June 12, 2023
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
On June 10, over 7,000 graduating seniors celebrated their academic accomplishments with 40,000 Husky families, friends and guests at the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium. Among the scholars who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas were those who connected to, deepened and expanded their Husky experience with Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ opportunities and programming. We recognize the hard work and dedication of each graduating senior, who now embark on pathways to create a better world. Every single one of these graduates has left a lasting impact on the UW, our community and on us. Congratulations to the class of 2023!
Here are a few examples from the Class of 2023!
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s care: Undergraduate research in public health
In this video, undergraduate researcher Varuna Ravi, ’23, shares what motivated her to pursue research focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Ravi’s firsthand experience of the devastating impact Alzheimer’s has on millions of individuals and their families drove her to reimagine how we perceive, comprehend and treat age-associated cognitive decline.
Junior medalist Olivia Brandon
Olivia Brandon, who twice received the President’s Medal, said, “I am constantly inspired by the impact — small or global — an individual can have in the medical and scientific world.” Brandon majored in public health–global health and hopes her future research helps improve global health challenges like infant mortality.
Five UW students named 2023 Goldwater Scholars
Nuria Alina Chandra is one of five undergrads selected for the Goldwater Scholarship, a competitive scholarship that supports students in STEM fields. Chandra plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and then work at the intersection of machine learning, computational biology, and algorithms research. “I will research machine learning, computational biology, and algorithms to develop tools that prevent, treat, and cure disease. My research career will span from theory to clinical application,” says Chandra.
Undergraduates at the intersections of research: from blueprints to breakthroughs and visual arts to virtual reality
More than 1,000 undergraduates presented their research in the 26th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Out of the 1,000+ undergraduate researchers who presented their work at the 26th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, hundreds of them were seniors. Class of 2023 graduate and neuroscience major Shannon Hong reflected: “It was a valuable experience to present my own research and to learn about the work my peers are doing. The Symposium showed me that students can be at the forefront of change.”
Spring CELEbration event recognizes student and community partnerships
UAA’s Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center held the 2023 Spring CELEbration, a forum showcasing student service, leadership and activist work. Presenter Greta Fehlan, ‘23, shared her internship experience from the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Fehlan said, “I loved this experience so much that it solidified for me that this is what I want to be doing with my life — community-based, community-focused work.”
UW students, alumni selected for Fulbright awards and a world of opportunities
Among this year’s group of students and alumni selected for Fulbright Fellowships are seniors Jessie Cox, Mia Filardi, Auden Finch, Kennedy Patterson and Lillian Williamson. They will join approximately 2,000 students and recent graduates from around the country to teach, study and research abroad in countries such as Botswana, Taiwan and Finland.
UW senior Casper Suen selected for China’s Yenching Academy
Casper Suen, ’23, was recently selected for the competitive Yenching Academy Scholars program at Peking University. One of two scholars from the UW, both of whom majored in international studies, will join 115 scholars hailing from 31 countries as the 2023 cohort participating in the interdisciplinary China Studies master’s program. Through his coursework at the UW, Suen developed his interest in China’s policy institutions and international relations.