UW News

January 19, 2011

UW announces academic medalists for 2009-2010

From left, the medalists are Jennifer Kang, freshman; Gracie Ingermanson, sophomore and Krysta Yousoufian, junior.

From left, the medalists are Jennifer Kang, freshman; Gracie Ingermanson, sophomore and Krysta Yousoufian, junior.

The University of Washington has announced the freshman, sophomore and junior medalists – the outstanding students in their respective classes – based on their academic records for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Jennifer Kang, the freshman medalist, entered the UW at age 14 through the Robinson Center for Young Scholars. She has been active in the Early Entrance Programs drama society and student advisory committee, as well as serving as a teaching assistant for ethics, where she assists young students going through the same kind of transition she went through two years ago. Kang, a Seattle resident, has academic interests that include computer science, international studies, English and dance. In her spare time she plays piano, dances, hikes and plays Ultimate Frisbee.

Gracie Ingermanson, from Battle Ground, is the sophomore medalist. A math and communication major, she came to the UW after 12 years of home schooling. She has been a participant in the Putnam Math Competition, a prestigious national event for mathematics students. Outside of class, she sings in local choirs and has volunteered as a tutor. She is planning to continue on for a graduate degree in math.

Krysta Yousoufian, from Seattle, the junior medalist, is a computer science major in a combined bachelors and masters program. She has worked closely with Professor Richard Anderson, pursuing projects that use computer science to address issues of poverty in developing countries. She also has been active in the UW environmental community as a member of Students Expressing Environmental Dedication, working on the campus composting initiative, and has served as a member of the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee, which advises the UW administration on environmental policy. She has received the Husky Green Award for her commitment to the environment. She is planning on a career as a software developer. She is also a classically-trained singer.