About the LSAMP Scientist Program
Created for students with no prior research experience, this 9-week summer opportunity pairs you with faculty mentors, offers workshops, and provides a stipend.
During the program students will meet on a weekly basis to attend workshops. These workshops will focus on research, how to write a research report, how to create a poster presentation, and more. Students will be a part of a cohort of students and at the end of the quarter they will present their research to their friends, family, UW community, and peers.
Become a 2024 LSAMP Scientist
Key dates
- Friday, February 9th, 2:30-3:30 pm LSAMP Scientist Program Information Session
- Wednesday, February 21st, 12:30 – 1:30 pm LSAMP Scientist Program Information Session
- Friday, March 1st: Website Updated to Show Potential Mentors for Summer
- Monday, March 4th: Student Applications Open
- Sunday, March 31st: Student Applications Close (unless we receive 40 applications before then)
- April 1st – 5th: Review Student Applications
- April 15th – 19th: Student Interviews
- April 22nd – 26th: Review Student Interviews
- Monday, April 29th: Notify Students of Offer
- Wednesday, May 29th: Meet & Greet
- Monday, June 17th: Program Starts
- Friday, August 16th: Program Ends
How to apply
Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/WtvMDvBN78
More Information
Program benefits
Students who participate in the LSAMP Scientist Research Program can expect to gain:
- Scientific communication skills
- Access to faculty
- Professional development
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem solving skills
- Cohort of other scientists
- Research stipend
Responsibilities
- Communication: Maintain consistent communication with your mentor and the LSAMP Program Coordinator, sharing updates, challenges, and any support needed.
- Mentoring Plan: Collaborate with your mentor to develop a mentoring plan before orientation, outlining goals, expectations, and strategies for success.
- Professional Development: Attend and actively engage in all professional development sessions, including workshops, seminars, and networking events.
- Research Engagement: Actively participate in the assigned research project under the guidance of your mentor or supervisor.
- Photo Documentation: Provide a photo capturing your engagement in LSAMP activities.
- Presentation Preparation: Prepare a poster presentation summarizing your research findings for dissemination at the Summer Research Symposium, LSAMP community events, and relevant conferences.
Eligibility requirements
- Applicants must be currently enrolled as a student at the University of Washington
- Must be US citizen or permanent resident
- Must be LSAMP Eligible
- From a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic background, including: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/a/x, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Native Pacific Islander
- Pursuing one of the following Pre Major, Pre-science, Pre-engineering, Pre-Architecture, Pre-STEM majors, or STEM Majors:
- Applied & Computational Mathematics
- Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
- Astronomy
- Architecture
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth & Space Sciences
- Engineering
- Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management
- Environmental Studies
- Informatics
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Neuroscience
- Oceanography
- Physics
- Statistics
Research Mentors
This committee is dedicated to mentoring UW LSAMP students during the LSAMP Scientist Program. The LSAMP Scientist Program is a summer research program for students with little to no research experience. We have had 38 students go through the program since the start of the program in 2021.
Meet the LSAMP Scientists
Nolan Clayton
He/Him/His
Junior in Microbiology
Mentor: Lauren Rajakovich
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because I love finding solutions that require hard work!
Joseph Antony Gutierrez
He/Him
Senior in Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: David Masiello
Why am I interested in research? A great opportunity to practice and further develop my technical skills.
Lauren Yoson
She/Her
Senior in Earth Science: Biology
Mentor: Robert Tournay
Why am I interested in research? Participating in research is essential to better understanding the field I am studying and provides important experience that I can use in my future career.
Angelique Madrigal
She/Her
Senior in Biochemistry (Minor in Chemistry)
Mentor: Sarah Keller
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because I like learning about the why and how things work. Research gives me the opportunity to make these discoveries.
Ana Luisa Gutierrez
She/Her
Junior in Biology
Mentor: Chris Law
Why am I interested in research? As a biology student, I am interested in going to graduate school and also becoming a research scientist. To reach my goals I hope to participate in research during my undergraduate degree as it will help me advance in my career.
Donte Moore
He/Him
Senior in Chemistry
Mentor: Chris Kenseth
Why am I interested in research? I haven’t had a chance to do research here since I was busy with my coursework, and considering I am graduating at the end of this summer, I am looking at this as my last opportunity to get any form of research experience while I am still matriculated here.
Jerusalem Sintayehu
She/Her
Senior in Astronomy and Physics
Mentor: Benjamin Hills
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because I am passionate about gaining a deeper understanding of physics and learning more about the topics I am curious about. I am excited by the possibility of making discoveries.
Nathan Bekele
He/Him
Junior in Informatics (Data Science) and Minor in Business Entrepreneurship
Mentor: Laura Lindzey
Why am I interested in research? Research offers me a chance to make considerable advancements towards issues I have never faced, This opportunity will help me decide if I want to consider a postgraduate degree.
Marcial Romero Gomez
He/Him
Junior in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and Mathematics
Mentor: Carl Knowlen
Why am I interested in research? I want to run experiments that are at the cutting edge of technology, not only for the intellectual pursuit but also to improve current devices and strategies that are commonplace in the industry.
Evelyn Olivares Fernandez
She/Her
Junior in Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Andrew Laszlo
Why am I interested in research? My interest in reseach is driven by the prospect of positively impacting someone’s health and life. I’ve learned that each research project contributes a piece of a puzzle to an overarching question. All research is unique and therefore essential for growing our understanding of the world and for the global, interdisciplinary collaboration between experts that is at the root of human advancement.
Alejandra Anderson
She/Her
Senior in Environmental Science
Mentor: Sharon Doty
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because I want to contribute to the knowledge that communities can use to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Sephora-Clotilde Zoro
She Her
Graduated Senior (B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a Concentration in Neural Engineering)
Mentor: Wendy Thomas
Why am I interested in research? I’m interested in research because I want to be able to put my niche research interests in the context of larger problems of health inequity.
Michelle Rogers
She/They
Senior in Information Systems (Human Resources) with a minor in Data Science
Mentor: Jeff Ban
Why am I interested in research? I’m interested in research due to the extensive impact it has on improving the lives of everyday people and how it creates meaningful change for those yet to come.
Mekias Kebede
He/Him
Senior in Physics and Informatics
Mentor: Laura Lindzey
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in the intersection of physics and computer science.
Wendy Sanchez Garcia
She/Her
Senior in Biology and Public Health-Global Health
Mentor: Andrea Durant
Why am I interested in research? It allows us to expand our current knowledge and obtain findings that can be utilized to create positive change. I am specifically interested in how research allows us to bridge multiple disciplines to create better working conditions and improved health outcomes for underrepresented communities.
Ermias Habte
He/Him
Senior in Electrical Engineering, minor in Neural Computation
Mentor: David Ginger
Why am I interested in research? I want to go into a research based field, so research would show me what it’s like and help prepare me
Sofia Kaiaua
She/Her
Sophomore in Oceanography, Oceania and minor in Pacific Islander Studies
Mentor: Amy Van Cise
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because it has the potential to address inequalities and solve real world problems in a way that is empowering and liberating in a sense to disadvantaged communities. In the future, I hope my findings create meaningful change while having ethical practices and implementing indigenous knowledge.
Colby Elvrum
He/Him
Junior in Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Steven Roberts
Why am I interested in research? I was interested in research to get a more hands on learning experience, and to find new ways to apply my knowledge.
Nyomi Douglas
She/Her
Sophomore in Biochemistry
Mentor: Chris Torres
Why am I interested in research? I am attracted to research because there is an abundance of knowledge to be studied! As I am studying for biochemistry with a focus in sustainability, I find the boom in efficient reuse of current materials like plastics and applications of biomaterials exciting. Addressing sustainability, global warming, and their implications on daily life not only entails the innovation of new technologies, but gaining perspective on the past as well. True progress toward an environmentally conscious future means acknowledging the socioeconomic impact of future and present technologies on cultures and groups across the world, as well assessing the ecological footprint of current and newer technologies as sustainability moves forward. The opportunity to collaborate with other universities and as well as local institutions to work towards meaningful developments in technology that put people and the environment first is a reality I aspire to as I conduct research. Scientific research embodies the ideal of lifelong learning and I am excited to contribute!
Kevin Fabila
He/Him
Senior in Neuroscience
Mentor: Jeff Riffell
Why am I interested in research? I am interested research because it enables us to discover solutions and pave a new way forward, driving innovation and progress. In the field of neuroscience, research holds the promise of developing new treatments and therapies for conditions that currently lack cures. This work has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for a broad range of individuals suffering from neurological disorders. The research that we conduct in the lab will allow us to restore hope in these patients and their families.
Jaden Benitiz
She/Her
Senior in Genetics and Plant Biology
Mentor: Adam Steinbrenner
Why am I interested in research? I became interested in research after learning about genetic engineering and how it can mitigate climate change and food insecurity.
Yabets Onkiso
He/Him
Senior in Aeronautics and Astronautics
Mentor: Samson Jenekhe and Duyen Tran
Why am I interested in research? I am interested in research because it allows me to gain practical skills and develop experience within a lab setting. It also offers me the opportunity to investigate questions that intrigue me and discover insights that I can apply to my field of study.
Amanuel Berga
He/Him
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Junior in Computer Science
Mentor: Amir Taghvaei
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because it allows me to apply computer science skills, such as machine learning, in innovative ways to tackle complex problems and improve decision-making functions in various disciplines.
Jared Doran
He/Him
Hometown: Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI
Rising Junior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with hopes of double majoring in applied physics and minoring in Materials Science Engineering.
Mentor: David Masiello
Why am I interested in research?: Research allows one to explore new futures and freedom to learn and explore concepts that have the power to advance society. Perhaps the most rewarding feeling is coming up with a theory and being able to prove it. Whether you are right or wrong you know that you are making progress, which is a step in the right direction.
Fardowsa Douled
She/Her
Hometown: Kent, WA
Senior in Informatics
Mentor: Margaret Cheung
Why am I interested in research?: As an informatics student interested in UX, I understand that research allows designers to delve deeper into understanding human behavior and preferences, which are important aspects of user experience design. By entering the scientist program, I can gain valuable insights that can enhance my understanding of research methods and analysis despite not being a physics student or having a physics background. By participating in this research, I can learn and contribute to my knowledge of what ‘good design’ is and create impactful solutions for problems I aim to solve.
Max Emigh
He/Him
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Junior in Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Samson Jenekhe
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because I believe it is the fundamental building block for every bit of science and technology that we know and utilize in the world today.
Sophie Garrote
She/Her
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Sophomore, Environmental Science and Resource Management
Mentor: Amy Van Cise
Why am I interested in research?: I’m interested in research because it gives me the opportunity to learn about problems that people may consider to be really niche and examine how they can have wide-ranging impacts.
Amara Iheke
She/They
Hometown: Bothell
Junior in Public Health Global Health Sciences
Mentor: Beth Traxler
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in conducting research because of the many positive ways it can help impact marginalized communities. Knowing that all findings lead us one step closer to improving the health, knowledge and life experiences of individuals in our communities is inspiring.
Jainaba Jawara
Hometown: Lynnwood, WA
Senior in Informatics
Mentor: Jay Cunningham
Why am I interested in research?: My research interest lies in exploring how technology and data can have a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged communities. I am driven to achieve this by applying data science methods, integrating ethical perspectives, and actively involving stakeholders throughout the research process. A key focus of my research is to advance equitable and responsible practices in the domains of speech recognition and natural language processing.
Noah Krebs
He/Him
Hometown: Sudbury, MA
Junior in Marine Biology
Mentor: Steven Roberts
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because it is a field that aims to push boundaries and answer questions we have yet to answer. If we are to solve the problems that I am passionate about then it will undoubtedly be thanks to research.
Diego Loeb
He/Him
Hometown: Berkeley, CA
Senior, Physics major, History minor, Labor Studies minor
Mentor: Agnieszka Sorensen
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because I have always dreamt of being a physicist and doing undergrad research feels like a great opportunity to learn what research actually entails. I’m excited by the idea of working daily towards learning and eventually crafting a question to be researched with the knowledge I’ve gained.
Ashly Lopez Escober
She/Her
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Junior in Biochemistry
Mentor: Andrew Laszlo
Why am I interested in research?: I’m interested in research because I believe that innovation in any field is what drives our world towards better things. I enjoy working hands on in a lab, but I also enjoy thinking about how the work we do impacts our communities for the better.
Alice Lutzenhiser
She/Her
Hometown: Carnation, WA
Sophomore Biological Sciences Major
Mentor: Adam Steinbrenner
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in learning more about the world around me and how it functions. Research provides a layout for developing new ideas and sourcing information about things I do not know yet but would love to know more about.
Marky Mayanja
She/Her
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Rising Junior in Atmospheric Science
Mentor: Laurel Anderson
Why am I interested in research?: I love to learn, and there is no learning experience quite like figuring out a secret of the universe that no one else knows. I also love to share what I learn and see how it can be helpful to the world. I am thrilled to be working with such an incredible team and finally be part of the research process instead of watching it from inside a classroom. I can’t wait for this invaluable hands-on experience to learn what my strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to research.
Daniel Montes
He/Him
Hometown: Yakima, WA
Rising Senior in Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Heidi Gough
Why am I interested in research?: I’m interested in research because I think that it is an amazing opportunity to gain valuable skills that are relevant in many aspects of my future career as an engineer and academic. I think that discovering new things through your own efforts is very exciting and I’m very eager to know what my project will find.
Vania Moreno-Colin
She/Her
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Upcoming Junior in Civil Engineering
Mentor: Travis Thonstad
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because I aim to decrease the environmental impact of the infrastructure I design and build. I will do this by investing my academic career in researching what materials and recycling methods maximize my structures’ strength, safety, and durability without compromising the environment and ecosystems surrounding them.
Lisette Octaviano-Francisco
They/Them/Theirs
Hometown: Federal Way, WA
Sophomore interested in Neuroscience
Mentor: Jeff Riffell
Why am I interested in research?: I’m interested in research because of the pursuit of new knowledge. It’s exciting to investigate something no one has ever sought out and then sharing it with others to spark more discussion about the topic at hand. I am excited to get first-hand experience in a research lab and doing so in a safe space that allows mistakes and encourages growth.
Jessica Pineda
She/Her
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Senior, Marine Biology, Oceanography, SAFS
Mentor: Aaron Ninokawa
Why am I interested in research?: Research interests me because it can help us improve our understanding of the natural world and can be used as a tool to investigate ecological systems, and how they may change over time. I am eager to develop my own project using the resources provided at Friday Harbor Labs and gain familiarity with new laboratory instruments.
Antonio Pixtun
He/Him
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Senior in Computer Science
Mentor: Jeff Ban
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because I want my work to make an impact in a real-world sense. I am excited to learn from more experienced graduate students and my mentor, whom will be working with me throughout the duration of the program.
Gaby Salaben
She/Her
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
Senior in Math Department
Mentor: Peter Rau
Why am I interested in research?: I’m interested in applying my math knowledge to research interdisciplinary sciences. I’m excited to explore the new topic of neutron stars and also build my skill set in scientific computing.
Mumtaz Sheikhaden
She/Her
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Junior Interested in Informatics
Mentor: Sharon Doty and Robert Tournay
Why am I interested in research?: I am interested in research because it allows us to gain knowledge and understand the world. Without research, many of the things we know now would not have been discovered. Furthermore, research makes an immense difference. Research assists us in developing and improving methods, technology, and treatments. Lastly, research gives us room for exploration and discovery; it allows our creativity and curiosity to grow.
Ethan Walker
He/Him
Hometown: Lynnwood, WA
Senior in Biology
Mentor: Sharon Doty and Robert Tournay
Why am I interested in research?: The process of discovering previously unknown knowledge is really exciting and also the capacity for what we research to contribute to future ideas contributes to the wonderful cycle of sharing and gaining new information. The results of research can also lead to the development of new technologies and strategies that benefit society in a variety of ways which is also a major plus.
Kaleb Yohannes
He/Him
Hometown: Shoreline, WA
Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering
Mentor: Alexandra Velian
Why am I interested in research?: I enjoy collaborative work and value mentorship. Research is a great way to experience both. I am excited to meet new people and build skills essential for my future career.
2022 Mentees
Alex Maldonado
Junior in Civil Engineering
Mentor: Travis Thonstad
Research project: Shear Behavior of Macro-Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Dennise Aguilar Cano
Sophomore interested in Applied Mathematics
Mentor: Chris Chickadel
Research project: Understanding the Size Distribution of Breaking Wave Bubble Plumes through Remote Sensing
Dororthy Lartey
Junior in Molecular Cellular Biology
Mentor: Steven Roberts
Research Project: Influence of Temperature on Mussel Gene Expression
Francisco Alvarado-Medina
Senior in Biology
Mentor: Andrew Laszlo
Research Project: Sequence Dependent Enzyme kinetics of SARS-CoV2 helicase nsp13
Joel Lemus
Senior in Biochemistry
Mentor: Sharon Doty
Research Project: Characterizing Genetic Traits of Endophytes in silico and in vitro
Jonathan H. Ortiz-Candelaria
Sophomore interested in Informatics
Mentor: T.J. Fudge
Research Project: Understanding ice temperature in ice streams in Antarctica and Greenland
Joy Jung
Junior in Electrical Engineering
Hobbies: playing violin or piano
Mentor: Alvaro Chavarri
Research Project: Defect Analysis of a CCD Using Stage 6 Images
Lillian Tran
Senior in Biophysics & Astronomy
Mentor: Alejandro Garcia
Research Project: Calibration Sources of Monoenergetic Electrons
Lily Kim Nguyen
Sophomore in Biochemistry
Mentor: Brandi Cossairt
Research Project: Exploring Ligand Exchange Reactions on CdSe Cluster Surfaces
Lluvia Garcia
Junior in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology
Mentor: Isobel Kolbe
Research Project: Creating a Python Script to Study Jet-Medium Interactions in Heavy-Ion Collisions with JEWEL
Michael Sanchez
Senior in Biophysics
Mentor: David Masiello
Research Project: Probing Laser Stimulated Nanomaterials Using Electron Beams
Sam Puentes
Sophomore Interested in Physics and Astronomy
Mentor: Peter Rau
Research Project: Neutron star interface modes at superfluid s-wave/p-wave transitions
2021 Mentees
Areesa Trevino
Junior interested in Engineering
Mentor: Alvaro Chavarri
Research project: Thermal Analysis of Bulk Silicon Charge-Coupled Devices used to Detect Dark Matter
Chris Mantegna
Senior in Marine Biology
Mentor: Steven Roberts
Research project: Functional Annotation of the Roslin Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) genome in response to 17a-ethinylestradiol exposure
Edgar Daniel
Senior in Environmental Engineering
Mentor: Samson A. Jenekhe
Research project: Polymer Solar Cells
Kaitlyn Vera
Sophomore interested in Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Cole DeForest
Research project: The Role of Light Exposure and Crosslinker Degradability on Double Network Hydrogel Mechanics
Manny Munoz
Senior in Computer Science & Systems
Mentor: Armita Nourmohammad
Research project: Exploratory Analysis of B-Cell Repertoires in Individuals with Chronic HIV
Past Program Highlights
Lily is hard at work in the lab.
A group photo of Alex’s research team.
Sam is busy working on his research project.
Lluvia is reviewing her research with her mentor, Isobel.
Lillian in the lab with her mentor, Alejandro.
Jonathan on a hike with his research team.
Francisco and his mentor, Andrew, reviewing their research.
Dorothy with her mentor reviewing research.
Dennise busy reviewing her research.
Dennis with one her mentors reviewing data.