Alumni

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists on Monday for their research on the human immune system, including Mary E. Brunkow, who earned bachelors degree in molecular and cellular biology from the UW.

Mary Brunkow of the Seattle-based Institute for Systems Biology was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her research on the immune cells that prevent the human body from attacking itself. Brunkow earned a bachelors degree in molecular and cellular biology from the UW.

Tacoma Opera's production of Wagner's "Das Rheingold" involved numerous School of Music faculty, students, and alumni, including Voice professor Thomas Harper (stage director), Music History professor Stephen Rumph (Froh), alumni Kristin Vogel (DMA Voice) (Fricka) and Brendan Tuohy ('04 BM, Voice) (Loge), and company general director Lim Forgey (DMA, Voice). 

UW-trained conservationists helped launch a movement to save some of the world's most elusive animals. Here's how they did it.

To celebrate and honor Dr. Tetsuden "Tets" Kashima’s lifelong dedication to the Japanese American and the larger Pacific Islander and Asian community and the UW Department of American Ethnic Studies (AES), Allen Shimada invites you to join him in his effort to raise $100,000 for the endowed program support fund called "The Long Journey Home..." Endowed Program Support Fund in Honor of Professor Tetsuden Kashima for the Department of American Ethnic Studies.

Derek Sheffield, ’90, ’99, a poet and English teacher, was appointed Washington State’s Poet Laureate in April by Governor Bob Ferguson. A passionate naturalist known for co-editing the best-selling "Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry" with Elizabeth Bradfield, ’94, and CMarie Fuhrman, Sheffield is “always packing” binoculars and hand lens and birds by ear—often in the woods near his home in Leavenworth. He has butterflied alongside Robert Michael Pyle, ’69, ’73, the lepidopterist, and once exchanged letters with Pulitzer-winning biologist E.O. Wilson.

Derek Sheffield, ’90, ’99, a poet and English teacher, was appointed Washington State’s Poet Laureate in April by Governor Bob Ferguson. A passionate naturalist known for co-editing the best-selling “Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry” with Elizabeth Bradfield, ’94, and CMarie Fuhrman, Sheffield is “always packing” binoculars and hand lens and birds by ear—often in the woods near his home in Leavenworth. He has butterflied alongside Robert Michael Pyle, ’69, ’73, the lepidopterist, and once exchanged letters with Pulitzer-winning biologist E.O. Wilson.

Looking for galleries to visit this fall? Check out these visual arts shows by UW alumni.

Lucia Flores-Wiseman (B.A., Communication), a Mexican American singer-songwriter, brings an inspiring emotional depth to her craft.

Launched in Spring of 2025, the pilot season includes seven episodes – each featuring a School of Art + Art History + Design alum in conversation with host Liz Copland.

Lisa K. Bambach’s path to becoming a design educator has been shaped by over a decade of professional experience, a deep commitment to collaborative inquiry, and a passion for shaping the future of design.

Burke Smithers (BDes 2024) discovered a passion for typography at UW that led to award-winning work, international experience, and the launch of his own type foundry, Nightjar Type. His designs reflect personal interests in nature and climate—showing how type can be both expressive and deeply personal.

Inspired by her family’s journey, Kimberly Il found her voice — and her future in the field of law — at the University of Washington.

Before women could vote, Clara McCarty of Steilacoom became the UW's first graduate and a pioneer for women in public service.

MFA alum Brian Christian explores the tricky dynamics between human behavior and artificial intelligence. After moving to Seattle—drawn by both it’s tech and literary scenes—he decided to pursue a master’s in creative writing at the UW. He studied creative nonfiction and poetry but did not lose touch with his affinity for computer science.