College of Arts and Sciences

Mary Brunkow graduated from UW with a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology in 1983 before pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field at Princeton University. 

For decades, scientists have understood that plants can release volatile organic compoundsessentially airborne chemical signalsto attract the natural enemies of the things that eat them, like caterpillars. What we didnt know was exactly how a plant translates the physical act of being eaten into a specific, predator-summoning distress signal. Adam Steinbrenner, an associate professor of biology at the UW, is quoted.

A hummingbird darts up to a flower, slips in its long, thin beak and drinks. The whole visit lasts a fraction of a second, and for years scientists assumed the bird simply sucked the sweet liquid up and swallowed. Alejandro Rico-Guevara, associate professor of biology at the UW and curator of birds at the UW Burke Museum, is mentioned.

Using fabric, oil paint, glycerin and wax, Mackender explores the way humans and animals share the experience of grief.

Roberto Maestas grew up in a small New Mexico town but became a Seattle legend as a UW student and social-justice leader.

Roberto Maestas grew up in a small New Mexico town but became a Seattle legend as a UW student and social-justice leader.

One of UW President Robert J. Jones’ goals is to make the UW a place where every Washington student might graduate debt-free. UW Magazine articulates how that goal could be in reach, thanks to a combination of federal financial aid, state support, institutional grants, scholarships, and students showing their trademark Husky tenacity and work ethic. You can read the story, which features profiles of students from all three UW campuses, here.

Elissa Khodikian, a graduate student in the Department of Biology, researches how certain mosquito species adapt to saline environments in the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Lebanon and later studying in Canada, Elissa came to UW to continue her research under Dr. Andrea Durant. Her story highlights her passion for evolutionary biology and the important role mentorship as well as community have played in shaping her experience at UW.

Mary Brunkow's unconventional journey from UW genetics student to Nobel laureate was shaped by a love of discovery.

The University of Washington has produced its share of poet laureates, but Mateo Quispe, a queer and trans Peruvian American poet and senior in the Comparative History of Ideas program, may be the only student ever to hold a laureateship while at the UW. University of Washington Magazine shares this profile of Quispe, who is studying the comparative history of ideas at the UW while completing his tenure as Auburn Poet Laureate.

In his new memoir, Department of Philosophy alum Kim Thayil, '85, reflects on Soundgarden, Seattle's music scene and his journey from UW student to '90s rock icon.

Five years ago, Nikki Lorenzo bought a small embroidery machine. Now, she runs an embroidery studio where joy and community are stitched into every piece.

Included in this science round up is a story about how plants call wasps to their defense. Adam Steinbrenner, an associate professor of biology at the UW, is interviewed.

Bean plants have been recruiting wasps to fight their battles for them since long before anyone noticed. A caterpillar bites down, the plant releases a chemical signal, and predatory wasps come flying in to finish it off. That part biologists already knew. What they couldnt explain was how the plant told the difference between a caterpillar and a rainstorm. Adam Steinbrenner, an associate professor of biology at the UW, is mentioned.

UW researchers examined almost 3,000 science guidelines and assessment questions for any connections to society. Of the approximately 200 elements that had real-world implications, many discussed ethics and public health issues.