What Students Are Doing

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.

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.

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.

University of Washington Provost Tricia R. Serio announced that Daryl Maeda will serve as the next Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. His appointment is effective July 13, pending approval from the UW Board of Regents.

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. And you don’t have to wait until June: Take a look at everything still happening in May. Sign up to receive a monthly notice when the ArtSci Roundup has been published. ArtSci On Your Own Time: Through July...

Graduation isn't the end of your Husky journey — here's how to keep the connections going wherever life takes you.

UW Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band’s “Scenes and Portraits” is a collection of works that evokes strong emotions, from dark romanticism to lively pop-like compositions. The performance embodies a flowing river, taking the audience through a seasonal journey of life itself and the experiences it holds. 

Humanities 103, part of the Humanities First program for first-year students, emphasizes place-based learning through thoughtfully designed field trips. 

Members of the UW Math AI Lab traveled to Rio de Janeiro for ICLR 2026, where undergraduates Luke Alexander, Evan Wang, Rohan Pandey, and Simon Chess joined Vasily Ilin, Math PhD student and Math AI Lab Director, to present five papers on AI for Math. The lab is also celebrating Vasily’s paper being accepted as an ICML 2026 main-conference spotlight paper (top 2.2%).

The Improv Music Project Festival (IMPFEST), hosted by the School of Music and the student-run organization Improvised Music Project, occurred from April 25-26. It celebrated exploration of sound through two shows featuring headliners Overall on Friday and Skúli Sverrisson on Saturday, playing alongside jazz studies students and faculty.

For more than 50 years, UW Communication has offered students an unparalleled opportunity to step out of the classroom and directly into the fast-paced world of state politics. The State Government Communication Program, affectionately known as the “Olympia Program,” places undergraduates in full-time reporting roles during the state’s winter legislative session.

The University of Washington School of Music is stepping up their offerings. In fall 2024, they hired Grammy-nominated recording engineer, producer, and drummer Andrew Munsey to lead and build out a Music and Technology program, dedicated to providing students with experience in studio recording, mixing and producing. UW students are now able to gain skills in audio recording at the School of Music. 

The 2026 annual Dance Majors Concert (DMC) was from the minds of seven dance majors, the undergraduate choreographers: Taylor Burbacher, Natasha Crowley, Kate Hancock, Sachiko Miyoshi, Sam Stratman, MC Womack, and Amanda Winterbauer. DMC presented seven concepts at Meany Hall — Studio Theater from Feb. 26 to March 1.

"The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to end next week in Olympia, but as teaching professors of journalism at the University of Washington, we are thinking about the beginning," write Andrea Otez and Caley Cook, both teaching professors of communication at the UW.

Kristine Matthews, Professor of Visual Communication Design and principal of Studio Matthews, continues to earn national and international recognition for her work. She founded the Seattle-based design practice in 2008, building a studio of designers, teachers, and makers known for award-winning projects, elegant solutions, and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.