Honors Scholarship Recipients

Recipients of named Honors scholarships have been invited to share biographical information using this public forum. We are proud of these wonderful scholars and of every Honors Husky, present, past, and future!

* We have recently launched this new forum and will be adding more profiles as they come available. *

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Zoe Mertz

English (Creative Writing)
Shannon Hong

Neuroscience
Alexis Prepotente

Speech and Hearing Sciences; Biochemistry
Claire Gupta

Law, Societies, and Justice

Claire Gupta LinkedIn

Award(s): Honors Achievement Award (2 years), Hennes Scholarship

Award Year(s): 2016 2020

Major(s): Law, Societies, and Justice

Hometown: GLENVIEW, IL

Honors Portfolio
I 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.

Award Year:
2016 2020
Harkiran Singh

Political Science (Internatl Security)
Siddhant Jain

Human Ctr Des & Engr: Human-Computer Int
Autumn Capper

Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Develop)
Grace Fredman

Psychology; Law, Societies, and Justice

Grace Fredman

Award(s): Mary Gates Achievement Scholarship, Greene Scholarship

Award Year(s): 2019 2021

Major(s): Psychology; Law, Societies, and Justice

Hometown: BELLEVUE, WA

Honors Portfolio
I am a double major in Psychology and Law, Societies & Justice, hoping to find a career that focuses on the intersections between the two. During my time at UW, I grew immensely, learned more than I could have ever imagined, and got to participate in some truly amazing programs. Following graduation, I will be taking the GRE and applying to graduate school for Children\'s Clinical Psychology. Hopefully, I\'ll get to return to UW as a Ph.D. candidate and stick around Seattle for a little while longer!

The Greene Scholarship gave me the ability to change my academic and career trajectory. If I had not been awarded this scholarship, I would not have been able to add a major or get involved with all of the amazing organizations I was a part of this past year. Because of the Greene Scholarship, I was able to become a psychology major, direct an ASUW office, become a research assistant with the psychology program\'s ProjectSMS, and get involved with the Seattle Clemency Project\'s Juvenile Parole Program. This year changed my life, let me explore my passions, and allowed me to push myself toward a new path in life. I am forever grateful for the opportunities this extra year at UW awarded me!

Award Year:
2019 2021
We love Honors
Alisa Das

Law
Elena Orlando

Law, Societies, and Justice
Irika Sinha

Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Develop); Biochemistry
Keong Mu Jason Lim

Neuroscience
Robin Repeta

Political Science (Internatl Security)
Casey Chen

Chemistry
Sophia Carey

English; Comparative History of Ideas

Sophia Carey

Award(s): Honors International Access Scholarship, Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (1yr partial) #3

Award Year(s): 2020

Major(s): English; Comparative History of Ideas

Hometown: SEATTLE, WA

I am graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English and the Comparative History of Ideas with College Honors and a minor in Drama. For the last four years I have been involved in the Early Entrance Drama Society at UW as an actor, producer, and most recently as the director of Aristophanes\' The Frogs. During my time at UW I have completed over fifteen research projects in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. My senior thesis, \"Public Works in Progress: Seattle Rep's The Winter\'s Tale as Utopian Process in the Context of COVID-19\" was a dramaturgical case study of the Seattle Rep\'s Public Works program, a community-based theater initiative. Beginning August 2022 I will be a student of the MFA in Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism at Yale University.

I am incredibly grateful for the scholarships I have received for the freedom they have offered me to pursue experiences about which I am passionate with less concern over finances than I would have felt otherwise.

Award Year:
2020
Mackenzie Leach

Computer Science; Information Systems
Marika Bierma

Microbiology; Comparative History of Ideas

Marika Bierma LinkedIn

Award(s): Honors Achievement Award (1 yr partial) #3

Award Year(s): 2020

Major(s): Microbiology; Comparative History of Ideas

Hometown: AURORA, OR

Honors Portfolio
I came to UW from a small town outside of Portland, Oregon. As an aspiring physician, I thought I would major in STEM, but I soon realized my passions lie in a broader range of studies. Pursuing a double degree in Microbiology and Comparative History of Ideas has truly allowed me to explore multiple facets of medicine--from the science of disease to the unique cultures of different groups of individuals. I am extremely grateful for my time at the UW. These past four years have challenged me and allowed me to grow in so many ways. From exploring new areas of study to building an amazing lifelong community, I have truly enjoyed my undergraduate experience!

Award Year:
2020
Julie Ira

Environmental Studies

Julie Ira

Award(s): Honors Achievement Award (1 qtr partial)

Award Year(s): 2021

Major(s): Environmental Studies

Hometown: SAN FRANCISCO, CA

I am an Environmental Studies student with a strong interest in sustainability, urban design, and landscape architecture. Post-grad, I hope to work to make sustainability the norm in institutions, businesses, and our communities.

Receiving the Honor\'s Achievement Award helped my work feel seen, and motivated me to continue to give back to my community.

Award Year:
2021
Tara Saleh

Global and Regional Studies

Tara Saleh

Award(s): Lovsted Scholarship, Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (1 qtr partial)

Award Year(s): 2018 2021

Major(s): Global and Regional Studies

Hometown: SEATTLE, WA

Honors Portfolio
My passion for healthcare is cultivated by the intersection of grassroots immigrant rights advocacy. Through the Jackson School I have had the opportunity to resist the limitations of traditional pathways to medical school. Instead, JSIS allowed me to engage intimately with concepts of decolonization and critical race theory, using UW itself as a site of simultaneous perpetration and healing. Through my coursework I began to draw parallels between the mechanisms of authoritarian governments, immigration enforcement systems and healthcare access - it became clear that my interests were intertwined. After graduation, I hope to pursue a MD/MPH program with the goal of better understanding and serving my role as a physician in the Seattle-area community. While I am open and expecting my interests to broaden, I am currently drawn to the field of obstetrics and gynecology where I can help womxn feel empowered, rather than diminished, by the structure of Western healthcare. Drawing from my research experience investigating renal inflammation, I am committed to further specializing in urology. The disciplines focus on the surgical and medical diseases of the urinary-tract system and reproductive organs and will address a healthcare disparity in awareness and care of pelvic floor disorders in BIPOC and immigrant womxn. I intend to draw on my experience as a womxn of color and first-generation Iranian American immigrant to address any issues of cultural hesitation or social stigma.

Both the Lovsted Family Scholarship and the Honors Undergraduate Scholar award have celebrated my achievements and motivated me to pursue my passions further. While working several jobs and going to school can be a balance, it is so rewarding to be part of a community, such as UW Honors, that are consistently taking note of their students and their successes.

Award Year:
2018 2021
Mariam Benazouz

Molecular Engineering
We love Honors
Lauren Holbrook

Bioengineering
Mina Hassani

Political Science; Law, Societies, and Justice

Mina Hassani

Award(s): Bordeaux Scholarship, Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (1 qtr partial)

Award Year(s): 2020 2021

Major(s): Political Science; Law, Societies, and Justice

Hometown: LAKE TAPPS, WA

Honors Portfolio
I have always been fascinated by politics, seeing the way it shapes our lives and our world. I have spent my time at UW studying injustices, analyzing the historical and present effects of our institutions, and thinking about the ways we can create a better society. I have been so lucky to have such educational and fun experiences such as a study abroad to Sweden, job at Common Power, internship for the Middle Eastern Student Commission, and more. Honors has been instrumental in creating and helping me learn through community, providing lessons and spaces that left an immeasurable impact on my education. Knowing that community is at the center of all my passions, I look forward to graduating from UW with an emphasis on the people around me, how I can help them, and how I can learn from them.

One of the biggest joys I have gotten from this scholarship is remembering the value of a thank you note! I wrote a response to the donors (prompted by an honors survey) and ended up with a free photoshoot and my picture and words on the Honors donor postcard! I was so grateful for the scholarship in the first place, but then to receive continued honors from the program left me feeling so delighted!!!

Award Year:
2020 2021
Neva Hahn

Biology
Lina Park

Neuroscience

Lina Park LinkedIn

Award(s): Mary Gates Honors Scholarship, Friedman-Hechter Scholarship, Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (1 qtr partial)

Award Year(s): 2018 2020 2021

Major(s): Neuroscience

Hometown: PUYALLUP, WA

Honors Portfolio
Hello! I'm Lina and I'll be graduating with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and a minor in American Sign Language. I've spent my time at UW researching at the Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, working at the Disability Resources for Students office on campus, leading the UW Chapter for the Brain Exercise Initiative, and so much more! I'm so grateful for all the people that have supported me thus far and made me become who I am today. After graduating, I'll continue working in the research field before applying to medical school. I'm looking forward the my next adventure and what lies ahead of me!

I can't thank enough everyone that has supported my education. Without your support I have not been able to graduate, especially due to the effect that the pandemic had on my family!

Award Year:
2018 2020 2021
Phoebe Walker

Economics; Political Science
Isobel Williamson

International Studies (General)

Isobel Williamson LinkedIn

Award(s): Mary Gates Achievement Scholarship, Hennes Scholarship

Award Year(s): 2019 2021

Major(s): International Studies (General)

Hometown: SEATTLE, WA

Honors Portfolio
I majored in International Studies on the human rights track and minored in French. Over the course of my senior year, I completed an Honors thesis that focused on \'LGBT-free\' zones in Poland and the impact of EU budgetary intervention on levels of human rights in these zones. I presented this research at the Undergraduate Conference on the EU in Claremont, California. At UW, I wrote for and co-hosted a podcast with The Daily and held leadership roles with Unite UW and the Jackson School Student Association. I love traveling, hiking, cooking meals for my friends, watching and participating in theater, drawing, and painting, and am looking forward to discovering more hobbies post-graduation. After college, I\'m thrilled to announce that I\'ll be teaching English in Toulouse, France!

Award Year:
2019 2021
Estey Chen

Political Science; History: Empire and Colonialism

Estey Chen LinkedIn

Award(s): Campbell Scholarship, Wang Scholarship

Award Year(s): 2018 2021

Major(s): Political Science; History: Empire and Colonialism

Hometown: BURIEN, WA

Honors Portfolio
At UW, I devoted myself to learning about the histories of imperialism and the Cold War in the Third World. My courses, history and political science research, journalism work, and internships across multiple levels of policymaking helped me connect my seemingly disparate interests. While foreign policy, Asian geopolitics, human rights, migration, pop culture, and food seem unrelated, my time at UW allowed me to explore the intersections of these passions. I\'m driven to understand the human condition - how we relate to one another across cultures, how we vie for power, and how we try and often fail to better our wellbeing - to discern where and how I can affect the most positive change. I hope to take the lessons I\'ve learned into a career in federal public service. I hope to foster international cooperation to meet the challenges of our increasingly interconnected world and shape U.S. foreign policy that respects the specific cultural, social, and political contexts of a given place.

I used Indonesian, Indian, and Chinese sources to complete my thesis and ultimately won the history department\'s prize for most outstanding undergraduate paper. Without the support of the Shih Chun and Mamie Kwoh Wang Endowed Scholarship, I certainly would not have had the time to immerse myself so deeply in my primary source research, spending hours reading Indonesian newspaper microfiche and essays by Indian Prime Minister Nehru. Ultimately, I hope to join the Foreign Service and shape policy that benefits everyday people and respects existing cultural, social contexts. My background in the history of imperialism in Asia motivates me to ensure that U.S. foreign policy avoids repeating and continuing atrocities of the past. I am immensely grateful for the Wang Endowed Scholarship for empowering me to explore and grow into my passions. I never would have envisioned myself working in federal foreign policy as a high schooler, but my experiences in college and the support I received from scholarships like the Wang Endowed Scholarship enabled me to confidently dive headfirst into uncharted waters.

Award Year:
2018 2021
Kaycie Opiyo

Biochemistry; Public Health-Global Health

Kaycie Opiyo

Award(s): Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (1 qtr partial)

Award Year(s): 2021

Major(s): Biochemistry; Public Health-Global Health

Hometown: BLAINE, WA

Honors Portfolio
Hello, and welcome to my portfolio! My name is Kaycie Opiyo, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Washington graduating in 2022. I am currently pursuing a double-degree in Public Health-Global Health and Biochemistry with College Honors. On-campus, I work as Peer Health Educator with LiveWell, and as an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Biochemistry. I am also so proud to be serving as this year\'s president of the National Society of Black Healthcare Professionals (NSBHP), an RSO on campus dedicated to empowering students of color in pursuing careers in healthcare. As the oldest of four girls, I love spending time with kids, so outside of school, I tutor math and science to local elementary and middle school students in the Seattle area. I am passionate about healthcare and education. In the future, I aspire to pursue a career in medicine that allows me to incorporate both of these aspects into my daily work and serve others through an equity-centered approach.

Award Year:
2021
Carter Vu

Aeronautics & Astronautics
Noah Perkins

Business Administration (Inform Systems)
Nelson Sun

Mathematics; Computer Science
Ipshita Tripathi

Biochemistry
We love Honors
Phuong Phan

Informatics; Political Science
Aliyah Cleveland

Sociology; Public Health-Global Health
Rhea Acharya

Biochemistry
Andy Simmerman

Political Science
Emma Mesman

Art History
Olivia Cavalluzzi

En Sc & Tr Rs Mgt: Wildlife Conservation
Kate Thompson

Public Health-Global Health
Sandy Cheng

Computer Science
Phillip Meng

Global and Regional Studies; Finance; Information Systems
Saagar Mehta

Computer Science
Kalea Levy

Drama: Performance; Education, Communities and Organizations
Ivan Belikov

Computer Science (Data Science)
We love Honors
Wintana Eyob

Informatics
Lukas Illa

Global and Regional Studies
Wendi Zhou

Non Matriculated
Friday Elkan

Latin
Kyra Lussier

Pre Social Sciences
Miguel Orr

Landscape Architecture
James Baldwin

Law, Societies, and Justice; Spanish
Claire Longcore

History; Economics
Catherine Chia

Neuroscience; Biochemistry
Phoenix Davis

Biochemistry
Ulysses Hammer

Accounting; Information Systems; Finance
Anaelle Enders

Education, Communities and Organizations
We love Honors
Olivia Wang

Music (Theory); Computer Science
Teia O'Malley

Drama: Design; Linguistics
Nisha BK

Neuroscience
Kirsten Graham

Computer Science & Engineering (BS/MS)
Jaren Hutchings

Envir Science & Terrestrial Resource Mgt
Blake Delisa

Biology (Physiology)
Nathan Loutsis

Political Science (Internatl Security)
Alyssa Lecca

Finance
Nicolaas Jefferson

Computational Finance & Risk Management
Anisa Navarro

Psychology; Anthropology: Medical Anth & Global Hlth
Grant Branstetter

Informatics
Olivia Oomen

Design: Industrial Design
We love Honors
Izzy Colindres

Public Health-Global Health
Miles Thomas

Physics: Comprehensive Physics
Brandon Wu

Neuroscience; Public Health-Global Health
Audrey Donahue

Pre Public Health
Emily Gong

Public Health-Global Health
Kelly Chen

Biology (General)
Gargi Panatula

Computer Science
Gabriel Lau

Biochemistry
Naomi Zamarripa Cruz

Political Science
Nosaiba Abdalla

Biochemistry
Syed Raza

Biochemistry; Public Health-Global Health
Angelina dos Remedios

Aeronautics & Astronautics
We love Honors
Miriam Roberts

Mechanical Engineering (Biomechanics)
Simon Wu

Computer Science; Informatics; American Ethnic Studies
Wendy Bui

Business Administration; Certificate in International Business
Yahir Gonzalez

Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Develop)
Tate Linden

Biology(Ecology, Evolution&Conservation)
Soha Naeini

Computer Science
Nelly Mex Canul

Biochemistry
Jason Su

Political Science
Vincent Wilson

Computer Science
Hannah Chavla

Envir Science & Terrestrial Resource Mgt
Rohini Kilaru

Biochemistry
Carolyn Gordon

Public Health-Global Health
We love Honors
Cassie Schmid

Marketing; Finance
Samantha Lyons

Biology (Physiology)
Sofia Leotta

Environmental Health
Shivani Hargunani

Biology (General)
Ella-Jolie Foskett

Law, Societies, and Justice
Alex Cong

Mechanical Engineering
Ananya Nandula

Bioengineering
Olivia Gargaro

Biochemistry
Abigail Boyer

Spanish; English
Mishti Dhawan

Human Ctr Des & Engr: Human-Computer Int
Katherine Zundel

Applied Music (Orchestral Instruments)
Nandini Pathak

Chemistry
We love Honors
Sam Tacheny

Mathematics; Computer Science
Sophia Hernandez

Political Science; Education, Communities and Organizations
Andrew Shaw

Philosophy; Computer Science
Anna Huang Hu

Biochemistry
Bao Han Ngo

Statistics: Data Science; Anthropology: Human Evolutionary Biology
Maya Matta

Business Administration
Maram Alshaibani

Envir Science & Terrestrial Resource Mgt
Parker Gustafson

Computer Science
Jillian Holbrook

Psychology
Dania Ahmed

Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Develop)
Kianna Bolante

Computer Science
Abe Rios

Computer Science
We love Honors
Tamara Njagi

Biochemistry
Casey Gibb

Information Systems; Operations and Supply Chain Management
Ava Finn

History: Race, Gender, and Power; Sociology
Lizeth Velderrain-Lopez

Geography: Data Science

Honors Scholarship Recipients

Recipients of named Honors scholarships have been invited to share biographical information using this public forum. We are proud of these wonderful scholars and of every Honors Husky, present, past, and future!

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors

We love Honors