Profiles

A bilingual educator with 18 years of experience at both the college level and in K–12 public schools, Whitemarsh hopes to give back to her hometown of Pasco.

Chemistry PhD alum Jonathan Cox spent most of 2025 in Kyrgyzstan, helping farmers improve their soil—and their crops—through soil testing. 

Thuc Nhi Nguyen got her start the UW Daily. Now she's a sports reporter for Los Angeles Times, writing about the Lakers and the Olympics. 

Former Husky basketball star and NBA player Bobby Jones is a big hit in Compton and beyond with his community-oriented organizations.

Jones, who earned his B.A. in writing from the UW, has already published a children’s book. And the small forward who was always known as a dogged defender for three Husky teams that made the NCAA tournament from 2004 to 2006, is just as fired up to provide representation to his communities. “I’m from Compton,” he says, “I played in the NBA, and I look like the kids from this area. It means so much for them to see someone who looks like them teaching yoga and mentoring them.”

Historian Coll Thrush researches the dark history of Pacific Northwest shipwrecks in "Wrecked." Thrush, who earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in history at the University of Washington, spent six years combing through archives, oral histories and ship logs to unearth tales of sinking and survival, exploitation and tragedy. But in the process, he discovered a deeper narrative—an exploration of how people, place and power collided along the Northwest coast, and how nature always won.

Geography major Edwin Bai has researched private cities, developed by individuals and corporations, that  "take the libertarian idea of low government regulation to the maximum." 

“I have found the Jackson School to be a very welcoming and supportive community for transfer students,” Goodman-Callender said. “When I first transferred, I was nervous about finding a sense of belonging at UW, but I have found nothing but support and encouragement from the faculty, advisors, and my peers in the Jackson School …"

"I cannot stress enough the importance of not letting the sacrifice your parents made go to waste. Fulfill their dreams. This advice has helped me when I am doubting myself and my ability to achieve my dreams. I think of my family, and every time they made a sacrifice to give me the opportunity to study." – Ashlee Senda, Student

"I decided to come to the UW after participating in the Path to UW seminar during the summer of 2023. During that experience, I met friends for life, felt truly heard and included, and realized that the UW offers the perfect environment for me to grow both personally and academically." – Francine Myles, Student

"You don’t have to have everything already figured out to belong here. You are enough just by virtue of being you. Ask for help, build community, and remember that the path you’re walking honors not just your own story, but the ancestors who made it possible." – CS W. Henry, Student

"When I met my mentors, I knew the UW was the right place for me. It felt like joining a community that not only values research and discovery but also welcomes diversity. Being here has given me the chance to grow as both a scientist and a person." – Laura Quinche, Student

"I remember strolling across the UW campus during my first quarter, treading on crisp autumn leaves, and realizing that I have built a life here that once seemed impossible. I don't say this often, but I am really grateful for how far I have come. For current and future first-gen students — remember, your background is your strength." – Anjali Yadav, Student

"I want to encourage you all to recognize the virtues that come from each of your backgrounds. There is a strength that comes from being first-gen, and I hope that you all can recognize it within yourselves." – Dan Guyer, Student

"Being a first-generation student holds great significance for me, as I am the first in my family to attend the University of Washington. This is a major milestone, and I feel privileged to be part of such an esteemed institution." – Jackie Hernandez, Student

"You are remarkable for becoming the first trailblazer in your family's intellectual journey... Celebrate that victory and keep that fire burning as you chart the educational trajectory for your family's future generations." – Andri Fernanda, Student