Profiles

Five University of Washington researchers have been named AAAS Fellows, according to a March 27 announcement by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are among 471 newly elected fellows from around the world, who are recognized for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements in science and engineering.

When Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history at the UW, launched BlackPast in 2007, he didnt realize attacks on history would make the site as necessary as it has proved to be.

At the University of Washington, Ted Poor is the associate director of the School of Music and an associate professor of Jazz Studies. The rest of his calendar is filled with tours, performances and recording sessions.

Three University of Washington faculty members have been awarded early-career fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The new Sloan Fellows, announced Feb. 18, are Amy L. Orsborn, the Clare Boothe Luce assistant professor of electrical & computer engineering and bioengineering, Dianne J. Xiao, an assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Amy X. Zhang, an assistant professor of computer science in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.

For Valentine's Day, UW News asked 12 University of Washington researchers to share their love stories: What made them decide to pursue their career paths?

As director of government relations for the Catholic Health Association, Paulo G. Pontemayor (BA, 2005) is dedicated to increasing equity and access to health care in the United States.

David Ryder's photographs have been published in major US publications, including TIME magazine and The New York Times. He got his start as a photojournalist as UW undergrad working at The Daily. 

Alumna Tessa Olmstead, now completing a medical residency, shares how her dance major has helped her succeed as a medical student. 

"As a professor, I agree with my colleagues who have noticed the declining literacy of American students at elite universities. However, I am not sure if the schools are entirely to blame," writes Ione Fine, professor of psychology at the UW.

"Being a first-generation student means breaking barriers and boundaries for myself and for others. I feel a deep responsibility to push myself to step outside of my comfort zone and enter uncharted territories to advocate for my community." - Kimberly Il, Student

"From my extended experience as a first-gen student, the most important thing is to acknowledge what you do not know. Treat every moment of confusion as an opportunity to build your collection of knowledge and every new environment or experience as a pathway to learn more about yourself." - Adrian Guerrero, Student

"Being a first-gen to me means having to navigate higher education largely on my own. I never take the chance to enter college and grad school for granted, and I'm really grateful for how far I've come." - Linhang Huang, Student

"I would encourage current and future first-gen students to not be afraid to ask questions and lean on people around you. There’s a lot that we don’t know about navigating academic spaces and so many of the mistakes I’ve made could have been avoided if I had the skills to communicate my needs." - Keila Taylor, Student

"To current and future first-generation students, I would like to say this: Your unique experiences and perspectives are so valuable; they have the power to inspire. Remember, your story matters." - Bogdan Brunsh, Student

"I approach every day that I access education and challenge systems of learning within the university setting as a radical form of change which applies to my attendance at UW." - Yasmine Gomez, Student