in Natural and Environmental Resource Management. Since then I have accomplished a great deal, from my thesis looking at salmon migration sponsored by King County, to my role in refounding Acacia Fraternity, I have seen a lot of success at UW. This can be greatly attested to the brilliant staff here, along with the support of my friends and family over these 4 years. I plan to use my newfound understanding and knowledge to pursue a career in resource conservation, beginning with a seasonal job with the Forest Service this summer in the eastern Cascades and continuing with a trip to Bali, Indonesia to volunteer in turtle conservation. With the foundation UW has helped me lay I look forward to the rest of my life, continuing my education with my every pursuit.
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Levi J. Sy
B.S. in Biochemistry & B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
Levi J. Sy
B.S. in Biochemistry & B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Working as a House Manager at Meany Center for the Performing Arts
Thesis: Film, Medicine, & Moscow: Translations of Maxim Osipov's "Little Lord Fauntleroy" & "Fantasy"
levi.j.sy@gmail.comMy time at UW has certainly been one of unexpected, yet completely fulfilling, events. Coming to UW four long years ago, I knew that I wanted to get a degree in the physical sciences, likely in chemistry or biochemistry. While that did come to pass, it was one of the few parts of my education that followed my initial plans. Little did I know then that I would begin studying the Russian language, study abroad in St. Petersburg for a summer, and pursue an additional degree from the Department of Slavic Languages & Literature, much less write a translation thesis, translating two contemporary short stories from Russian into English. Despite the unforeseen nature of all of this, I wouldn't change it for the world.
Beyond classes, I enjoyed playing the French horn in various bands and orchestras on campus, as well as working at Meany Center for the Performing Arts as an usher and now a house manager. Looking forward, I hope to take a year or two off of school and then pursue a higher degree, likely in international relations or political science. Thank you to all of my friends, colleagues, and professors for your support!Tags:
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Mac Murray
English - Creative Writing
Mac Murray LinkedIn
English - Creative Writing
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Earning the Van Buren award for two short stories!
Thesis: Gender in Play on the Shakespearean Stage
My Website murraymacr@gmail.comI am concluding my year as the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily, and excited to continue my work in creative writing in the post-grad world!
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Ramin Jabbarli
Sociology
Ramin Jabbarli LinkedIn
Sociology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My experience as a Sociology Honors student and working closely with my mentor Professor Edgar Kiser and Professor Sarah Quinn, the director of Sociology honors program, surely prepared me for the rigors of the Ph.D. program.
Thesis: Making and Transcending Boundaries: The Effect of Rituals on Interethnic Relations
raminj@uw.eduI am Azerbaijani, a divided nation by geopolitical borders and denied contact during the Soviet era. As a member of an ethnic minority in Iran, I have experienced multiple forms of inequality and oppression. While banning our mother language, the state deemed the Persian language and culture alone as authentically Iranian. I witnessed my relatives in Iran forced to emigrate from Azerbaijani populated provinces to find construction work in Persian areas. I eventually learned that Iran’s highest rate of emigration occurs in Azerbaijani-populated provinces. These and other social and institutionalized injustices led me to join the Azerbaijani anti-racist movement in order to advocate Azerbaijani cultural rights and oppose discriminatory economic and environmental policies of the state.
My personal history, though unique in many respects, unfolded in the context of social, economic, and political conditions that exist in many societies. I come from an ethnic minority in Iran humiliated for their accent when speaking Persian and subjected to multiple forms of discrimination designed to silence them. It has meant everything to me to pursue my studies in this country, unfettered by discrimination and persecution for my ideas or my refugee status. Coming to the US allows me to pursue an academic career, but I also see it as an opportunity to enrich our understanding of and give voice to various minority groups (e.g., ethnic, gender, racial) that have also been silenced. Motivated by the goal of achieving a just and inclusive society, I studied in the Department of Sociology.
Within two months of arriving in the United States, I attended Green River College and learned especially from my mentors Professor Carlos Adams and Professor Brad Johnson. My experience as a Sociology Honors student and working closely with my mentor Professor Edgar Kiser and Professor Sarah Quinn, the director of Sociology honors program, surely prepared me for the rigors of the Ph.D. program. This fall, I am coming back to UW as a Ph.D. student in the Department of Sociology. I am deeply indebted to my mentors in both schools, my family, and my friends for their support along the way.Tags:
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Abigayil Talkington
Comparative History of Ideas, Economics
Abigayil Talkington LinkedIn
Comparative History of Ideas, Economics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: As a state need grant recipient myself, I am most proud of the passing of HB 2158, which secures funding to exempt students with families that make under 50K from paying tuition in any higher education institution in the state. It is the first successful free college tuition program of its kind and it makes me proud of the collective work we did to make this happen as Higher Ed advocates!!
Thesis: Neoliberalism: An ineffective Shorthand
The relationships CHID (Comparative History of Ideas) allowed me to develop abroad while researching in Argentina and Sardinia launched me into the organizing work I have been involved in while at the UW. During college I could be found in every corner of campus as a Resident Advisor, tutoring for the Economics Board, meeting with the Dean on a college council, leading a CHID focus group, mentoring students in UWL, and organizing lobbying related activities to advocate for student issues at the State Legislature. Outside of campus, I sought to apply the perspective I'd gained from economics and critical theory from the social justice lens of CHID into my professional development, the most formative of which was organizing an international conference for a nonprofit focused on bilateral trade between Africa and the Pacific Northwest. The relationships I formed at this nonprofit, and with the African immigrant community more broadly in Seattle, led me to help execute a new leadership conference called Africa Now that has since been a large annual event on the UW's campus. Originally inspired by womxn of color visionary and speculative fiction authors, I have sought to create the world I want on my small scale as I know that it will reflect on the larger world and its functioning. From this, I know that the work the world needs to be able to respond to today's global challenges would be severely limited without visionary work and relationship building across difference.
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Claire Kinney Gallaudet
Communication
Claire Kinney Gallaudet
Communication
Law Societies and Justice
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting chosen for departmental honors
Thesis: Speaking to Children: The Relationship between Adults’ Talk and Children’s Gender Identity
I am Seattle born and raised, and part of an amazing family of 6 people. I love to ski, do yoga, hike and read. I am interested in pursuing a career in psychology post grad.
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Masaki Rhodes
Biochemistry and Economics
Masaki Rhodes
Biochemistry and Economics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Finding and joining a research lab.
Hello! My name is Masaki and I am graduating with degrees in biochemistry and economics. I am passionate about using data to model and understand biological and social problems, a fantastic combination of these two disciplines, and have spent over a year working with the Wang Lab for Bioinformatics studying the progression of metastasis. Understanding complex real world situations involves actively engaging with the communities affected, and I have spent time working with the People's Harm Reduction Alliance, Unified Sports, and scribing for doctors specializing in treating the rural communities near my hometown. Outside of learning I love playing/watching soccer with my friends, as well a exploring the beautiful outdoor views found in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating I am planning on applying to medical school, and am excited for the next steps in my education.
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Lena H Nguyen
Social Welfare
Lena H Nguyen
Social Welfare
Education, Learning & Society
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: being in Jumpstart program!
Thesis: Roles of Gender and Parental Involvement on Southeast Asian Adolescent Mental Health
Hello! My name is Lena and I love listening to kids and youth tell their stories, speak their truths and humble me to the ground. I am grateful for the BASW Cohort of 2021 for their support throughout my time at UW and for our small departmental group for keeping each one of us going through the hardships of it all. Big shout out to Jane Lee for guiding me through this mini project.
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We love Honors
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Zoey Suarez
Neuroscience
Zoey Suarez LinkedIn
Neuroscience
Informatics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Earning my EMT certification at North Seattle College while attending UW full-time last spring, which meant balancing 34 class hours a week while also working as a part-time student assistant for UW Finance.
zfsuarez@outlook.comI grew up between San Antonio, TX, Puyallup, WA, and Tacoma, WA. I'm grateful that in my time at UW I've been able to pursue so many of my varied interests. As a neuroscience major, I've always been fascinated by the biological workings of the human brain and body. I'm proud to have been able to volunteer at Swedish Hospital during the pandemic, to have worked on surgical outcomes research for the UW Medical Center, and to have conducted EEG and behavioral research on autism at Seattle Children's, which I was able to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium this year. I'm also a certified EMT, a career I plan to work in during my gap year before medical school.
But while I've always had a passion for science, I'm much more than that, too. I am the mixed-race daughter of two immigrants -- my father, from Colombia, and my mother, from the Philippines. The Honors Program allowed me to explore my passion for critical mixed-race studies, an area of academia where I felt truly represented for the first time in my life. I'm a fierce mental health advocate, working as the Resource Coordinator for a mental health advocacy RSO at UW called Pup Support that works to educate and support college students on mental health topics through social media. I'm also a certified presenter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness special program "In Our Own Voice". For two years I was also a member of the UW Women's rugby team, which gifted me with so many incredible friends and a few clumsy sports injuries, too. Some of my hobbies include writing slam poetry, baking, and print-making.
This summer I will be moving to North Carolina to earn my Master's in Biomedical Sciences at Duke University. Afterward, I hope to apply to medical school and pursue a career as a physician. I'll always cherish my time at UW, and I can't wait for this next chapter!
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Conor Miles
Psychology, BS
Conor Miles
Psychology, BS
Informatics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting a chickadee to land on my hand in Grieg Garden.
Hello everyone! I'm Conor, a psychology graduate with an interest in autism research. I've spent my time at UW working at two disability offices--Bellevue College's Neurodiversity Navigators and UW's Disability Resources for Students. I'm proud to have helped students with accommodations and academic resources and I plan on using my future research and academic experiences to examine accessibility barriers, particularly in mental health resources. I've also had the pleasure of volunteering at UW's Research in Autism and the Brain Lab, where I developed my research skills and worked with a team of amazing researchers to conduct novel research on rare genetic groups. I hope to continue developing my research skills upon graduation through lab work before pursuing a PhD in clinical or cognitive psychology.
Outside of school, I have a passion for all things art--especially writing, digital art, and film--and spend a large chunk of my non-work time drawing or typing up short stories. I also enjoy feeding birds around campus, exploring the city, and hiking, especially with friends.
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Cindy Sohyun Park
Bachelor of Science Nursing
Cindy Sohyun Park
Bachelor of Science Nursing
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Finishing my degree! Graduating :)
Thesis: Covid-19 Pandemic Effects on UW Nursing Students
-I am excited to start my next journey in nursing by attending Johns Hopkins University and their Family Nurse Practitioner program
-I was happy to spend time as BSN curriculum chair for my cohort and advocating for my cohort by facilitating conversations with faculty and professors
-I enjoyed being a part of many clubs such as SON dawgs Husky Nurse Camp and Future Nurses club. Both programs allowed me to see the potential in many students as future Husky nurses.Tags:
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Thelonious Goerz
Sociology
Thelonious Goerz
Sociology
Data Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Working at the Daily and meeting a bunch of great people there!
Thesis: Race, Class, and Light Rail Transit: Examining High-Income Demographic Change In after Light Rail Transit in Seattle
My WebsiteI came to the UW interested in working as a journalist, with research as the last thing on my mind. But, through my time at UW, I gained a passion for demographic research through the support of my peers and mentors in the department of sociology. This year, I have been working on my honors thesis which has been one of the greatest learning experiences so far. I was fortunate to be paired with an excellent faculty advisor and to have many other informal mentors help along the way. I was fortunate enough to win the Mary Gates Research Scholarship for my thesis and be invited to present my work at the American Sociological Association.
This summer, I will continue my research in the social sciences as a pre-doctoral fellow at The Johns Hopkins University Department of Sociology.
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Irene Kuo
Accounting, Information Systems
Irene Kuo
Accounting, Information Systems
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Becoming a FIG Leader
My interests fall into two main categories, sports and the arts. I love basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Basketball is my favourite though. I used to spend 8 hours a week playing, until I got injured. I'm working my way back to 100%! In the meantime, I'm watching lots of NBA and playing fantasy basketball. Regarding creative arts, I spent a huge chunk of my time doing music (piano, guitar, ukulele, singing, producing), film (travel film, vlogs, shorts), or just enjoying arts that other people created MOVIESSS AND NETFLIX!
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Jiafei Li
Psychology
Jiafei Li
Psychology
Informatics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: graduation
Thesis: Relating Individual Differences in Culturally Unfamiliar Music Comprehension to Neurocognitive Aspects of Second Language Aptitude
My name is Jiafei Li. I majored in Psychology and minored in Informatics. I love music and literature, and have always been interested in their impact on us human. Therefore, under the mentorship of Dr. Prat, I conducted the research of music comprehension, as well as its relation to language learning. I hope to continue to "be boundless", to keep exploring various fields of knowledge and extending my limit.
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Brian Chan
Communication
Brian Chan LinkedIn
Communication
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Graduating with departmental honors
Thesis: The Power of Microcelebrities: Difference in Perceived Credibility Between Male and Female Microcelebrities and Traditional Celebrities
brianchan28ph@gmail.comIf someone were to ask me in 2016 where I would be in 2018, the answer would probably be an underwhelming “school I guess”.
Fast forward two years, and I’m delighted to say I'm graduating from one of the best public universities in the nation with honors one year ahead of schedule, headed to graduate school for a master's degree in communication.
An immigrant from Hong Kong, I moved to Washington state at age 15. My broken English back then meant I could barely speak for myself, and with a transferred GPA of 1.4, my grades did not speak highly of me either. After a few years of adapting to a vastly different culture and environment, I was miraculously admitted to the University of Washington.
Regardless of how reassuring the admission sounded, hurdles were still present as I fought through dyslexia. Through my endeavor to excel in school, help from a number of marvelous professors, and an urge to do research, I was introduced to the Department of Communication's honors program. For the first time, I acquired a multitude of research methods, and was exposed to literature of various disciplines and the depth and breadth of knowledge research brings to the world.
Unlike most other jobs, doing research means every bit of your time committed is a learning opportunity. Whether it be reviewing literature or analyzing data, there is is something valuable in every step of the way, and by becoming a researcher anyone can discover or reveal a piece of knowledge no one has ever figured out before.
Being in the Department of Communication’s honors program is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life thus far, hence I encourage everyone to join one at the University of Washington if possible. It has changed my life forever and I regret nothing. The future is brighter than ever because of research.Tags:
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Brian David Arnold
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Brian David Arnold LinkedIn
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I am most proud of the personal growth that I have experienced from being an out of state student from Texas.
I am proud to graduate from UW with a B.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering. I will begin pursuing an M.S. in ECE next fall to deepen my knowledge in the Computer Architecture and Embedded Computing Systems areas. Thank you to my Mom (Kathy), my Dad (Scott), my Sisters (Stephanie and Kristen), and my girlfriend (Lawson) for your love and support. Additional thanks to all my friends who have helped me make Washington my home. I could not have done it without you all. Sko Dawgs!
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Maia Serene Gower
Biochemistry and Chemistry
Maia Serene Gower LinkedIn
Biochemistry and Chemistry
Swedish and Microbiology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Publishing research on a microscale Tuberculosis model after working on it for three years!
Thesis: A Modular Microscale Granuloma Model for Immune-Microenvironment Signaling Studies In Vitro
GOWERMAIA@GMAIL.COMDuring my time at UW, I have enjoyed working in the Theberge Lab in the Department of Chemistry and studying Swedish with the Department of Scandinavian Studies. I cherish the time spent learning new skills and building community within these groups and will miss them dearly!
I am looking forward to continuing my education in Microbiology at Lund University in Sweden and beginning an exciting new chapter in my life!
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Zoe Natasha Shadan
Communication; Political Science
Zoe Natasha Shadan LinkedIn
Communication; Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Among all the small moments like trying new things and taking challenging courses that I am proud of, the memory of reading the first article I got published and printed in The Daily my first-year year was a very exciting and proud moment.
Thesis: The Progression of Presidential Speeches Over the Course of Operation Enduring Freedom
znshadan@gmail.comI moved to Seattle from San Diego with a readiness to try new things, meet new people, and learn and challenge myself as much as I could. Even with the eagerness I had as a young first-year, the people, personal growth, challenges, and experiences these past four years brought me were more than I could have ever expected. My passion for people, social and political justice, and writing grew, and inspired me to double major in both Communication and Political Science. For nearly a year and a half I wrote for The Daily, exploring topics in wellness, politics, sustainability, and entertainment that let me dip my toes into journalism. In my second-year, I acted as a constitutive member and network ambassador for the UW Sustainability Action Network, headed by Lance Bennett, where my team and I worked to build a platform for various student organizations to collaborate and build a movement towards social, political, economic, and environmental sustainability. Then came my third year where I fulfilled a dream I dreamt when I was just a kid, and that was to live in Paris, France. My exchange brought me to studying at The Paris Institute of Political Studies, where I took courses in strategies and ethics of war, rhetoric in the French political system, and EU integration, amongst many other topics. I was able to ameliorate my French and German language skills, travel across Western and Eastern Europe both with others and independently, and meet people from all different cultural and academic backgrounds. The year reaffirmed my passion for diversity, culture, languages, and conversation rooted in listening and sharing experiences and perspectives. This affirmation encouraged me to pursue a thesis under the Department of Communication during my fourth year, where my ultimate research topic aimed to critically analyze the extent to which American exceptionalism exists and plays a role in political relations. The result was focused on comparing presidential speeches throughout Operation Enduring Freedom, speaking more narrowly to the differences between presidential communication, and suggested further explorations in assessing the purpose of political partisanship. In this past year, I also had the pleasure of working at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center, working with UW students, faculty, and staff in familiarizing themselves with and strengthening their writing processes.
While my plans after graduation are yet to be determined, I am hoping to find a position in the non-profit sector where I can apply what I have learned these past four years, and will continue to learn as I transition from student to professional, to change-making and cause-oriented work.
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Aria Rose Tornabene
Neuroscience
Aria Rose Tornabene LinkedIn
Neuroscience
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was when I delivered a presentation on end-stage renal disease in a medical physiology class. I was able to overcome a fear of public speaking and more clearly see myself pursuing a career in healthcare!
ariatornabene@gmail.comI am proud to be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Interdisciplinary Honors, and I am grateful for the support and opportunities that have made my time at UW unforgettable! I would not be here today without the unconditional encouragement and support from my family!
I am from Wenatchee, WA and love to hike, cook and read in my spare time. After graduation I will be working as a certified nursing assistant as I prepare to apply to physician assistant (PA) programs.
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Zeyu Ye
Comprehensive Physics, Electrical Engineering
Zeyu Ye LinkedIn
Comprehensive Physics, Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being accepted to the two major programs.
I explored cold atom experiments and photonics in labs at UW, and I will start my graduate study this year. I hope that I can become a good experimentalist.
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Jeffrey Potasky
Computer Science
Jeffrey Potasky LinkedIn
Computer Science
Mathematics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moments at the University of Washington were: 1) getting invited to join the Phi Beta Kappa national honor society; 2) finishing my 14 page final paper for my Disenchantment of the West class.
Jeffrey has spent his four years at the University of Washington not only training for a career in computer science, but also enriching his knowledge in as many areas as he could. Some of the highlights of his time at the university were analyzing classic Japanese Cinema, learning about the search for extraterrestrial life in Astrobiology, and studying Latin.
For two summers, Jeffrey shared his interest with technology as an instructor with the local company, Coding with Kids, where he taught elementary aged students the foundations of programming. He is currently seeking a software development position that involves all the skills he's learned at the University of Washington.
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Nitya Sampath
Linguistics
Nitya Sampath
Linguistics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my thesis and graduating with honors
Thesis: An Evaluation of an Automatically Generated Grammar of Ik
I am most interested in studying computational linguistics and historical linguistics. I found linguistics accidentally when I decided to take an intro course as an elective in my first-year year. I realized I liked it so much that I switched majors the next quarter. I am also interested in history, astronomy, evolution and computer science. I got to study abroad in Rome this past year and it was one of my favorite experiences at UW. After graduation, I am looking forward to returning to UW for a master's program in computational linguistics.
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Vivian Phan Jones
Chemical Engineering
Vivian Phan Jones
Chemical Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I was very honored to be offered the opportunity to pursue Departmental Honors and use the knowledge I had gained as an undergraduate research assistant toward an independent project!
Thesis: Molecularly Imprinted Chitosan Beads for Selective Removal of Perfluoroalkane Sulfonic Acids (PFSAs) in Water
vphanjones@gmail.comPursuing a degree at UW, I knew that I could make a difference in the way people interact with the environment through engineering. I'm very grateful for my time in the Aquatic Innovations in Materials Science (AIMS) Lab, where I was able to narrow the scope of my education and learn about current topics in water treatment. After graduation, I am looking forward to a career in sustainability for the betterment of people and the environment!
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Laura Li
Neuroscience
Laura Li
Neuroscience
Dance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Having a spark of curiosity in my heart and designing experiments with my research mentor. It feels ever so rewarding to know that every little step I took brings us a step closer to unlocking the secrets of nature.
Thesis: The Effect of Wnt5a Ligand on ROR2 Dimerization
tian.laura.li@hotmail.comI have always been fascinated by the complexity and diversity of the human brain and the UW’s Neuroscience Honors program gave me the opportunity to explore the field of brain science. During my time as a student, I was not only able to learn about the various aspects of neuroscience in classroom, but I was also able to gain first-hand research experiences in lab. Starting from my junior year, I joined the Barria lab here at UW studying neuronal plasticity, which is the molecular basis of learning and memory of the brain.
In the meanwhile, I have always been a passionate ballet dancer and I am very grateful for the opportunity to also minor in dance here at UW. The diverse courses in dance technique, history, and anatomy allowed me to grow into a well-rounded dancer.Tags:
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Sofia Cababa Wood
Visual Communication Design (VCD)
Sofia Cababa Wood LinkedIn
Visual Communication Design (VCD)
Art History
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Making it through nine finals weeks in the design program
My WebsiteHi, I’m Sofia. I started my undergrad at UW in a new continent, knowing no one. All I knew was that I wanted to see myself somewhere else. And that I wanted to become a designer. Five years later, I can say I’ve pretty much done that. In part, I spent this time working on an undergraduate degree at UW in Visual Communication Design and working as a designer. It is with a lot of work and privilege that I was able to achieve what I have, and I’m proud and thankful.
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Tessa Katherine Kolstad
Biology, Nursing
Tessa Katherine Kolstad LinkedIn
Biology, Nursing
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Volunteering as a lead at UW Nurse Camp and seeing my campers/future nurses graduate!
Thesis: Improving Pediatric Asthma Shared Management: Development of the Symptom Monitoring and Response Module for the Child Asthma Management Program (CHAMP)
tkolstad@uw.eduI have a previous degree in biology from the University of Washington and worked as a research scientist at Seattle Children's for four years. I came back to school to pursue nursing because my experiences at Seattle Children's showed me that what is really important to me in healthcare are relationships with people, and no one has more intimate relationships with patients than nurses. In whatever work I am doing, my purpose is always to help children lead the healthiest, most fulfilling lives possible.
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Maya Kay Norton
Comparative History of Ideas
Maya Kay Norton LinkedIn
Comparative History of Ideas
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Being a featured artist in Human Condition Magazine.
Thesis: Let the Body Speak: Stories of Food and Self through Art and Oral History
My Website mayakaynorton@gmail.comI love drawing surrealist portraits, every dog I have ever met, and singing loudly along with Frank Ocean songs. I have loved these past four years at UW, and owe what I have been able to accomplish to the support and love of my wonderful family, mentors, professors, and the Honors community.
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Forrest F Miller
Electrical Engineering
Forrest F Miller LinkedIn
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Transferring my responsibilities on the Human Powered Submarine team to my successor
I am a student that is in awe of the world, who tinkered with enough equations and wires to get an engineering degree, who helped build a submarine in my spare time, who loves the learning inherent in teaching, and who steps forth optimistic about our capacity to overcome.
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Patrick L Forcier
Biology, Physiology
Patrick L Forcier
Biology, Physiology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting to the point where I am ready to graduate because it means that all my effort and perseverance over the last four years has paid off and made me ready for the next step in life
After graduating from UW, my goal is to go on to medical school and work to become an orthopedic surgeon. In the meantime, I am working as a medical scribe in St. Anne's emergency department for an amazing group of physicians. I am also the current chief medical scribe for the hospital which was a very welcome promotion and a great step into a leadership position. I am also working towards acquiring my EMT certification so that I might take the next step in my journey through the medical field and have a more involved role in patient care. In what free time I do have, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing soccer, playing football, exploring Seattle, and traveling the world.
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Vy K Pham-Nguyen
Microbiology and Biology
Vy K Pham-Nguyen LinkedIn
Microbiology and Biology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I have been able to meet many amazing people, especially through OMAD, that inspired me.
Thesis: Analysis of B cell gene expression during HSV-2 reactivation
During my years at UW, I have opportunities to be a part of many different associations, such as OMAD, TriO McNair, Research Labs... Through there I have learned to become a better version of myself. I am proud to have met all of the amazing people that I met. They were the source of inspiration, and also the reason how I found my passion. I would love to continue pursuing my passion in immunology in the future. In my free time, I love listening to music, eating food and watching cute videos.
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Robert Thadeus Sternberg
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Robert Thadeus Sternberg
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Quantitative Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Becoming a Bonderman Fellow
Thesis: Diet Composition of Carnivores in the Western United States Over the Last Century
thadeus@uw.eduFrom a very young age, I have had a love for the outdoors and studying animals. Both of my parents have jobs in the environmental field, leading me to aspire to be like them when I came of age. They have been my biggest supporters and I cannot thank them enough for encouraging me while I pursue my dreams. I am currently an undergraduate student in my last year at the University of Washington. I am obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a focus in Wildlife Conservation. I am also minoring in Quantitative Science. Before attending the UW, I transferred universities twice while balancing financial hardships with my scholarly career. I am extremely proud to be graduating alongside my peers, having finished my bachelor's in only four years. My time here at the University of Washington has provided me with many resources and truly set me up for the future. While at the UW, I have worked in both the Predator Ecology lab and the Disturbance Ecology lab in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences. Both experiences have prepared me for a career in the realm of ecology and inspired me to continue my education in a graduate program. Before starting graduate school, I have accepted a wildlife technician position with the University of Illinois - Springfield where I will be reintroducing and monitoring state endangered Osprey. Following this summer, I have the privilege of travelling the world as part of the Bonderman Travel Fellowship. My long-term career aspirations are to work for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or United States Fish and Wildlife Service managing wildlife populations, specifically focusing on predators.
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Katherine Germond Biely
Political Science
Katherine Germond Biely
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Sailing for UW at ICSA Match Race nationals and keeping my fiddle leaf fig plant alive!
I am a lifelong husky fan and was born and raised here in Seattle, WA. After graduation I will be working in digital marketing. Otherwise, my post-grad goals are to read for fun more often and to one day sail around the world!
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Sydney Dahiyat
Public Health-Global Health
Sydney Dahiyat LinkedIn
Public Health-Global Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting into the Public Health major on my preferred track!
I'm a Public Health-Global Health Major interested in Global Health and Climate Policy. At the UW, I began as an environmental science major, but quickly realized that I wanted to learn about the intersection of human health and the environment. After interning with an environmental advocacy group one Summer, I noticed the power of policy to inform and improve public health. Since then, I've been dedicated to understanding and researching public health policy topics. I hope to begin working in global health policy in D.C. post-grad.
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Bishir Darra
Materials Science & Engineering
Bishir Darra LinkedIn
Materials Science & Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting into my engineering major, and managing to keep my GPA high enough for Honors.
I'm an MSE graduate who has a lot of love for semiconductors and quantum materials.
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Mackenzie M Price
English Literature
Mackenzie M Price
English Literature
Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I mentored a student at UW through the EDUC 401 program. I was able to utilize many of the skills I have learned in my undergraduate education. The best part was seeing their personal growth and realizing I made a small difference!
My Website mackenziemprice@gmail.comMy name is Mackenzie and I am graduating June 2020! I transferred to UW from a small, private school and it was a hard transition. But I am so glad I made the choice to join the UW community. I found my family and friends as captain of the Alpine Ski Team, balancing schoolwork with long weekends traveling and skiing all over the Northwest. Academically, I am passionate about the importance of the humanities and public policy in regards to equity of education. I had multiple opportunities to work with students, both at the high school level and college level, getting real hands-on experience inside the classroom that I will take into my future as an educator. Through the Honors English Cohort, I co-created a website, Eco-Poetry Washington, that analyzes poems through an eco-critical lens and maps their location throughout Washington State. In addition, I worked closely with faculty to research the reconciliation of land use rights between the National Park and Indigenous Peoples in Alaska. I hope to bring these holistic experiences and knowledge to wherever I go next in life! Go Dawgs!
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Neta Simon
Microbiology
Neta Simon LinkedIn
Microbiology
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Publishing a co-first authored paper
Thesis: Maternal Microchimerism in Malaria-Endemic Settings: The Role of Maternal Microchimerism on The Developing Infant Immune System
I'm very grateful to have spent the last four years studying Microbiology at UW and am leaving with a passion to improve human health through medicine.
Some favorite moments from the past four years include:
- a 22-mile hike through the Enchantments
- studying abroad in Israel and volunteering as an EMT
- every weekend spent with my housemates (fun fact: half of us met at Honors orientation)
- working in a lab researching maternal-fetal interactions of malaria
- establishing the Loaves of Love program with ChabadI am so thankful for the memories I've made with my friends, the mentors I've gained, the time spent outdoors, and every opportunity for growth that the UW has provided me.
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Tanmay Sapre
Bioengineering
Tanmay Sapre LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: The proudest moment is being awarded the Mary Gates Scholarship for my research conducted at UW.
Thesis: A Biodegradable, Multifunctional Hydrogel as a Vascular Graft Sealant
My professional interests are studying physiology and biochemistry and trying to engineer low cost, reasonable, and effective solutions to problems that arise in the human body such that they can be treated successfully. This passion will hopefully lead me towards a career in medicine where I hope to contribute towards revolutionizing the way medicine is practiced. Participating in a translational research project for 3 years has sparked my interest in the field of research and how it is related to medicine. During my spare time I am interested in playing and watching basketball, cooking, and exercising.
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Max Florian Steiner
Chemical Engineering
Max Florian Steiner LinkedIn
Chemical Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Seeing my friends with whom I transferred from community college graduate from the UW and continue to carve out their own path.
steiner.gen@gmail.comBorn in Boston, grew up in Austria, fell in love with music early on and eventually took an interest in chemical engineering. I enjoy long-distance running, lining up for archery sessions, hanging out for some Dungeons & Dragons, and am almost always down to learn a new skill. My time here at the UW, with its resources and research environment, allowed me to pursue many of these interests, and provided an education that I know has already had a lasting effect on my trajectory forward.
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Maria Dyann Osborne
English, Mathematics
Maria Dyann Osborne
English, Mathematics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Receiving the 2014-2015 Sophomore Medal
Thesis: Close Encounters: Bodily Politics of the Dissolving Human Subject in James Tiptree, Jr.'s "Slow Music" and "The Only Neat Thing to Do" (English Honors Thesis)
maria.d.osborne@gmail.comHi, I’m Maria! I am, among other things, a PNW local, a dancer, a baker, a traveler, and a reader. I also have a B.A. now, with majors in English literature and mathematics. Over the last 5 years, I’ve focused on studying gender and sexuality studies, postmodernism, rhetoric, and science fiction. Now more than ever I believe in the power and importance of stories, and have a special fondness for genre fiction and other forms of storytelling not generally considered high brow literature. Simultaneously, I’ve nurtured my love and appreciation of numbers, equations, and logical thought. In total, I’ve written more essays and proofs during my time at UW than I care to think about.
Besides my standard coursework, I’ve been on a research team with the WXML (Washington Experimental Mathematics Lab), studied abroad in Romania and Georgia, and volunteered in local 9th/10th grade math classes. From Eastern Europe to Seattle high school classrooms, these last 5 years have been a journey to so many places I never expected. In the future, I hope to combine my interests in the humanities and quantitative sciences by studying statistics in application to demographic issues and trends.
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Ricky Spaulding
English
Ricky Spaulding
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Finishing my thesis! I've grown so much as a writer in the past three years, so finishing a project on that scale was very gratifying.
Thesis: Really Really Real: Reality in Performance and the Hyperreal in the Plays of Annie Baker
In addition to the English department, I've been heavily involved with the School of Drama as well as the Department of Dance, taking many classes in those departments. I've also participated in eight productions (plays and musicals) during my time at UW, primarily as an actor but also as a director and crew member. This year in the English Honors sequence I've had the opportunity to focus on Drama and write a thesis about one of my favorite contemporary playwrights, Annie Baker. I've also had the opportunity to blend my interests in English and Drama by working as a Literary Intern at ACT Theatre.
This August I will be moving to New York City to attend a two-and-a-half year acting conservatory program at the Atlantic Acting School.
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Sarah Cooper
Neuroscience
Sarah Cooper
Neuroscience
Comparative History of Ideas
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting the opportunity to present a poster at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Conference this past Fall in Chicago.
Thesis: Stimulation Rebound in Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a graduate of the UW Honors Program! While at the University of Washington, I got involved in research through the BioRobotics Lab, and throughout my time here I explored and expanded my interest in the many facets of neuroscience through a combination of research and my major classes. I will be attending Vanderbilt University in the Fall to pursue a PhD through their Neuroscience graduate program. I am grateful for the many experiences that made my time at UW so special, from studying abroad in Italy the summer going into my Junior year, to being a member of UW Chorale for all four years here as I found a meaningful sense of community and a way to keep music in my life during my college years. I will never stop being grateful for all the incredible people who have touched my life here and made UW a place that will always hold a special place in my heart!
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Ari N Geary-Teeter
Biology and Philosophy
Ari N Geary-Teeter LinkedIn
Biology and Philosophy
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I studied abroad in Peru in Summer 2019 with a really great group of people. We worked hard on our research projects in the Amazon rainforest and had a lot of fun doing it. I'll never forget that experience and the community I got to be a part of.
I took a lot of interesting classes and did a lot of interesting research. I was involved in leadership, several RSOs, and I studied abroad. I'm particularly interested in ecology, ethics, and the intersection between them.
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Piper S Cramer
Bioengineering
Piper S Cramer
Bioengineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest memories at UW was having the opportunity to share my passion for bioengineering with other students through my position as a TA!
Thesis: Regulating chimeric γc cytokine receptor expression through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted integration
Hi, I'm Piper! It has been an amazing four years at UW, and I'm so grateful for the many amazing experiences I've had here. It was a pleasure learning alongside so many brilliant students and having the chance to explore my passions through classes, volunteering, and research. I am excited to spend the next couple years working before heading to grad school or medical school! Thank you to my professors, friends, and family for their never-ending support and encouragement in the pursuit of my dreams.
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Lingke Zhong
Biochemistry
Lingke Zhong
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: In my last quarter at UW, even with the fear of public speaking, I managed to present at the Annual ISCRM Symposium and at the 24th UW Undergraduate Research Symposium as a Mary Gates Scholar. I am proud that I overcame my fear and became more confident in making presentations.
Thesis: Combating COVID-19 with An Innovative Therapeutic
lingkz@uw.eduWhen I was on the PKX=>SEA flight 4 years ago, I was destined for the day I head towards the East Coast to continue my goal of being an entrepreneurial scientist. Now that I'm sitting on the plane flying from SEA => BOS, the reality is striking me quickly.
A mixture of science, business, and a two-year research experience at UW nurtured my path. People I've met in the past 3 years at UW truly influenced me to be boundless. I have become wiser and more motivated to push the frontier of combining science with business to promote forefront science to the general public. To my peers: I can’t wait to see what we will build for this world in the next 20 years!
I want to thank my parents for their unreserved support that allowed me to study abroad. I am also beyond grateful to have some close friends who were always there for my ups and downs in my college life. Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank myself for making it through all the obstacles and becoming stronger and stronger every time.Tags:
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Aleenah H Ansari
Human Centered Design & Engineering; Comparative History of Ideas
Aleenah H Ansari LinkedIn
Human Centered Design & Engineering; Comparative History of Ideas
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Presenting my research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium!
Thesis: Gentrification, Displacement, and the Question of Responsibility
My WebsiteI see myself as a story-listener who believes that she can learn from everyone, which I have done through writing articles about diverse communities on campus, work as a writing tutor, and internships at Microsoft as a UX writer and content creator. I'm working at Microsoft as a writer post-graduation, but I feel the most whole when writing love letters, discovering new murals, and sampling seasonal flavors of ice cream at Salt & Straw.
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Zoë Love Mertz
English / Creative Writing
Zoë Love Mertz LinkedIn
English / Creative Writing
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW is the day I finally got the chance to take a picture with Dubs, a true UW icon and legend
Thesis: "Witches Are Not So Delicate": A Feminist Revisionist Take on Madeline Miller's Circe
I am an English / Creative writing graduate with a love for all things literary (my favorite unofficial holiday is Seattle's annual Independent Bookstore Day!) During my time in UW Honors, I have spent two years bonding with classmates over lesson planning and reviewing four-year plans as an Honors Peer Educator, three years collaborating over community events and opportunities for handing out free food as an Honors Community Ambassador, and countless hours chattering away about the benefits of the UW Honors program at prospective student info sessions. My three years in college have also been devoted to proudly proclaiming the most ridiculous responses to writing prompts possible during Writing Club, teaching children of all ages how to punch and kick in my job as a martial arts instructor, slowly but surely learning how to make soup and sheet pan dinners without burning down the kitchen, and advocating with all my heart for the importance of arts and humanities education. Next year I plan to say a heartfelt goodbye to Seattle (for now!) and head east to Emerson College in Boston to pursue my Masters of Fine Arts in Fiction Writing, though I eagerly anticipate the chance to return for potential in-person grad celebrations and the long-awaited opportunity for pictures with the W in my cap and gown.
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Kaia Boonzaier
International Studies and Economics
Kaia Boonzaier LinkedIn
International Studies and Economics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Getting on the plane to study abroad in the Indian Himalaya for 4 months
kaiab@uw.eduI am passionate about conservation, would love to stay in school forever, and thus intend to pursue a career in environmental law upon graduating. I am so grateful to everyone I have met during my time as a husky-- the relationships I've developed with friends, faculty, and family throughout my time at UW have truly defined my college experience.
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Emily Paige Menz
B.S. Economics, B.A. Environmental Studies
Emily Paige Menz LinkedIn
B.S. Economics, B.A. Environmental Studies
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Seeing my research on carbon sequestration in Icelandic wetlands displayed as one of seven out of 400 submissions at Odegaard Library. Also performing at the Rose Bowl with the Husky Band to support UW Football.
Thesis: A New Approach for Valuing Biodiversity: Lessons from the Peruvian Amazon
My Website emilymenz1@gmail.comI am so thankful for the opportunities that UW and the Honors program have given me over the last four years. I was lucky enough to study abroad three times on three different continents, all focused on examining environmental problems in these unique regions of the world: Iceland, Peru, and China. I participated in our spirited culture by playing trombone in the Husky Marching Band and as a team member of the UW Women's Club Soccer team. I have lived in the dorms, in the Greek Community, and off-campus. I will soon graduate with two degrees. And all of this has led me to my next step - moving to London this fall to attend the London School of Economics and pursue my MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change. I am looking forward to dedicating my career toward finding systemic economic and business solutions to environmental problems.
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Kleitia Cerekja
Public Health- Global Health
Kleitia Cerekja
Public Health- Global Health
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Any moment when I stepped outside of my comfort zone, in terms of academic and experiential learning opportunities.
I am deeply committed to the idea that health is a human right, and plan to use the tools that my department and the honors program taught me to inform how I conduct public health work.
During my time at UW, I have been involved in undergraduate research and service learning with local and state organizations. Additionally, I participated in the Honors Netherlands Study Abroad, where I explored innovation in the cultural heritage sector and it's intersection with public health work. On campus, I was an active member of GlobeMed, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to supporting grassroots global health work. I am also involved in the local Albanian-American community here in the Greater Seattle area.
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Fredrik Mansfield
Comparative History of Ideas
Fredrik Mansfield
Comparative History of Ideas
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: It took me by great surprise when Dr. Boers of UW Chamber Singers shared with me that he wanted to use my first choral composition for our 2018 Spring concert. Just weeks before graduation, the concert was the culmination of much of what I have worked on at UW, and I was able to celebrate with family and friends.
Thesis: Beyond Prayer: Liberationist Christian Praxis in the Contemporary U.S.
My Website fredrik.mansfield@gmail.comI am a soon-graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative History of Ideas (CHID). Deeply passionate about life, social justice, and unconditional global love, I find himself devoting all my free time to community groups all across the spectrum, often involved in some form of outreach. Personal pastimes include running, delving into the great outdoors, singing, and spending time with loved ones. My plan is eventually to pursue some form of radical living project (Christian commune). Thereafter, I hope to be inspiring and challenging people of all walks of life to practice bold and sacrificial love to all peoples, especially those most marginalized by the structures in our society. Fun fact: I walk everywhere barefoot and get the most surprising reactions for it. Some people think I'm disgusting, others praise my initiative and ask for my social media (which is pretty much nonexistent).
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Dax Tate
History
Dax Tate LinkedIn
History
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Winning the Outstanding Graduating Senior in History. Not only was it an honor to be recognized for this award, but it was also very heartening to hear that my professors recognized how much I appreciated their contributions to the courses I took, and felt the gratitude they deserved for teaching such fascinating and important courses.
Thesis: Collaboration Horizontale and the Agency of Women in Nazi-Occupied France
daxtate@comcast.netHi! My name is Dax, I'm graduating from UW with a degree in history. As I look back on my time here, I feel very fortunate to have found the experiences and opportunities that I have had at UW. Thanks to Husky Running Club, I was able to explore Seattle and meet many of my closest friends, and I hope I have given back to the club as the Vice President last year and as the President this year. I also had the unique opportunity to help (re)establish the Waterski Team here, and to participate on the ultimate frisbee team. All of these have been important escapes for me whenever school became too stressful, and the friends I have met here will stay with me long after I have left UW.
I academics, I am proud of my achievements in the classroom, and thankful that the history department and the honors program have allowed me to learn such a diverse array of materials. In the honors program alone, I have studied everything from Japanese-American literature and film to climate science to the history of the philosophy of science. The wide range of topics I have studied here have made me a more balanced student and, I hope, a more well-rounded individual and citizen. Next year, I will be putting these perspectives to use as I apply to graduate school in history, with the eventual hope of becoming a history professor.
Ultimately, I am happy with the balance I have struck the last four years, be it between an academic and social life or between history and poli sci. This balance has helped me to keep my sanity despite the stresses of college life, and will help me as an individual going forward. Thank you to UW and to the Interdisciplinary Honors Program for helping to make this such a positive experience!
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Hyae Won Hannah Redden
Bioengineering, Biochemistry
Hyae Won Hannah Redden LinkedIn
Bioengineering, Biochemistry
Chemistry, Classical Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Organizing outreach visits to high schools to teach bioengineering to schools with diverse populations that have traditionally been underrepresented in the field of bioengineering.
Thesis: Classification of Alzheimer's Disease Patients using Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Network Connectivity Analysis
hkredden3@gmail.comHello! My name is Hyae Won (Hannah) Redden and I am a senior graduating from the Department of Bioengineering and the Department of Biochemistry. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. when I was three years old, growing up first in Little Rock, Arkansas and later University Place, Washington, before starting school here in Seattle.
Throughout my time at UW, I have been fortunate to have taken part in so many transformative experiences through taking engaging courses, participating in extracurricular activities, and interacting with so many extraordinary people. Some of my most meaningful experiences include coordinating a reading program at Seattle Children's Hospital and the UW Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; receiving a Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Nepal, where I was able to assess health technology needs in the OB/GYN department; coordinating a website for Science Explorers, a graduate student group that develops science lesson plans for elementary-aged students; serving as Outreach Chair for the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) at UW for the past 2 years; and being a part of the Department of Bioengineering Diversity Committee, where I was not only able to contribute to improving efforts to improve diverse outreach, but also reflect on inequalities that exist in society and in higher education and think critically about action items to address such issues. These experiences, in conjunction with my research and academic studies in biochemistry and bioengineering, have fueled both existing and new passions and I hope to take these perspectives with me as I pursue a career in healthcare.
In my free time, I enjoy bullet journaling, hand lettering, taking on miscellaneous arts and craft projects, reading (especially autobiographies and memoirs), and traveling. My favorite travel memories during my time as an undergrad include holding a newborn baby at an outreach center in Bolde, Nepal, working as a patisserie assistant in a tiny little town called Nitry in France, and learning more about my home country. After graduation, I hope to continue learning about different cultures in the communities around me as well as while traveling abroad.
And of course, I wouldn't be here today without all of the amazing people that have helped me along the way, so thank you to the amazing peers, professors, and mentors that have contributed to such a great undergrad experience! Also, I'd like to thank my family for all of the endless love and support!
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Leah Osnis
Biochemistry
Leah Osnis
Biochemistry
Chemistry and English
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: A good amount of my proudest moments involved lab. When I first started research, I struggled picking things up. Thus when things started going well, I always felt an immense sense of pride such as when someone first started asking me for advice, or when I presented my work, or when I was published on a paper.
I have been a Seattle local since 2007 and came to UW not entirely set on what I wanted to do but the natural sciences have always interested me. I ended up pursuing a pre-medical track and at my time at UW I have tutored, participated in research, and volunteered. In my spare time I love playing with my two dogs, drinking coffee and reading - something I hope to catch up on after graduation.
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Cameron Alexis Wood
Human Centered Design & Engineering
Cameron Alexis Wood LinkedIn
Human Centered Design & Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting published at CSCW 2020 for my research on HCI + misinformation!
My Website cameronalexis@gmail.comHi, I'm Cam! I'm a human-centered designer with a passion for products that facilitate connection. I love climbing, concerts, and my cat, Harley.
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Julia R Bauman
Neurobiology
Julia R Bauman LinkedIn
Neurobiology
Philosophy
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Being selected as a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship.
Thesis: Associations between depression, traumatic brain injury, and cognitively-defined late-onset Alzheimer clinical syndrome subgroups
I intend to pursue a career in research and medicine. Following graduation, I am moving to Boston to work as a research associate at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, where I will study functional cancer genomics.
Outside of school/work, my favorite hobbies are running, reading, and playing the piano.Tags:
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Kiana Alexis Rahni
Economics & Political Science
Kiana Alexis Rahni LinkedIn
Economics & Political Science
Global Health
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Finishing my thesis felt like a major accomplishment, one that truly captured my wide range of academic interests!
Thesis: Autocratic Transitions & Health System Performance: Regime Type as a Social Determinant of Health
I came to UW determined to go to law school and run for office. Over the past four years, UW and the Honors Program gave me the opportunity to explore a much broader range of interests. I've since taken a deep dive into the field of global health, learned to code, studied abroad in Uganda, completed internships and research at King County Public Health and UW Medicine, and found my first full-time job as a consultant. I've pursued my passion for philanthropy and educational opportunity and feel so grateful and proud to have spent the last four years making the most of the communities, classes, and opportunities that UW has provided me.
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We love Honors
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Annie Marie Lewis
English and History
Annie Marie Lewis
English and History
Jewish Studies and Spanish
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was being selected as a nominee for the Dean's Medal in the Social Sciences.
Thesis: Honors English Thesis: "Reacting to the Past: Dismantling the Reductionist View of Identity"; Honors History Thesis: “Precarious Whiteness: Reimagining the Seattle Sephardic Origin Story”
annieml@uw.eduHi there! My name is Annie. I double majored in English and History and double minored in Spanish and Jewish studies. Intellectual challenge, community building, and student empowerment—three of my top values—are exemplified by my participation in three University Honors Programs: Interdisciplinary Honors, English Departmental Honors, and History Departmental Honors. My specialty knowledge in English is focused on trauma studies, identity and identity-based conflict, and modernity. In history, I am most well-versed in race and immigration studies studies, Jewish studies, and European history.
After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in Academic Support Programs and will take my first steps towards that goal by traveling for 8 months with the Bonderman Fellowship. As an aspiring educator, I hope to use my travels to explore diverse expressions of vulnerability and gain greater multicultural awareness. Upon returning to the United States, I hope to create new types of culturally-sensitive academic support programs that better assist underrepresented, underserved, and marginalized groups. To explore how higher education can be more equitable and intentional about supporting social justice, I will travel to China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, India, South Africa, Tanzania, and Morocco.
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Wen Qian Chua
Architectural Design
Wen Qian Chua
Architectural Design
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Graduating from the UW architectural design program
Thesis: Lighting Design for Health and Happiness in Nordic Architecture
My Website wqchua@uw.eduHello! I am Wen, and I am an architectural design student. I love pretty things, running, playing the violin and eating croissants.
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Grace Shannon Woodard
Psychology
Grace Shannon Woodard LinkedIn
Psychology
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was receiving a call from President Cauce that I am the President's Medalist for the Class of 2018.
Thesis: Fear Generalization and Avoidance: Reactions to Ambiguous Stimuli Contributing to Post-Trauma Psychopathology
gracesw@uw.eduDuring my time at UW, I have been deeply involved in academics, student leadership, and service for which I was awarded the Class of 2018 President's Medal. I was elected to the Panhellenic Executive Board and instituted many programming changes for which I earned the national award for Outstanding Leadership and Educational Programming. I was involved in the ASUW Mental Health Working Group, Honors service study abroad, tutoring/mentoring at a local high school, and helping to raise $55,000 for Court Appointed Special Advocates of King County. I completed my undergraduate thesis in the UW Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress and received a scholarship to present my research at UCLA. Next year I will be working at Dr. Dorsey's Dissemination and Implementation Lab as a Research Coordinator before applying to PhD programs.
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Emily Poulin
Marine Biology; Biology (Physiology)
Emily Poulin LinkedIn
Marine Biology; Biology (Physiology)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I was excited to be accepted to a PhD program directly out of undergrad. I will be starting my PhD in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine in the fall of 2021. In graduate school I am planning to study the comparative functional morphology and biomechanics of swimming and feeding mechanisms in elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates).
Thesis: The versatile skulls of herbivorous fishes: functional morphology of pacu jaws and teeth
epoulin@uci.eduI am passionate about marine life and evolutionary biology, and I am especially interested in learning about fishes. I loved my time at UW because I was able to explore my scientific interests and develop my skills as a researcher.
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Cristian Josue Rivera Nales
B.S. in Psychology
Cristian Josue Rivera Nales LinkedIn
B.S. in Psychology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was receiving the Guthrie Prize for the best empirical paper
Thesis: Effectiveness of a Transdiagnostic Evidence-Based Treatment on Improving Child Clinical Outcomes in Washington State Community Mental Health
cjrn1@live.comI am a first-generation student that is originally from Puerto Rico who loves to go out dancing. Since my father is in the military, I have moved all around the world and had the opportunity to interact with a variety of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This has helped me understand and communicate with individuals more readily and has given me a fair amount of opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. I am passionate about both the research and clinical sides of psychology and hope to eventually receive my Ph.D. in child clinical psychology.
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Michaela Leung
Earth and Space Sciences
Michaela Leung
Earth and Space Sciences
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: In my senior year, I published a first author paper in culmination of research throughout my time in undergrad.
My WebsiteI came to UW at 15 through the Robinson Center's UW Academy for Young Scholars. In my sophomore year, I was able to explore beyond my major including doing a study abroad in Italy. I have been involved in research for much of my time at college as well as working at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center as both a tutor and peer leader. This year, I was honored to be selected as part of the 2020 Husky 100 and to be able to share my passions for science, education, and equity. In the fall, I will be starting a PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside where I am excited to continue my academic and personal journeys of discovery and growth that have begun here at UW.
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Alexis R. Huerta
Political Science & Law, Societies and Justice
Alexis R. Huerta
Political Science & Law, Societies and Justice
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was working with student-inmates at the Monroe Correctional Complex where we worked on creating a sustainable prison-based college program.
I am excited and proud to announce that soon I will be graduating from the UW with a double major in Political Science and Law, Societies, and Justice. Coming from a family of Mexican immigrants, this journey stands as a testimony to the strength, perseverance, and resilience of my community. This moment could not have been possible without the support of my mother (Yadira), grandparents (Emma & Abel), my boyfriend (Mitch), and all the incredible friendships I have made over the last four years. I plan on continuing my education at UCLA School of Law where I hope to keep fighting for marginalized communities.
Un gran agradecimiento a mi familia por todo el amor y apoyo que ha hecho posible este momento. ¡Este título es para todos ustedes!
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Sarah Rubin
Psychology
Sarah Rubin
Psychology
Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Presenting my research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium!
Thesis: Exploring the Relationship between Trauma Chronicity and Implicit Self-Concept
My time at the UW has been transformative both academically and personally, and I have learned more about myself and the world than I ever anticipated. I am grateful to my professors, mentors, fellow students, family, and friends for supporting me, teaching me, and challenging me throughout these past four years. I am excited to begin this next chapter in my life, and hope to use the gift of my education to better the world around me.
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Natalie Upton
Psychology B.S.
Natalie Upton
Psychology B.S.
Spanish
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Receiving the Mary Gates Research Scholarship.
After transferring from UCLA in my first-year year, I have never once regretted my choice to return to my hometown and to UW. I have been very fortunate to have been afforded a number of monumental opportunities during my time as a student; I became a Mary Gates scholar in spring 2017, I studied abroad in San Sebastián, Spain in summer 2017 to complete my Spanish minor, and I have worked for two years at the Kevin King Lab in the UW Psychology Department. Through this lab, I developed and completed my departmental honors project, entitled “Impulsive Behavior as a Strategic Coping Response to Stress and Negative Mood”. These accomplishments did not come without sacrifice; I worked three jobs to support myself through my classwork and my various interests. These collective experiences motivated me to finish classes two quarters ahead of my planned graduation and move on to work full time at Northwest Neuropsychology Learning and Behavior Services, where I hold the title of Psychometrist and Behavioral/Educational Consultant. This fall, I look forward to continuing with this clinical position as well as beginning coursework for my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to my mentors, including Dr. Kevin King and Madison Feil, as well as to my friends and family for supporting me throughout my undergraduate career.
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Sharay M Rapozo
Political Science
Sharay M Rapozo
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being a FIG leader and building connections with my students!!
Sharay Rapozo is a proud first-generation college graduate, earning her degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in December 2020. Originally from Kauai, Hawaii, Sharay moved to Seattle to pursue higher education. During her time her at the UW, Sharay found ways to incorporate values important to her, such as education, collaboration, and determination, into her activities. Sharay mentored with the Dream Project and Mentor Power for Success. She was also a First Year Interest Group (FIG) leader. Her interests of study included American politics, the American court system, democracy, critical race theory, prison abolition, and much more.
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Ge Shang
Psychology
Ge Shang
Psychology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Received Psychology Departmental Research Award, and Mary Gates Research Scholarship
Thesis: Person-specific Links between Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Hygiene Practice, and Depression Symptoms
bettyshang1998@gmail.comI'm an international student from China. I started my journey at UW - Seattle as an undergrad 4 years ago and before long, I fell in love with the city. At UW, I've been able to widely explore my academic interests. For many years, I've been fascinated by the human mind and drawn to topics around psychopathology. Therefore, after taking courses in psychology and some other fields, I became clearer about my true passion and decided to major in psychology.
In my junior year, I joined our departmental honors program and there, I got to dive into my interest topic in psychology and hone my research skills. I've felt very lucky to work in Dr. Katherine Foster's PEARL lab, where I've learned so much, and received tremendous help, support and inspiration, and collaborated with extremely talented people and researchers in this field.
During my time at UW, I've met life-changing people, taken mind-blowing, enlightening, and challenging courses in various fields. I'm grateful for all my experiences and the amazing people I met in the past 4 years for they've shaped me into a better person, and provided me with valuable perspectives. I've learned a lot from every experience I had, and I've become braver to take on challenges and pursue my goals in the future.
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Adam Towers
Computer Science
Adam Towers
Computer Science
Entrepreneurship
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Founding UW's first student-run startup incubator
My Website adam@towers.emailI'm a senior at the University of Washington, Seattle, studying computer science and entrepreneurship. Over the last 4 years of college I’ve founded a software startup, manufactured and sold a party card game, and brewed moonshine in my dorm room freezer. I also ran the technology team at DubHacks, was the head teaching assistant for a human-computer interaction course, and am a part of UW’s interdisciplinary honors program.
Outside of school, I love playing board games, watching professional League of Legends, and bantering with friends. I enjoy gravity-assist sports, namely downhill mountain biking and skiing, and I’ve been trying to get into running (but this is attempt #4, so we’ll see if I stick to it).
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We love Honors
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Kiran Singh
Political Science: International Security
Kiran Singh LinkedIn
Political Science: International Security
Law, Societies, and Justice; Human Rights
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Watching my parents find my profile on the Husky 100 page! :)
Thesis: Designed to Fail: The Impact of Correctional Education on PIC-Driven Recidivism
harkiran.singh00@gmail.comMy passions are equity and progress at all intersections of our society, specifically through legal and political reform; so, I've kept busy by advocating for DEI in higher education, health-focused drug policy, expanded access to civic engagement, and agricultural laborers' rights through different on- and off-campus experiences.
And still, the best part of my UW experience was all of you! I learned more from my peers than from any (over-priced) assigned textbook, and I'm indescribably grateful for the many mentors who only expected the best from me. I only hope the time spent serving my communities amounts to a fraction of the love, support, and encouragement shown to me by faculty, staff, friends, and family as I work to pursue pathways to justice.Tags:
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Emma S Schnee
International Studies
Emma S Schnee LinkedIn
International Studies
Entrepreneurship
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Really taking advantage of the opportunities in Seattle and the surrounding outdoors!
emma.schnee1@gmail.comI am so thankful for the last four years at UW and the amazing education that I received. Here are a few highlights:
- The Jackson School's task force program where my team created policy recommendations for the Syrian Refugee Crisis and presented to Michael Ratney, a senior US Foreign Service Officer and former US Special Envoy for Syria.
- Creating Altru, a sustainable snack marketing business, as part of the "create a company" Entrepreneurship Capstone.
- UW Club Soccer, Skiing, Hiking, Climbing
- Favorite PNW outdoor adventure: Through Hiking the Enchantments
- Unofficial Minor in Travel: China, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina
- Honors Fun fact: I met most of my best friends at honors orientation!Tags:
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Kurt A Delegard
Comprehensive Physics
Kurt A Delegard LinkedIn
Comprehensive Physics
Mathematics and Asian Languages & Cultures
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Making lifelong friends, and making lifelong memories with them.
My Website kurt3903@gmail.comI came to UW in 2016 with the intent to become a nuclear physicist. It was a big change for me, not only transitioning from high school, but also to live in the city and take care of myself independently. I made many new friends and had the best roommates I could have hoped for here at UW! I also had a great part-time job working at Bay Laurel Catering, which was a very unique and rewarding experience. I got to participate in undergraduate research in the UW Quantum Ion Computing Group, working alongside a fun and talented group to put my physics skills to work.
The Physics Departmental Honors program showed me several new and exciting research applications in modern physics. I got to study several experiments in great detail, which not only improved my understanding of the physics involved in these studies, but gave me a greater appreciation for the applications of physics and the knowledge I was gaining.
Life at UW has certainly opened up my eyes to trying out new experiences and opportunities - I now see the wide variety of possible careers and higher education that await me as a physics graduate. While I am considering graduate school in my future, I want to get a job where I can apply my physics knowledge and see what fields I want to pursue in detail. I can't wait to see what the future holds for me and my fellow graduates!Tags:
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Anika K Padwekar
Computer Science
Anika K Padwekar LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments was creating a music video of our competition set with my a cappella group Furmata. I never imagined that I would be involved in a musical project of this caliber as an undergrad.
I am excited to be graduating from UW with Interdisciplinary Honors and a degree in Computer Science. These past four years I have gotten to explore my biggest passions: music and technology. I have been deeply involved in my a cappella group Furmata. I have sung at various events in Seattle including weddings, fundraisers, UW alum events, and national competitions. As President of Furmata, I have overseen and organized competitions, gigs, music videos, and albums. I have also enjoyed deepening my knowledge of computer science outside of the classroom. My experience as a TA for the CSE14x series along with my internships at Automation Anywhere and Amazon have prepared me for my full-time role at Microsoft. I feel so lucky to have found incredible friends at UW, and I can't wait to grow with them.
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Nell Baumgarten
Biology and Psychology
Nell Baumgarten
Biology and Psychology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Being nominated by the Psychology Department for the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Medal!
neb2016@gmail.comI am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had while a student at UW. Some of my most meaningful experiences throughout college include working as an assistant in an inclusive preschool classroom at the EEU, interning in the Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit, and coordinating a reading program in the Seattle Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic.
I also enjoyed researching the effect of pollution on mussels in the Carrington Lab, studying abroad in Costa Rica, and taking the leap to join the climbing team at UW with no climbing experience! I look forward to my next chapter, which will hopefully include bikepacking (backpacking, with everything on a bike), camping, reading, and lots of good coffee.
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Addison Mitchell Peabody
Architectural Design
Addison Mitchell Peabody
Architectural Design
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Getting accepted to the Architectural Design Major
My WebsiteComing to UW has been an adventure, from finding community around the campus, to studying abroad in Italy, to late, late nights working on architecture assignments. I still remember one of my earliest days on campus walking through Gould Hall, looking at all the amazing projects in the Arch. Design program, and saying aloud "I want to go to this school, and I want to do this program!" Fast forward a few short years later and it's on to the next chapter already.
I'll never forget the memories from the program. Across all the studios I was a part of, I had the opportunity to design urban farms, schools, sculptures, private retreats, and community spaces that gave me a chance to engage with real people on real sites. Learning not just how to draw a space, but to make a meaningful connection between people and places in a design is something I will take with me for the rest of my life. Getting the chance to study abroad was also an experience that resonated deeply with everything I've learned and grown to love about Architecture, and I could not be more grateful for the time we had there.
In addition to the major, UW gave me a chance to continue working at a writing center. As a high school student, I did Running Start full-time and worked at the Highline Writing Center, which is how I learned of the Odegaard Writing and Research Center. Working one-on-one with students across all majors and fields of study was such a privilege, and helping them craft their research, personal statements, and stories was one of the most meaningful connections to the campus I've had during my stay here.
I am both sad to reach the end of this chapter and eager to start the next one. Most of all though, I am grateful for the community and memories I've made at the UW.
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Annapurni Sriram
Bioengineering
Annapurni Sriram LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Speaking to underclassmen about mental health and wellness - success goes beyond numbers!
The University of Washington has offered me incredible academic experiences, facilitated my growth as a leader, and has introduced me to lifelong friends. I am grateful for my undergraduate experience and sense of community here at the UW.
I have explored my passion for biotechnology and global health through my research in the Lutz lab, involvement with Bioengineers without Borders, and in Bioengineering coursework. Challenging Interdisciplinary honors classes and study abroad trips to Italy and the UK have imbibed in me the importance of an inclusive academic perspective. All the while, I have cultivated meaning relationships with peers, faculty, and community members at the UW.
During the last four years, I have found happiness in the pursuit of knowledge and I am so excited and humbled by the possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to the best friends and family a girl could ask for!
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Olivia Danielle Perrone
English
Olivia Danielle Perrone LinkedIn
English
Professional Sales Program Certificate
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was seeing my hard work in applying for internships pay off. Junior fall quarter I worked with my mentors and advisors to edit my resume and learn how to best pitch myself and my background to companies. I ended up interning at AWS which resulted in a full-time offer come this September. I am very grateful for all the people who have cheered me on along the way!
Thesis: The Dawn of Disaster : Political Critiques in The Word for World is Forest by Ursula Le Guin and Dawn by Octavia E. Butler
perroneoli@gmail.comThe past four years at UW have been more than I could have ever asked for! While at UW I have been a member of Delta Gamma, a two-time study abroad student, a FIG leader, a member of the Honors Program, a student in the Professional Sales Program, and an avid hiker, skier, and Seattle explorer. I am endlessly grateful for the friends I have made and for the communities that have fostered my growth. After graduation I will be working for Amazon Web Services (AWS) as an Associate Account Executive right here in Seattle. I look forward to continuing to call this place home. Go Dawgs!
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Aria R Tornabene
Neuroscience
Aria R Tornabene
Neuroscience
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was when I delivered a presentation on end-stage renal disease in a medical physiology class. I was able to overcome a fear of public speaking and more clearly see myself pursuing a career in healthcare!
My WebsiteI am proud to be graduating with a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Interdisciplinary Honors, and I am grateful for the support and opportunities that have made my time at UW unforgettable. I would not be here today without the unconditional encouragement and support from my family!
I am from Wenatchee, WA and love to hike, cook and read in my spare time. After graduation I will be working as a certified nursing assistant as I prepare to apply to physician assistant (PA) programs.
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Amanda Elaine Chalfant
Computer Science
Amanda Elaine Chalfant LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Becoming a member of the 2018 Husky 100 honorees!
aechalf@gmail.comMy time at UW has been shaped by many amazing and challenging experiences. As a student in Honors and Computer Science, I've learned from amazing faculty how to think critically and creatively on everything from Shakespeare to systems programming. As a future leader in the software industry, I've interned at companies in Seattle and the Silicon Valley, such as Microsoft, Apple, and Google. As a member of this diverse campus, I've been involved in Greek life, advising, and other organizations that aim to better the experience for students across campus. And as an individual, I've endured challenges of the last four years and ultimately become more confident and open-minded. This fall I will begin my career as a Software Engineer at Microsoft working on cloud computing, and I am so grateful for my experiences at UW that have prepared me for the future.
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Zhouyihan Li
biochemistry
Zhouyihan Li
biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Receive the Mary Gates Research Scholarship
I am from China. I like dancing, reading and yoga. My career direction is biomedical science, so I also did some research at several labs at UW.
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James Oliver Randall
Social Welfare
James Oliver Randall LinkedIn
Social Welfare
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Submitting my Research Presentation to the Undergraduate Research Symposium
Thesis: The Effectiveness of Veterans Treatment Court: A Participant Perspective
I’m a runner who is passionate about social work, therapy and treatment targeted toward trauma, substance use, and mental illness. I transferred from Bellevue College in 2019, and will be continuing into the Master in Social Work program following graduation.
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We love Honors
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Zach Gommi
Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Zach Gommi LinkedIn
Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments was manufacturing a 40 inch fiberglass nose cone at the end of my junior year and third year on SARP. The nose cone was a culmination of a full year of hard work and two previous years of troubleshooting and lessons learned. It was very satisfying seeing the nose cone and holding it in my hands knowing that trial and error as well as the engineering process succeeded.
I am an aerospace engineering student dedicated to the advancement of rocketry and space exploration. I am a member of the Society for Advanced Rocket Propulsion (SARP) and currently lead the Structures subteam composed of approximately 50 students. Beyond education, my hobbies include running, rock climbing, snow boarding, swimming, hiking, backpacking, and essentially anything else that will get me outside exploring the PNW. After graduation, I will be starting my career as a Project Engineer at Janicki Industries in the Military Aerospace Fly Away Assemblies division where I will continue working with advanced composites.
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Jacquelyn E Mixon
Art History and Honors Painting and Drawing
Jacquelyn E Mixon
Art History and Honors Painting and Drawing
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW is graduating as a first generation college student!
It has been really awesome to be a UW student. I've really found my passion here, in art no less (every mother's worst nightmare!) But UW has shaped me to be who I am today and has set me on a life path where I can actually be happy.
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Karen Zhang
Biochemistry, Microbiology
Karen Zhang LinkedIn
Biochemistry, Microbiology
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Publishing my first scientific paper!
Four years feels at once too long to have passed by so quickly, and too short to have left such a blazing impact on my life. In this time, I discovered a passion for synthetic biology by conducting exciting and thought-provoking research at the Molecular Information Systems Lab. One summer, I took a leap of faith and spent five weeks studying the humanities in the UK, an experience that to this day feels like a dream. I've traveled far in my intellectual pursuits as well. Apart from delving into biochemistry and microbiology, I've taken classes on machine learning, travel writing, prisons, and even J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm grateful to have garnered such an inspiring collection of interdisciplinary experiences as I step into the next part of my journey. This fall, I will begin a PhD in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley-UCSF, where I hope my fledgling scientific career will finally take wing.
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Em Chapple
BS Psychology
Em Chapple
BS Psychology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Writing a short story for my study abroad independent project!
I'm Em, and I'm graduating in the class of 2020 whoo! I loved being a Husky, and although I'm sad to see my time at UW end, I am so happy that I got to have all of the experiences I did. I was an HFS tour guide, I worked as a research assistant in three different settings, joined my sorority Alpha Omicron Pi, fell in love with my now UW grad boyfriend, and studied abroad in Italy- Rome, Venice, and Florence! I am starting my Master of Public Health at the Boston University School of Public Health this fall, and hope to work in community health practice. Bye UW, and thanks for all the memories!
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Aria Elaine Garrett
Biochemistry
Aria Elaine Garrett LinkedIn
Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Spending my summer taking an intensive Arabic course
Thesis: Reducing Amyloid-Beta Aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans: A role for Retrograde Response Signaling and bZIP transcription Factors
I grew up on Vashon Island, WA, which sits in the Puget Sound. While at UW, I was able to spend three years conducting undergraduate research on mitochondrial retrograde signaling and Alzheimer's disease. I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about toxicology & public heath while working as an assistant for the Institute for Risk Analysis and Risk Communication, and come across new biological methods as an research intern at DotQuant. I've enjoyed getting my degree in biochemistry because it has allowed me to interact with many interesting sub-fields of biology -- from protein design to drug metabolism! I'm excited to spend my summer continuing my internship before (hopefully) exploring abroad and applying to graduate programs.
Outside of class, I love to spend time with family and friends, tend to my plants, go birding, and try new desserts on the Ave!
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Katie Chua
Business Administration (Marketing Concentration) & English: Language and Literature
Katie Chua LinkedIn
Business Administration (Marketing Concentration) & English: Language and Literature
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments is the time I spent abroad where I really grew as an individual during a challenging time.
Thesis: “I get out and start walking”: Refusal of the Asian American Family Unit by Exploring Debt, Migrancy, and Queer Reproduction in Ling Ma’s Severance
Originally from Boulder, Colorado, I've lived in 5 different cities during my college experience. Movement has characterized my understanding of the world and meeting new people and learning new things is something I always seek in my life.
I'm graduating with a BBA with a Marketing concentration and a BA in English: Language and Literature. The English Honors program was one of my favorite endeavors in college because I truly loved getting to know my cohort and learning in a supportive environment. I also learned how much I enjoy learning about critical theory and conducting research and I look forward to applying to graduate programs to continue my research on racial capitalism, Marxist feminist studies, and Asian American literature!
At UW, I worked at doughnuts and coffee shops, literary agencies and publishers, and focused on mentorship with my RSOs. I have fond memories of speaking with professors after class outside Suzzallo, reading in the quad during Spring Quarter, and hosting brunches with my roommates. It's been an incredible 4 years!
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Eleanor Mount
Political Science and Law, Societies and Justice
Eleanor Mount LinkedIn
Political Science and Law, Societies and Justice
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Speaking to students in Dr. Jessica Beyer's Cybersecurity class about my summer research experiences at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. It was a great opportunity to encourage social science students to get involved with technology research!
Thesis: Solving the Cyber Cooperation Conundrum: Lessons from Land, Sea, and War
My Website eleanormount1@gmail.comI'm passionate about using technology to improve institutional inefficiencies and making complicated subjects simple. I've applied my interests and skills in a number of settings, including my Honors thesis with the Department of Political Science, a National Laboratory in a cybersecurity internship program, and most recently, my new job at a Healthcare tech company!
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Annalena Rose Peterson
Business Administration: Finance
Annalena Rose Peterson LinkedIn
Business Administration: Finance
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was receiving my summer internship offer at The Intel Corporation and presenting my recommendations at the end of the 12-week internship.
My Website annalenarose22@gmail.comMy name is Lena and I am a senior graduating from the Foster School of Business with a focus in Finance. I am passionate about leadership, art and travel. After graduation I will be moving to Portland, Oregon to begin my career as a financial analyst at The Intel Corporation.
During my time at UW I had the opportunity to study abroad in both Rome, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Both of these experiences yielded a decisive shift in my priorities, relationships, and what I imagined for my future. The journal I kept in Rome served as an outlet to process my experiences, but it also turned out to spark a passion for writing. During my senior year, Buenos Aires reignited my interests in art and travel. I had more time to create, and no shortage of inspiration. I loved visiting new museums, learning the history of the murals decorating the streets, and simply appreciating the idiosyncrasies of a new city.
Spending my final quarter of college quarantined in my apartment, has given me the opportunity to celebrate this last chapter of college with my best friends, and also ample time to reflect on the last four years. College is a primary time in life meant for learning. It just so happens that as much of my education came from outside the classroom, as from inside. And I’ve learned just as much about myself, as I have about the subjects covered in my classes.
I encourage you to take a look at my portfolio if you have a chance, because I’ve added a bunch of art and photos to give viewer a better idea of what’s important to me. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to develop my honors portfolio in punctuation of my senior year, and confident that it is an accurate and continuously evolving illustration of the last four years.
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Alissa M Jean-Baptiste
Art - Concentration in Painting and Drawing
Alissa M Jean-Baptiste LinkedIn
Art - Concentration in Painting and Drawing
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I felt proud when I first saw my paintings hung on the walls of the Jacob Lawrence Gallery
Thesis: Moments of Joy
My Website alissa.mjb@gmail.comBio
Alissa was born and raised in the forest of Monroe WA, and now resides in Seattle WA. She was homeschooled which gave her much time to explore her interests in the arts through dancing, drawing and music. The joy, movement, and colors of nature all show themselves in her art practice. She attended Bellevue college then took an eight-year hiatus to work and travel. Throughout her life she has traveled to eight different countries which have caused her to grow in empathy towards others and gather inspiration that have thus informed her work.
She then attended the University of Washington and concentrated in painting and Drawing. Because of her wide range of interests, she calls herself an interdisciplinary artist with a current emphasis on oil painting, music production/performance, and mixed-media digital art. Her interest lies in depicting the moments of joy and hope found in the simple, overlooked moments, often utilizing the human figure and portraits in the work.Artist Statement
The word Honesty has been a theme in the artwork that has been produced during my time at the University of Washington. In my current paintings I strive to embody and highlight the glimmers of hope found during these long months of covid lockdown. It is an intimate view of moments of calm and joy and the dark and often soul-crushing loneliness that accompanies that. The ultimate hope in my work is that it would be an encouragement to the viewer by reminding them that they are not alone in their experiences, and to inspire the viewer to have hope. I accomplish this through not only the subject but also through depictions of color, movement and brushstrokes that harken to freedom.
Soon I hope to experiment with different mediums such as pen and ink, gauche and watercolor. I also plan to dive deeper into the world of art and movement via 2D digital and analog animation and find ways to incorporate that with my other passion of music composition and video production.Tags:
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Sofia Thomas
Informatics: Data Science / Human Computer Interaction
Sofia Thomas
Informatics: Data Science / Human Computer Interaction
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting into my major!
A little about myself- I’m originally from Tacoma WA, but I've also lived in Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and spent several months of every year visiting my family in Spain! Outside of work and school, I love being outdoors and cooking random recipes, and also enjoy dancing, attending art walks, and visiting local markets. Aside from those hobbies, my main passion in life is traveling. This year, I had the opportunity to live abroad in Europe with my family during the full school year. Once travel opens up again, I hope to visit several different countries before starting my job at Microsoft as a project manager!
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Kate Turk
Biology (Physiology)
Kate Turk LinkedIn
Biology (Physiology)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: becoming a published author on an academic article in the Journal of Endocrinology.
My WebsiteI am an energetic, science-loving, outdoor enthusiast who wishes being in school were a career in itself.
During my four years at UW, I volunteered weekly at Seattle Children's hospital, helped bring healthcare services to under-resourced communities in Latin America through Global Medical Brigades, and conducted research in UW Medicine's Department of Nutrition. I also took classes that focused on everything from biochemistry to Latin American Jazz, drank an obnoxious amount of coffee, and made lifelong friendships.
Next year, I will be working for a Global Health nonprofit organization, and I hope to eventually pursue a career in medicine.
Thank you for the adventure, UW!
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James Thomas Parks
Business Administration - Accounting
James Thomas Parks LinkedIn
Business Administration - Accounting
Law, Societies, and Justice
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Hosting an charity event with my club (Beta Alpha Psi) that raised over 15,000 for Seattle Children's Hospital and brought the Seattle business community together for a great cause.
jtp.1122@gmail.comI just graduated from the Foster School of Business in Accounting and am returning next year to complete a Masters of Science in Taxation. I am interning in tax services at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) this summer in Seattle and am looking forward to progressing in a tax career.
My interests include:
1. Fitness: Weight-Lifting, Running, and Playing Basketball.
2. Watching Basketball, Football, and Baseball. 3.
Playing Fantasy Sports.
4. TV shows: Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and Billions are among my all-time favorites.Tags:
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Kyla Renee Bivens
Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
Kyla Renee Bivens
Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
Marine Biology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments was when I was awarded the SAFS Faculty Merit Award
Thesis: Zebrafish embryo screening to evaluate the effective removal of toxics from urban stormwater runoff using novel bioretention methods
I grew up with my two brothers and little sister in the small city of Herriman, UT where I spent my time swimming, hiking, playing soccer, riding horses, and playing the saxophone. Since I was a little girl I knew I wanted to move away to the ocean. At first, I thought that meant going to college in California but life brought me to the University of Washington, and I am so glad it did. I have loved my time at the UW. I have experienced some truly exceptional opportunities including a summer in Alaska studying salmon and a quarter at Friday Harbor collecting data from research boats and studying skates. Attending a school with 47,000+ students can be difficult but I was lucky to find community within the College of the Environment where I represented as a student ambassador for a couple of years. I am excited to jump into the next stage of my life where I hope to apply my degree in a career oriented toward environmental education and outreach to work for a sustainable future for all.
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Chyenne N. Andrews
Art History & History
Chyenne N. Andrews LinkedIn
Art History & History
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Receiving an internship with a PNW artist!
I will be graduating from UW as a first-generation college student with a BA in Art History & History. During my time at the UW I've worked as a manager for the Student Technology Loan Program, a Cataloguing Intern for a PNW artist, and as an undergraduate tutor.
I have also been a part of Alpha Phi sorority, where I've held several leadership positions to help further improve sisterhood and philanthropic influence. I was also a part of History Honors Society as the Treasurer and general member.
In my free time, I love exploring beautiful Seattle and taking occasional trips outside of the U.S. Most of my free time is committed to visit various art museums, eating my way through any city, running, and doing everything with of my friends!!
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Camila Palacio
Electrical Engineer
Camila Palacio
Electrical Engineer
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was when my family came to see me graduate from UW EE. My oldest brother flew in from Colombia and my other brother has been there to support me the entire time.
I am excited to say that I will be working in the HoloLens team at Microsoft in July! I am thankful for all of the opportunities I've had as an electrical engineer in departmental honors at UW. For my honors project, I developed a circuit board for the Husky Satellite Lab and wrote a hardware emulator for PWM control on an FPGA.
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Krithi Basu
Bioengineering
Krithi Basu
Bioengineering
Law, Societies & Justice
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was when I drafted and sent a department-wide email signed by about 100 other students to my department's faculty and administrators urging them to consider granting extensions and accommodations for Black students and students of color who were trying to balance completing their finals and contributing to the Black Lives Matter protests and other ongoing anti-racist movements. Over the years, I had noticed that there was a broad trend of apathy in the STEM community towards non-medical social issues so I was glad that I could bring in my social justice and ethics perspective to call attention to it in my department and see results when professors began to offer accommodations to their socially engaged and active students.
I started out at UW as a direct admit to the Bioengineering program, but little did I know that I would find my true passion in the field of law. I am so grateful for the Honors program for opening gateways for me to explore subjects outside of STEM and be my most authentic self. Despite being an introvert, watching my peers in the Honors program inspired me to take on leadership roles in the UW community, including Vice President of Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, Inc. (a South Asian interest professional service sorority), Professional Development Chair of Phi Alpha Delta (a professional pre-law fraternity), and the Director of Judicial and Secretarial Affairs of the Multicultural Greek Council. I have learned how to balance school, a part-time job, and these extracurricular commitments, and I could not have done any of it without the wisdom of my professors and the support of my friends and family. I am so excited to see where I go next, and I am very proud of everyone who is graduating today!
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Ruxandra Maria Ionescu
Art History
Ruxandra Maria Ionescu
Art History
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Receiving the Parnassus Graduating with Excellence Award from the Art History Department.
Thesis: "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" and "Bernini's Vision of Constantine in the Scala Regia"
I'm happy that I was able to be part of the Interdisciplinary Honors community at UW while being afforded the flexibility to pursue both of my passions: Art History and pre-medicine. I have been taught by great professors in both areas who helped me to discover art from 17,000 years ago to today, to look from the tiniest parts of human biology and chemistry to our bodies and societies as a whole.
I'm also happy to say that I will be continuing my education at UW School of Medicine entering Fall 2018.
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Sarah M Kneadler
ESRM
Sarah M Kneadler LinkedIn
ESRM
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my individual capstone research project!
sarah.kneadler@gmail.comI will be graduating from UW spring of 2019 from the ESRM department with departmental honors. My interests include natural resource management, corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices, and sales! I love everything the PNW has to offer, like gorgeous scenery and a yummy Top Pot donut from time to time.
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Jun Zeng
Microbiology; Biology
Jun Zeng
Microbiology; Biology
Philosophy
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I survived four years of college with five hours of sleep per day on average.
I am a hardcore undergraduate researcher interested in interbacterial and host-microbiome interactions. After I finish my B.S. in both Microbiology and Biology, I will attend the Ph.D. program in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University in Fall, 2019.
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Shoaib Nahas
Business Administration (Marketing & Information Systems)
Shoaib Nahas LinkedIn
Business Administration (Marketing & Information Systems)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: When I truly begun perceiving opportunities with excitement and eagerness as opposed to a sense of burdensome
Thesis: IoT in Space Exploration: Integrating the Customer Journey Value Chain
shoaib.nahas@gmail.comI'm honored to have accelerated my undergraduate education to 3 years while pursuing both Marketing and Information Systems. I cherished my education by consistently engaging in academic and community projects in Seattle. Now, I'm thrilled to continue learning and developing as I embark into management consulting at ZS Associates.
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Riti Biswas
Bioengineering
Riti Biswas
Bioengineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Watching a little group of friends turn into a big family of musicians through our RSO, Unplugged.
Throughout the past four years, I've realized that it's possible to find a balance in life among seemingly disparate interests. I love doing research in protein design, I love playing music, and I love dancing—and I've been able to get deeply involved in all of these. But my biggest takeaway? No matter what you're doing, people matter most.
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MaKenzie Paige Fockler
Civil Engineering
MaKenzie Paige Fockler
Civil Engineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: A toss up between becoming a Bonderman fellow and successfully getting water to 9 homes in rural Nicaragua.
Thesis: An Analysis and Application of Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions in Seattle
My Website makenzie.fockler@gmail.comMy time at UW helped me continue to cultivate a passion for international development work and find ways to use my engineering degree to positively impact others. As a first-year, I joined Engineers without Borders and joined the executive committee. By the end of my first-year year, I started our new international program in Tortuga, Nicaragua, where I got to lead three trips down to the community to work on water and sanitation projects before the political chaos broke out in April 2018. This organization played a huge role in my time at UW and I served as President during my senior year. I also volunteered by teaching an English class to immigrants, refugees, and visiting scholars for over a year at an institution near campus. I spent a few summers serving as a camp counselor at Dunes Bible Camp in Ocean Park, WA and interned at RH2 Engineering as part of their water and sanitation group.
During Winter quarter of my senior year, I studied abroad in Bangalore, India as part of the Grand Challenges Impact Lab. For the first 3 weeks, I learned about different humanitarian problems facing both India and the world as a whole, such as water scarcity, adequate sanitation, waste management, education, and sustainable building materials. Then, the other 7 weeks, I interned at APSA, an education-focused NGO based in Bangalore. I helped with career counseling and analyzing an educational computer program at a school for girls who were rescued from sex trafficking, abuse, and other tough backgrounds. For my capstone, I worked in a team to develop the plans for a start-up called the Mobile Learning Center, which combined hands-on learning and career counseling at underprivileged schools through Bangalore.
Overall, I have gotten a lot out of my time at UW and am grateful for all the experiences I have had the last four years. My next great adventure is the Bonderman Travel Fellowship, which is 8 months of solo travel that I am leaving for at the end of June. I am very honored to have been selected for this fellowship and cannot wait to leave! My potential future plans involve becoming a WASH volunteer in Peace Corps, working at a consulting engineering firm focused on water and sanitation, continuing to be involved in community-driven development projects, and maybe going to grad school to study low resource engineering.Tags:
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Rhyannon Elizabeth Hayes
History, Political Science (International Security)
Rhyannon Elizabeth Hayes LinkedIn
History, Political Science (International Security)
Environmental Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: The Honors field study I did in 2019 in Washington's 3 national parks was such a formative experience for me to discover what I was capable of, make great new friends, and was the beginning point of my main path diverging from politics to conservation. I think about those 2 weeks in the wilderness with those 11 amazing people multiple times a week and I'm so grateful for that experience.
I love hiking and backpacking in the national parks and developed this love on an Honors Field Study with Aley, Brook, and Laura in 2019! Now I'm happy to announce I am pursuing a career in the National Park Service working this year at Shenandoah National Park!
Additionally I have remained active in my passion for voting rights and social justice with the Seattle-based organization Common Power
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Claire "CG" Gupta
Law, Societies and Justice
Claire "CG" Gupta LinkedIn
Law, Societies and Justice
Entrepreneurship and Human Rights
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Catching a t-shirt at a Husky football game! Starting a kombucha energy drink business through the Creating a Company series at Foster was also a proud moment in my UW career.
Thesis: The United Nations Complaint Cases and the Global Expansion of LGBTIQ+ Rights
My Website clairehgupta@gmail.comI am an aspiring attorney interested in the ways that law, social justice, and entrepreneurship intersect. Passionate about increasing equity and access within the higher education system, I have been a student representative on both the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity Vice President’s Student Advisory Board and the Provost’s Advisory Committee for Students during my time at UW. Being a part of the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program and a campus tour guide were also highlights of my college experience. After graduating with a B.A. in Law, Societies, and Justice with minors in Entrepreneurship and Human Rights, I will be pursuing my J.D. at UC Berkeley School of Law.
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Tamar Noa Leveson
English Literature
Tamar Noa Leveson LinkedIn
English Literature
Music
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Strangely enough, getting a 4.0 in a computer science class that I took to fill a general education requirement only because absolutely no other STEM classes worked with my schedule. I was terrified the entire quarter because it's so completely out of my comfort zone, but it all worked out!
Thesis: READING PREGNANCY AS LIMINALITY IN MODERNIST BRITISH FICTION
My Website tamarleveson@gmail.comI was born and raised in Silicon Valley, and while the four years I've spent at UW have been a bit rainy, I wouldn't change it for anything. In addition to my studies, I have served for three years as a committee leader for UW Hillel, hosted a weekly radio show on Rainy Dawg with my friend Mary every week since winter quarter of first-year year, and interned at a local design magazine called GRAY. I hope to continue my studies in English literature in a master's program in the UK in the near future.
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Hanna K Puetz
B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing & The Professional Sales Certificate
Hanna K Puetz
B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing & The Professional Sales Certificate
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I am proud to graduate with a degree from the Foster School of Business while also completing the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, two goals I set out with at the start of my first-year year. I am proud of the personal and professional growth I have witnessed in myself over the past four years, growth that has pushed me to dream big and strive for things I would not have before. I am proud of my academic success, the leadership and real-world internship experiences I have gained, and the unbelievably amazing, lifelong friends I have made largely thanks to Gamma Phi Beta.
Hi! My name is Hanna Puetz. Born and raised in the Greater Seattle Area, I came into UW with the intention of pursuing a business degree, although without knowing what focus or career path I wanted to pursue afterwards. I am excited to say I have found my path over the past four years.
I am a undergraduate student earning a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business with a focus in marketing and the Professional Sales Certificate, graduating Spring 2021. As a student in the Interdisciplinary Honors program, I also enjoyed a rigorous, cross-disciplinary curriculum that complemented my business degree and provided a more holistic, well-rounded education. After college, I will be working on the Global Sales and Services team at Slalom Consulting in Seattle.
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Megan Renee Sellman
Dance; Education, Community & Organizations
Megan Renee Sellman LinkedIn
Dance; Education, Community & Organizations
Anthropology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Reflecting on how far I have come as a dancer, artist, and educator, I am most proud of the blend artistic and academic work that I have been able to accomplish while at UW. From choreography to performances, research projects and community building, I am leaving UW with a mosaic of fulfilling experiences.
Thesis: Dance in Color Guard Educational Programs
sellman.megan@gmail.comMegan began dancing at her local dance studio, alongside various color guard programs, most notably the Blue Devils Drum Corps. During her time at the university, she has served as the president of the Dance Student Association, worked as the Assistant for the Chamber Dance Company, and has completed honors research connecting dance, education, and color guard. She is looking forward to continuing a career in dance after graduation, and is thankful for the generosity, creativity, and community in the Department of Dance.
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Ashley Tang
International Studies
Ashley Tang
International Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Completing two Honours study abroad (the Netherlands and Sweden) in one summer
My WebsiteI am graduating two years early with a degree in International Studies and plans to apply to law school. Throughout the past two years, I worked at the UW Attorney General's Office as a student assistant and at the Seattle City Attorney's Office as an assistant paralegal intern. I also finally experienced what it is like to participate in a Model United Nations Conference.
I took a lot of classes with the Honours Program and the Jackson School that pushed me out of my comfort zone - particularly the time I spent studying abroad and as the student coordinator for our Task Force project on the potential of Europarties. I am thankful for the opportunities and experiences UW has given me!
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Liz Chao
Accounting and Information Systems
Liz Chao
Accounting and Information Systems
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Learning to balance life and work during the busiest quarters and getting the most out of every experience
Thesis: Learning to balance life and work during the busiest quarters and getting the most out of every experience.
At Foster, I majored in Accounting, IS, and CISB. I am interested in business and different cultures. At UW I got to meet many different people and got to study abroad in Japan. My experiences taught me to challenge myself, be open to differences, and allowed me to have an expansive worldview. Therefore, I thrive on living in varying cultural and educational communities and find being part of vastly different areas of the world exciting. Outside of school, during my free time, I also just enjoy hanging out with friends, singing, and dancing.
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Parker Ruth
Computer Engineering and Bioengineering
Parker Ruth LinkedIn
Computer Engineering and Bioengineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I'm very honored to have mentored undergraduate and high school students through my research lab and campus organizations. I am tremendously proud of my mentees — it has been thrilling to witness their growth and accomplishments!
Thesis: Design Principles for Mobile and Wearable Health Technologies
My Website psr23@uw.eduI grew up in Bellevue Washington. I chose to attend UW for its outstanding research opportunities in computing and engineering. One of my favorite aspects of my education at UW has been participating in undergraduate research. My research focuses on expanding access to healthcare with mobile applications, wearables, and rapid diagnostic tests. Outside of my research, I enjoy supporting other undergraduates' research experiences as a mentor, and through campus student organizations.
I'm very honored to be recognized with a College of Engineering Dean's Medal. For my undergraduate research, I was awarded a Goldwater Scholarship, Washington Research Foundation Fellowship, Levinson Emerging Scholars Award, and Mary Gates Research Scholarship.
After graduation, I look forward to starting my PhD in computer science at Stanford University with support from a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
Thanks to my many amazing mentors for their inspiration and support. Most of all, thanks to my family, especially my mom, for keeping me grounded and making me smile.
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Rahaf K Bashmail
Materials Science and Engineering
Rahaf K Bashmail
Materials Science and Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Completing and presenting both my capstone and honors research projects with my parents in attendance!
Thesis: UnTape: Temperature-Sensitive Medical Tape with Pain-Free Removal
Rahaf Bashmail is graduating with a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering. She is an international student from Saudi Arabia who is dedicated to empowering women in STEM. This led her to take the initiative to reinstate the Women in Materials Science and Engineering (WiMSE) club as the new president to help support and mentor females in the major. Additionally, as an Engineering Peer Educator (EPE), she served as an instructor and mentor to first-year undeclared engineering students. Rahaf’s primary research interests are in tissue engineering and medical device development, due to her passion in making a tangible impact in medical advancement for societal benefit. Throughout her time at UW, she has cultivated an interdisciplinary approach in her research projects to translate innovation in biomedical research to solutions for healthcare providers. As a CoMotion Mary Gates Innovation Scholar, she worked on developing an automated image processing sequence on MATLAB to segment and measure the fluid volume in the kidney, to aid in assessing the degree of hydronephrosis. For her capstone project, and as part of the Engineering Innovation in Health Program (EIH), she designed and developed a point-of-care diagnostic tool for intestinal obstruction that detects the presence of bile in neonatal gastric fluid. This year, as a Mary Gates Research Scholar, she completed her honors thesis in developing a medical tape that has stronger skin adhesion for critical medical devices while concurrently reducing the risk of medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI) upon removal. Rahaf’s future goal is to earn her doctoral degree and work as a professor and researcher, acting in translation and application of biomedical research.
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Randall Rodriguez
Philosophy
Randall Rodriguez
Philosophy
Labor Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was when a professor that I greatly respect told me that a paper I had been working on was good enough that I should try to have it published.
I am a non-traditional student. On top of being a transfer student, I am married and a father. I love to read and am devoted to playing and watching soccer. At this stage of my life, I could never have graduated if it hadn't been for the patience and support of my family. I was lucky that my partner has always been willing to take time away from her garden (her happy place) to read my papers and our daughter has been interested in the classes I have taken and books I have read.
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Kristina V Randrup
Environmental Science and Resource Management: Wildlife Conservation
Kristina V Randrup
Environmental Science and Resource Management: Wildlife Conservation
Math, Quantitative Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completeing undergraduate research and presenting my capstone at the research syposium.
Thesis: Black Bear Occupancy Modeling in Washington State
When I'm not studying, I make time to read and run everyday. I race trail and ultramarathons competitively and make sure I always find time to prioritize my passions outside of school.
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Jocelyn Ines Beausire
Music (Voice Performance), Architecture Studies
Jocelyn Ines Beausire LinkedIn
Music (Voice Performance), Architecture Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Being able to write my thesis as the culmination of my multi-disciplinary studies, and discussing my findings with people from many disciplines, made me proud and motivated me to continue on the path I forged for myself.
Thesis: The Emancipation of Urban Noise: John Cage's Music as Acoustic Ecology
My Website joss.beausire@gmail.comMy time at the University of Washington was not a straight path, but instead an exercise in individual exploration. I pursued two majors -- Music and Architecture -- and have used my time at UW to more deeply explore their intersections with each other and with environmental science, geography, visual art, gender studies, and urban theory. These years also afforded me the opportunities to study abroad in Italy and Japan, perform operas on the Meany mainstage, and engage in the literary and visual art communities as Managing Editor of Bricolage. In exploring these different facets, and applying creativity to my research, I carved a space for myself within the larger institution. In doing so, I also was not defined by my major, but instead used them as a vehicle for my exploration. In the next year, I am hoping to take part in an art or research residency program, and also am preparing to attend graduate school in a program related to urbanism and spatial performance design.
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Catherine Wilborn
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Catherine Wilborn LinkedIn
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being a leader in Cru for all 4 years, working to connect with students. I also was proud when I recieved the top grade on a research paper in an engineering graduate course!
Hi, my name is Catherine! I am an engineering student here at UW and have immensely enjoyed my time here! I have had a wonderful diversity of activities, from leading in clubs, running events, or building rockets! I also met my husband and my dearest friends. Next stop is Washington D.C. to begin my career!
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Jenna Truong
Environmental Studies
Jenna Truong LinkedIn
Environmental Studies
Environmental Health
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was presenting the feature session at the Washington Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference with experts in climate change and mental health.
Thesis: Inside EPA: Getting to Effective Science Communication from the Inside Out
My WebsiteHi I'm Jenna, and I am from Spokane Valley, WA. I am passionate about the intersections of health, environment, and justice. I believe there is great power in framing environmental issues through a health lens as Rachel Carson and Devra Davis did in their writing, and looking at the disparities in those impacts.
During my time at UW I focused a lot of my energy on leadership, including but not limited to Honors Community Ambassadors, Student Advisory Council to the Dean, College of the Environment Student Ambassadors, Students Expressing Environmental Dedication, and the Campus Sustainability Fund. I've been very fortunate to be able to participate in two Honors study abroad trips and a Partners in the Park trip with our Honors advisers. I was also able to intern with US EPA Region 10 Children's Health and Pesticides teams for my senior capstone.
Looking forward, I'll be getting my MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from Yale University after working on COVID-19 Recovery in King County. I'm very excited to get out and start making a difference in my community.
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Katherine S Ort
Environmental Studies
Katherine S Ort LinkedIn
Environmental Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Attending the capstone symposium and presenting my lightning talk
Thesis: Making Your Spring Break Sustainable: Can Tourism Be A Driver for Positive Environmental Change?
kort89@uw.eduI am recent honors graduate from the University of Washington's Program on the Environment. I completed my undergraduate research in Mexico, where I studied sustainability in the heritage and tourism fields. My main interests are in creating better management techniques so that the travel industry can be more socially and ecologically responsible; and doing interdisciplinary research and applying systems thinking approaches to different problems. I have had the opportunity to develop many of my skills through study abroads in China and in Mexico. I am currently working with a Cultural Heritage Management non-profit in Mexico where I am attending and planning conferences for people in the travel, tourism, and heritage fields and I hope to start a podcast that addresses sustainability in travel.
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Jaclyn Shallat
Microbiology
Jaclyn Shallat
Microbiology
Global Health
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Organizing "Summer Breeze: Cannon House Arts and Crafts Exhibition" as a Jackson Munro Public Service Fellow the summer after my second-year of college.
My Website shallatjaclyn@gmail.comHello! My name is Jaclyn Shallat. I am a senior at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I study Microbiology and Global Health. Coming from a small town in Central Illinois, I've been excited to use my time on the West Coast to explore these two disciplines through research, volunteering, and classroom opportunities. I look forward to using my experiences from the past four years to inform a career in population health.
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Kara Haney
International Studies
Kara Haney LinkedIn
International Studies
Japanese
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Becoming a peer educator for Honors 100. Also, finishing college at all.
kara.haney36@gmail.comThe past three years were nothing like I expected. Of course I couldn't have foreseen half of what 2020 brought, but I also didn't expect the kind of person I would grow into and what my ultimate takeaways would be from university. Through my time here I've discovered a love of teaching, a renewed passion for writing music, a confidence and self-assurance I'd never known before, and a comfort with the unknown. I have less of an idea of what I want from my career and my life than when I came here, but I'm more okay with that now than I ever was before.
For now, should the circumstances allow, I'll be taking my degree with me overseas to continue developing my language skills and building work experience. After that, we'll see what happens.Tags:
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Nathan Mock
Environmental Studies
Nathan Mock LinkedIn
Environmental Studies
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I am proud of the research project I have worked on over the past 6 months in which I have had the opportunity to dive into field and lab work with two of my favorite professors at UW as we explored the potential for kelps to be used in carbon sequestration.
nathanmock4102@gmail.comI am a native Seattleite and loved growing up here. Attending university here as an environmental studies major has allowed me to come to a whole new understanding and appreciation for the region and its social and natural history.
I pan to attend law school starting this fall and am excited to put my environmental studies background to use as I begin studying environmental law. While I will be attending Lewis & Clark Law School (in Portland) I hope to return to Washington to practice. I am not certain what sector of environmental law I will pursue yet, but I have a lot of interest in the emerging field of aquaculture in our state, specifically kelp aquaculture, which I have spent the last 6 months researching as a part of multiple courses and research projects.
Aside from law and kelp my interests include gardening, skiing, hiking, and biking.Tags:
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Alondra Rodriguez
Archaeological Sciences and History
Alondra Rodriguez
Archaeological Sciences and History
Classical Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Some of the greatest memories I've made were on my study abroad trips from 2019. I travelled to Jordan for archaeological field school and Rome as a part of an Honors study abroad program. I am most proud of these moments because I learned a lot about myself and really got to break out of my shell and make new friends all while learning about other cutlures.
My WebsiteHello! I'm Alondra and I'm graduating with a degree in Archaeological Sciences and History.
My time here at UW has been transformative and memorable. I've learned so much about myself, my passion for history and curiosity about the world.
I am so thankful for having attended UW and been a part of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program, and I am even more thankful for the friends and professors I've met along the way.
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Maren Anderson
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
Maren Anderson
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Winning an award from the Dept. of Communication for my research in rhetoric and then being selected to present my research at a conference.
My Website maanderson14@gmail.comMy time at UW was the best adventure I've been on so far. I explored the intersections of science, communication, health, humanity, and the environment. I grew immeasurably from my involvement in GlobeMed, TEDxUofW, College of the Environment Ambassadors, being a 5th-grade science fair mentor, and studying abroad in Thailand & Indonesia and in Rome with Honors. Most importantly though, I found friends who love learning and honoring all of what makes life worthwhile and fun. Here's to a lifetime more of seeking out interconnectedness!
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Samantha N Fredman
Law, Societies, and Justice
Samantha N Fredman LinkedIn
Law, Societies, and Justice
Disability Studies
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Coming to the full realization that I had developed trusting, close relationships with the faculty that I felt most attached to and inspired by
Thesis: “Hurt People Keep Hurting:” Trauma Informed Care in Young Adult Homelessness Services
My WebsiteI am an aspiring doctor most passionate about equity, justice, and accessibility of essential services. I am most passionate about building a world that deeply understands, or even simply acknowledges, the different challenges people face as a result of dehumanizing systems and structures; a world that intentionally centers relationships and encourages empathetic relations as an act of radical interdependence.
I currently work to promote housing equity through my work in emergency shelters providing basic necessities to unsheltered young adults. I am driven by my relationships with young people and excited about the change we can promote through developing healing centered trauma-informed practices.
Even though the last few paragraphs may have spoken otherwise, I very rarely take myself seriously. I love to sing (and clumsily play guitar, ukelele, or tambourine), to laugh at myself, to engage in general tomfoolery, and to drink consume absurd amounts of pepper chips, coffee, and chocolate.
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Zuoying Gloria Liu
Economics
Zuoying Gloria Liu LinkedIn
Economics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I had my very first job, and got my first paycheck ever.
Thesis: Examine the effects of Covid-19 on Crime Incidents in U.S. Cities
Hi, my name is Gloria. I feel over the moon to graduate this summer with a departmental honor. It has been a wonderful four years, although we were hit by an unprecedented pandemic, here we are celebrating the graduation of Class 2021! Out of classroom, I love music and you can probably catch me with earphones on most of the time. I also enjoy traveling, wondering around the city with a few friends and families, there is nothing more healing than that.
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Wylie Fu-Xing Kau
Chemical Engineering
Wylie Fu-Xing Kau LinkedIn
Chemical Engineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was successfully fabricating and testing a high efficiency perovskite solar cell!
My WebsiteGrowing up on Orcas Island, it was a pretty big transition moving away from home and to the UW. Since then, I've grown to love the city of Seattle and the abundant opportunities UW offers its community. I've become fascinated with solar technology, competed for UW in the NC3 Climbing circuit, co-authored a cutting edge research paper, and cemented many lasting friendships. I look forward to summer bike packing trips and helping facilitate a global shift to renewable energies!
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Stacie Tao
Social Welfare (BSW) and Early Childhood & Family Studies
Stacie Tao LinkedIn
Social Welfare (BSW) and Early Childhood & Family Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Interning in Washington D.C. with the support of the Jackson Munro Public Service Fellowship!
Thesis: Effectiveness of Critical Ongoing Resource family Education (CORE-Teen): Support for Resource Parents of American Indian Teens
tao.stacie@columbia.eduIn my four, short years at the University of Washington, my interest in working with young children has grown into a life-long dedication for dismantling intergenerational & systemic inequity and racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. Numerous non-profit organizations and early intervention/learning centers have guided me towards a path of advocating for trauma and culturally informed social policy. As I pursue this work, I aim to create lasting social change through a transformative justice lens and uphold intentional practices to dismantle traditional power dynamics that have led to deep system inequity. Outside the classroom, I spent my spare time involved with research, public service, study abroad, and playing my trumpet with the Husky Marching Band & UW Symphony.
I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and support I received through the University of Washington; the womxn of color faculty and mentors that encouraged me to dream bigger; and my social work cohort for being role models of social change, accountability and grace.
I am eager to embark on my next journey of pursuing a Master’s of Science in Social Work at Columbia University, where I will be working with The Center on Poverty and Social Policy.
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Boya Ouyang
English (Creative Writing), Mathematics (Philosophy), Philosophy
Boya Ouyang LinkedIn
English (Creative Writing), Mathematics (Philosophy), Philosophy
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: The moment I finally turned in my English thesis!
Thesis: Imaginary Equality, Romance, and Sex: Teenage Girls and Boys’ Love Literature in China
shirley.b.ouyang@gmail.comI am an international student from Changsha, China. I triple majored in English, Math, and Philosophy. UW not only offers a great environment for learning and research but also many many many other opportunities. I love to see the world and understand the world from different perspectives, so I am very grateful for the wonderful study abroad opportunities at UW, allowing me to study abroad four times--to England, Italy, Spain, and Ecuador. In the future, I will continue to get to know and to embrace the diversities and differences that make our world complex and colorful.
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Christine Dien
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Christine Dien
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Data science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Meeting other WRF fellows and getting to know the community!
I am excited to pursue my career in bioinformatics at the Fred Hutch! I intend to go to grad school after a few years of working. I am an avid baker and love drawing, both digitally and on paper!
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Marielle v Trumbauer
International Studies: Foreign Policy
Marielle v Trumbauer LinkedIn
International Studies: Foreign Policy
Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was when I submitted my thesis after a year and a half of research and writing in both the Dominican Republic and New York.
Thesis: Motivations Driving the Differentiated Electoral Behavior of the Dominican Diaspora in New York during the 2012 and 2016 Dominican Presidential Elections
marielletrumbauer@gmail.comMy college career has defined and sparked in my a passion for activism. I spent my first-year year in Ireland at Trinity College Dublin before transferring to UW. During my time at UW, I worked on a Presidential campaign in Florida, a Senatorial campaign in Louisiana, and a Congressional campaign in Georgia. I also interned with the State Department in the Dominican Republic and the House of Representatives.
I began my college career as a business major, but later found my passion for politics and international relations. Applying to the Jackson School of International Studies was one of the best decisions that I made during my time at UW. I was able to serve as the President of the Jackson School Student Association (JSSA) and partake in the Departmental Honors Program. I joined my fellow honors classmate in her research in rural India, conducted research in the Dominican Republic, and did interviews all throughout New York City to compile an 84-page thesis that proved factors of corruption as motivators behind differentiated voting patterns in the diaspora.
My experience during the past three years at UW has inspired me to work in politics and stand up for marginalized populations. I plan to attend law school in the next three years and move to Washington D.C. with the goal of working for a Congressional Office.
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Chu Judy Zhuang
Economics, Mathematics
Chu Judy Zhuang LinkedIn
Economics, Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Presented at UW Research Symposium & Undergraduate research presentation at Stanford University
Thesis: Gender Effect on Defined Contribution Pension Plans : Evidence from SIPP Synthetic Beta
judyz1995@gmail.comGreetings everyone!
I am very honored to part of this community! I am interested in health policy evaluations and especially those concerning the marginalized population. I wanted to bring voices to the youth, elderly and diverse ethnic groups concerning health issues. Research has given me the opportunity to explore these questions. I love to learn about the global aspect of health policy and the interdisciplinary aspects of the field ( such as behavioral studies, sociology, law etc.) I will continue pursuing this passion of mine during graduate school at Johns Hopkins University.
Storytelling has been a huge part of my experiences at University of Washington, I am proud to be part of a leadership cohort where I've learnt so much from one another, I am very grateful to all my friends ,mentors, and my family who encouraged me to take initiative and step outside my comfort zone. It has been an amazing journey! I love how photography can tell stories and I have made portfolios focused on urban life of Seattle, I will continue on my hobby in photography, creating more portfolios and keep on being adventurous! I also have a strong interest in poetry and I was super excited to get a published book along with my classmates.Tags:
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Pubo Huang
Mathematics
Pubo Huang
Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: When I solved a math problem at the dorm/ won the Hub Pool Tournament!
Thesis: The fundamental group and its applications
huangpubo@qq.comI'm Pubo, a fourth-year math major. I like playing pool, hiking, and snowboarding! I'm sad that I can't snowboard in the near future because I'm not in Washington right now, what a Shame!
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Danny Paul Streichert Roberts
Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering
Danny Paul Streichert Roberts LinkedIn
Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments was when my photography was put on display in the Allen Library as part of the Portraits for Change exhibit. The photo project compared images of poverty in Seattle from throughout past decades to contemporary photos that I took myself.
My Website dpsroberts@gmail.comI'm an aspiring aerospace engineer that's passionate about advancing spacefaring technology. I want to develop next generation space propulsion systems that can enable humanity to navigate and explore the cosmos more effectively. Nothing amazes me more than the marvels of our physical world and the perplexing nature of our planet and place in the universe. I hope to pursue a graduate degree in space engineering and conduct research that pushes technological boundaries. I'd love to one day be strapped to a rocket headed into orbit to do research.
My favorite pasttimes are mountaineering and cycling, but I really enjoy all things adventurous and physically demanding. I am preparing for a ~1600 mile thru-hike of a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail spanning from NorCal to Canada that will be my most intense adventure to date! I also play the drums and some guitar and love speaking Spanish whenever I get the chance.
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Pranav Bhardwaj
Earth & Space Sciences, Environmental Studies
Pranav Bhardwaj LinkedIn
Earth & Space Sciences, Environmental Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting into departmental honors for both of my majors within a week!
Thesis: Evaluating technological tools to support environmental literacy, Correlating landslide susceptibility and risk using GIS and statistical methods
Being a student at the College of the Environment, I'm constantly amazed by the power of people and education in order to creatively solve environmental issues. For our society to be proactive in solving major environmental catastrophes like climate change, we need to be better science communicators, activists, and advocates for justice and equity. The University of Washington has introduced me to a variety of people, which has just given me the opportunity to mentor, teach, and learn fro and is just one step in being a leader and role-model in my community.
#GoDawgs
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Xuanxuan Li
Psychology
Xuanxuan Li
Psychology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Being able to graduate with honors
Thesis: Resting-State EEG predicts learning rates in different languages
Majored in Early Childhood and Family Studies and Psychology, I am satisfied with my journey of learning at UW. Last year, I was able to study at University of British Columbia as an exchange student for an entire year. It was probably one of my best memories at UW. I am so glad I made the choice to study abroad to experience different cultures and to expand on my horizon. The guidance offered by my thesis mentor has greatly helped me to finish my project. I am deeply appreciative of her help. My mentor at the Husky Leadership Program is very supportive of me. I have learned a lot from her. After graduating from UW, I will pursue a graduate degree in education at Teachers College in New York this fall.
Interests: foodie, finding good bubble teas, playing educational games, ice-skating, watching classic/old movies
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Cen Wei
English and Economics
Cen Wei
English and Economics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Majoring in English
Phi Beta Kappa, English departmental Honors, OWRC tutor, Engl 281 TA,
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Lorraine Alexa Abagatnan
Classics
Lorraine Alexa Abagatnan
Classics
Anthropology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Presenting my research at the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium
Thesis: The Role of Food in the Hellenistic and Roman Colonization of Ancient Trans-Jordan
lorraine.abagatnan@gmail.comI am a graduating senior from the Classics department. I focus on Classical art and archaeology. My research interests include food and commensality studies, archaeological theory, and ancient expansion (i.e. colonialism). I have studied abroad in Jordan to work on a Near Eastern archaeological project. I am currently assisting with the Issei at Barneston Archaeological Project. Outside of archaeology, I am especially interested in Sappho and Greek lyric poetry, Greek and Roman epics, and Roman love poetry. I am proud to have completed my undergraduate education at the University of Washington! Special thanks to my two departments for taking good care of me.
My identity as a Filipina-American is very important to me. Despite having lived in the PNW for most of my life, I still consider myself a Southern-California girl through and through. That means a fond love of the ocean, swimming, playing hide and seek in citrus gardens, and other fun things.
My favorite hobbies are things I can do in my living room: reading, writing, playing music, and being with my friends and family. I love the outdoors, so hiking, camping, and general exploration is a must-have in my life! I also practice (and love) judo.
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Makenna M Berg
Nursing
Makenna M Berg
Nursing
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments while at UW was being accepted into the School of Nursing.
Thesis: Sleep in Hospitalized Patients (SHOP): Bedtime Routine in the Psychiatric and Behavioral Medicine Unit at Seattle Children's Hospital
In my time at UW, I was involved in Dance Marathon at the University of Washington. This on campus organization raises money for the Uncompensated Care Fund at Seattle Children's Hospital. This year we raised over $70,000! I also volunteered at UWMC for three years. In addition, I worked at UWMC as a Nursing Technician on the Medical/Oncology ICU. All of this experience tied into my passion for research and the design of my project!
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Evelyn Hyde
Biology, Philosophy
Evelyn Hyde LinkedIn
Biology, Philosophy
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I am proud of the way my communities have come together during COVID-19 lockdowns.
eqhyde@gmail.comI kicked off my Husky journey in the Honors program, leading me to value experiential learning and interdisciplinary study early on in college. Here, I’ve almost aggressively pursued a range of interests – getting involved in nanofabrication research, study abroad, management consulting, journalism, the climbing community, and more. I am humbled to graduate from the Honors program and represent the UW as an alumna.
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Anand S Sekar
Computer Engineering
Anand S Sekar LinkedIn
Computer Engineering
Training Program in Neural Computation and Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: During the final gallery demonstrations for DXARTS 471: Mechatronics Art, my friend's art project was suddenly failing. They had invited their family and were in tears that after all the work they put in, it was inexplicably breaking. While other students demonstrated their projects, I applied my experience with embedded systems to debug the project. Approaching the last minute, even after being told by my friend to give up, I figured out what was wrong and got it working again. The demo went flawlessly. My friend hugged me and their mom thanked me, and I don't think I've ever felt more proud of myself.
Thesis: Hardware Implementation of a Wireless Backscatter Communication Protocol for Brain-Controlled Spinal Interfaces
My Website anand272@cs.washington.eduMy purpose is to make the world more beautiful, sustainable, and efficient through innovation and empathy. Solving complex problems, defined through engineering, is the core of my character. I'm developing a strong foundation in computer engineering, which I'll apply to fields such as neural computation and engineering. Through my experience at UW, I've contributed to a variety of innovative projects (robotics competitions, hackathons, neural engineering research, virtual reality in prison, etc...) utilizing a variety of tools (code, laser cutters, oscilloscopes, soldering irons, etc...). I've met some of the most amazing people and learned some of the most fascinating concepts here, and I'm excited to pursue my Master's here in the fall.
My hobbies include free skates, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and playing video games like Titanfall 2. My favorite shows include Avatar the Last Airbender and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Taking Neuroethics and Moral Issues of Life and Death, while witnessing local activism over the last couple quarters, has motivated me to delve into essential questions relatively unrelated to engineering, but an engineering perspective doesn't necessarily hurt. So while I'm interning at Cisco Webex Teams this summer, I'll also be reading up on topics like ethics and intersectionality.
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Patricia Popp
Computer Science
Patricia Popp LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments was hearing from my former female students whom I taught and teaching assistants whom I trained that I had inspired them to pursue a career in tech, during my 3 years serving as a CS Teaching Assistant and Teaching Assistant Coordinator.
My WebsiteHi! My name is Patty and I just graduated from the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering with a degree in Computer Science. During my time at UW, I have had the opportunity to be very active and involved in the introductory CS TA program and research in the UW Security & Privacy Lab. In my free time, I enjoy hiking to alpine lakes, reading philosophical novels, sipping assorted teas, attending farmers markets, and exploring this beautiful world we live in. In August, I will start working at Microsoft as a Software Engineer where I will build accessible technologies that empower people. As I find myself at this peak that represents the culmination of my time at UW, I look out onto the horizon and see that there are still so many mountains left to be climbed. Thankfully, after 4 years of hard work, I am well-equipped for whatever this next part of my journey has in store. Onward to the next peak!
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Lais Lastre Conceicao
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
Lais Lastre Conceicao LinkedIn
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I am proud of the growth I have seen in my person over these past years.
Thesis: Investigating the Properties and Mechanism of Action of Potential Novel Analgesic AS1
Lais is an avid scholar with an interest in neuroscience, biology, nutrition, and more. During her time at the University of Washington, she worked in the de la Iglesia lab on a project on the NaV1.1 channel in Dravet Syndrome, for which she won the Mary Gates Research Scholarship in winter of 2019. She then was a Pain Research Scholar in 2019 and moved to the Dhaka lab. She wrote her Neuroscience Departmental Honors Thesis on her work in the Dhaka lab on the impact of a potential novel analgesic AS1 on aversion in zebrafish.
Outside of school, Lais spends time volunteering through COPE and at ROOTS Young Adult shelter. She also enjoys biking, drawing, and reading.Tags:
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Audi L Brown
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Audi L Brown LinkedIn
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW is being named the recipient of the 2021 Herring Phelps Award for Scholarly Activism for Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies University of Washington, Seattle. Being accepted into the GWSS Honors Program and achieving my goal of Summa Cum Laude. Also, having the courage at the age of 50 to complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington.
My Website audilbrown@outlook.comI am a visionary committed to the elevation of Black culture. My work uses vulnerability as a site and methodology to study my African ancestor’s ancient healing techniques to cultivate a path to generational healing of the trauma inflicted on African and Black people. At the age of 50, I accepted the challenge from my family to finish my college education. It was essential to create a path of Black excellence for myself, my family and to inspire others who look like me to complete their education. I accomplished all of the goals for myself (Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List & Honor Student). I plan to continue my education and pursue my graduate and doctorate degrees.
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Serena M Baserman
International Studies
Serena M Baserman LinkedIn
International Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was completing the Jackson School Task Force program. I am also proud of my community and grateful I was lucky enough to have such supportive and inspiring friends all along the way.
While at UW and in the Honors program, I had the privilege of working for Sustainable Seattle and UW's recreation program both in climbing and first year programs.
My goal upon graduating UW is to work in progressive politics and community organizing in Washington, DC.Tags:
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Brian Kang
Economics & ACMS (ME)
Brian Kang LinkedIn
Economics & ACMS (ME)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Building complicated ML models (after days of debugging) that benefit and potentially save human health
Thesis: A Take on Generalized Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: Effects of Residency Away From Work on Income Inequality
kangb6187@gmail.comUW wasn't the highest ranking school I was admitted to. Some told me that I was making a huge mistake and I will come to regret it someday, but something that I can't really express pushed me to come to UW. Now that I'm done, I can tell what that "something" was: Cooking, friends, all-nighters, research, mentorships, bowling, hiking, internships, coffee chats, cold emails, stressing, drinking, binge-watch, TA-ing, free food, clubs, machine learning, and much much more.
I don't regret a single bit coming to UW. I'm finishing strong and all the experiences stay with me forever.
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Nicholas Philip Radulovich
Physiology (B.S), French Honors (B.A)
Nicholas Philip Radulovich LinkedIn
Physiology (B.S), French Honors (B.A)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment has been establishing the UW Eye Club; an organization that promotes vision care awareness and related philanthropic opportunities.
Thesis: The evolution of French in a province surrounded by English
My Website radnick9@gmail.comI have always had an interest for the complexities of the human. My passion has guided me towards a career in healthcare. In particular, i’ve found the technical aspects of surgery to be most appealing. After conducting research for over three years, i’ve come to appreciate the finer details of biology and how fascinating the life sciences can be. I was honored to be chosen twice as a Mary Gates scholar for my research. Sharing my research with others at the Undergraduate Research Symposium has been quite a memorable experience for me, where I’ve been able to converse with individuals and observe their diverse research interests. It was quite an inspiring event where I learned about the amazing work being done at the UW. Moreover, completing a dual-degree has given me the privilege to learn about two completely different studies, while still integrating them into my daily life. I’ve found that French gets me to think about every other educational aspect that Physiology cannot cover solely by itself. Whether it may be the practicality of learning the language itself, global and cultural history, or even philosophy and literature, I’ve felt like French has been a significant contributor in providing me a well-round education. I am eager to begin the next stage of my educational journey. Currently, I am completing my remote EMT training with the intent of joining my local county’s emergency services department and their search and rescue crew. Through this, I am hoping to gain useful life experience before I attend medical school.
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Josh Maxwell Pollock
Computer Science
Josh Maxwell Pollock LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest memories is completing my close reading essay for the Honors class, Seattle: Reading and Writing the City. My practice with research papers and teaching finally gave me the confidence and skill set to overcome my fear of writing.
Thesis: Sidewinder: Designing Correct Program State Visualizations
My Website jopo@mit.eduI believe in the power of computers to augment the way we think, learn, and solve problems. I combine ideas from programming languages and math with techniques from human-centered design to build transformative tools for thought. I'm currently developing tools that help people learn how to program, debug their code, and explain it to others.
Through research and the Honors program I explored different ways people think to challenge my own understanding and broaden my view of the world.
This fall I will be continuing my research as a PhD student in MIT CSAIL's Software Design Group.
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Esaac Mazengia
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
Esaac Mazengia LinkedIn
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
Political Science
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Tied between helping to secure a room for learning and organizing around DEI principles in the College of the Environment with the Community Equity Initiative, and Passing legislation regarding fossil fuel divestment through ASUW Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma, GPSS, and the Faculty Senate over the course of 6 months with Institutional Climate Action!
Thesis: Time, Trauma, & Lack of Information: Exploring Barriers to Accessing Public Lands within East African Immigrant Communities
Hi, I’m Esaac! I am an overcommitted commuter student with a passion for Environmental Justice, policy, and community empowerment. My interests are wide and varied ranging from long term ecosystem management projects to racial and ethnic politics, and so I have loved the extraordinary breadth pursuing college honors has provided. I have studied abroad in Costa Rica with Honors with the wonderful Drs. Moon Draper and Jon Herron and conducted 2 summers of field research at the UW Olympic Natural Resource Center in Forks, Washington with Dr. Bernard Bormann and PhD student Courtney Bobsin. I have been involved in a wide range of activities from ASUW Student Senate to College of the Environment Student Leadership and have loved every minute of it. My top advice for incoming students, would be to get involved, you never know what crazy opportunities and experiences will come your way from people you meet volunteering, in classes, etc.
After graduation, I will be working with the National Park Service in Volcanoes National Park in Hawai'i in an AmeriCorps position helping with a long-term monitoring project before returning hopefully to pursue graduate studies in environmental science/resource management and public policy.
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Oakley Reid
Microbiology
Oakley Reid LinkedIn
Microbiology
Spanish
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Becoming fully bilingual
I grew up on Vashon Island, right outside of Seattle, and plan to remain in the city following graduation. Despite majoring in Microbiology, language has always been one of my favorite subjects, leading me to pursue a minor in Spanish. I've been fortunate enough to try out undergraduate activities ranging from undergraduate research for UW's Biology department, to shadowing and volunteer work at Harborview Medical Center, to working with patients myself as a Medical Technologist. The one box I was unable to check as an undergraduate at UW was studying abroad, so I've made it a goal to live outside the US for at least a month before 2021 is over (pandemic-permitting).
I plan to apply to medical school this summer and spend my gap year working, spending time with family, pursuing other interests, and making sure I truly want to be a physician.
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Dana Korssjoen
Mathematics
Dana Korssjoen LinkedIn
Mathematics
International Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was making the switch from majoring in International Studies to Mathematics. It was a massive transition, made especially intimidating because I was already entering my junior year at UW. I was very unsure if I was doing the right thing, and there were few people who could advise me, because few people understood both paths I was considering. Even certain math department staff told me it was too late to make the transition, and that I should give up. But, I trusted my gut. I couldn't be happier with how it all ended up, nor prouder of myself for having had the courage to make such a bold change.
d.korssjoen@outlook.comHi! I'm Dana. I'm graduating with a degree in Mathematics and a minor in International Studies (by the way, I also earned a minor in Applied Mathematics, but I didn't make that one official because it felt a little redundant). My unusual combination of disciplines comes from a deep love of learning and curiosity about the world. I entered UW as an International Studies major, but later fell in love with the creativity and beauty that coexists with the rigor and structure of mathematics.
While at UW, I did research in community involvement in USAID initiatives, natural language processing, and novel applications of graph theory for understanding real number sequences. I was (briefly) in a sorority -- Chi Omega. As a lead writing tutor in the Odegaard Writing & Research Center, I met students from across disciplines and programs at UW, and got to chat with them about reading and writing, which are two of my favorite things. Some of my fondest college memories come from Dean LaRue's International Negotiation Simulation class, where I represented Poland in our model EU sessions all quarter. I even competed in the Global Health Business Case Competition in the Foster School of Business, which was basically a 48-hour intensive course on how to put together a business plan for me (though we won second place!).
Throughout it all, I count myself lucky to have been part of the Honors community. The students and staff of this program are all lit from within by their passion, creativity, and devotion to understanding and improving the world. The most interesting conversations of my life have largely taken place within Honors classes (or have at least been sparked by the curriculum therein).
Since graduating, I've started work as a data scientist at Facebook. I'm looking forward to what else the future brings, and excited to keep connecting with my Honors peers.
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Nikou Lei
Physics (B.S.), Mathematics (B.A.)
Nikou Lei LinkedIn
Physics (B.S.), Mathematics (B.A.)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I am a first generation college student.
My Website nikoul@uw.eduHello! I am Nikou. I study in physics and mathematics at UW. On campus, I was a student worker at HFS, a research assistant in the physics department and I-LABS, a math tutor, and an undergraduate research leader. The experience together has shaped my perspectives and goals. I am grateful for my undergraduate journey at UW and I will be pursuing a PhD in medical physics in the fall.
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Elise Lynn Jacobsen
Law, Societies, and Justice
Elise Lynn Jacobsen LinkedIn
Law, Societies, and Justice
Human Rights
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Giving a speech in Red Square about the need for disability inclusion in emergency services for a public speaking class!
Thesis: Racial Stereotypes and News Media: An Exploration of United States Drug History
Elise is also completing her Yoga Teacher training through the University of Washington, and continuing to grad school in the Fall.
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Irika Sinha
Biochemistry; Biology (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental)
Irika Sinha LinkedIn
Biochemistry; Biology (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental)
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being named a Husky 100 Scholar
Thesis: A-Site Cation Diffusion in Halide Perovskites
My Website sinhairika@gmail.comI graduated in March 2021 from the UW and will be attending the Neuroscience PhD program at Johns Hopkins University starting Fall 2021. I was involved in research throughout undergrad and explored a variety of fields (pathology, chemistry, immunology, and computational biology/bioinformatics) to find a good fit for my interests. Beyond research, I also worked in the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries (info desk), as a TA in the chemistry department, and with the Center for Learning and Undergraduate Enrichment (chemistry tutor). I enjoy participating in bouldering and Taekwondo and also spend time illustrating (for the UW Daily and for fun), birdwatching, and messing around in Lightroom.
I presented my research at the 2019 and 2021 Mary Gates Undergraduate Research Symposiums and at the 2020 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. I was a Husky 100 Scholar and received the Goldwater Scholarship in 2019, Washington Research Foundation Fellowship in 2019, Mary Gates Endowed Research Scholarship in 2018, and NSF GRFP honorable mention in 2021.
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We love Honors
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Rayne Tineal Anderson
Materials Science and Engineering
Rayne Tineal Anderson
Materials Science and Engineering
Chemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Seizing the opportunity to work in a laboratory setting for all 12 quarters I attended the University of Washington.
Thank you mom I love you! My success wouldn't be possible without your unconditional love and support.
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Elaine Katherine Currie
Psychology
Elaine Katherine Currie LinkedIn
Psychology
Education, Learning, & Society
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Being elected as Vice President of Member Development in my sorority.
Thesis: Just Close Your Eyes: What the Brain at Rest Reveals About Memory
Since transferring to the UW mid-sophomore year, Honors has helped me realize a passion for education and advising. I will continue to pursue this passion in the future, as I continue on to grad school for my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration.
Over my two and a half years at the UW, I have had countless opportunities to enrich my college experience. I have worked on campus at the ArtsUW Ticket Office, held an executive position in my sorority, completed undergraduate research (and an accompanying thesis), and had the incredible opportunity to be an undergraduate TA within my major, and peer educator for the Honors program. Possibly my favorite experience was traveling abroad with Honors to the Netherlands; I made incredible friends and got the chance to explore topics completely unrelated to my major.
I made the best friends and best memories at the UW, and I can't thank my family enough for supporting me throughout it all. I wouldn't be where I am today without my mom, grandma, and grandpa, and I want to recognize their generosity and commitment to my education since the day I was born. I would also like to thank my cat, for sitting with me through every assignment throughout the final spring quarter. Although this is a strange time to graduate, I can't wait to see what the future holds!
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Peyton Lyons
Informatics, Spanish
Peyton Lyons LinkedIn
Informatics, Spanish
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Finishing my Spanish honors thesis and Informatics Capstone - both of these projects felt like a great way to round out my time in these majors
Thesis: Transgender Identity in Spain: From the Second Republic, to Dictatorship, and Democracy
lyonsp@uw.eduI am excited by the intersection of social justice and technology, and while defining what this means exactly is an ongoing process, the past five years at UW have helped that significantly.
As a Data Management Fellow at the Latino Community Fund, I have had the opportunity to combine my Spanish and Informatics majors and also work in a non-profit, which is something I have loved. Being welcomed into and supported by the LCF family has been one of the best experiences over the past two years and has helped me better understand how I want to contribute to communities throughout my life.
Another defining experience has been my work in residential life. I started as an Office Assistant during my first-year year, worked as an RA for two years, and am finishing my time in res life as an ARD for Lander Hall. I have made some of my best friends from these experiences and have built upon my professional identity. These roles have challenged me in ways I never expected and I will take these experiences with me wherever I go. It will be strange to not live in a res hall next year (and have to pay rent...)!
I was very excited when I found out that UW has an Equestrian Club so I could continue competing in the sport that I have done for most of my life. The club quickly became a key part of my time at UW, providing one of my first opportunities for leadership. I held three exec positions in the club, including President last year, and had the chance to compete twice at Zones. It's hard to find people to talk to about horses, but this little group offered that much needed space and community.
There are obviously many other experiences that have led me to this point, including being an Info 200 TA, a Dream Project mentor, meeting amazing friends, working with awesome professors, a lot of fun experiences and also hard days. I am excited to take these experiences and relationships with me as I move on to whatever is next.
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Noah Michael Placzek
History
Noah Michael Placzek
History
International Studies: Korea Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Stepping out of my comfort zone and completing the honors program in the Department of History
Thesis: Syngman Rhee, The April Revolution and American Foreign Policy in South Korea
During my time at UW, I took the time to explore subject areas which I had not previously considered studying. I also had the opportunity to study abroad twice and participate in other great programs like the C21 Externship program, all of which have provided me with amazing memories and experiences. It's hard to believe that after graduating high school with the intention of pursuing a STEM or music performance degree, I will soon be completing my undergraduate degree with honors in history. The honors program gave me incredible practice in research which I plan to improve upon in graduate school after a couple years of continued exploration and learning on my own.
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Jake T Woods
Communication
Jake T Woods
Communication
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Participating in a Study Abroad program in León, Spain.
Thesis: The Communication of Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
I am 22 years old and ecstatic to have completed my undergraduate education. I will be moving on to put my Communication degree to work in the healthcare industry, starting in Olympia, WA. One of my main interests is driving a racecar all across Washington State, which I have been doing for over 12 years. I am thankful for my time at UW and proud to have completed a Thesis for my departmental honors study.
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Kahana Pietsch
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Kahana Pietsch
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Too many to count! While I've accomplished a lot in my classes, research, and personal interests, a lot of my proudest moments have involved introducing others to the passions that are important to me and seeing them get just as excited about them as I am. Whether this is helping someone catch their first fish or take their first backcountry camping trip, I think it's these moments I cherish the most.
kahanp@uw.eduThe last 4 years have been some of the greatest of my life, I've had the privilege to explore and expand my many outdoor hobbies, fishing the lakes and streams of this beautiful state and hiking and climbing my way through its hills all while making new friends and learning new things. I've been incredibly fortunate to get to be a part of multiple research projects in my department and learn through my classes more about my field than I even knew existed when I first started here. I'm continuing my work studying abalone withering syndrome in the labs of Carolyn Friedman for at least the next year and where life will take me after that I don't know but I'm sure looking forward to it! I'm incredibly grateful to all the staff and fellow students without whose support I could never have made it this far.
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Natalie E Pearlman
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Natalie E Pearlman LinkedIn
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was earning the Susan Huscroft Endowment, a two year scholarship for future physicians.
My Website nepearlman@gmail.comMy dad has always told me to do what scares me most in life, that anything worth doing is always a little scary at first. Moving all the way from the Central Valley of California to the big city of Seattle, Washington certainly qualified as a scary decision but it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. During these past four years at UW I have had incredible opportunities to explore both myself and the world around me. I have studied Alzheimer's using a Drosophila Melanogaster model and presented my research twice. I have taught a guest lecture for an intro level biology course and co-wrote a section of the lab handbook used by hundreds of UW students every year. I backpacked along the Missouri River along the route that Lewis & Clarke took. I walked in the Andean Mountain Range in Peru and Ecuador studying feminism and traditional Indigenous culture. I mentored 8 underclassmen students and co-Directed a leadership development program funded by student dollars. I studied everything from Shakespeare, Molecular Development, and Islam. I made incredible friends who have made me laugh, smile, and love life in a way I didn't know was possible. The degree I am earning from UW encompass all of these experiences and so many more. As I prepare to navigate the world outside of UW, I will continue to strive to find ways to challenge myself and explore the world around me. Eventually, I plan to attend medical school and serve as a doctor and change-maker in the rural health care sector of America. Thank you so much to my family and mentors who have helped me along the way.
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Sydney C Bowker
Biochemistry
Sydney C Bowker LinkedIn
Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Organizing and teaching a six week intensive lab internship program for four local underprivileged high school students!
Thesis: How Does the Cell Polarity Protein Crumbs Regulate Tube Formation in Drosophila Melanogaster Egg Chambers?
sydneybowker@comcast.netHey, I'm Syd and I'm graduating with a BS in Biochemistry with departmental honors! I worked as a researcher in Genome Science's Berg Lab for all four years of college. I'm hoping to pursue a career in clinical research coordination after graduation. During my time at UW I made a some great friends and learned a lot about myself and my interests. I am proud to be a first generation student, and glad to be graduating in Seattle, the city I grew up in.
With huge thanks to my family and friends who have supported me throughout my life, and especially over the last four years.Tags:
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Ann Evans
Physiology
Ann Evans LinkedIn
Physiology
International Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I was struggling both in and outside of school sophomore year, but junior year I worked extremely hard to make up for it, and I got an email from my professor recognizing how much I had improved. It was the first time someone really took note of how hard I was working on myself.
My Website anjaev97@gmail.comI have always been interested the life sciences, but during my time at UW, I've really come to realize how much I want to further explore the interdisciplinary connections between science and the humanities. I feel that good science communication is more important now than ever before, and I want to explore careers that help to further discussion and learning for everyone.
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Lauryn Kay Stafford
Public Health-Global Health & Economics
Lauryn Kay Stafford
Public Health-Global Health & Economics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was receiving an offer to be a Post-Bachelor Fellow at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). This program will enable me in the next few years to continue my work in global health research and pursue a fully-funded MPH at UW.
During my time at UW, I was able to pursue a double degree in Public Health-Global Health and Economics. By being able to take courses in both these majors, I was able to explore my interests in global health economics and the crucial intersection between financial stability and health. As an undergraduate, I was able to participate in a study abroad program through the School for International Training (SIT) in India focusing on public health, gender equality, and community-based initiatives. For the past year, I was an Undergraduate Research Assistant on the Cost Effectiveness team at the UW Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), where I have also accepted a Post-Bachelor Fellowship.
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Maha Sohail Alhomoud
Political Science: Political Economy
Maha Sohail Alhomoud LinkedIn
Political Science: Political Economy
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Officially establishing the ASUW Office of International Student Advocacy (OISA)!
alhumoudmaha@gmail.comI'm a graduating senior in Political Economy and an international student from Saudi Arabia. On my first day of first-year year, I was diagnosed with blood cancer, and had to undergo chemotherapy and take classes at the same time. My battle with cancer has led me to change my major multiple times, which I'm thankful for, as it led me to political science and research. I was an undergraduate research fellow for the Center of American Politics and Public Policy (CAPPP) at UW, and I'm currently working on my second thesis, which traces state-building and taxation in Saudi Arabia. I am also an undergraduate research assistant in the Political Science Department to Kenya Amano, Ph.C., working a project about central bank independence.
Outside of my studies, I am a passionate advocate for international student representation and inclusion. This year, I co-chaired the ASUW International Students' Engagement and Advocacy Taskforce as a Mary Gates Leadership Scholar. In the upcoming year, I will be working in Washington, D.C., as a James C. Gaither Junior Fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Middle East Center. In the future, I hope to pursue my graduate studies through a dual degree of law and political science, combining knowledge, leadership, and advocacy.
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Olivia G. Kotha
Asian Studies
Olivia G. Kotha
Asian Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Realizing that after a year in Japan I could finally hold a conversation in only Japanese.
oliviakotha@gmail.comI love learning languages and have studied Thai, Cambodia and Japanese at UW, which culminated with my year abroad in Japan. I love to read and write and to dance it out with my friends. I also have a newly minted interest in film therory.
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We love Honors
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Yana Georgiana Chakalo
Sociology
Yana Georgiana Chakalo
Sociology
Law, Societies, and Justice
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Graduating and earning my Baccalaureate degree from the University of Washington with Departmental Honors has been my proudest moment here. It demonstrates my discipline into being a critical thinker and continuously learning. It is more than just a piece of paper earned, it is a journey in which I committed my blood, sweat, and tears to.
Thesis: “Maybe I Shouldn’t Buy a Coffee so I can Pay Off my Student Loans”: Racial Differences in the Moralization of Student Debt
yanac@uw.eduThis is me. A self portrait drawn in graphite. This portrait captures much more of who I am than a photo ever will because I created this representational image of myself, who I am, and what I see. I love drawing, painting, and sketching but I also am a child and first time University graduate of immigrant parents. I have seen and experienced many cultures and ways of life and gone through life's journey leading me here to the University of Washington. During my time here I have gained experience and educated myself in as many disciplines as possible such as art, technology, computer programming, and Sociology. All of these may seem unrelated on the surface but really they all have a connection in the way we learn as people, how we as a society and culture interact with each other, and how we as people develop our identity and sense of self. For four years at the University of Washington I explored the nuances of life, learned about various disciplines in many different fields of knowledge, which all gave greater meaning to my life and my journey for the future. Especially, as an Honors Sociology student and researcher I delved into the studies of society, culture, and people and why we create the lives that we do. Getting down and dirty into the field of social science research taught me a lot about the tendencies of society and the conceptualizations of morality. However, as I learned about other people I also learned about myself which is the greatest gift that this educational journey has given me.
Looking back on my past four years here at the University of Washington and my life I have also taken part in so many amazing positions and opportunities from working with Senator Maria Cantwell to the Seattle City Prosecutors office in the Criminal division to computer software and programming to the Honors Sociology program during my last year here. I am grateful for every single one of these experiences as they have taught me about myself and what my true passions are in life. No matter what I choose to do with my future each opportunity taught me valuable knowledge and skills that are irreplaceable.
For my future I want to incorporate all of my passions and all of these experiences together because no career, job, or area of life is isolated. Science and technology require art just like art requires ideas of science, technology, and innovation. I am excited for what is to come and everything that I will succeed in.Tags:
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Sofia Elena Solomon
Public Health-Global Health
Sofia Elena Solomon LinkedIn
Public Health-Global Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW is being able to graduate with honors in 3 years!
sofiaesolomon@gmail.comI am a Spring 2021 graduate student from the Departmental Honors program earning my Bachelors of Science in Public Health-Global Health. I am interested in community health, public health policy, and preventative medicine. During my time in the honors program, I completed two ad-hoc projects, both of which were presented in a public forum at a COVID-19 Webinar with SPH Dean Hilary Godwin and the annual SPH Undergraduate Research Symposium. I plan on earning a dual MD/MPH degree following my undergraduate education and am excited to further explore the intersection of medicine and society.
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Lisa Rei Courtney
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Lisa Rei Courtney
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting through CHEM 142 (despite the awful midterm grade) and the reassurance that yes, I can succeed in engineering prerequisite courses, despite women being underrepresented in the engineering field, and I am capable of graduating with an engineering degree.
I am graduating in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Water Resources. I pursued an engineering degree (despite having no family members in STEM) because I wanted hands-on skills to help better the world. I studied abroad in Peru after my First-year year, and while working with a local informal urban community, my eyes were opened to how lucky we are here in Seattle to have clean running water. In addition to my interest in water resources, I really want to promote sustainability, as well as encourage women in STEM. Through my activities in the Civil Engineering RSO, Concrete Canoe, I worked to design one of the most environmentally friendly concrete mixes in recent years at UW Concrete Canoe, as well as continue working on setting up the Rainwater Recycling system for the Construction Materials laboratory in More Hall. Another activity I have been so grateful to be a part of, is Phi Sigma Rho Engineering Sorority (Phi Rho). I have received so much support from my sisters in Phi Rho, and I held multiple leadership positions throughout my four years in Phi Rho, in order to give back and continue to grow this amazing community of women pursuing STEM.
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Marissa Lorberau
English
Marissa Lorberau
English
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Reading My Poetry at the UW Bookstore
marissalorberau@gmail.comLooking back, I am immensely proud to have been able to spend the last few years at the University of Washington. I am especially grateful to the Interdisciplinary Honors program for enriching my undergraduate years with so many unique courses and opportunities. Some of my adventures have included working as a Resident Advisor, tutoring at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center, reading manuscripts for a literary agency, writing content for an online educational resource, and spending an incredible month in Rome with the UW Honors program.
Storytelling has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Throughout my time at UW, that passion has evolved into a much richer understanding of what words can mean to people. Going forward, I hope to further cultivate my passion for stories by pursuing a career in publishing. My goal is to support diverse authorship and boost voices that are often excluded from mainstream literary narratives. Everyone has a tale to tell and I look forward to the chance to listen.
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Alishia E Orloff
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Alishia E Orloff LinkedIn
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Quantitative Science & American Indian Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Acknowledging the Original Stewards of the Land when presenting my thesis at the Research Symposium
Thesis: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Environmental Engagement
alishia.orloff@yale.eduAlishia Orloff is an undergraduate researcher currently in her last year obtaining a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She has a strong interest in terrestrial and riparian ecology. Conducting ecological research across the nation, she has developed a greater appreciation for Traditional Ecological Knowledges as a lens for developing holistic land management. Alishia aspires to share her experience in holistic scientific methodology and ultimately challenge dominant narratives of western ways of knowing. Aside from her ambitions in her field, she also takes great efforts to engage communities on sustainability through education in the Pipeline Project, restoration in the Society of Ecological Restoration, and food sovereignty at the UW farm. Alishia enjoys playing piano and flute in local ensembles and symphonies as much as she does freelancing and busking. Over her years at University, she has picked up interest in Ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, lifting, yoga, and oil painting. Continuing her endeavors, she will continue to question frameworks and push boundaries at Yale University for graduate school.
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Kylie H Sahota
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Kylie H Sahota LinkedIn
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Holding a baby octopus caught in a bottom trawl during a research cruise on the RV Rachel Carson!
Thesis: The Effects of Increased Salinity on the Behavior and Survival of Juvenile Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister): Implications for the Control of Burrowing Shrimp in Willapa Bay, Washington
As a SAFS major, you might guess I love just about anything that has to do with water or the things that live in in, and you would be correct! Some of my favorite activities include swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, and spending time outdoors with my family and friends. In my free time, I also love to read, ride horses, dance, hang out with my pets, cook, and bake.
I worked throughout my time at UW at the Burke Museum Fish Collection, Biology Department Field Trip Program, and the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team. With these organizations I was able to gain valuable experience and connections, and still managed to maintain a high GPA and consistently receive awards and recognition from my School and College.
I am also a first generation college student, and as the first in my family to graduate from a University, I am especially proud to say that I was able to fully fund my higher education with the help of contributions from generous scholarship donors. I am so thankful to all those who have supported me on my pursuit for education, and will forever treasure my UW family and memories!
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Brian Dang
Drama and English Literature and Language
Brian Dang LinkedIn
Drama and English Literature and Language
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Writing and producing a site-specific play (Ratskin) with an amazing, collaborative group of immigrants.
Thesis: Drama Thesis - Ratskin, a new play // English Thesis - Embracing the Monster: "The Shape of Water" and its Fairy-Tale Utopia
My Website dang.brian97@gmail.comBrian Dang majored in English Literature and Drama. Brian, throughout his time at UW, got involved with collaborative storytelling.
At UW, Brian was the Creative Development Director for the past two and a half years, connecting fellow undergraduate peers with educational opportunities as well as curating, coordinating, and mentoring playwrights in the annual New Works Festival. While Brian primarily focuses on playwriting, he has experience in sound and light design, improv, directing, and dramaturgy. Recent productions that he has been a part of have been Anton (Parley) as the playwright, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (UTS) as a co-director, Sleep is for the Weak V (Theatre Battery) as a playwright, and Goldie, Max and Milk (UW School of Drama) as the sound designer.
Brian is interested in pursuing an MFA in Playwriting and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies.
Last but not least, Brian is passionate about the power of stories and the intersection between creative and critical writing. On the side, Brian likes to read, write, watch movies, revel in hopeless romanticism, pet cats, and eat bread.
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Aniruddh Saxena
Bioengineering
Aniruddh Saxena LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Applied Math, Entrepreneurship
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting in the department of Bioengineering and completing my first symposium presentation
Thesis: A Novel Drug Screening Platform to More Accurately & Cost Effectively Discover Cures for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
My Website aniruddhs98@hotmail.comHi! I am passionate about stem cell therapy and using it as a means to cure disease that are currently known as incurable. I am also passionate about increasing healthcare access and solving challenges in the field of healthcare.
In my free time, I really enjoy going on hikes, video games and swimming.Tags:
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Katie Champoux
Neurobiology and Psychology
Katie Champoux
Neurobiology and Psychology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Becoming a member of Phi Beta Kappa as a junior.
Thesis: Differential Development of Myelin in the Zebra Finch Song System Corresponds to Faster Song Tempo
One of my most significant experiences has been undergraduate research in Dr. David Perkel’s lab studying the neural mechanisms of learning, memory, and vocalization that allow singing in songbirds like zebra finches. I discovered how much I enjoy the challenges of research and understanding how research can translate into clinical medicine and patient care.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my coursework to earn degrees in Neurobiology and Psychology. I love studying everything and anything about the nervous system, from molecular mechanisms to anatomy, from neuropharmacology to the neural basis of human behavior.
During my Husky years, I discovered my passion for helping others. I now know that I want to help people improve their health and I plan to attend medical school. I am very grateful for love and support from my family, friends, and mentors. I am also proud to earn Departmental Honors in Neurobiology and be a part of the UW Honors Family.
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Adely Martinez
Bachelors of Arts in Social Welfare
Adely Martinez LinkedIn
Bachelors of Arts in Social Welfare
Diversity
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at the UW was attending a study abroad program centered around social justice in Spain!
Thesis: Practitioners Competence in Mental Health
I am a passionate person centered around accessibility and equity for minorities. As a result I decided to become a part of departmental honors in order to run a study. As a result I will further my education in the Advanced Standing Masters Program at the University of Washington. My ultimate goal is to become a doctor in social work.
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Shannon Gu
Biology: Physiology
Shannon Gu
Biology: Physiology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Planning the Chinese Student Association's 52nd Annual Lunar New Year Gala during my senior year.
I came to UW with the mindset that college was a blank slate; being in a place where no one knew me was liberating, for it allowed me to freely pursue my interests and passions without being restrained by other people's expectations. What I didn't expect were the opportunities that came my way and how much I would learn and grow from each of those opportunities. Many of my classes, both in my major and in the Honors Program, encouraged independent study and allowed me to integrate my personal experiences into the content I was learning. Outside of the classroom, I built my leadership experience from scratch, helped found a travel magazine with a group of friends first-year year (it's still going strong!), became involved in mental health advocacy, and found a community (and second family) in the Chinese Student Association. I used to be overly focused on racking up achievements that would look impressive on resumes or applications, but quickly realized that such a mindset was extremely draining and made it much harder for me to articulate the meaning I gained from each experience. Letting go of the need for prestige or recognition and pursuing opportunities simply because they interested me made me much happier, and it actually propelled me to better success. Now, at the end of college, I am a more confident, engaged, and mindful person, and I’m truly grateful for all of the opportunities I've had.
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Lukas RYE Metzner
Neuroscience
Lukas RYE Metzner
Neuroscience
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Before my senior year, during the pandemic, I started an RSO called Students for Sensible Drug Policy, which advocates for more compassionate drug policy not based around criminal punishment, and fact-based peer education about drugs and drug safety. It was a challenge because of the lack of physical community, but I was able to find a group of like-minded people with diverse academic and personal backgrounds to run the club with. I think that "leadership" is seriously overemphasized in American education, but this certainly was a crash course in those skills. Not everything we tried to do was successful, but we were able to get involved in the political process and the campus activism community. Most importantly, the club will continue to operate next year. I'm really proud to have left something at UW and I have great hopes for the organization and its members for the future!
Thesis: Effects of Inhibition of P2Y12 Receptor during Opiate Withdrawal on Microglia Activation and Behavior
lukasmetzner10@yahoo.comHi! My name is Lukas, and I'm from Beijing. In my time at UW I've explored subjects ranging from anthropology to environmental science to neuroscience, which I ended up majoring in. Outside of classes, I've had so many incredible opportunities at this school, like working as a writing tutor at Odegaard, and going on an honors study abroad program in Costa Rica. I've also been involved in lab research on the molecular and behavioral neuroscience of addiction, and gotten involved in activism around drug policy, criminal justice, and racial and economic injustices perpetrated against communities through the war on drugs. In each of these, I've had the good fortune of meeting wonderful peers, allies, and mentors. Outside of school, I enjoy playing and watching basketball, cooking, and reading. I'm planning to embark on a career in neuroscience research, and starting next year I'll be working as a technical associate at the Feng lab at MIT researching the genetics and molecular neuroscience of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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We love Honors
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Chris L Yuen
Computer Science
Chris L Yuen
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Probably being able to work on a paper that was accepted by an academic journal.
Computer science major wondering what to do after graduation. Other interests include history, music, and games
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Ethan Cameron Chau
B.S. in Computer Science (Data Science), B.A. in Linguistics
Ethan Cameron Chau LinkedIn
B.S. in Computer Science (Data Science), B.A. in Linguistics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Successfully adapting to a new language, culture, and way of life while studying abroad.
Thesis: Towards Resource-Efficient Contextual Word Representations for Parsing
My WebsiteI’m graduating with a dual degree in Computer Science (Data Science) and Linguistics. I’ve always pushed myself to gain a deeper understanding of everything I pursue and to work to advance the lives of others. To this end, I’ve filled my time at UW with experiences that have challenged me to grow intellectually and personally.
My research is in natural language processing, and I design computational approaches to tackle problems involving language. At UW, I’ve developed techniques for effectively modeling languages for which data is scarce and conventional methods are ineffective. I hope to bring the benefits of language technologies, like translation and misinformation detection, to speakers of such underrepresented languages. As a TA for the NLP class, I had the opportunity to share these experiences with many of my colleagues in CS.
I’m passionate about expanding my perspectives, and during the fall of my senior year, I studied abroad at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich. In addition to challenging myself through graduate-level coursework, I gained valuable experience in appreciating, adapting to, and understanding a new culture.
I’ve interned three times as a software engineer: twice at Indeed.com, and once at Facebook. Following graduation, I’ll intern once more at Facebook before returning to UW, where I’ll pursue a M.S. in Computer Science and continue my research in NLP. I hope to continue learning, exploring the world, and improving others’ lives!Tags:
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Meghan E Frisch
B.A. Public Health - Global Health
Meghan E Frisch LinkedIn
B.A. Public Health - Global Health
Diversity
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My time at UW was compiled by many small moments of pride, however, the most frequently I felt proud was rock climbing with the Climbing Team at UW. Whether it be a mental or physical barrier, the effort put in and the improvement that followed made me proud of myself and of my team!
The best I can describe my time at the University of Washington is as a journey of exploration. My direction evolved from one path to the next after experiences and courses began to build my personal resume of what I found important and inspirational. With every quarter came intentional decisions on where and how I would spend my time in order to further narrow my course of study and better understand myself personally. I entered the UW with no definitive direction; my perspective was open to college presenting the opportunity to explore every interest, in which I would trust my reflection and draw my personal and educational paths.
My path was not one without disappointment or confusion, but within my experiences morphed an exponential presence of enlightenment and excitement. Some of my favorite experiences at the UW included traveling to Zimbabwe for a population health study abroad where I was introduced to the public health field, working at IHME - a public health organization that many of you may now know of due to their COVID-19 response, and working as a Professional Ski Patroller and EMT at the local ski resort over the winter months. I have grown into my niche of study, with many of the same people by my side from the beginning. And when I say from the beginning - I mean the first person I met and sat next to at my orientation day, who also happened to be in my orientation group and living in the Honors LLC. My earliest friends and my amazing family have created a support system I will never take for granted, and for which I have the UW to thank.
I will never forget my time at the University of Washington, but I look forward to where the tides take me.
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Kyanna I Bren
Physiology
Kyanna I Bren
Physiology
Disability Studies
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Surviving the accelerated general chemistry series!
kyannaibren@gmail.comHi! I'm Kyanna and I'll be graduating with a Bachelor's in Physiology, a minor in Disability Studies, and of course, Interdisciplinary Honors! I will be applying to physical therapy school this fall to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, which I hope to use to work in an inpatient setting with a neurology focus. My physiology and disability studies courses have worked in tandem to help me recognize my passion for providing rehabilitative care that is both research-informed and inclusive. In my future career, I hope to continue to utilize the knowledge I have gained while at UW to create spaces for disability pride within the field of physical therapy.
Outside of the classroom, I have enjoyed collaborating with my fellow Honors students as an Honors Community Ambassador, working as a physical therapy aide, tutoring with the Riverways program, and serving as the LDS Student Association President. My time at UW has been packed full of wonderful memories and critical learning experiences (both academic and personal), and I am so excited to take everything I've learned over the last four years with me in my future endeavors.
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Sharron V Orr
Dance
Sharron V Orr
Dance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Performing in the Faculty Dance Concert in the Fall and the MFA Dance Concert in the Spring
Thesis: Two Left Feet Studios - A Dance Fitness Studio, all ages, all abilities and all styles welcome!
I took a winding path to get to where I am. I have been dancing my whole life and experienced some major set backs. I over came all of that and realized my dream. I wanted to teach. I knocked on doors until someone gave me a chance to teach. That led to more opportunities and more love for my art. It was after a few years I realized I wanted to combine my natural Business abilities with my love to teach. I wanted to open my own studio. I went back to school as a non-traditional student at my local community college. While working up to six jobs while going to school, I finished with my Business Administration degree and a Small Business Management Certificate. I then transferred to the UW to get my BA in Dance. While here I moved into a place and left my husband, son and dogs back in Vancouver, WA. I went to school, worked two jobs and tried to immerse myself in as many opportunities as I could. I started teaching Dance classes at the IMA on campus and made some wonderful friends. I also received a scholarship from the dance department to attend the Rhythm World 28 Dance Intensive in Chicago to receive a teaching certification in Tap Dancing. The program was taught by world renown tappers and it was a wonderful class of teachers. I got the honor of being in a dance piece for Kawasaki Guest Artist Etienne Cakpo in the Faculty Dance Concert as well as a dancer in MFA Brian Evan's piece for the MFA Dance Concert. I joined the National Society of Leadership and Success and am a proud graduate of the Dance program with honors. I will go back home to Vancouver, to reunite with family and begin the process to open up Two Left Feet Studios. I am so proud of my accomplishments and the road I have taken. It may be different, but it has been rich and full of life.
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Chi T Truong
Biochemistry
Chi T Truong
Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW is completing my senior thesis after two years of research.
Thesis: Novel Biosensor Design for Small-molecule Drugs and Neuropeptides
I am from Vietnam. I am thrilled to be graduating in BS Biochemistry this June. At UW, I have spent my time in Dr. Liangcai Gu's lab in Biochemistry department studying biosensors. I had a strong passion for pharmacy since I was young. In my free time, I love traveling, cooking, and reading history books. After graduation, I will be staying at UW to pursue my PharmD program.
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Shana Reka Edouard
Earth and Space Sciences
Shana Reka Edouard
Earth and Space Sciences
Dance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was receiving a study abroad scholarship to study in Canada through the Killam Fellowships Program.
My two passions in life are earth sciences and performing arts. I am so glad that I was able to pursue both at the University of Washington, majoring in Earth and Space Sciences with departmental honors and minoring in Dance. Throughout my years in college, I have received three scholarships, studied abroad for four months in London, Ontario, CA, and became involved in two research projects with the Earth and Space Sciences and Atmospheric department. I am proud to be graduating with departmental honors and cum laude.
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Grace Novacek
Biology
Grace Novacek
Biology
Diversity
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: I'm most proud of the fulfilling and sustained relationships I've shared with my friends, professors, mentors, and advisors at UW.
My WebsiteI’m passionate about criminal justice, sustainability, visual art and creative writing, medicine and global health, and beauty and skincare. I'm currently searching for a way to synthesize all my interests. I'm hoping my time spent traveling this winter as a 2018 Bonderman Fellow will provide clarity in this realm.
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Thu Thu May Oo
Medical Anthropology and Global Health
Thu Thu May Oo LinkedIn
Medical Anthropology and Global Health
Nutritional Sciences
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Thus, after completing bachelor's degree at this amazing UW, I hope to pursue my dream of becoming medical doctor and the medical anthropologist and hope to serve as the stepping stone towards inclusive community-building with cultural humility here and in Myanmar.
Thesis: apartheid, the State of Exception, and Rohingya Women in Myanmar (Burma): An Auto-Ethnographic Intervention
trinity.ttmo@gmail.comHi there! My name is Thu Thu and I am originally from Myanmar (Burma). Studying at the UW has been a great privilege for me as I have got to meet so many passionate and amazing people who have now become my family. From cliff diving and dipping my feet in taro farms during the study abroad trip in Hawaii to excavating the role of my own in the society fueled by apartheid and health disparities, the UW has given me so many opportunities to challenge myself beyond my own fear and the limits! What's more, through writing poetry, auto-ethnography, and storytelling, I have become more mindful and aware of the racial disparities and injustice around us.
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Riley K Brown
Finance and Marketing
Riley K Brown
Finance and Marketing
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment is leading our football team out of the tunnel for my senior Apple Cup games with our mascot Dubs! Being one of his handlers has been by far the coolest thing I’ve done in college!
Hi all! I’m Riley and graduating from the Foster School of Business this Spring. Throughout my time at UW I have enjoyed building community through getting involved with things like Honors Peer Educator program, ASUW, Panhellenic Executive Council, Montlake Consulting Group and more. I have made so many wonderful friends and had so many incredible experiences that have shaped who I have become. Despite this year not ending the way I would wanted, I would never trade my time at UW for anything!
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Becky Darrow
Bioengineering
Becky Darrow LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Becoming a Battelle Scholar through Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Thesis: Preventing Guidewire Loss During Venous Catheterization
Becky is working with Renda Palo and anesthesiologists Dr. Amber Franz and Dr. Bukola Ojo of Seattle Children’s Hospital to optimize central venous catheterization through UW Engineering Innovation in Health. Outside of school, Becky matches people in mentorship pairings as BMES Crosslink chair, and she spends most of her free time dancing. She fell in love with dance at the age of 4 when she took her first ballet class and throughout her childhood she was classically trained in ballet while also practicing modern, jazz, and lyrical dance. After a few years away from dance, she reentered the scene by learning salsa and bachata as she began school at the University of Washington. She was a member of the UW salsa club and assisted Professor Juliet McMains teaching salsa levels 1 and 2. After graduation, she will spend the summer working at Glossier in the Seattle Pop-up, teaching salsa and bachata dance, as well as learning how to dance zouk. In the fall, she will begin her role as a Consulting Analyst at Accenture.
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Griffin R Dugan
Psychology (B.S.), Communication (B.A.)
Griffin R Dugan LinkedIn
Psychology (B.S.), Communication (B.A.)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: The one that comes to mind for me was winning an award for a speech I have on Red Square about advocating for domestic violence survivors.
My Website griffindugan@comcast.netHello! My name's Griffin Dugan, and I graduated from the UW Interdisciplinary Honors Program in June 2020 (a very tumultuous time) with a dual degree in Psychology and Communication. I'm a pretty introverted guy who enjoys comedies, video games, dogs, and pasta. In my time at UW I had a lot of amazing experiences, including studying abroad in Ecuador, researching social connection and microaggressions, being a TA and a Peer Educator, and working as a tutor and an intern. The experiences that have meant the most to me have been the ones that have allowed me to work with some amazingly driven students and to support these people in their passions. Going forward, the future for me is still uncertain (especially in a pandemic), but I am excited to see what opportunities I will have to make connections with new people and to help foster growth in others.
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We love Honors
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Anya Zhen Watson
English and Philosophy
Anya Zhen Watson LinkedIn
English and Philosophy
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Playing at the Rainy Dawg Radio Battle of the Bands with my band, Cherry Tomato, during my junior year.
Thesis: Does Alcohol Consumption Serve the Interests of the Capitalist State? An Exploration of the Placating Effects of Alcohol and its Role in the Cultural Ideological State Apparatus
My Website anyaw@uw.eduI love playing guitar, running, and drawing. During college, I really enjoyed being involved in extracurricular activities. I was a copy editor and illustrator for the student-run travel magazine, Voyage UW. I also served on the executive board of my sorority for two years. In addition, I was part of a pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. I was the outreach officer for The Philosophy Society and was promoted to the position of president during my senior year. I was also an officer for the Songwriting Circle, a UW RSO. Outside of UW-related extracurricular activities, I play bass in a band called Cherry Tomato. I also work at the Odegaard Writing and Research Center as a writing tutor and at The Princeton Review as an SAT instructor.
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Daniel C Brock
Biochemistry, Biology (Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental)
Daniel C Brock LinkedIn
Biochemistry, Biology (Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental)
Chemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment was when I got to present my research at an international conference in Vancouver! Later that year, I also got to publish my research in an academic peer-reviewed journal, which was very rewarding.
Thesis: Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Zebrafish Cone Photoreceptors
Daniel Brock is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. Daniel works in the Brockerhoff lab studying circadian rhythm and stress responses in the mitochondria of cone cells in the zebrafish retina. After graduation, Daniel is going to spend 2 years at the NIH in the lab of Dr. Rosandra Kaplan, researching genetically engineered myeloid cells to make the immune system better at fighting metastatic cancer. Eventually, Daniel plans on becoming a physician scientist. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys photography, video games, and watching movies.
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Kevin Andrew Nguyen
Physiology
Kevin Andrew Nguyen LinkedIn
Physiology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My best memories at UW come from spending time with outstanding, goofy, and vibrant individuals who not only motivated me to become better, but also to enjoy life once (or twice) in a while.
Thesis: Effect of SS-31 on the Sod1KO Model of Sarcopenia
My Website kevinanguyen2@gmail.comHello! I'm Kevin Nguyen. I'll be graduating with a degree in Physiology this year, and I enjoy drawing and painting in my free time.
It feels surreal to conclude my 4 years of undergrad at UW. I remember back to the beginning of high school when I first designated UW as my dream school like it was yesterday. So much has happened during my time here and I will carry the endless memories, relationships, and lessons with me as I continue along my own journey.
Some highlights from my undergraduate career include: working on an extensive research project in the Marcinek lab for almost 3 years; learning from and assisting patients in clinical settings every summer; and collaborating with rad individuals on the Neurobiology Club officer board. And while STEM classes were something else, I'll give some credit to the endless and toiling hours of study for allowing me to indulge in the arts of learning and physiology.
Most importantly, my undergrad experiences have given me a greater perspective on life. There are many many things in this world that need to be improved upon. Personally, I will pursue medicine to not only to heal others but also to fight and rectify the disparities and conflicts that obscure the field from its full potential. My past interactions with other bright individuals along my journey have ensured me that they will do great things and change their respective fields for the better as well.
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Simon Machalek
Political Science: International Security option
Simon Machalek LinkedIn
Political Science: International Security option
International Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Playing for the University of Washington ice hockey team for 4 years
Thesis: Survival Under Foreign Pressure: How Authoritarian Regimes React To International Sanctions
sm@simonmachalek.comWhat an interesting journey it has been. As an international student, I came to University of Washington by myself across half of the world in order to pursue my dreams and advance in my career. Now that I am done with my studies here, I cannot describe how interesting and how beneficial was my time in Seattle.
All 4 years shaped who I am today, but the most defining experience was definitely the Honors program, through which I had the time and opportunity to work with amazing people and really focus on what interests me the most. The resulting thesis, which examines how authoritarians react to international sanctions and how they cope with the effects, has revealed to me what are my true passions and what I want to focus on in the future. To me, this is priceless and I am grateful for the opportunity I was given.
Although it feels unreal, it's time to leave Seattle and move on to the next chapter. In Fall I will begin studies at the Georgetown University, where I will pursue a master's degree in Security Studies. I cannot wait to continue in my path forward.
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Sophia Jean Knudson
Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Anthropology of Globalization
Sophia Jean Knudson LinkedIn
Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Anthropology of Globalization
Nutritional Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moments at UW were the ones where I was able to translate my study abroad experiences back home. I learned to ask deeper questions, gaining perspective when talking about marginalized populations after working with a refugee camp. I promote social justice as a praxis for global health. I defend social science as equally important to the "hard" sciences. I developed a discovery and exploration mindset. But I also learned how not only to stop burning my toast in the morning, but to cook artisanal Italian food that has made my life a lot yummier and healthier.
My Website soph.knudson@gmail.comSince I was little, I’d always dreamed of what was out there in the world. I’d sing along to Aladdin’s “A Whole New World” and the Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World,” sat mesmerized by Mulan’s strength to leave her home and family not only to protect her country but to seek independence and learn more about herself. As I got older, as a family we’d watch The Amazing Race every Sunday, and in the intro my mom would say “I’ve been there! I’ve been there!” and I so envied her. I’ve always desired to go beyond the sea to my left and mountains to my right, and see what else is out there - this is why I sought to explore at every moment I could in my husky experience.
I’ve had the privilege of traveling a lot within the four years I spent at UW. It is because of my travels and other experiences outside the classroom that I’ve been able to connect the dots with the equally important lessons I’ve been learning in Medical Anthropology and Global Health. Learning about institutionalized oppressions among marginalized peoples is incredibly valuable, but then being able to translate it to stories I heard from refugees and Roma people in my study abroad in Sardinia helped me understand more of the complexities and humanistic nature of it all. Discussing inequalities in health care provided a framework for my experiences abroad witnessing a lack of social justice and how that affected migrant health.
As an interdisciplinary honors student, an anthropology student, and a student traveler, I have been so lucky to embrace a holistic learning style. Humbled by the privilege I have, and passionately seeking to make health care systems and food systems more equitable, I reflect on my husky experience as the foundation for the type of discussions and work I will do for the rest of my life.
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Zaha Wolfe
Computer Science
Zaha Wolfe LinkedIn
Computer Science
French
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Leading the University Kayak Club
My Website zahawolfe@gmail.comI am proud to have explored philosophy, mathematics, linguistics, french, social sciences, politics, music, painting, and a number of other things during my time at UW. In the realm of computer science, I focused on Distributed System and cloud infrastructure. I found the model of thinking about distributed systems fascinating and entertaining, so I've decided to pursue it as a career. I am so grateful that I was able to teach throughout most of my years at UW, as I love the spread of learning and knowledge. I will continue to pursue philosophy, music, the arts, adventure, and all the other things which make life worth living.
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Katie Rainsberger
Human Evolutionary Biology; Medical Anthropology & Global Health
Katie Rainsberger
Human Evolutionary Biology; Medical Anthropology & Global Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My senior year I scored 13 points at the PAC-12 meet and helped our team place 3rd, our highest ever team finish!
Thesis: Testing for Evidence of High Altitude Adaptations among Endurance Athletes
Hello! My name is Katie and I am a graduating senior in HEB and MAGH. You can find my outside running, hiking, or camping when I am not working on my honors thesis! I am a member of the UW track and field team and a 13 time All-American. I was born and raised in Colorado and you can find me back in the mountains once I graduate this June!
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Sylvia Jurgens
Art
Sylvia Jurgens
Art
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being a Student Producer of the Animation Capstone
My WebsiteI decided to pursue an art degree at UW in order to have a creative-based career. Currently, I want to create concept art for video games, and I believe that having a solid fine arts background was the first step to accomplish that. I think my time at UW has allowed me to grow both academically and as a person. I have a much better balance between working hard and spending time with friends and family. Outside of school, I enjoy baking, playing games, and visiting new places. I'm excited to see what surprises the future has in store for me.
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Teshan Laucirica
Anthropology of Globalization
Teshan Laucirica
Anthropology of Globalization
History
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Getting accepted into the Honors Program and having my thesis approved.
Thesis: Upon the Pyre - The Fiery Funerary Practices of Vientiane, Laos
teshal@uw.eduI am the mother of a UW graduate and a no-eyed cat, a nurturer of plant life, and an enthusiastic cook. As a late bloomer in the world of education, previous episodes of my existence included working at Pike Place Market, cooking in New Orleans, and as a professional hairstylist in Seattle. The anthropology honors program was an incredibly fulfilling experience for me as it allowed me the independence and freedom to focus my research on an area of personal interest. I am passionate about human rights, politics, history, culture, and all of these as they are concentrated in Southeast Asia. I am grateful for the education that I have received from the University of Washington which will equip me to work in fields related to these passions and I am very excited to continue in the Master's program here and to see what lies beyond.
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Isabelle J Hua
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
Isabelle J Hua LinkedIn
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Leading the Husky Badminton Club in hosting the largest and only student-run tournament in Washington State
My WebsiteMy time UW has been packed with opportunities and experiences which let me explore my interests and passions. I've also found a wonderful community in my majors, research, and clubs. After graduation, I will be continuing my research as a Washington Research Foundation Innovation Postbaccalaureate Fellow in Neuroengineering in the Perlmutter Lab.
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Ryan A. Hahn
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Ryan A. Hahn LinkedIn
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
Chemistry
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Getting accepted to Tulane University for a Masters of Science in Pharmacology starting this August!
My WebsiteDuring my time at the University of Washington, I have been blessed by the people I have befriended and the wonderful moments I have experienced. My views have been challenged and shaped by the courses I have taken within my major and the Honors Program as well as through my experiential learning. Throughout my time here I have been an honors peer mentor, an undergraduate researcher, an undergraduate lab assistant, intern for The Freedom Project Seattle, tutor-mentor for the UW Academic Support Programs, subchair of the Relay for Life Marketing Committee, president of the UW Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity Chapter, member of Tribeta Biology Honor Society, and member of the 2018 Senior Gift Council.
I'm thankful for all of my friends and family that have supported me throughout the years and the professors that have shown me what it means to think and practice as a scientist. I'm excited to see what the future holds in store for me at Tulane University as I pursue my masters of science in pharmacology.
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Ryan M Littrell
Physics
Ryan M Littrell
Physics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Becoming trombone section leader of the Husky Marching Band
I have enjoyed being a part of the Husky Marching Band and the Hiking Club at UW. They have allowed me to get to know my fellow huskies at on-campus events, but also travel off campus with friends.
I want to thank my family for all of the support they have given me over the years, and all of my honors professors for the intellectual discussions and variety of content that we have covered in the courses.Tags:
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Courtney Claire Renaud
English
Courtney Claire Renaud
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Finally learning and accepting to look past my GPA and focusing on the knowledge and relationships I built during my time at UW.
Thesis: Translingual Acceptance in English Composition: Emphasizing Meaning-Making for Students in Code-Meshing Curricula
As a former Running Start student, now graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English two years early, I am beyond thankful for the numerous opportunities UW has given me in reaching my personal goals. My academic achievements and enrollment in the English Honors program have allowed me to challenge myself in new ways, revealing a form of perseverance within myself to maintain success through more strenuous academics. This has guided me further in wanting to become a secondary teacher in the near future, and the excitement I feel for educating students in the subject of English once I complete my Master's in Teaching! I hope to obtain my final degree by the end of the 2022-23 school year.
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Ethan F Knight
Neuroscience (B.S.), Public Health-Global Health (B.S.)
Ethan F Knight LinkedIn
Neuroscience (B.S.), Public Health-Global Health (B.S.)
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Finally being able to travel and study abroad to Costa Rica! It was an amazing country (with such good coffee) and I made many new friends along the way.
My Website knigheth000@gmail.comHi, my name is Ethan Knight! I graduating with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Public Health-Global Health, with College Honors in the latter. Throughout my time at UW, I have been blessed with the different friends, mentors, coworkers, and peers that I have met!
While I first arrived at UW a tad bit apprehensive and introverted, it was the small communities that I was able to find that brought me out of my shell. These communities - honors chemistry and Neuroscience - allowed me to grow and learn, both as a student and as a person, and I would not be who I am today without them. Also, my opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica allowed me to study something outside of my major, as well as make some new friends and mentors!
In addition, UW has also given me the opportunity to participate as a student researcher in the Dichek Lab. My time in the Dichek Lab has been incredibly formative and has solidified my desire to continue to engage in clinically important research. Combined with the lessons of my Public Health-Global Health major, I have gotten an expansive overview of medicine and health, from a single gene to communities-at-large.
I would like to thank all of my friends, family, and mentors for my UW experience (shout out to the Neuroganglia and Harvard House). Without you all, my experience would have been indescribably lacking!
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Bing Yu Lee
Earth & Space Science: Geology, Oceanography
Bing Yu Lee LinkedIn
Earth & Space Science: Geology, Oceanography
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Making my parents proud has always been one of my life goals. And I am glad that I made it today!
Thesis: Understanding the Long-term Tidal Modulation on Methane Bubble Emission at Southern Hydrate Ridge using Acoustics
As a first-generation Malaysian student, I consider myself a privileged one to be given the opportunity to come this far to pursue my bachelor's degree. My UW experience was an adventure, from performing on stage as an actor and dancer, to co-leading FIUTS CulturalFest, the largest cultural event on campus, to field experiences in the mountains and the ocean, and finally indulging in mentoring and doing research. These community building, leadership, field and research experiences have made me who I am today. I have forged so many international friendships and learned so much from stories coming from different parts of the world. Looking forward, I will further pursue my passion for marine geology, specifically in the energy field. I will also continue to challenge myself with new perspectives and keep growing with the hope to contribute to the world one day.
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Bailey Taylor Bailey Taylor
Interdisciplinary Visual Art
Bailey Taylor Bailey Taylor
Interdisciplinary Visual Art
Education, Learning, and Society
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment is organizing an online event that raised $10,000 to be distributed between emerging artists and POC owned organizations during the Covid19 crisis.
bentayuw@gmail.com(They/Them)
I am an artist, educator, and organizer that mobilizes art as a tool for social justice. I am a proud GSBA scholar, lifelong activist, and dedicated Seattle community member.Tags:
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Komal Susheela Ghirnikar
Sociology and Communication
Komal Susheela Ghirnikar LinkedIn
Sociology and Communication
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest memories at UW was being able to present my research at the 2021 Undergraduate Research Symposium with my family and friends in the audience.
Thesis: Exploring Cultural Competencies within Ethnically-Defined Alcoholics Anonymous Groups
These four years at UW have been such an amazing experience! I have had the pleasure of taking amazing classes within both Sociology and Communication where I've met likeminded students and supportive professors. This past year, I had the privilege of being a part of the Sociology Honors Program. Working on my independent research has been so fulfilling and I am so grateful to my advisors, cohort, friends, and family for encouraging me every step of the way! I am proud to end my time at UW with the ability to present my research that I have worked so incredibly hard on. Beyond academics, for the past four years, I have been a team member on UW's premier Bollywood dance team, UW Kahaani. My senior year, I had the opportunity to be one of the captains for Kahaani and build on my leadership and choreography skills. I cannot thank my team enough for being some of the best people I have ever met and I owe some of my best memories at UW to them! I am so thankful for the people that I've met during my time at UW and will truly miss them all!
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Audrey Marie Conrad
International Studies (General); Political Science
Audrey Marie Conrad LinkedIn
International Studies (General); Political Science
Human Rights
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I was the Editor of my JSIS Task Force. It was a lot of work but it was a great opportunity to learn more about editing and organizing a policy report!
Throughout my time at the University of Washington I have focused on studying human rights and immigration through my majors. My research and background is predominantly based on the protection and promotion of human rights both domestically as well as internationally. I also focused on legal and immigration studies and on issues where these concentrations intersect with human rights concerns. During my time at UW, I worked part time in the field of immigration law. I studied the Spanish language abroad in Spain for three months and consider myself proficient in Spanish. After graduating from UW, I plan on ultimately going to law school.
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Maxwell J Kahn
Geography - Geographic Information Systems
Maxwell J Kahn
Geography - Geographic Information Systems
Informatics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Earning a Mary Gates Scholarship for my research!
Thesis: A New Metric for Evaluating Pro Sports Expansion Franchises
maxkahn@comcast.netI moved out of the Chicagoland area to come to Seattle without a specific study area in mind. I dabbled in computer science, business, and philosophy at UW before deciding on Geography! I'm very thankful that the Geography Department was able to support my interest in sports and pursue sports research, culminating in a year-long thesis project studying the themes of relocation and expansion in professional sports. I like to think that my earlier classes in computer science and business helped provide a basis for my research project that wouldn't have been possible otherwise, so in a sense, I'm grateful that I came to UW as an undecided student and wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Seattle, thanks for being the best home I could have asked for over the last four years, and GO DAWGS!
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Alexandra Nicole Saunders
English
Alexandra Nicole Saunders LinkedIn
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment during my time at UW was when I got the email telling me I had been accepted into the Honors English program. I always knew I wanted to study English, so to complete my degree with a small, dedicated cohort was a total dream.
I'm a 26-year-old transfer student who completed the first two years of my undergrad at North Seattle College. The day I received my acceptance email from UW, I had just finished a shift at the coffee shop where I had been working for four years. I immediately sat down on the floor of my teeny, tiny apartment to bask in the fact that I had been accepted. It feels surreal to finally be graduating (especially right now) but I couldn't be more proud, grateful, or pleased.
I owe my success at UW to the unconditional love and support of my boyfriend, Taylor, my mother, and my brother. I am deeply indebted to my thesis advisor, Professor Kimberlee Gillis-Bridges, for her valuable insights and continual encouragement. Thanks also to Nancy Sisko for holding my hand during each registration session and reminding me of my wins. Finally, I would like to thank Professor Alys Weinbaum for pushing me to develop and flourish as an undergraduate scholar -- and for believing that I can do great things.
To my English Honors cohort: we did it! Thank you for listening to me rant about Dune and making this year special. I'll never forget you or this time in our lives -- I'll keep my eyes peeled to see who's the first one to get tenure or make the New York Times Bestseller list.
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Rohnin W. Randles
Political Science
Rohnin W. Randles
Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Seeing the public release of the Washington Legislative Explorer, a database project that was the culmination of more than a year of hard (and often arduous) work.
Thesis: Judicial Prescience: How Judges Incorporate Expectations in Grants for Certiorari
My WebsiteWhen I got to UW, I was going to be attending my third college; after receiving an A.S. from North Idaho College and transferring from the University of Oklahoma, my curiosity always got the better of me and I could never settle on a field. Nonetheless, I was determined and the faculty, resources, and opportunities at UW allowed me to grow into my passion. Over the last three years, I was able to complete a research fellowship, the political science honors program, write two independent research papers, and produce a web database to help citizens educate themselves on the activities of the Washington state legislature. Even more fulfilling are the bonds to friends, faculty, and a community of scholars.
I am taking my next step in the fall as I start a Ph.D. in Politics at Princeton, where I was honored with a Centennial Fellowship. To my friends, family, professors, and all those who supported me -- thank you and Go Dawgs!
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Maolin Liu
Accounting & Business Administration ( Finance)
Maolin Liu
Accounting & Business Administration ( Finance)
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: When I learned that comparing myself to other's success only shows me down from finding mine own.
Thesis: "The Major Crash of Luckin Coffee: The Largest Coffee Chain and its Accounting Misconduct"
I'm a Business major student interested in Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems. The experience in UW together has shaped my perspectives and made me who I am today. Thanks go out to UW Foster, for being exactly what I needed and for teaching me so much - both about the world and about myself.
UW challenged me. To be brave and humble, be open-minded as I met people from all over the States and world, be fearless in the pursuit of all of the opportunities, and never apologize for the unique parts of who I am.Tags:
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Jenel Li
Communication
Jenel Li LinkedIn
Communication
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was back to my freshmen year when I took the public speaking class and did my final speech at the red square. Finding my voice as an international student in a big American college made me reflect on how much I seek for a platform to speak on topics that stand out to me and advocate for the community I care about.
Thesis: Exploring the role of peer mentorship in acculturation among international stduents
My WebsiteJenel Li was born in Tokyo, Japan and raised in Beiijng, China. Growing up, Jenel had learned and spoke three distinct languages by experiencing three different education systems. Being a global news anchor was her childhood dream.
Jenel graduated from the University of Washington in 2019 with a Bachelor degree in communication. With her passion in interpersonal communication, cultural exchange, and social justice, she competed her departmental honors by doing her research on the role of peer mentorship in acculturation among international students. Jenel is pursuing her master degree in social work and business administration at the Columbia University. She is driven to grow as a communication professional who is capable of utilizing languages effectively to present herself, as well as being the voice of others, for a variety of purposes.
Jenel is passionate about leadership development and storytelling. Jenel is a hiring chair at the Associated Student of University of Washington as well as the vice president of the International Student Mentorship Program. She is dedicated to serving the communities in which she lives and works.
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Ian Gwin
Linguistics, Scandinavian Area Studies
Ian Gwin
Linguistics, Scandinavian Area Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at the UW was receiving the Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship through the Ellison Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies in 2018.
Thesis: "The Development of Question Particles in Estonian Polar Questions," "Far From Silent: The Emergence of Tintinabulli in the Film Music of Arvo Pärt"
Aside from my parents of course, I am most thankful to my many mentors and peers at the University of Washington, for asking me the right questions and giving me a model for how to live a good life.
"The student must remain true to himself. At the end of the day, everybody has to rescue himself by whatever means he can." - Arvo PärtTags:
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Jennifer Song
Physiology
Jennifer Song
Physiology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Founding the first Timmy Global Health college chapter in the state of Washington and being awarded the Mary Gates Research Scholarship for my work in the Gottlieb lab
I graduated in Fall 2020 with a degree in Physiology. I am super grateful for my time here at UW and will cherish the great memories and experiences I’ve had. I look forward to starting medical school this summer!
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Kerrie Lynn Agosta
Anthropology
Kerrie Lynn Agosta
Anthropology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I believe it will be the moment of hold in my hands the declaration of my completion of achieving my bachelor's degree !
Thesis: Bursting the Bubble: Transforming White Identities
My WebsiteI returned to college after a 31 year hiatus of raising a family four in 2013. I was at point in my life where I wanted to grow in ways that would challenge me in every sense of my being. It has been an incredible learning experience and I have been enriched in the academic soil of coursework that has literally transformed my life. Having the opportunity to experience Dr. Rachel Chapman's Alter/Native Anthropology course ushered in a profound intersection in my life where the exposure of my own "White Fragility" (DiAngelo, 56). in response to uncomfortable conversations around racial topics and privilege plowed into my identity as a white woman. It was the beginning of a deeper education of my ignorance and a revelation of the isolated reality my Whiteness had afforded me. My conscientious determination to push past fear and move deeper into vulnerable relationships with students of color allowed me to stay connected and do the work that was necessary to create new forms of engagement. The willingness on the part of people of color in my life at the time to move in relationship with me through the difficulty of sharing their stories allowed me to see outside of my own experiences and gain a new kind of knowing. What emerged relationally was profound; students worked through their own positionality within identified constructs of people groups and where together we examined intersections of power and oppression in our own lives through a lens of indigenous scholarship within the discipline of anthropology.
I wanted to understand how whiteness was affecting communities of color in my predominately white community of Bainbridge Island. This led me to purse the opportunity to apply to the departmental honors program in which I was able to continue to pursue an auto-ethnographic collaborative research project in my community in which I ask the questions “Can, and if so, where, when and how are white identities transformed from positions of White Fragility and White Supremacy into identities and relationships with People of Color of solidarity, allyship, accompliceship and race-traitorship in denouncing white privilege in order to create a culture that is equitable and inclusive for all people? ” My research has allowed me to examine how radical social justice education and cross-racial relationship building impacts individual and community identity transformation in respect to racial equity. I am committed to following this work in my community and am inspired by the faith that I see in other community members who are dedicated to the heartwork that is necessary to forge a culture that is more loving and just for all.Robin Di Angelo, “White Fragility” International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, vol. 3. no. 3. 2011, catalyst.uw.edu/workspace/file/download/7efed96ce7ca56e0747e7fffd69e8465f6d5a5451eb4b0ff3be81dabe33f1a34?inline=. (Accessed Nov. 14, 2017) 56.
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Intisar MKheseer
Neurobiology and Biochemistry
Intisar MKheseer
Neurobiology and Biochemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: when my department annonced my name as a honor student
i1980198@uw.eduI am UW student in Seattle campus, and I studied double major. I am immigrant from Iraq, I came in June 2012. I am mother for three kids. I lived hard life with more war, stresses, and lots of responsibilities, but all of that give me motivation to continue seeking better life and achieving my goals. I started to study at as soon as I came to the US. I am working in integrative brain research at Seattle Children Hospital Research institute to find a cure for diseases that associated with the motion deficit. This is just part of my journey, my goal is to study medical school and be a neurosurgeon and researcher at the same time to involve in treatment of untreated diseases, such as Parkinson's diseases and multiple sclerosis. Even though, I had hard life and lots of responsibilities, I still go forward to achieve my goals and serve the community, to prove to people who surrounded me that being mother is not a barrier to achieve your dream and living hard life should not stress you but it can be good motivation to push you forward and be what you like to be.
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Shih-Hsuan Hsu
Economics and Computer Science
Shih-Hsuan Hsu
Economics and Computer Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I completed my economics honors thesis.
Thesis: The Impacts of Universal Health Insurance on Educational Attainment: Evidence from the Seguro Popular Program in Mexico
My Website shhsu@cs.washington.eduPlease visit my website for more details about me.
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Medha Raman
Law, Societies, and Justice; Communication
Medha Raman LinkedIn
Law, Societies, and Justice; Communication
Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Presenting my research on drug policy at the ACLU of Washington
Thesis: Framing "Safe" Drug Use: King County's Debate Over Supervised Consumption Sites
raman.medha@gmail.comI've always been passionate about social justice. Growing up in an immigrant family centered in patriarchal norms and values, I first grew interested in the world of social justice as an advocate for women's rights. Since then, my interests have broadened to encompass a variety of social justice issues from criminal justice reform to educational inequality.
I've focused my work at UW on these issues, both inside the classroom and outside. Through my courses, I've learned about institutional racism, the prison-industrial complex, sexual assault and the law, and immigration policy and reform. I've taken this knowledge and applied it to my work outside UW, interning with the US Department of Labor Women's Bureau, the ACLU of Washington, and Pramila for Congress. I've also worked as a teaching assistant and mentor for low-income and first generation high school students in South King County with UW Dream Project, a volunteer at the Washington Corrections Center for Women with the Incarcerated Mothers Advocacy Project, and a Resident Adviser on campus.
After graduation, I plan to continue my work promoting social justice as a Program Coordinator for the UW School of Social Work.
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Albert Joseph Meuse
Bioresource Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Resource Management
Albert Joseph Meuse LinkedIn
Bioresource Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Resource Management
Chemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Making the Annual Dean's List three consecutive years in a row to graduate with departmental honors after being rejected by all seven engineering majors I applied for in the summer of 2015.
albertmeuse22@gmail.comWhen I came to the University of Washington in 2012, I vaguely knew I wanted to be an engineer, but I didn't really carry out the type of self-reflection needed to truly understand what my motivations were. In the past years I have went through a lot of adversity, and have matured greatly. I have become much more inquisitive, and curious. Although I have learned a tremendous amount in my time at UW, I am significantly less presumptive than I used to be, as I am much more aware of just how little I know. My long meandering undergrad experience has culminated in a double major in Bioresource Science & Engineering, and Environmental Science & Resource Management, in addition to a minor in Chemistry. In these programs I have learned a great deal about chemical engineering and forestry, and I intend on applying this knowledge in a way that addresses this current climate crisis we find ourselves in. This past year, under Anthony Dichiara, I conducted research on how graphene sponges made from carbon nanomaterials can be used for water treatment. I have worked as a dispatcher for the US Forest Service, as a canvasser for Environment Washington, and as a process engineer for NORPAC.
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Nadya Ekhteraee-Sanaee
Economics
Nadya Ekhteraee-Sanaee
Economics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Being awarded Husky 100!
Thesis: The Impact of Take Charge on Educational Attainment for Hispanic Women in Washington State
I hope to become a physician in the near future and use my background in economics to work on healthcare policy.
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Yinan Xu
Psychology
Yinan Xu
Psychology
Japanese
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I participated in the UW Research Symposium, and shared great ideas and novel insights there.
Thesis: Bilingual Code-Switching and Semantic Ambiguity Resolution
The capacity and uniqueness of the human brain have always been the field that intrigues me. Four years in UW I've developed great interest and passion in human executive function, especially language and other cognitive processing. I've brought my passion in psycholinguistics into my language learning, and done research in combining cognitive psychology with human linguistic behavior. After graduation I'll continue to pursue my research interests.
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James Julian Means
English
James Julian Means
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Getting accepted in the Columbus School of Law with a full scholarship
Thesis: Dysfunction: A Terminal Family Illness
I hail from Virginia and have lived there my entire life. However, for college I knew that I wanted to get off of the East Coast. After visiting UW, I fell in love with it and was determined to attend, and now I find myself about to graduate with a degree from an incredible university. The UW has been great to me. I have found the facility and people on campus incredible. Originally a chemistry major, a mishap in Calc 124 lead me to rethink my decision. I took a single english class the spring of my first-year year. It was American Lit 250 with John Griffith, and from there I was hooked! I changed majors and became an English major. I instantly fell in love with the program and the department. The professors were incredible! At UW, I have had plenty of Professors I did not like. But in the English department, I loved all of my professors! They are all great! And my fellow students were also great! Very friendly and intelligent. I decided in the spring of 2018 to apply to the English Honors Program and I am so glad I did because my experience in the program has been great! It takes the best parts of the English program and makes them even better! Overall, I am incredibly happy that I became an English Major and that I took the honors track.
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Casey Chen
Chemistry
Casey Chen LinkedIn
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: When I learned to stop equating my self worth by my accomplishments
I'm from Boulder, CO originally. I've spent my time at the UW conducting research with Prof. Matt Bush in the Department of Chemistry on the application of mass spectrometry in biological systems. I've also spent a year as a Chemistry TA, and have really come to enjoy teaching.
I'm also very into weightlifting, art, crocheting, and long walks around Seattle.
I will be attending the University of California, Berkeley, in the fall to pursue my PhD in Chemistry.Tags:
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Erikson P Kuebler
Business Administration
Erikson P Kuebler LinkedIn
Business Administration
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Discovering why there are so many breakfast places with "pancake" or "waffle" in their names (e.g. Waffle House) but almost no breakfast places with "bacon" or "eggs" in their names.
Thesis: The Vegetable Economy
I was lucky to learn from some incredible friends, professors, alumni, and TAs during my time at UW. I'm forever grateful for these relationships. I encourage younger Huskies to befriend at least one professor and explore a random Honors class before they graduate. Go Dawgs!
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Katie Gibian
Environmental Science - Wildlife Conservation
Katie Gibian LinkedIn
Environmental Science - Wildlife Conservation
Quantitative Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Implementing a composting program in the Alpha chapter of Chi Omega!
kgibian@uw.eduI will be graduating from UW this spring through the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences with honors in wildlife conservation. I am passionate about predator-prey ecology and conservation education with the goal to enter the wildlife field as a wildlife technician. My interests include large carnivores, travel, and superheroes!
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We love Honors
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Malvika N Nair
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Malvika N Nair
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Mathematics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Realizing what I want to do with my life!
Malvika has spent these last four years growing, figuring out what she wants to do with her life. She has taken all sorts of classes, become a leader in her community, and participated in service learning classes and summer internships. Malvika is a poet, a writer, a organizer, a changemaker. She is excited for the future and for all that it holds.
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Regan Gong
Psychology and International Studies: Comparative Religion
Regan Gong
Psychology and International Studies: Comparative Religion
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Creating an event celebrating interfaith dialogue thanks to the Husky Seed Fund
My WebsiteI have had an amazing four years as a Husky! My first-year year I became a campus tour guide and have been able to share my love for my school to prospective students. I studied abroad with the Honors Program in Rome, Italy and learned about arts and cultural norms while making lifelong friends. Academically, I participated in the two psychology research labs. My favorite was studying diversity efforts of companies in my Social Policy and Identity Research Lab in the Evans School of Public Policy. Last summer, I intern abroad with the U.S. Department of State at the Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal. I learned so much over these experiences and plan on pursuing a master's degree to prepare myself for a career in the Foreign Service.
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Fa'aumu Kaimana
Anthropology: Medical Anthropology & Global Health, Sociology
Fa'aumu Kaimana LinkedIn
Anthropology: Medical Anthropology & Global Health, Sociology
Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies, Diversity
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I am proud of finishing my Honors thesis, and of the relationships and opportunities I created during my time at UW!
Thesis: “Family is Everything”: Importance of Embracing Family for Indigenous College Students’ Educational Success and Leadership Development
faaumukaimana@gmail.comI am Fa'aumu Kaimana, and I am graduating from the UW with majors in Medical Anthropology & Global Health, and Sociology. I explored the concept of family in my honors thesis, which investigates the role of family in Indigenous students’ educational success at the University of Washington. In a year's time, I hope to pursue a doctorate program in Indigenous Studies or a related field, and research the relationship between language and resilience among Seattle area Indigenous communities.
2020 President's Medalist (Four-Year Award), awarded by President Cauce at graduation
2020 Husky 100 Award Recipient, awarded for an exemplary Husky Experience inside the classroom, in communities, and beyond
2020 Curtis Wienker Award for Best Honors Thesis in Anthropology
2020 Albert W. Black Undergraduate Community Service AwardTags:
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Nolan Kim
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Nolan Kim LinkedIn
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Studying abroad in the Netherlands and in Rome
nolanskim@gmail.comBefore coming to the University of Washington, I was unsure of what I wanted to do. People would say, "You'll find what you want to do once you're in college." Over the last four years, I explored many disciplines and tried involving myself in various clubs, associations, and research. After having participated in each, I realized that I did not find anything in particular that fully captured my interests. College has been a time of guess and check, growth, and introspection, and realizing that life contains a multitude of aspects that need to be traversed, I believe that I need to take some time to truly dive into all that life has to offer. As a result, for the next year, I hope to travel around the world, if international travel opens up again. I'll be documenting my time abroad, so if you want to see what I'll be doing for the next year and a half, follow my YouTube channel!
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Jingshu (Cynthia) Jiang
Finance
Jingshu (Cynthia) Jiang
Finance
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment is when I got into the Foster School of Business with one single try! I know there are so many talented people out there so it felt even more special knowing how strong my competitors are. I really appreciate the opportunity which introduced me to the Foster community and taught me so much throughout the years =)
Thesis: "How Does the COVID-19 Affect the Market of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)?" / "Emergence of Self-Indexing in the ETF Market"
I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be graduating as an honor student in the finance major. Throughout my years at the UW, I am so grateful to work with so many amazing researchers, scholars, professors and collegues. Being alongside so many insanely talented people has really taught me to never stop challenging yourself while to always remain humble because there's simply so much to learn from everyone out there.
Academically and career-wise, I mainly focus my studies around financial asset management and pricings. I did two of my research topics alongside two proficient professors and experienced researches surrounding topics on the Exchange-Traded-Funds markets. My passion in finance is to utilize the knowledge as an efficient tool to help companies make more well-rounded decisions and help consumers make wiser choices. I aim to always analyze problems in a multi-faceted fashion therefore I look forward to working with so many different people with different perspectives after graduation.
I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate everyone who has been in my life so far. Special thanks to Professor Zeng and Professor Song for aiding and guiding me through my research. Thank you to my great parents who supported me and gave me the uttermost understanding throughout my four years in college.
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Kate Verity Luken Raz
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Kate Verity Luken Raz
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments is presenting my research for the first time at the Undergraduate Research Synposium with hundreds of other students! Or performing a David Bowie parody song at the Undergraduate Theater Society’s open mic night in a bright blue jump suit.
Thesis: Implicit Measure of Male = Leader Stereotype in Children
dramaqueen.kvlr@gmail.comGreetings, stranger reading my profile! My name is Kate Luken Raz, and I am a graduating with college honors, a B.S. in Psychology, and a minor in Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies. When not doing academics, I enjoy slam poetry, doing shows with UW’s Undergraduate Theater Society, teaching children to swim, and listening to horror/sci-fi/ political podcasts. I am planning on gaining more experience in research, before applying to Social and Developmental Psychology graduate programs this fall! Many thanks to Harris, Mom, Dad, and my stinker of little sister, Mary!
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Caylyn Rich
International Studies
Caylyn Rich
International Studies
REECAS (Russian, East European, Central Asian Studies)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Interestingly, this final quarter has been simultaneously the easiest and toughest journey throughout my UW experience. It's been my lightest credit load and I finally had the chance to take a dance class. I participated in a poetry seminar and exercised my creative writing side which challenged me to interact with some of the not so wonderful moments in my life through a cathartic process of expression. I am proud to graduate, no doubt about it, but I am more proud to have finally realized that I have the strength and resilience to endure hardship and obstacles and learn and heal from those experiences in my time, whatever that may be. Sometimes mundane, sometimes wild, I want to thank those who contribute to my endeavors and who inspire me to believe in the beauty of humanity.
Languages were my first love and ended up leading me to study abroad- twice! I studied abroad through the Jackson School in Greece, conducting research through interviews which culminated in a mediation dialogue between marginalized communities and professionals. Then I headed up to Denmark (after my first solo travel through the Balkans!) to begin my direct exchange at the University of Copenhagen. I was supported by the Scan|Design fellowship and spent the entire year learning Danish, riding a bike, and adjusting to Scandinavian weather. I started working for the study abroad office after returning to UW and kept my fascination with the rest of the world alive by wrapping up a degree in International Studies (after surviving my Task Force report, of course). UW, and this corner of the globe more generally speaking, is quite marvelous, but I am thrilled for the next adventure, and language. I intend to spend most of my life discovering all the new and different ways we can communicate and I hope to inspire others along the way to be more understanding and engaged with the awesomeness of linguistic diversity.
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Linda R Zhang
History; International Studies (Asia)
Linda R Zhang
History; International Studies (Asia)
Microbiology
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Seizing opportunities available. A microcosm of the greater world, the UW community composes of a diverse group of people exploring a wide variety of majors. Pushing the boundaries of what I was familiar with, I went outside my academic interests to work on collaborative campus wide projects. From Dream Project to Svoboda Diaries, I know I made the most of my college journey.
Thesis: Blood Logs: Factors in the U.S. Decision to Classify the Japanese Biochemical Warfare Program
My research interest focuses on American foreign policy in postwar Europe and East Asia. I'm fascinated with how public memory and nationalism shapes identity, especially how the legacy of the Japanese Empire continues to endure in Asia.
Aside from depressing historical research, my outside activities include editing articles for the UW Journal of Microbiology, researching trade routes in the Ottoman Empire, coordinating volunteer work in the Evergreen School District, and serving as a teaching assistant for the College of Education.
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Cedrik Riley Pearson
Geography/GIS
Cedrik Riley Pearson
Geography/GIS
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Making the Dean's List for nearly 4 years straight
I am a transfer student that has had nothing but a good experience at UW. Over my three year here, I have been blessed to have made many educational and personal relationships that I will cherish forever. Getting to watch the Dawgs play a Rose Bowl in Pasadena is something I will never forget. GO DAWGS
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Joshua Shin
Computer Science
Joshua Shin LinkedIn
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Being a TA for CSE 311!
I am excited to be graduating with a degree in computer science and will be working as a software engineer in the fall. When I first arrived at UW, I was completely directionless. Being in the Honors program, I was able to pursue an interdisciplinary curriculum, but behind that veneer, I had no idea what I was doing or what I even wanted to do. Over the last four years, with the help of many friends and faculty, that wayward first-year has turned into someone with an actual plan and direction for the future.
I have also picked up so many invaluable experiences along the way, from TA’ing a computer science class, to studying abroad in Japan, to doing an internship, to taking a bunch of weird yet interesting Honors classes. In the time I have before entering the real world, I hope to travel, watch at least thirty movies, read one book, and do some yoga.
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Kyle James Curtis
Chemistry (ACS), Biochemistry
Kyle James Curtis LinkedIn
Chemistry (ACS), Biochemistry
Mathematics, Physics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Having the opportunity to represent the University of Washington on Wheel of Fortune as a College Week champion
kylejamescurtis@gmail.comWith a proud University of Washington alumna for a mom and an ardent Husky football fan for a dad, it was safe to say that I was brainwashed into being a Husky since the day I was born. Growing up, I attended football games with my parents and dreamt of the possibility of attending the University of Washington as a student.
In my time at the UW, I have had the opportunity to pursue my passion in science through my research in the Mack Lab. I have made countless memories and lifelong friendships due to my involvement in the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. I have had the privilege to represent the University of Washington as a College Week champion on Wheel of Fortune. Finally, I have been inspired by the optimism and compassion of the children that I have met through my volunteer work at Seattle Children’s Hospital, which only affirms my desire to one day return to Seattle Children’s Hospital as a physician. I will be attending the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University after graduation.Tags:
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Drake Anthony Russell
B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. Medical Anthropology
Drake Anthony Russell
B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. Medical Anthropology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Going to Russia for a conference on arctic relations.
Thesis: The Development of an Assay for the Large-Scale Measurement of the Gaseous Biomarker Hydrogen Sulfide in Blood
ddrruss@uw.eduHello, I started college in 2013 here at the University of Washington. I will graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in Medical Anthropology. Departmental Honors was a good choice, it kept me on top of my grades and it made me feel like my research was noteworthy. I am glad that I attended a school with so many research opportunities and such a multitude of classes to choose from; I was able to take everything from a class on CAD design to 2.5 years of Russian language. The research opportunities at this university were the big pull for me to attend and they did not disappoint. Conducting undergraduate research was such a good experience for me, that I realized research is what I wanted to do full time. I developed a passion for analytical chemistry and I am now coming back to UW this fall to begin a PhD program in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. I am quite excited for what the future will bring.
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We love Honors
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Cezanne Selora Lane
Biology
Cezanne Selora Lane LinkedIn
Biology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Completing the Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry series. They really kicked my butt!
cezannelane@gmail.comDuring my time at UW I worked for UWILD and UW Crags Climbing Center, volunteered at Facing Homelessness, worked for the research group UnBiased Health, and completed my B.S. in Biology.
More importantly, I engaged in late night debates with friends about medical ethics, spent lots of time exploring the Cascade mountains, took dance classes, explored Seattle, learned how to study hard and believe in my abilities, and to respect others' diverse and rich experiences.
I entered UW knowing that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. This vision took many twists, turns, and detours during my time at UW. However, I have come out the other side surer than ever.
I am now planning to work as an EMT while I prepare to apply to medical school. As a future medical professional I will support the people who fall through the cracks of the medical and social systems that are currently in place. I will do my best to reshape these very systems.Tags:
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Annabel Weyhrich
Natural Resource Environmental Management
Annabel Weyhrich
Natural Resource Environmental Management
Marine Biology
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Deciding to stay after a First-year year of being homesick and ending up loving Seattle
Thesis: Effectiveness of Hydrology in Test Reactors: comparing numeric model results to raw world irrigation rates
weyhrich.annabel@gmail.comI am so excited to graduate from the School of Environmental and Forest Science. I have enjoyed studying natural resource management as well as pursuing marine biology as a minor which led to living on a tall ship and studying oceanography in New Zealand. I am most proud of raising over $86,000 for Service for Sight and I am excited to combine my love for fundraising and environmental science in my career after college.
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Katrina Salazar Punzalan
American Ethnic Studies and Law, Societies, and Justice
Katrina Salazar Punzalan LinkedIn
American Ethnic Studies and Law, Societies, and Justice
Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies, Diversity, Labor Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I am proud to have served as the ASUW Pacific Islander Student Commission Director from 2016-2017 and to have been named a Husky 100.
Thesis: Precarious Histories: Legacy Workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
I am the child of Filipino migrant contract workers to the CNMI and embody the culmination of my parents' sacrifices. My Husky Experience gave me a platform to find empowerment in my identity as a queer Filipinx born in the Northern Mariana Islands through opportunities that enabled me to apply my own story and my family's story in leadership and academia. My goal is to serve as an attorney for the people of the Marianas, especially migrant workers and Pacific Islanders marginalized by U.S. federal law and policies.
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Diego Molina Ochoa
Biology(Physiology)
Diego Molina Ochoa LinkedIn
Biology(Physiology)
Global Health
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Getting into the Scans Design Internship on Pain Medicine Research program
As someone who has always strived to gather a wide range of knowledge and experiences, the honors program has been a huge part of my undergraduate career. I learned so much more and experience so many different things that would never have happened had I stuck to a pure biology based undergraduate career. Thanks to the honors program I've fleshed out my interests in global health and medicine, and as I continue down my path of clinical research and medicine, I will look back on my time at the UW and the honors program proudly.
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Erica Hsia
Business Administration (Finance, Information Systems)
Erica Hsia LinkedIn
Business Administration (Finance, Information Systems)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Establishing a Professional Business Fraternity, Phi Chi Theta, at the Foster School of Business- there are now over 50 members!
By serving on council for my sorority, facing the challenges of founding a Business Fraternity chapter, and tackling adventures during the Honors study abroad in Rome, I have honed my leadership skills. Through these experiences, I have developed a love for working with other people in fast-paced environments. This passion has led me to realize what I seek in a career and is why I am excited to start in financial advisory at Deloitte this coming fall.
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Anders B Peterson
English
Anders B Peterson
English
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Co-founding and directing an improv workshop series through the Undergraduate Theater Society that I’ve kept running since my Sophomore year.
Thesis: ‘Prince Farming’ and His Helicopter: The Environment and Technology in Heterosexual Coupling on The Bachelor
An essay on Cher got me accepted to the Honors Program, and through these four years I’ve continued to include my love of most things pop culture in my work. I came into UW as a Seattlite open to studying most anything non-STEM, but had a sneaking suspicion that I would land in English. Unsurprisingly I did, but over time I ended up mainly thinking and writing about television and film - “The Bachelor” really does have my heart. Many of my key experiences during these four years have happened off campus, especially through working on and sometimes performing in shows at Jet City Improv. Whatever comes next, I’ll keep making it up as I go along.
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Sam Wooley
English
Sam Wooley
English
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Finding my best friends at Rainy Dawg, completing my thesis, and graduating Magna Cum Laude!
Thesis: "We Gon' See the Future First": Subjection, Melancholy, and Queer Utopian Aesthetics in Frank Ocean's Blonde
My Website samwooley@comcast.netOriginally from Edmonds, Washington, I transferred to the UW my sophomore year after a short stint at Occidental College in Los Angeles. I quickly declared my English major after taking Jessica Burstein's captivating course on Modern and Postmodern Literature, where I fell in love with Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf. In my senior year, I completed the English Honors program, which allowed me to more closely explore my interest in popular media and its relation to temporality and identity. Specifically, I explored Frank Ocean's recent album Blonde and the future-oriented queer utopian aesthetic I understood it to be articulating. Outside of school, I have been involved with Rainy Dawg Radio since my first quarter on campus. That Fall, I applied to be a volunteer DJ at the student-run radio station. I ended up DJing there for two years, and this most recent year, I was able to serve as the station's Music Director. Rainy Dawg was a wonderful experience for me, allowing me to ground myself in a community within this massive campus. My future plans are currently undecided: in the next year, I hope to travel, write, and keep making rent, and in the long-term future I aim to pursue a career in either academia, high school education, literary publishing, or public radio, or perhaps some combination of these.
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Tina Chen
Computer Science
Tina Chen
Computer Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Performing at the Rose Bowl with the Husky Marching Band!
I came to UW without a single clue what my next four years would be like. I had no major, only a few friends, and absolutely zero certainty about the future. Looking back, it seems like everything somehow fell into place - I found a subject that excites me, met wonderful people, and was able to practice meaningful hobbies like music and yoga throughout the journey. Of course, I faced many obstacles along the way, but all I really had to do was put in my best effort and go with the flow... I rode the wave and here I am continuing to grow as a software developer working on Amazon Alexa!
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Evan Edmund Cunningham Epstein
Chemical Engineering
Evan Edmund Cunningham Epstein LinkedIn
Chemical Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: This past winter I had the opportunity of organizing Introduce a Girl to Renewable Energy as the Outreach Director of Women in Chemical Engineering. 193 girls showed up for an afternoon of hands-on instructional demos provided by UW STEM organizations
Thesis: Establishing a Method for the Quantification of Poly-ethylene Glycol Surface Density
evanepst@gmail.comHi! My name is Evan and I use he/him pronouns.
I moved to Seattle from Boston to attend UW. It's true what they say... west coast, best coast. Since moving here, I've discovered a love of the outdoors: hiking, camping and skiing on REAL mountains. I made some amazing friends, both in and out of Honors. But maybe most importantly, I found a direction.
I committed to Chemical Engineering in Sophomore year without any idea about what Chemical Engineering was. As researcher in the Nance Lab, a ChemE lab which engineers nanoparticles for use in the brain, I discovered a passion for applying my education and abilities to challenges facing pharmaceutical research. I took this new passion and interned for Just Biotherapeutics, working to overcome the limitations viscosity imposes on protein-based therapeutics. I hope to continue this work for years to come.
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Nathan L Lai
Chemical Engineering
Nathan L Lai LinkedIn
Chemical Engineering
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Receiving a Mary Gates Research Scholarship for my work on the synthesis of an InP/CoP core-shell system
lainat97@uw.eduThe last four years have been a fun ride pursuing my degree in chemical engineering. I got to work in UW's chemistry department for two years working with semiconducting quantum dots for a number of different applications. I also got to be a part of a local startup called Decafino Inc., where we were developing cutting edge technology to decaffeinate coffee post brew. These are just a few highlights I had while here at UW but all my experiences helped me grow as a person, student, and engineer. Come fall of 2019 I will begin the next chapter of my life working for W.L. Gore & Associates helping to develop their line of medical devices.
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Alexis Malia Marcelino Calma
Art History & English Language and Literature
Alexis Malia Marcelino Calma LinkedIn
Art History & English Language and Literature
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Studying abroad on the Department of English’s "Navigating the Fables and Spaces of Rome" program
Thesis: Stability and Flux: Examining Temporality in Paul Cézanne’s Landscapes
I have always been interested in exploring different mediums of storytelling, whether that be through analyzing the brushstrokes of a painting or close reading the text of a novel. Throughout my time at UW, it has been my mission to challenge myself as a scholar by taking on new experiences such as studying abroad and taking part in both the Art History and English Honors Programs simultaneously, culminating in three theses: "Stability and Flux: Examining Temporality in Paul Cézanne's Landscapes," "Revealing the Modern Woman: Depictions of Berthe Morisot and Victorine Meurent in Édouard Manet’s Paintings," and "Expatriate Interpretation: Painting, Sculpture, and Artistry in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Marble Faun." Alongside my studies, I have worked as a technical writer at UW's Sensors, Energy, and Automation Laboratory and a co-managing editor at UW's Bricolage Visual and Literary Arts Journal. I plan on pursuing a career in publishing in the future and to continue refining my skills as a writer.
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Aarthi Ganapathi
Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management & Information Systems
Aarthi Ganapathi LinkedIn
Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management & Information Systems
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: I should hope that my proudest moment at UW is only yet to come. My involvement with this institution will not end at graduation!
aarthi.ganapathi@gmail.comI couldn't be more proud to be graduating college with the ability to call myself a Husky! Both the university's Interdisciplinary Honors Program and the Foster School of Business guided me through an incredible four years of learning, exploration, and personal growth. After graduation, I'll be headed across the pond to London, England to start a career in investment banking - hopefully while retaining my extracurricular passions for graphite portraiture and delving deeply into my Netflix recommended list.
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We love Honors
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Mitchell Otis Estberg
B.S. in Computer Science & B.A. in Japanese
Mitchell Otis Estberg LinkedIn
B.S. in Computer Science & B.A. in Japanese
Mathematics Minor
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: At the end of my fourth quarter TAing, the students in my section all gave me perfect ratings. There's always room to improve, but it felt great to know my efforts were appreciated.
My Website estberg.mo@gmail.comI grew up in Evanston, Illinois and spent the last four years studying at UW and Waseda. I spent most my time on learning CS, Japanese, and Math and helping teach intro CS. I also tried volunteering, playing bass, and exploring Seattle and Tokyo on bike. If there's every anything I can help you out with, definitely reach out. Looking forward to learning and teaching for the years to come!
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Aarti D Bodas
Psychology
Aarti D Bodas LinkedIn
Psychology
Global Health
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Receiving the email announcing that I'd been granted the Mary Gates Research Scholarship!
Thesis: 'Can I Count on You?' Infants' Expectations of Prosocial Behavior Across Contexts
My Website aarti.bodas@gmail.comFour years ago as a first-year, I could have never imagined how fulfilling my experience at the UW would be. I never would have guessed that I'd get to do Developmental Psychology research involving infants, that I'd win a research scholarship or that I'd end up getting a full ride to grad school! And above all else, I never imagined having as strong of a support network as I do, because of which I was able to accomplish so many things. The most important lesson that I learned during my time at the UW was to make the most of every experience, and in doing so to be persistent and ambitious, and that is what I carry with me moving forward.
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Gabrielle Elizabeth Endicott
Biology (MCD) and Philosophy
Gabrielle Elizabeth Endicott
Biology (MCD) and Philosophy
Chemistry
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: I have always dreamed of going to veterinary school, and I knew that with enough hard work I’d make it there. What I did not yet know was the amazing community of people I would surround myself with in my time at UW who helped me reach my goals and celebrated my success by my side.
The opportunities I’ve been given as a UW student have shaped me into the person I am today, and continue to push me forward toward achieving my goals. Through my sorority, I have discovered my strengths as a leader and the power of teamwork. Through the UW Pre-Vet Society, I built connections that helped me gain first vet assistant job, guided me through the vet school application process, and brought me new friends. Academically, several professors on this campus pushed my thinking and challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, and I am better for it. I am fortunate enough to have received several scholarships that made it possible for me to attend UW while saving for veterinary school which I’ll be starting this fall.
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Henry Q Woods
Mathematics
Henry Q Woods
Mathematics
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I was awarded the 2018-2019 Slavic Undergraduate Excellence Prize by the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures for a paper I wrote on Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov". The paper was my final for an Honors elective in the Slavic Literature department called "Russia's Big Books", which I submitted for the competition only after being encouraged to do so by my professor and TA in the class, not expecting anything to come of it. It was an enormous moment of validation for me, and I'm glad I participated in the Interdisciplinary Honors program if only for my exposure to awesome classes like the Russia's Big Books series.
henryqwoods@gmail.comI came into college not knowing what I wanted to study, what I wanted to do for a living, or how I would find my place in this sprawling daunting campus. In the thick of my time here, if you asked me if I had what it takes to finish my math major, I would have told you, "I guess we'll find out one way or another." Somehow I now find myself on the other side of these four years having made it through switching from a B.A. in Mathematics to a B.S. in my final year (a choice which required me to take on three 400-level math series simultaneously each quarter this year), having discovered a firm conviction toward becoming a math teacher, and having built a rich community of friends. My time at the UW has taught me that what comes next probably won't be how I imagine it now -- it will be full of breakthroughs, setbacks, and unexpected turns. I wouldn't have it any other way!
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Elise Victoria Aydelott
Psychology
Elise Victoria Aydelott
Psychology
Spanish
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Working as a Peer Adviser with UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising!
eliseaydelott@gmail.comHello! My name is Elise Aydelott, and I'm graduating from the University of Washington Interdisciplinary Honors Program with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. I plan on getting my CNA this summer and going to nursing school next year, with the goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I'm very passionate about expanding access to mental health care and breaking the stigma associated with it. I'm looking forward to taking a year off of school to explore the health care field and gain some experience before applying to nursing school.
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Alexandra Bartos-O'Neill
Philosophy, Political Science
Alexandra Bartos-O'Neill
Philosophy, Political Science
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: All my life I struggled with feeling not good enough, no matter how hard I tried or worked at something. However, an experience spring quarter of my first-year year changed that. On the UW Mock Trial team with my 5 other teammates, I realized it was possible to work hard and reap the rewards of it when we received a top accolade at the National Tournament. Following that moment, I had the mindset of going through life looking at the quality of education and experiences, making what I knew was great out of it, and building my own success without regard to outside limitations that others might put on me.
At the end of my undergraduate experience at the UW, I now am looking at transitioning to Law School at the UW in the following academic year. I'm excited to finally see my dreams become a reality and work with the nitty-gritty bits of the law after doing years of "fake" law with UW Mock Trial. I hope to continue feeling passionate about trial work and advocacy, but also maintain my love of singing opera even with an impending busier schedule. I look forward to putting my education to good use by helping those without a voice, those without the means, and those who have trouble navigating a complex system in the future.
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Sanne Casello
Neuroscience
Sanne Casello
Neuroscience
Art History
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Kicking off my last year as a dawg by running the Seattle Marathon!
Thesis: Stress activates the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system in the prefrontal cortex to disrupt cognition
sannecasello@gmail.comI'm so grateful to have immersed myself in my two passions, neuroscience and art history, during my time at the University of Washington. Studying abroad in Florence summer quarter of my first-year year ignited my love for art history and inspired me to pursue a minor. The opportunity to take these classes bestowed a breadth of knowledge I wouldn't have otherwise obtained and have been some of the most enlightening classes I've taken at the UW - many thanks to the lovely professors of the Art History department!
In academic contrast, the opportunity to be a member of the Chavkin Lab the past four years has shaped my undergraduate experience. Neuroscience has always been one of my passions, but my positive experience in the Chavkin Lab has solidified my desire to pursue Neuroscience as a career. The ability to develop as a neuroscience researcher, influenced by such positive mentors, is why I was able to accept a position at the National Institutes of Health in Washington D.C. to participate in research on psychiatric disease before applying to graduate school.
Ultimately, I'm beyond thankful for the friendships I've fostered during undergrad. From the neuroganglia to 4727, I can't imagine undergrad without you. Thanks for the mems University of Washington & go dawgs!!!
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Laurette Hanna
Political Science and Psychology
Laurette Hanna LinkedIn
Political Science and Psychology
Human Rights
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Completing my Thesis Defense
Thesis: Collective Memory, Violence, and the Effects of Intractable Conflict: The Case of Israel-Palestine
Laurette is graduating with a double major in Political Science and Psychology and a minor in human rights. She goes on to begin a job at Citizen University - a civic education non profit - as the youth program coordinator. In this position she has to opportunity to train young people across the country in civic power and grass roots organizing movements. She also has an amazing opportunity to create a brand new civic education curriculum that will be shared nation wide in the hoped of building a culture of more powerful, conscious, responsible citizenship.
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Dave Bonan
Atmospheric Sciences
Dave Bonan
Atmospheric Sciences
Applied Mathematics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Publishing a few first author papers on various topics pertaining to climate change.
Thesis: Disaggregating uncertainty in the regional climate response
My WebsiteI am a scientist, artist, and climber trying to find where the three can intersect.
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Audrey Immel
Public Health-Global Health
Audrey Immel
Public Health-Global Health
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Improving my Spanish while living in Quito!
I'm proud to graduate in a time when public health is more critical than ever. More than anything, my major has taught me the importance of investing in and working with communities before health crises occur. There is a lot to be sad about in the public health world but I feel hopeful when looking at my classmates who will eventually be running the show. One day, I hope to continue my public health education with a Masters of Epidemiology.
While working towards my public health degree, I was able to take time to explore my other interests. I took classes in literature, creative writing, and am now even enrolled in an online music production class! I studied in Mexico and Ecuador, showing me that language learning is one of the best ways to make connections. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone with backpacking, climbing and skiing for the first time. But all of these explorations were anchored by a wonderful group of friends, many of which I met in the Honors Program!
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Rylee Cae Gallagher
International Studies: Comparative Religion and Asia.
Rylee Cae Gallagher LinkedIn
International Studies: Comparative Religion and Asia.
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: My proudest moment at UW was actually First-year year when I 4.0'ed an advanced senior writing class my first quarter and the teacher read my essay aloud to the class.
My WebsiteWhen I applied to UW, I thought I was going to be Indiana Jones and study archeology. I soon realized that there was much more, and less, to archeology than chasing tales of lost civilizations or running from man eating ants through rainforests. But my appreciation for culture did lead me to my major within the Jackson School of International Studies focusing on South Asia and Comparative Religion. Throughout my time at UW I fundraised and acted as Project Director for a non-profit, made lasting relationships with children as a nanny, became a Certified Peer Counselor, swam through unnamed fountains, whitewater rafted down the Indus river, drove across Himalayan mountain tops while introducing local villagers to Chance the Rapper, explored actual remnants of ancient civilizations in Ecuador, learned to speak broken Hindi in India and (mostly) write in Urdu, swam with sharks in Belize, bathed in bath houses in Hungary, visited the oldest megalithic manmade structure in the world, and spent more than 18 months studying abroad. So, although I did not get to become Indiana Jones, I feel like I have managed to make everyday at UW an adventure. Not to mention, the people I have met on each adventure, from living in a 9 bedroom house to sharing a room at a hostel, have truly shaped my experiences for the rest of my life. I will never forget my days as an undergrad.
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Sean Milad Toulouie
Bioengineering
Sean Milad Toulouie LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Rushing the field after beating Stanford at Husky Stadium my sophomore year.
My interests are soccer, traveling, and going to new restaurants with my friends.
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William Karl Selboe Ojemann
Bioengineering
William Karl Selboe Ojemann LinkedIn
Bioengineering
Applied Math
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Making a difference for low resource setting health care while studying abroad in Nepal!
I am a bioengineer fascinated with the brain and pursuing science that can help people suffering from neurological conditions. I will be attending the University of Pennsylvania next year as a doctoral candidate for a PhD in bioengineering, and I can't wait to continue being interested in science, trail running, and learning new things in a new city across the country!
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Zhaofeng Wu
Computer Science; Linguistics
Zhaofeng Wu LinkedIn
Computer Science; Linguistics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: When our team's work got accepted into ACL
Thesis: A Knowledge Incorporation Framework for Medical Natural Language Inference
During my four years at UW, I found my interests in computer science and linguistics, two seemingly irrelevant fields that are actually connected in many ways. I eventually ended up doing research at their intersection, natural language processing (NLP). I've been fortunate to have had amazing research experiences at Prof. Fei Xia's lab as well as in the industry, and the classes that I've taken at UW have excellently prepared me for these opportunities.
I will be returning to UW for my Master's degree to continue my learning!
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Madison Meuler
General Biology
Madison Meuler LinkedIn
General Biology
Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Studying abroad was always a goal I had for college, and the opportunity to study abroad in Italy through the Honors Program was a dream come true!
mmeuler@uw.eduWhile at the University of Washington, I gained exposure to a variety of subjects and professional fields. Early on as an undergraduate, I worked as a research assistant in the Fryberg Lab studying cross-cultural social psychology. I worked as an assistant editor for Grey Matters and volunteered as a research assistant for the Human Rights Defense Center. During my Junior year, I was awarded the Sudarksy Internship Scholarship from the Department of Biology, which funded my summer internship in the Stuart Lab at Seattle Children's Center for Global Infectious Disease Research. In the summer of 2018, I had the opportunity to study abroad through the Honors Program in Italy, studying water conservation and Italian culture. Majoring in Biology and minoring in Political Science enabled me to pursue my dual interest in both science and policy.
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Meena Sethuraman
Neurobiology
Meena Sethuraman
Neurobiology
Music
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: I am proud of the research I have done at UW! Being named a Mary Gates Research Scholar and a Levinson Emerging Scholar validated my identity as a scientist and a researcher.
These last four years at UW taught me how to be an engaged learner, an analytical researcher, a selfless caregiver, and a passionate student. My significant research experiences shaped my excitement for science, something that was graciously supported by the Mary Gates Research Scholarship and the Levinson Emerging Scholar Award. My service activities outside the classroom were most meaningful to me because of the opportunities I had to work together with people in my community on amazing projects. I hope to take the skills I have learned at UW and use them to create positive change in the world.
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Anna Dong
Neuroscience; Biochemistry
Anna Dong
Neuroscience; Biochemistry
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I received a note from a student who met with me in Peer Wellness Coaching and they thanked me for my help in their journey to self-compassion. It was a simple, beautiful, and unexpected instance of gratitude.
My Website anna.dong98@gmail.comLearning, growth, change, and challenge are all priceless gifts that I have been abundantly given in the past four years. My professors, friends, supervisors, and colleagues facilitated so many of those moments of uncertainty, and often frustration. It was certainly a challenge to excel academically while still enjoying the process of integrating into higher education and the real-world. I was also able to practice community stewardship as a Peer Health Educator and, recently, a Peer Wellness Coach. In both of those roles, I was able to sow my knowledge and passion for well-being and mindfulness in the university community, a privilege I hope to never take for granted. One lesson, of many, that I will take away from my undergraduate career is that the past and future are simply in our minds but it is the present, which is right in front of us, that we have influence on. I leave UW impassioned to be a part in creating a more loving, caring world, in whatever arena and career I may land in.
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Elizabeth Mayer
International Studies; Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
Elizabeth Mayer LinkedIn
International Studies; Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
Arctic Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Finishing the Russian language series
Thesis: Information Operations in Action: Russian Trolls and Black Lives Matter on Twitter
Coming from Texas, I had no idea what to expect from both UW and Seattle, but after four years I have found my academic passions and a great community! I learned Russian, studied abroad in Moldova and Greenland, and discovered my passion for both cybersecurity and climate change. Developing and writing my honors thesis on disinformation was perhaps one of the most intellectually challenging things I did during my time at UW, but it is something I'm incredibly proud of completing. During my time at UW, I researched for the UNFPA and Microsoft, worked as a writing tutor at the POL S/JSIS/LSJ writing center, and served as a mentor to international students. Even though studying at UW was often challenging, I am sad to be leaving the campus and incredibly glad I chose to make Seattle my home.
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Vanessa Hannah Lim
Psychology
Vanessa Hannah Lim LinkedIn
Psychology
Disability Studies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Completing my degree in three years and exactly 180 credits!
Thesis: Elements of Compromised Autobiographical Memory and PTSD
vanesl@uw.eduI love music, good reads, and getting outside! It was a pride and joy to lead The Veritas Forum at UW for three years and I have a similar desire to be gracious and conversational with people who think differently than I do. I love themes of generativity and creativity out of trauma, and I hope to bring such components of healing into my work with trauma populations in the future.
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Rachel Kisela
Sociology
Rachel Kisela LinkedIn
Sociology
Informatics, Music
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: I became president of LUX: Film Production Club here on campus right before COVID, so although it was an unexpected year to lead the organization, I'm proud of our community and the adaptations we've made during this difficult year.
My WebsiteHi, I'm Rachel! I graduated with a degree in Sociology and two minors in Informatics and Music. I'm interested in technology's impact on society, and wrote my honors thesis about the body positivity movement on social media. I'm also a freelance video editor and will be attending USC for a Master's degree in Journalism next year.
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Jyoti D Bodas
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Jyoti D Bodas
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Overcoming my struggle with higher level math and acing it!
Thesis: Biosolids and Soil Carbon Sequestration in Forest Plantations
I am passionate about helping create and promote alternatives to pollutants and make environmentally healthy living practices common. Here at UW I have had the opportunity to take a diverse range of classes that has developed my interests and skills. I have also had the opportunity to learn about industrial pollution control and regulation through my internship at King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks with the Industrial Waste Team at the Wastewater Treatment Division. After this, I was able to do research on the carbon sequestration potential of biosolids, a product of wastewater treatment in King County. I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and Public Health/Administration.
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Kelly Crebs
Biology
Kelly Crebs
Biology
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Watching the Huskies beat WSU in the Apple Cup during all of my years here--fulfillment of a childhood dream!
kellycrebs@gmail.comHello! I'm Kelly, and as you might be able to tell from my biology major, I love science and exploring the great outdoors. I was born and raised here in western Washington, and in my free time I enjoy hiking with my family, playing with my two dogs, and reading. My family loves to tease me that many of my other hobbies make me seem like an old lady, especially the fact that I crochet and typically listen to music released no later than 40 years ago. During the pandemic, I also discovered a love for classic and arthouse film, which I play to continue exploring as I leave UW and pursue a career in biomedical research. In my time here, I was lucky enough to explore the diversity of scientific career options through internships in a microbiology/immunology-focused research lab and at the citizen science seabird monitoring program COASST. I was also fortunate to serve as Vice President of Internal Communications of UW's Crohn's and Colitis Club during my junior and senior years. Moving forward, I plan to take at least one year to work in my field and then consider continuing my education in graduate school. Wherever the wind blows next, I am very grateful for the opportunities that UW has afforded me and for the support of my family and friends. Go Dawgs!
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Manjot Singh
Bioengineering and Public Health-Global Health
Manjot Singh
Bioengineering and Public Health-Global Health
Chemistry
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Leading my own research project
Throughout my undergraduate career, I was involved in so many different activities, including conducting nanoparticle research in Zhang lab, working as a community programs assistant at FIUTS, volunteering with the Vulnerable Population Strategic Initiative, working as an exchange & affiliate programs assistant at the UW Study Abroad Office, and more. So my friends and colleagues would often find me running from one location to another. But I really enjoyed doing so much because it allowed me to explore my options before I actually commit to something for life. Ultimately, that turned out to be medicine.
While I feel truly to have taken part of in all those experiences, some of my most amazing memories come from my study abroad experiences. Hiking around the mountains in northern Norway; driving around the national parks in Tanzania while constantly looking on either side for wildlife; swimming around the ocean around Turks and Caicos when I had actually never swam before; and shadowing physicians in a rural clinic in Zimbabwe. Those are experiences that made me into who I am today and that's something that I will never forget.
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Indigo A Doll
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Indigo A Doll LinkedIn
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I am proud of all the opportunities I have taken to give back to my community.
Thesis: Effects of Regenerative Agriculture on Soil Health
I would like to make large-scale impacts in the world of environmentalism. I have been so grateful for the opportunities I have been given at the University of Washington. The most notable is simply access to the amazing outdoors of the pacific northwest. My program allowed me to spend so much time among the trees where I am happiest!
Thank you to everyone I've met along the way and to all of those who have made me into the woman I am today. I could not have achieved this without all of you.
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Terezia Maria Redfern
Spanish Language and Literature
Terezia Maria Redfern LinkedIn
Spanish Language and Literature
Comparative Literature
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: I am proudest of my honors thesis because it was challenging. It required intense focus, adaptability, and persistence.
Thesis: Las semillas de la sombra (Shadow's Seeds)
Hi, I’m Terezia. I have nurtured the dream of earning a B.A. for a long time. I have always loved the Spanish language and was fascinated by its musicality and potential to express emotion. However, it was through the study of literature written in this language that I realized how deeply Spanish resonated within me.
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Jacque Li
Computer Science
Jacque Li
Computer Science
Mathematics, Diversity
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Working as a CSE Student Ambassador and unravelling the challenges of diverse and equitable technical education
In moments of pure joy, it's never the memory itself that stay with me, but rather the people in those moments are what always make me smile. As a lifelong student who is always eager to hear more about every story, I say thank you to all my peers and educators at the UW that have helped me find some semblance of direction these past four years!
As I soon enter into the real world, I hope to continue to learn from the people around me, and especially to keep learning about challenges in tech and higher education; but I also hope to find time to tap into my interests in sustainability, music, and exploring the big world around us :)
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Ling Wai Amber Lam
Psychology
Ling Wai Amber Lam LinkedIn
Psychology
Education, Learning, and Society
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at UW was receiving the Mary Gates Research Scholarship!
Thesis: Child-Nature Interaction in a Hong Kong Nature Preschool Program: An Interaction Pattern Approach
lingwaiamberlam@gmail.comI've always been passionate about child development and education.
Throughout my time at UW, I was a researcher at the Human Interaction with Nature and Technological System Lab (the HINTS lab) and completed my thesis under Dr. Kahn's supervision. I was also an intern at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in the Psychiatry and Developmental Assessment Center. In addition, I also served as an infant-toddler teacher assistant at the Haring Center - Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at UW, which promotes inclusive education and facilitates understanding between children with and without disabilities.
I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey here at UW!
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Tayler Hoftell
Materials Science & Engineering
Tayler Hoftell LinkedIn
Materials Science & Engineering
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Being able to graduate in 4 years from such an amazing university and program! It's been an incredible journey and I'm so thankful for the things I've been able to achieve in my time here.
tayler.hoftell@gmail.comAs a first generation college student, I never thought I would be where I am at today. I've been able to accomplish literally my wildest dreams here at UW. Before I started college, I knew I wanted to be an engineer. I found the MSE department my first-year year at UW and knew that was the path I wanted to go down. Although there have been plenty of ups and downs throughout my time here, I’ve found this degree to be so rewarding and I sometimes I can’t believe how far I’ve come since my first-year year. I've been involved with incredible research in the MSE department and with the Boeing Advanced Research Center on campus that has truly shaped my undergraduate experience here. After graduation, I'll be starting my career as an engineer at Honeywell Aerospace and I couldn't be more excited!
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Alexander Novokhodko
Bioengineering and Biology (Physiology)
Alexander Novokhodko LinkedIn
Bioengineering and Biology (Physiology)
Applied Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Designing an XBOX controller so that it doesn't require fine motor control to operate. The adapted controller has large buttons and joysticks, making it more accessible for people of all abillities. Seeing it in use was my proudest moment. This was possible thanks to a Bioengineering Honors team, and later the RSO HuskyADAPT.
Thesis: Design of a System to Study Endothelial Cell Adaptation in Response to Physiological Cues In Vitro (Bioengineering Capstone Final Report)
AlexanderNovok98@gmail.comI am an engineer, a scientist, and an advocate. The University of Washington has given me a priceless opportunity to learn while solving real, tangible problems. In research in the Zheng Lab I designed a system to control pressure and flow across blood vessels "in a Petri dish". This work was recognized by the Levinson Emerging Scholars program and presented at the Mary Gates Research Symposium (see "Design and Engineering of Open Source Hardware for Pressure Regulation in the Study of Vascular Processes" and "Venous to Arterial Endothelial Adaptation in Response to Pressure and Flow in Vitro").
Through the Bioengineering Departmental Honors program and the RSO HuskyADAPT I was part of the team that organized the first Holiday Toy Hack (see here https://bioe.uw.edu/bioengineering-outreach-and-honors-team-adapts-toys-for-children-with-disabilities-at-holiday-toy-hack-event/ and here https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/toy-hackers-help-kids-with-disabilities/367898045). I went on to organize a new team, and we worked together to adapt an XBOX controller for the needs of a local family.
I have interned at Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Fractal Therapeutics, exploring new approaches to cancer treatment through computational modeling.
Finally, I have had the honor to be elected as an ASUW student senator. In this role I advocated for ensuring that Early Entrance students like myself have equal access to research opportunities (https://depts.washington.edu/asuwsen/oro/#!LegislationView/id=183233) and for housing affordability in the City of Seattle (See here https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/could-apartments-soon-go-to-the-highest-bidder-in-seattle/281-523256324 and https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-may-ban-rent-bidding-websites/).
In all of these roles, I have had the opportunity to work with wonderful teams of students, instructors and stakeholders. Thank you to all the mentors, peers and advisors who have made this experience possible. The collaborative environment, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact that benefits others are my favorite things about the university.
I plan to continue my growth in medical research and development in biomedical industry, to discover cures and improve treatments.
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Emma Jewell Scher
Sociology with Honors, and Journalism and Public Interest Communication (JPIC)
Emma Jewell Scher LinkedIn
Sociology with Honors, and Journalism and Public Interest Communication (JPIC)
English and Political Science
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Establishing residency in Washington
emmajewellscher@gmail.comI am from San Diego, California, and am lucky that during my time at UW I've had the opportunity to passionately pursue multiple areas of interest. As a journalist my work has been featured in over 20 different publications ranging from the hyperlocal to international levels. My junior year, I was able to work full time in Olympia, Washington covering the state legislature, and in Freetown, Sierra Leone as a columnist. In between these jobs I was lucky to spend a spring in Rome, Italy studying religious institutions as part of a study abroad program. I've also had the opportunity to work on multiple sociological research projects, including as an employee for UW's Center for Evaluation and Research for STEM Equity (CERSE), as an intern for a study on substance use in military veterans, and on a study of my own which addresses structural inequality and power dynamics within the Greek Community. I've served as president of the Society of Professional Journalists, UW Chapter, worked on staff at The Daily UW for four years, and am a member of Gamma Phi Beta. In my free time I like to read, write, and spend time with my friends and my dog, Pigeon. After graduation I am working at a trade publication for veterinarians called VIN News, and afterward am applying to law school. I'm so grateful for the time I've spent at UW, and can't wait to see what the future holds!
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Isaac Burton Love
Computer Engineering and Mathematics
Isaac Burton Love
Computer Engineering and Mathematics
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Watching the results of the senior capstone robot, RoboAngelo, autonomously draw on a whiteboard.
Thesis: Using a Non-Iterative Inverse Kinematic Method to Imitate a Human Arm with a PR2 Robot; Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm in Robotic Controls
I enjoy robotics, rockets, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: the Gathering.
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Alisa Das
Business Administration (Information Systems and Operations Management/Supply Chain)
Alisa Das
Business Administration (Information Systems and Operations Management/Supply Chain)
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Earning a Foster and Honors scholarship in the same week!
My Website adas1999ad@gmail.comHi! My name is Alisa Das and I am graduating with a B A in Business Administration in the concentrations of Information Systems and Operations Management/Supply Chain. Coming to UW, I had a goal of wanting to be a voice of representation and use my skills and education to better society, my community in some way. During my time here, I discovered a newfound interest in business and believe it would be a good pairing with my future goals. I am grateful to have found community in Foster and the Honors department where I have learned from and amongst so many inspirational, encouraging, and amazing people. Another integral part of my college journey was my own cultural growth. It's a priority in my life to learn more about my South Asian heritage and stay connected. I have been able to engage with the South Asian community here at UW by being on the South Asian Student Association board and have had some of my best times.
To my college journey, thank you so much for all the lessons, experiences and memories. I look forward to collecting all these tokens onto the next chapter where I plan on earning a JD/MBA dual degree!
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Alexander Michael Ratcliff
Environmental Engineering
Alexander Michael Ratcliff LinkedIn
Environmental Engineering
Applied Mathematics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2018/2019
Proudest Moment: Presenting my Honors Senior project, potential water reclamation from the campus utility tunnels, to the CEE faculty and staff.
a.ratcliff529@gmail.comAs an undergraduate, I have been able to work on several projects to improve campus sustainability. I have been a project manager for UW-Solar since I was a first-year. Through the group, I have been instrumental in the installation of solar arrays on rooftops of three residence halls and the Life Sciences Building as well as supported solar system deployments in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. Additionally, I contributed to the installation of a lab water reclamation system for the Life Sciences Building, jointly completed a feasibility study for greywater reclamation systems on campus, and am completing a master study on reclaiming steam condensate and groundwater from the underground campus utility tunnels.
Upon graduation, I will be working as a mechanical engineer for PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc. I will continue to impact campus sustainability in my professional role; I will be working on the MEP design of several UW buildings that PAE is contracted to work on, such as the Population Health Facility, the UW Health Sciences Education Building, the Kincaid Hall renovation, and the UW Foster building.
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Diane Shi Wang
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Diane Shi Wang LinkedIn
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: After 7 long years at the UW I have so many cherished memories but one of my favorite moments is when I, along with my peers in an honors class about critical community organizing were able to put on a BIPOC focused talent showcase for the community.
Thesis: Effects of climate change on hemlock woolly adelgid range
dianew1811@gmail.comI am an environmentalist, a poet, home cook, and all around big chiller.
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Hope J Dorris
Law, Societies, & Justice and Political Science
Hope J Dorris LinkedIn
Law, Societies, & Justice and Political Science
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Getting into my LSJ major!
My Website hjdorris@uw.eduDuring my undergrad studies, I was drawn to questions of human rights, criminal justice, public policy, and international relations. My coursework included topics such as race/ethnicity, global health, homelessness, impoverishment, disability studies, women’s rights, educational equity, international law, sexuality, human trafficking, & climate change. I loved how my majors and Honors informed my passion and curiosity for these topics and provided me with more questions than answers. Two of my favorite academic experiences were participating in a course inside the Monroe Correctional Complex and studying abroad in Jamaica!
For all 3 years at UW, I have loved being a campus tour guide, helping to connect prospective students and families to resources and communities on UW's campus. I also interned with two non-profit organizations, the World Affairs Council and the Human Rights Defense Center, while helping one of my professors as a research assistant on her upcoming book project.
After I graduate from UW in the summer, I plan to attend graduate school, read good books, and travel internationally whenever possible. Being from Olympia, I also hope to get involved with state government, elections, and local change-making. I am so grateful for my time at UW and all of those who have made it so meaningful!
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Taylor V. Halverson
Communication & Scandinavian Studies
Taylor V. Halverson LinkedIn
Communication & Scandinavian Studies
Norwegian
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: Writing an hour-long play about how much I love the library, both as an invaluable public institution and a home to shenanigans, and having it performed for 3 sold out audiences.
Thesis: Happy Endings for Whom? A Narrative Analysis of Bisexual Erasure in Lesbian Romantic Comedies
My Website taylorvhalverson@gmail.comTaylor is a reformed STEM major who never imagined she would be graduating with a degree in Communication and Scandinavian Studies. If she could only keep one lesson from her college experience, it would be that you can never know how things will shake out, but if you listen to your gut you’ll be (better than) okay. While at UW she’s had the opportunity to perform an original monologue, put together a symposium on the intersections of religious identity and student life, write satire news, a short film, and even an entire play, learn (a lot of) a language, travel abroad, and spend three very formative years working the circulation desk at the Gallagher Law Library.
While she’s not sure what comes next, (she’s still trying to figure out how to balance comedy writing with a career in civil service) she’s become comfortable with not knowing. Taylor is leaving UW feeling prepared for the unpredictability of life and grateful that these four years have taught her how to trust herself.
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We love Honors
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Sophia Bidinger
Materials science & engineering
Sophia Bidinger LinkedIn
Materials science & engineering
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2019/2020
Proudest Moment: When my PI said my work should be the "gold standard" for undergraduate research.
My WebsiteIn the beginning, I was really unsure of whether engineering was right for me. However, after I started my research, I learned that passion is something you develop for a project you work hard at and believe in. It's not just something you find out of the blue. UW has been the perfect place for me to develop my scientific passions and to develop personally as an independent adult. I'm so excited to continue this development as I work toward my PhD at the University of Cambridge.
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Gurdeep Gill
Philosopyhy
Gurdeep Gill LinkedIn
Philosopyhy
Education, Learning, and Societies
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Presenting research at the 21st UW Undergraduate Symposium with my lab partner, Hannah.
I entered the University of Washington knowing that I wanted to study Philosophy. At the time, I was unsure of how I could use Philosophy to impact the world beyond academia, but I was driven by my curiosity to study it nonetheless. I wanted to understand the world and to me, studying Philosophy was the best way to do this. Through my classes, I was able to engage in discussions concerning identity, quality of life, and what it means to be an epistemic agent in the world. I was given the opportunity to connect these discussions outside the college classroom by working with the Philosophy for Children Center, which focuses on empowering k-12 students through providing them the space to explore their own ideas. By working with k-12 students, I found that the students were asking the same questions, trying to understand the world similarly as me. I also found that many students were unable to fully engage with these questions because of overarching issues. Being a first-generation student myself, I understood the difficulties of focusing on school when other issues are prevalent. It made me passionate to learn about and address these issues through classes and research. I began dedicating myself to learning about ways to address inequities in education, focusing primarily on accessibility issues. As I leave UW, I hope to continue to learn and implement ways to make education accessible to all because a good education leads to more opportunities to live the life one wants, which in many cases increases the quality.
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Chengjun Zhang
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences, Economics
Chengjun Zhang LinkedIn
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences, Economics
Designation: Departmental Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Honors Grad Profiles
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Zachary Costa
Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
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Evyn Grace Kuske
English & Education, Communities, and Organizations
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Maia Mae Cunningham
Medical Anthropology & Global Health
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English Language and Literature
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Ann Nguyen
Nursing, Public Health
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Law, Societies and Justice
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Ganesh Shrestha
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Bioengineering
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Madeline Elizabeth Ile
Music (Voice), Communication
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Emma Josephine Spickard
Public Health (BS)
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Hyejoo Ro
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Mengwei (Crystal) Chen
Marketing & English
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Juliet Romano-Olsen
International Studies
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Margaret Claire Sarfatis
Microbiology
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Georgia Coleman
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Diego Andreas M. Lingad
International Studies (Development)
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Emily Elaine Sawan
Psychology and English
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Stephen Anthony Chmelewski
Political Science, Spanish
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Benjamin K Rinehart
Political Science with Political Economy Option
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Mimi Reed
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Henry David Zing
History
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John Peter Feltrup
Computer Science
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Zoe Moser
Psycholgy
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Anna C Maxwell
POLS, ESRM
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Gina Pak
Environmental Studies
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Kaley M Aldrich
Political Science & English
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Taylor Bastian
Biology
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Taylor Yu Ka
Computer Science
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Korok Sarkar
Microbiology
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Maekara Serena Keopanapay
Political Science
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Michael Neal
Communications
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Siena Nicole Traverso
Early Childhood and Family Studies
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Briana E Lee
Biochemistry and Neurobiology
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Danny Beeson
Aeronautics and Astronautics
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Priyanka Taneja
Physiology
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David Alejandro Alvarez
Communication
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Christopher Erwin Hogan
Drama Performance
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Brendon E Davis
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (B.S.); Mathematics (B.A.)
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Bochen Steve Ma
Computer Science
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Hailee Christine Herbst
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
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Elyse Janzen
Psychology
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Alex Spofford
Comparative Literature
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Astrid Isabel Berge
Mathematics (Bachelor's of Science)
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Kari Hope Bergstedt
Human Centered Design & Engineering
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Anastasia Evgenievna Voronina
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship
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Ingrid Pelletier
Architectural Design
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Christine Lew
Disability Studies, Psychology
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Madeline G Clarke
Informatics
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Hannah Farrell
Law, Societies, and Justice
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Kate Pierce
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
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Kisho M Fukuoka
Neuroscience
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Gabrielle Anjelica Gersten
Public Health--Global Health
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Madeline O'Dwyer
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Elizabeth Rylance
Neuroscience
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Angie Lai
Environmental Studies
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Joanne Chen
Finance and Marketing
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Ken Aragon
Computer Science
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Caleb Timothy Huffman
Political Science and Communication
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Maia Luz Sinteral-Scott
English
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Ashley Ambrisko
Interdisciplinary Visual Arts
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Olivia Helena Witt
Sociocultural Anthropology
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Bridger Machus
Natural and Environmental Resource Management
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Levi J. Sy
B.S. in Biochemistry & B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
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Mac Murray
English - Creative Writing
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Ramin Jabbarli
Sociology
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Abigayil Talkington
Comparative History of Ideas, Economics
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Claire Kinney Gallaudet
Communication
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Masaki Rhodes
Biochemistry and Economics
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Lena H Nguyen
Social Welfare
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Zoey Suarez
Neuroscience
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Conor Miles
Psychology, BS
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Cindy Sohyun Park
Bachelor of Science Nursing
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Thelonious Goerz
Sociology
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Irene Kuo
Accounting, Information Systems
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Jiafei Li
Psychology
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Brian Chan
Communication
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Brian David Arnold
Electrical & Computer Engineering
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Maia Serene Gower
Biochemistry and Chemistry
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Zoe Natasha Shadan
Communication; Political Science
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Aria Rose Tornabene
Neuroscience
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Zeyu Ye
Comprehensive Physics, Electrical Engineering
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Jeffrey Potasky
Computer Science
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Nitya Sampath
Linguistics
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Vivian Phan Jones
Chemical Engineering
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Laura Li
Neuroscience
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Sofia Cababa Wood
Visual Communication Design (VCD)
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Tessa Katherine Kolstad
Biology, Nursing
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Maya Kay Norton
Comparative History of Ideas
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Forrest F Miller
Electrical Engineering
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Patrick L Forcier
Biology, Physiology
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Vy K Pham-Nguyen
Microbiology and Biology
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Robert Thadeus Sternberg
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Katherine Germond Biely
Political Science
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Sydney Dahiyat
Public Health-Global Health
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Bishir Darra
Materials Science & Engineering
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Mackenzie M Price
English Literature
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Neta Simon
Microbiology
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Tanmay Sapre
Bioengineering
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Max Florian Steiner
Chemical Engineering
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Maria Dyann Osborne
English, Mathematics
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Ricky Spaulding
English
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Sarah Cooper
Neuroscience
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Ari N Geary-Teeter
Biology and Philosophy
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Piper S Cramer
Bioengineering
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Lingke Zhong
Biochemistry
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Aleenah H Ansari
Human Centered Design & Engineering; Comparative History of Ideas
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Zoë Love Mertz
English / Creative Writing
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Kaia Boonzaier
International Studies and Economics
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Emily Paige Menz
B.S. Economics, B.A. Environmental Studies
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Kleitia Cerekja
Public Health- Global Health
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Fredrik Mansfield
Comparative History of Ideas
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Dax Tate
History
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Hyae Won Hannah Redden
Bioengineering, Biochemistry
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Leah Osnis
Biochemistry
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Cameron Alexis Wood
Human Centered Design & Engineering
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Julia R Bauman
Neurobiology
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Kiana Alexis Rahni
Economics & Political Science
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Annie Marie Lewis
English and History
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Wen Qian Chua
Architectural Design
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Grace Shannon Woodard
Psychology
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Emily Poulin
Marine Biology; Biology (Physiology)
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Cristian Josue Rivera Nales
B.S. in Psychology
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Michaela Leung
Earth and Space Sciences
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Alexis R. Huerta
Political Science & Law, Societies and Justice
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Sarah Rubin
Psychology
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Natalie Upton
Psychology B.S.
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Sharay M Rapozo
Political Science
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Ge Shang
Psychology
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Adam Towers
Computer Science
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Kiran Singh
Political Science: International Security
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Emma S Schnee
International Studies
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Kurt A Delegard
Comprehensive Physics
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Anika K Padwekar
Computer Science
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Nell Baumgarten
Biology and Psychology
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Addison Mitchell Peabody
Architectural Design
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Annapurni Sriram
Bioengineering
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Olivia Danielle Perrone
English
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Aria R Tornabene
Neuroscience
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Amanda Elaine Chalfant
Computer Science
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Zhouyihan Li
biochemistry
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James Oliver Randall
Social Welfare
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Zach Gommi
Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
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Jacquelyn E Mixon
Art History and Honors Painting and Drawing
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Karen Zhang
Biochemistry, Microbiology
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Em Chapple
BS Psychology
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Aria Elaine Garrett
Biochemistry
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Katie Chua
Business Administration (Marketing Concentration) & English: Language and Literature
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Eleanor Mount
Political Science and Law, Societies and Justice
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Annalena Rose Peterson
Business Administration: Finance
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Alissa M Jean-Baptiste
Art - Concentration in Painting and Drawing
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Sofia Thomas
Informatics: Data Science / Human Computer Interaction
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Kate Turk
Biology (Physiology)
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James Thomas Parks
Business Administration - Accounting
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Kyla Renee Bivens
Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
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Chyenne N. Andrews
Art History & History
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Camila Palacio
Electrical Engineer
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Krithi Basu
Bioengineering
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Ruxandra Maria Ionescu
Art History
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Sarah M Kneadler
ESRM
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Jun Zeng
Microbiology; Biology
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Shoaib Nahas
Business Administration (Marketing & Information Systems)
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Riti Biswas
Bioengineering
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MaKenzie Paige Fockler
Civil Engineering
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Rhyannon Elizabeth Hayes
History, Political Science (International Security)
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Claire "CG" Gupta
Law, Societies and Justice
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Tamar Noa Leveson
English Literature
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Hanna K Puetz
B.A. in Business Administration, Marketing & The Professional Sales Certificate
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Megan Renee Sellman
Dance; Education, Community & Organizations
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Ashley Tang
International Studies
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Liz Chao
Accounting and Information Systems
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Parker Ruth
Computer Engineering and Bioengineering
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Rahaf K Bashmail
Materials Science and Engineering
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Randall Rodriguez
Philosophy
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Kristina V Randrup
Environmental Science and Resource Management: Wildlife Conservation
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Jocelyn Ines Beausire
Music (Voice Performance), Architecture Studies
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Catherine Wilborn
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
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Jenna Truong
Environmental Studies
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Katherine S Ort
Environmental Studies
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Jaclyn Shallat
Microbiology
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Kara Haney
International Studies
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Nathan Mock
Environmental Studies
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Alondra Rodriguez
Archaeological Sciences and History
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Maren Anderson
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
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Samantha N Fredman
Law, Societies, and Justice
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Zuoying Gloria Liu
Economics
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Wylie Fu-Xing Kau
Chemical Engineering
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Stacie Tao
Social Welfare (BSW) and Early Childhood & Family Studies
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Boya Ouyang
English (Creative Writing), Mathematics (Philosophy), Philosophy
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Christine Dien
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
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Marielle v Trumbauer
International Studies: Foreign Policy
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Chu Judy Zhuang
Economics, Mathematics
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Pubo Huang
Mathematics
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Danny Paul Streichert Roberts
Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering
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Pranav Bhardwaj
Earth & Space Sciences, Environmental Studies
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Xuanxuan Li
Psychology
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Cen Wei
English and Economics
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Lorraine Alexa Abagatnan
Classics
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Makenna M Berg
Nursing
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Evelyn Hyde
Biology, Philosophy
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Anand S Sekar
Computer Engineering
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Patricia Popp
Computer Science
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Lais Lastre Conceicao
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
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Audi L Brown
Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies
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Serena M Baserman
International Studies
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Brian Kang
Economics & ACMS (ME)
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Nicholas Philip Radulovich
Physiology (B.S), French Honors (B.A)
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Josh Maxwell Pollock
Computer Science
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Esaac Mazengia
Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
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Oakley Reid
Microbiology
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Dana Korssjoen
Mathematics
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Nikou Lei
Physics (B.S.), Mathematics (B.A.)
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Elise Lynn Jacobsen
Law, Societies, and Justice
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Irika Sinha
Biochemistry; Biology (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental)
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Rayne Tineal Anderson
Materials Science and Engineering
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Elaine Katherine Currie
Psychology
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Peyton Lyons
Informatics, Spanish
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Noah Michael Placzek
History
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Jake T Woods
Communication
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Kahana Pietsch
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
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Natalie E Pearlman
Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology
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Sydney C Bowker
Biochemistry
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Ann Evans
Physiology
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Lauryn Kay Stafford
Public Health-Global Health & Economics
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Maha Sohail Alhomoud
Political Science: Political Economy
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Olivia G. Kotha
Asian Studies
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Yana Georgiana Chakalo
Sociology
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Sofia Elena Solomon
Public Health-Global Health
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Lisa Rei Courtney
Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Marissa Lorberau
English
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Alishia E Orloff
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Kylie H Sahota
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
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Brian Dang
Drama and English Literature and Language
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Aniruddh Saxena
Bioengineering
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Katie Champoux
Neurobiology and Psychology
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Adely Martinez
Bachelors of Arts in Social Welfare
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Shannon Gu
Biology: Physiology
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Lukas RYE Metzner
Neuroscience
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Chris L Yuen
Computer Science
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Ethan Cameron Chau
B.S. in Computer Science (Data Science), B.A. in Linguistics
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Meghan E Frisch
B.A. Public Health - Global Health
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Kyanna I Bren
Physiology
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Sharron V Orr
Dance
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Chi T Truong
Biochemistry
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Shana Reka Edouard
Earth and Space Sciences
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Grace Novacek
Biology
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Thu Thu May Oo
Medical Anthropology and Global Health
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Riley K Brown
Finance and Marketing
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Becky Darrow
Bioengineering
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Griffin R Dugan
Psychology (B.S.), Communication (B.A.)
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Anya Zhen Watson
English and Philosophy
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Daniel C Brock
Biochemistry, Biology (Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental)
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Kevin Andrew Nguyen
Physiology
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Simon Machalek
Political Science: International Security option
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Sophia Jean Knudson
Medical Anthropology and Global Health, Anthropology of Globalization
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Zaha Wolfe
Computer Science
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Katie Rainsberger
Human Evolutionary Biology; Medical Anthropology & Global Health
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Sylvia Jurgens
Art
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Teshan Laucirica
Anthropology of Globalization
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Isabelle J Hua
Neuroscience, Biochemistry
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Ryan A. Hahn
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology
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Ryan M Littrell
Physics
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Courtney Claire Renaud
English
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Ethan F Knight
Neuroscience (B.S.), Public Health-Global Health (B.S.)
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Bing Yu Lee
Earth & Space Science: Geology, Oceanography
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Bailey Taylor Bailey Taylor
Interdisciplinary Visual Art
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Komal Susheela Ghirnikar
Sociology and Communication
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Audrey Marie Conrad
International Studies (General); Political Science
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Maxwell J Kahn
Geography - Geographic Information Systems
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Alexandra Nicole Saunders
English
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Rohnin W. Randles
Political Science
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Maolin Liu
Accounting & Business Administration ( Finance)
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Jenel Li
Communication
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Ian Gwin
Linguistics, Scandinavian Area Studies
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Jennifer Song
Physiology
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Kerrie Lynn Agosta
Anthropology
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Intisar MKheseer
Neurobiology and Biochemistry
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Shih-Hsuan Hsu
Economics and Computer Science
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Medha Raman
Law, Societies, and Justice; Communication
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Albert Joseph Meuse
Bioresource Science and Engineering, Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Nadya Ekhteraee-Sanaee
Economics
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Yinan Xu
Psychology
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James Julian Means
English
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Casey Chen
Chemistry
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Erikson P Kuebler
Business Administration
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Katie Gibian
Environmental Science - Wildlife Conservation
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Malvika N Nair
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
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Regan Gong
Psychology and International Studies: Comparative Religion
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Fa'aumu Kaimana
Anthropology: Medical Anthropology & Global Health, Sociology
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Nolan Kim
Electrical and Computer Engineering
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Jingshu (Cynthia) Jiang
Finance
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Kate Verity Luken Raz
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
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Caylyn Rich
International Studies
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Linda R Zhang
History; International Studies (Asia)
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Cedrik Riley Pearson
Geography/GIS
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Joshua Shin
Computer Science
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Kyle James Curtis
Chemistry (ACS), Biochemistry
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Drake Anthony Russell
B.S. Biochemistry, B.A. Medical Anthropology
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Cezanne Selora Lane
Biology
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Annabel Weyhrich
Natural Resource Environmental Management
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Katrina Salazar Punzalan
American Ethnic Studies and Law, Societies, and Justice
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Diego Molina Ochoa
Biology(Physiology)
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Erica Hsia
Business Administration (Finance, Information Systems)
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Anders B Peterson
English
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Sam Wooley
English
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Tina Chen
Computer Science
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Evan Edmund Cunningham Epstein
Chemical Engineering
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Nathan L Lai
Chemical Engineering
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Alexis Malia Marcelino Calma
Art History & English Language and Literature
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Aarthi Ganapathi
Business Administration - Operations and Supply Chain Management & Information Systems
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Mitchell Otis Estberg
B.S. in Computer Science & B.A. in Japanese
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Aarti D Bodas
Psychology
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Gabrielle Elizabeth Endicott
Biology (MCD) and Philosophy
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Henry Q Woods
Mathematics
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Elise Victoria Aydelott
Psychology
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Alexandra Bartos-O'Neill
Philosophy, Political Science
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Sanne Casello
Neuroscience
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Laurette Hanna
Political Science and Psychology
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Dave Bonan
Atmospheric Sciences
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Audrey Immel
Public Health-Global Health
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Rylee Cae Gallagher
International Studies: Comparative Religion and Asia.
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Sean Milad Toulouie
Bioengineering
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William Karl Selboe Ojemann
Bioengineering
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Zhaofeng Wu
Computer Science; Linguistics
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Madison Meuler
General Biology
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Meena Sethuraman
Neurobiology
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Anna Dong
Neuroscience; Biochemistry
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Elizabeth Mayer
International Studies; Russian Language, Literature, & Culture
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Vanessa Hannah Lim
Psychology
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Rachel Kisela
Sociology
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Jyoti D Bodas
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Kelly Crebs
Biology
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Manjot Singh
Bioengineering and Public Health-Global Health
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Indigo A Doll
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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We love Honors
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Terezia Maria Redfern
Spanish Language and Literature
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Jacque Li
Computer Science
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Ling Wai Amber Lam
Psychology
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Tayler Hoftell
Materials Science & Engineering
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Alexander Novokhodko
Bioengineering and Biology (Physiology)
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Emma Jewell Scher
Sociology with Honors, and Journalism and Public Interest Communication (JPIC)
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Isaac Burton Love
Computer Engineering and Mathematics
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Alisa Das
Business Administration (Information Systems and Operations Management/Supply Chain)
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Alexander Michael Ratcliff
Environmental Engineering
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Diane Shi Wang
Environmental Science and Resource Management
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Hope J Dorris
Law, Societies, & Justice and Political Science
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Taylor V. Halverson
Communication & Scandinavian Studies
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We love Honors
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Sophia Bidinger
Materials science & engineering
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Gurdeep Gill
Philosopyhy
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Chengjun Zhang
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences, Economics