Profiles

Soon after arriving at the UW at 15, Reid Dale (Mathematics, 2014) thrived in graduate-level courses in math and philosophy.

International student Jueqian Fang (Photomedia, Cinema Studies, 2014) studied science in China but discovered a passion for art at the UW.

President's Medalist Megan Kufeld is both an athlete and a scholar."I want people to realize that it is possible to be both," she says.

He's taught English in Russia and worked on messaging apps at Microsoft. Now Julian Chan ('07) is combining his two passions, language and technology.

Teresa Causin ('06) can indulge her passion for sports 24/7 as a project manager overseeing web development projects for ESPN.com.

Shannon Narasimhan ('07) is making her mark as a physical therapist working with performers in the Big Apple and on tour.

Frustrated by the current funding model for scientific research, Cindy Wu ('11) and Denny Luan ('11) created a crowdfunding platform for research.

The next time visit Starbucks, give a nod to Ann Burkhart ('90), who focuses on the ethical sourcing of ingredients in Starbucks' food products.

EMP Museum curator Jacob McMurray ('95) discovered a passion for museums while working at the UW's Burke Museum as an undergrad.

Earning a PhD is accomplishment enough for most graduate students, but three recent grads received the A&S Graduate Medal along with their doctorates this spring

When a foot injury sidelined dancer Anna Zemke (BA, Dance, Biochemistry), she gave up one dream to pursue another. But she never lost her passion for dance, even as she pursued a second degree in biochemistry.

"I find theory of computation and logic extremely beautiful," says Sam Hopkins (BS, Mathematics, Computer Science), whose fascination with mathematics and philosophy have informed his computer science research.

An interest in social justice led Sam Nowak (BA, Geography) to the Department of Geography, where he pursued research on issues of inequality, particularly among Seattle's homeless and other marginalized populations.

For Mimi Cagaitan (BA, English, Comparative History of Ideas), an unusual family history was the motivation for her research and a class she led about international marriage migration—the so-called "mail-order bride" industry.

After years of balancing UW studies with a demanding full-time dance career, Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Leah O'Connor will earn a bachelor's degree in sociology in June.