Sophia Jean Knudson
UW Honors Graduates
Sophia Jean Knudson

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.
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.