Undergraduate Research Leaders | The Undergraduate Research Program

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URL Profiles

The Undergraduate Research Leaders (URLs) are a group of outstanding undergraduate researchers from a variety disciplines. The URLs conduct outreach activities in conjunction with the Undergraduate Research Program and are available to share their experiences with other undergraduates.

Current URLs

	Moe Aoki Major: Law, Societies, & Justice, Sociology Mentor: Jose Antonio Lucero, Jackson School of International Studies Current research project Looking at the Visceral: The Transmission of Affect in the Portrayal of Undocumented Immigrants Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance. There have been claims that recent immigration laws, such as HB 56 and SB 1070, will improve the economy, reduce unemployment, and in a general sense, protect America. I am interested in where this staunch support of being this selective gatekeeping nation comes from when the United States often prides itself as being an immigrant nation. I decided to analyze Border Wars and Dreamers Adrift under the framework of affect theory to explore how current immigration discourse came to be. Affect theory provides an alternative explanation for the rising anti-immigrant sentiment besides the usual, "We do it to protect America," "because the law says so," et cetera. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? You have to do so much more than in your regular classes. You do not receive step-by-step instructions from your professors on how to do the research and write the paper. This will sound strange, but I did so much THINKING. It requires hours upon hours of reading, writing, getting confused, and thinking and writing all over again. It is something you have to build endurance for, and that process is very challenging and frustrating. Contact
	Michael Bocek Major: Biochemistry Mentor: Suzie H. Pun, Bioengineering More info coming soon! Contact
	Elise Butterfield Major: International Studies and Dance Minor: Spanish Mentor: Hannah Wiley, Dance Current research project Dance research through embodiment with the Chamber Dance Company Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance. I study the political, social, and historical context of the dance works the Chamber Dance Company is presenting in order to better understand their substance and significance. I work with professors, MFA candidates in the UW dance program, and visiting dance scholars and performers. Additionally, I consult video and written documents relating to the works I am studying. The results of my research are used in rehearsals and performances, as well as documented in the form of an essay. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? To put yourself out there and find a listing on the URP website or meet with an adviser or professor who has similar interests to you. There are so many wonderful people and resources on campus that can help you get your foot in the door, allowing you to begin to pursue your passions outside of the classroom. Contact
	Alex Catchings Major: English Mentor: Sonnet Retman, American Ethnic Studies Current research project Postmodern Parody in Neo-Slave Narratives and History Rerendering Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance. My research analyzes the neo-slave narrative, which is a slave narrative penned after the 1960's. I read specific neo-slave texts that utilize humor and parody, and compare them with original slave narratives from the 18th and 19th centuries. I then use my findings to contrast the texts with history books to see how parody and pastiche can serve to create political mobility and agency in African American texts. The end results should glean perspectives on the pros and cons of academic history books and the black past. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Humanities research can be insular at times--particularly when you're reading a large number of books and journal articles. The beauty of humanities research, though, is its malleability. You can and should craft your projects based around your interests, because sincere interest keeps you motivated to read and flesh out ideas. It also makes for keener papers--readers truly get out of your research what you put in. Contact
	Rebecca de Frates Major: Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Mentor: Dong-Hui Chen, Medical Genetics Current research project Genome-wide Detection of Novel Mutations in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My research focuses on finding new mutations in families affected by hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). HSP is a neurological muscular disorder that increases muscle tone causing stiffness, weakness, and movement issues, mainly in the leg muscles, that is passed down in families. We are using exome sequencing to find new genetic mutations that cause this disease that have not previously been identified. Our findings will potentially contribute to better clinical diagnosis of HSP and may lead to new drug targets. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Go for it! Undergraduate research is something that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. It gives you a chance to apply what you are learning and what you are passionate about. Contact
	Eric Do Major: Bioengineering Mentor: Kim Woodrow, Bioengineering Current research project Developing nanoparticle-based antiretroviral topical microbicides for HIV prevention Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Women who are not able to negotiate condom use with their male partners have no means of protection against infection against HIV. Microbicides are topical products that offer women a controlled prevention method. Since junior year, I have been working to develop nanoparticles that encapsulate antiretroviral (ARV) drugs with different mechanisms of action. Following this, I hope to gain a better understanding of unique drug-drug interactions by delivering these single ARV nanoparticles in combination. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? START EARLY! One of the things I wish I had done was getting involved early. Visiting the URP drop-in hours would be a great place to start to gain a better sense of direction and see what kinds of opportunities are available. Setting up meetings with faculty members who have taught your classes and whose work interest you would work as well. By starting early, you have the opportunity to gain as much experience as possible and that way you can explore various opportunities to gain a better understanding of which fields pique your interest the most. Contact
	Kenji Doering Major: Mathematics, Biophysics Mentor: Jens Gundlach, Physics Current research project Nanopore DNA Sequencing: We use biological nanopore to sequence DNA strands by running current through the pores and observed different current level changes as each different nucleotide passes through the pore. Nonlinear Optical SFG Scattering: Using the Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) of Infrared and Visible light scattering off particles in solution or reflection of surfaces, we can measure the measure the SFG wave to observe certain characteristics about the surface or particle. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Nanopore sequencing is a way to streamline and cheapen current sequencing techniques that are used in many research fields. SFG Scattering will help understand micromolecules at the atomic level as a means to better analyze small substances. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I got involved in undergraduate research by simply emailing a professor (Patrick Koelsch) whose work I found interesting and telling him that I would be interested in working along with him. The reason I wanted to do research was partially because I was interested in optical applications to biological systems, but also I wanted to know whether I was heading down a career path that was right for me. Contact
	Jennifer Gile Major: Neurobiology Mentor: Horacio de la Iglesia, Biology Current research project Circadian Modulation of Nueromotor Control Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My research focuses on understanding how the circadian system regulates the primary motor cortex. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Do not get discouraged if you do not get into the first lab that you apply for, just keep trying. It will pay off in the end. Contact
	Kelsey Haas Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Minor: French Mentor: Judit Villen, Department of Genome Sciences Current research project Characterizing Breast Cancer Cell Line Phosphoproteomes via Mass Spectrometry Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Phosphorylated proteins are commonly involved in signaling pathways, and any abnormality in the sequential protein phosphorylation down these pathways can result in abnormal cell growth and development characteristic of cancer. We're trying to identify the proteins that are phosphorylated in different subtypes of breast cancer to identify the signaling pathways that have gone awry. My goals are to identify common phosphorylated proteins to find a molecular signature for breast cancer, and to identify the phosphoproteins unique to each breast cancer subtype to find subtype-specific markers. From this information, future studies can be conducted to design a universal breast cancer protein inhibitor drug or subtype-specific protein inhibitors as forms of anti-cancer therapies. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? In terms of biological research, starting is probably going to be the hardest part. There are so many different departments and labs at UW conducting research that it's difficult to know who to talk to or where/how to start looking for positions. It can be overwhelming - but it's more manageable if you take advantage of the resources around you! The Undergraduate Research Program and departmental advising are going to be your best options to help you figure out where to start. Contact
	Antonious Hazim Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Mentor: David MacPherson, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Current research project Mouse Model studies on Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center involves working with Small Cell Carcinoma a highly malignant cancer most commonly associated with the lung. My work uses a mouse model to recapitulate the disease. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most exciting aspect of my research experience has been how life changing it has been for me. It's amazing to know that the work I am currently doing is helping to make a difference on the fight against cancer. I have realized how vital research is and because of this, I have decided to pursue an MD/PhD. Contact
	Vicky Herrera Major: Biochemistry Minor: Chemistry Mentor: Horacio de la Iglesia, Biology Current research project Disruption of Sleep Impacts Hippocampal Memory Performance Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance We are seeing the effects that disputing sleep has on long-term memory performance. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? An exciting aspect of research is coming to lab everyday not ever being sure what might happen. Contact
	Angela Hess Major: Chemistry Mentor: David Ginger, Chemistry Current research project Biosensing Applications of Silver Nanoprisms Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I am testing the viability of using silver nanoprisms as a component in a sensor that could test for the presence of DNA sequences or certain proteins. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Research, particularly in a field such as chemistry, can be incredibly frustrating. Failure is incredibly common, and success (particularly reproducible success) requires a lot of effort. Fortunately, such failure can act as motivation for developing or attempting new approaches. Contact
	Danee Hidano Major: Bioengineering Mentor: Daniel Ratner, Bioengineering Current research project Using mannose-glycopolymers to specifically deliver chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin to cancer tumors Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My research focuses on synthesizing carbohydrate-polymers that function as drug delivery vehicles capable of binding to cell receptors on specific cells. Drug targeting can be very advantageous because it reduces both the required dosage and toxic side effects associated with the drug. I am conjugating the chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin to these carbohydrate-polymers and exploring its use as a potential cancer treatment. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Try getting involved in lab as soon as you can, but don't just rush into any lab that accepts you. Do your research and apply for lab positions that really interest you. Also, I highly recommend going to the Undergraduate Research Program's drop-in hours to get advice touching up your resume, speaking with professors, and finding great opportunities! Contact
	Jessica Hui Major: Biochemistry, Neurobiology Mentor: Matt Kaeberlein, Pathology Current research project We are currently looking into the usage of rapamycin, which is a drug that acts as a partial mimetic of caloric restriction as a treatment for Leigh Syndrome,a human mitochondrial disease being modeled in Ndufs4 double knockout mice. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance We are looking at the the process by which the drug rapamycin treats and increases survival rate of gene knockout mice that show symptoms of a human disease. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I got involved through the Undergraduate Research Symposium through speaking to presenters about possible openings in their lab. Contact
	Marcus Johnson Major: Global Studies Minor: Human Rights Mentor: Ben Gardner, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Current research project The Multi Dimensions of Blackness: Cultural Hegemony in the US and Abroad Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I am interested in how the concept of race and identity plays a role in how we perceive difference. Moreover, I would like to investigate how colonial powers such as the United States have shaped ideas of race and identity while maintaining colonial rule abroad. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? This past summer (2012) I was a participant in the Summer Institute in the Art & Humanities. This opportunity allowed me to explore questions concerning race and representation. Why were my peers studying abroad and returning with the same preconceived notions of developing countries? Why were my college classmates representing people and places in the Global South as underdeveloped, religious radicals, uneducated, disease stricken, and confrontational? These questions have driven my interest in globalization, power, borders, and how a variety of people and institutions located in "the West" represent the Global South. Contact
	Tinny Liang Major: Bioengineering Minor: Global Health, Chemistry Mentor: Elain Fu, Bioengineering Current research project Development of a Prototype Paper-based Malarial Diagnostic Device Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance There is an inequality in the access to health care; diagnostic capabilities in laboratory settings cannot be used as is in low-resource settings, where millions of people die from curable infectious diseases. Current laboratory based diagnostic tests are too expensive and too complex for use in low-resource settings. The current method for diagnosis of infectious diseases suffer from reliability issues. Access to accurate diagnostics will save millions of lives and overall lead to better patient outcomes. My research focuses on designing diagnostic tests with the appropriate reliability and usability for low-resource settings using a new paper-based format. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I got involved in undergraduate research my freshmen year through searching through the list of openings on the URP website. I e-mailed professors whose research topics were intriguing but not necessary in my field, and ended up joining Professor Elain Fu's lab in the Bioengineering Department. I got involved with the simple expectation of gaining experience applying classroom concepts to a real life problem, and have gone through a path of self-discovery as a result. Research has changed my perspective and outlook on how I, as an individual, can contribute to improving health and access to health. Contact
	Bryony Lynch Major: Biology Mentor: Maitreya Dunham, Genome Sciences Current research project Characterization of Replicate Evolutions of S. cerevisiae Under Constant Nutrient-Limitations Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance. Basically, we are trying to figure out how evolution works at the molecular level. We change the environment by limiting a nutrient and observe how the yeast evolve to cope with the change. In order to tell if the yeast have evolved to be better at using the nutrient in question, we compete them with an ancestor strain that has not evolved. The results of the competition tell us the answer. Additionally, we look for changes in the yeast's genome by sequencing it and then match the changes to the change in fitness that we see. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I started as an undergraduate researcher in the middle of my Junior year. I knew I wanted to get involved because I wanted to use the experience to find out if research was going to be my career choice. During registration, I signed up for the URP's class 'Research Exposed' just so I could get my foot in the door and see what kind of research was out there. A professor, who is now my PI, gave a talk about her research and I was greatly intrigued. I knew at that moment this research was the type of research that I wanted to do. I wrote a letter to that Professor and I was working in the lab the very next week. I now know that doing research is my calling and I am very thankful to the URP and my PI for helping me find it! Contact
	Kevin Magnaye Major: Biology (Cellular, Molecular & Developmental) Mentor: Michael Bamshad, Pediatrics Current research project Comparing Ancestry Estimations from Y Chromosome, Mitochondrial DNA, and Autosomal Loci Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Three important tools are used to indicate an individual's ancestry are the Y chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA. Both the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA are uni-parentally inherited, whereas autosomal DNA is bi-parentally inherited. Thus, autosomal DNA potentially contains more information regarding an individual's genetic heritage than the Y chromosome or mitochondrial DNA. Our lab is trying to understand how well the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA accurately predict autosomal DNA ancestry. This project brings to light an important ethical issue regarding direct-to-consumer ancestry tests. Some genealogical companies may only use mitochondrial DNA or the Y chromosome to indicate ancestry because they cost less and are more time efficient than autosomal DNA. This creates a strong ethical dilemma surrounding possibly incorrect results using these uni-parentally inherited tools. Also, this research could potentially advance personalized medicine. By accurately determining one's genetic ancestry, we could gain major insights about a specific population's susceptibility to diseases, and the efficacy of treatments and therapies. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? No matter how many problems you run into, you should continue to persevere. The trade-offs from the fantastic discoveries you could potentially make are the blood, sweat, and tears you exhaust in the process. Never give up and always try to reach success. Because no matter how long or difficult the process is, you always gain personal fulfillment. Contact
	Amanda Montoya Major: Psychology Minor: Mathematics Mentor: Sapna Cheryan, Psychology Current research project Choosing a science class: How increasing perceptions of group work in computer science affects women's interest. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance. We are testing, through experiments, if increasing group work in computer science classes might increase women's interest in taking the classes. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most rewarding part of research is knowing that you are working to solve a problem in the world. For me, that is the underepresentation of women in computer science. After my presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, I was contacted by many computer science teachers and departments interested in the implications of my research. As I am now in the process of submitting to a major journal, I continue to feel like I am helping others by making my research known, and someone else might use this knowledge to further assist in reducing underepresentation of women in computer science. Contact
	Marvin Nayan Majors: Neurobiology, Biochemistry Mentor: Jay Parrish, Biology Current research project Neuron Morphogenesis Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance The structure of neurons is important to its function. I used the fruit fly as the model organism to study which genes regulate the structure of these neurons. Results from my research can lead to increased understanding of many mental disorders. Do you have an interesting story to share about your research experience? One interesting fact is that most P.I.'s, contrary to popular opinion, are very approachable and always willing to help. Contact
	Cameron Nemeth Majors: Bioengineering Mentor: Deok-Ho Kim, Bioengineering Current research project Enhancement of Chondrogenesis of Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Hyaluronan Hydrogels with Nanostructures Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Stem cells are known to differentiate into different lineages depending on external environmental cues. My work focuses on analyzing the effect of combining chemical cues derived from hyaluronic acid, a common glycosaminoglycan, and mechanical cues generated from a topographical nanopattern on dental pulp stem cell differentiation into cartilage cells. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Get involved early. Professors are always looking for eager and young researchers for their research. By starting early, you will be able to learn the skills you need to become an independent researcher and eventually get your own research project. Contact
	Derek Nhan Majors: Neurobiology, Biochemistry Mentor: Kyra J. Becker, Neurology Current research project Modulating the Immune Response Due to Post-Stroke Infection in an Animal Model Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Stroke is the leading cause of long-term adult disability. Infections such as pneumonia following stroke have been shown to induce worse outcome in patients. My project focuses on understanding the consequences of this infection on the systemic immune response near the site of activity in the brain and spleen of a rat model. By monitoring this response, we can better develop targeted approaches to dealing with cerebral injury. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? I would advise any student to meet with the professor of a course that they have found thought-provoking and intriguing, and discuss opportunities to conduct research in that discipline. Being involved in research could open doors to finding a potential area of study or career. Contact
	Helen Olsen Majors: Geography & Public Health Minor: African Studies Mentor: Victoria Lawson, Geography Current research project Partnering for Health: Emerging Forms of Public Health Governance in Washington State Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance In this research, I use archival and ethnographic methods to examine the ways in which austerity measures enacted in the wake of the Great Recession have contributed to the emergence of new public-private partnerships in the field public health service provision. I argue that the emergence of public-private partnerships constitute a new form of health governance. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? For me, my work as an undergraduate research assistant has allowed me to grow as a scholar in ways I couldn't have even imagined when I started. The work I have engaged in with my mentors has shifted the ways in which I think about poverty, health and the politics of access in the city of Seattle. The experience of working on a large faculty led research project inspired me to craft an independent senior research thesis project of my own, which I am currently working on. Contact
	Chinonso Opara Major: Biochemistry Mentor: William Atkins, Medicinal Chemistry Current research project Quantification of quantum dots in solution using surface plasmon resonance and analytical ultracentrifugation Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Quantum dots are nanoparticles made of semiconductor metals modified with surface ligands. Because quantum dots are currently being developed for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and cellular imaging, it is vital to accurately and readily determine their concentration in solution. My project comes up with a way to do just that. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most rewarding aspect of my undergraduate experience is the freedom to be creative and propose answers to questions nobody has asked before. Contact
	Jose Pineda Major: Neurobiology, Mathematics Mentor: Wenying Shou, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center More info coming soon! Contact
	Amina Ramadan Major: Public Health, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Minor: Global Health Mentor: Victor Pineda & Mindy Farris, Pathology Current research project Genetic Determinants of Longevity in C. elegans Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance C. elegans are a type of microscopic nematode worm. It's really easy to knock down particular genes in their genome by feeding them double-stranded RNA. When we do this, we can see how knocking down certain genes can either lengthen or shorten the lifespan of the worm. If we happen to know what role that gene plays, or what the protein it codes for might be doing, we can also make an educated guess as to how this lifespan extension happened, or what physiological "pathway" is being worked on by the gene. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? If they are just beginning the process of looking for a research opportunity, I would say they should definitely work all their resources and keep at it. For every ten emails you send out, you might hear back from one or two labs, or you might hear back from all ten, but the important thing is to be confident that you will eventually find a great opportunity! If a student is just beginning to become involved with research itself, I would say to set aside enough time to be in your lab, and to be attentive and eager while you are there. There's so much more than bench skills that you will learn from being an undergraduate researcher, like presentation skills, networking skills, and how to develop your patience and perseverance. Contact
	Jeremy Ridge Major: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Mentor: Eric Seibel, Mechanical Engineering Current research project Early Caries Detection Utilizing Ultrathin Scanning Fiber Endoscope (SFE) Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Dental caries (the precursor to cavities) are one of the most prevalent diseases in the developing world, particularly in children. The aim of the project is to develop an inexpensive device to detect caries at a stage in which preventative therapies can be administered to reverse their effects before they become cavities. Caries can be reversed through the use of increased dental hygiene (i.e. taking better care of your teeth) and also through administering dental gels and other intraoral medicine. Once cavities have developed, the only thing that can be done is to remove and fill them (i.e. drill-and-fill). What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? There are many research opportunities in engineering here at the UW, and while research is not for everyone it can greatly enhance your knowledge and skill base beyond the things that you learn in the class room, and give you opportunities to participate in significant real-world work before you graduate. It can also be a lot of fun! So my advice is to look at what research is available and get in contact with those labs that do research in something that YOU find interesting or are passionate about. It can't hurt to give it a try. Contact
	Guillermo Romano Major: Public Health, Biochemistry Minor: Chemistry Mentor: Dustin Maly, Chemistry Current research project "A Molecular Fishing Rod" - Synthesis of a tri-functional probe to profile kinase conformations in cell lines. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Cells need to have a way of responding to external stimuli and altering their phenotype in order to survive. Organisms, like humans, do this by processing the information through a central nervous system. Cells, however, lack such a system, and instead, must rely on the chemical composition of their exterior to modify their internal chemistry. Small signaling molecules on the exterior of a cell (such as a hormone) may activate or inhibit cellular signaling pathways that relay external signals to internal machinery. This machinery usually activates a particular function (metabolism, cellular replication, DNA expression, etc). These pathways are largely regulated by a class of proteins known as "kinases," which are responsible for phosphorylating enzymes (turning them on or off). Understanding what shape (conformation) kinases adopt in a particular cell line could lead to a better understanding of the kinds of signals involved in disease. Specifically, this knowledge could be used to identify selective drug targets for cancer treatments or identifying off targets for a new treatment, thereby minimizing side effects. My project is to create a novel tool that is functionally akin to a fishing rod. Instead of fish, I'm looking for kinases. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Things never work the way you predict. Know the science and be excited about the end goal, but love the process. Contact
	Maya Sangesland Major: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Mentor: Peter Rabinovitch, Pathology Current research project Analysis of Redox Status in Cardiac Aging and Cardiac Hypertrophy Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Age is a significant and often overlooked aspect of cardiovascular disease. Age induced cardiac stress has been suggested to induce a shift in electron carrying molecules (redox molecules) which have been implicated in many of the functional losses associated with cardiovascular aging and disease. The purpose of my research is to examine how these molecules change as we age, and if these changes are somehow paralleled to the age-related decline in cardiovascular function. Ultimately, from this research we hope to better understand the processes involved in cardiac aging as well as to identify possible targets for attenuating cardiovascular disease. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Students interested in research should talk to their professors about what they do in their labs. A majority of professors really enjoy when students ask questions and are genuinely interested in what they do. And oftentimes if you are able to develop relationships with your professors in the classroom, they may offer you a position as an undergraduate researcher in their labs. Contact
	Heather Schneider Majors: Biology (BS) and Psychology (BA) Mentor: Matt Kaeberlein, Pathology Current research project Understanding Dietary Restriction as a Mechanistic Pathway of Longevity Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance We are looking for genes that have potential to extend lifespan under conditions with low food. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Do not be afraid to ask questions! Every researcher loves to talk to anyone who will listen about their research or the components involved. Contact
	Meera Shenoy Major: Microbiology Mentor: Chetan Seshadri, Medicine - Allergy and Infectious Disease More info coming soon! Contact
	Chen Shi Majors: Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering Mentor: Gregory Terman, Anesthesiology Current research project Studies Comparing Tolerance to Morphine-induced Respiratory Depression with Tolerance to Morphine-induced Analgesia Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Morphine is widely known to be effective for reducing pain levels. However, increasing doses of opiates, in an effort to counterbalance the drug tolerance, may induce respiratory depression and even cause deaths. We hypothesize that the morphine-induced drug tolerance has a higher magnitude than tolerance to morphine-induced respiratory depression, so that the patients are more likely to develop respiratory depression as the opiate doses increase. This project, which aims to investigate the differences of the two tolerance phenomena in terms of both magnitudes and underlying mechanisms, is of great importance to patients who requires long-term pain management. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most exciting and rewarding aspect of my research experience is the publications, through which the research can be known by peers all over the world. In the past summer I participated in a summer research program at the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute. I was asked to develop an augmented reality (AR) display system that attaches to a surgical microscope for image-guided microsurgery. The project went well and finally I got a first-author conference paper, which is indeed a good reward for my research work. Contact
	Sreetha Sidharthan Majors: Biochemistry Mentor: Michael Lagunoff, Microbiology Current research project Delineating Viral Mechanism of KSHV-induced Angiogenesis Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance The Lagunoff lab studies KSHV, an oncogenic herpesvirus that is known to cause cancer in immunosuppressed patients. One of the hallmarks of KSHV-induced tumors is called angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature. The goal of my project is to understand how KSHV alters the host cells to induce angiogenic characteristics. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? I find presenting my work to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the undergraduate research experience. I love the challenge of explaining my ideas and conclusions to a diverse audience. Presenting my work has allowed me both to have a stronger understanding of my own project and to share what I do outside of the laboratory environment. Contact
	Gail Stanton Major: Biochemistry Minor: Applied Mathematics Mentor: Susan Brockerhoff, Biochemistry Current research project Mapping the ZVM10 mutation in the zebrafish genome Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance The ZVM10 mutation is a recessive mutation that causes early degeneration of the photoreceptors and results in blind zebrafish. The ultimate goal of this project has been to identify the gene that has mutated in order to enable further study of its role in vision. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? 1. Approach research opportunities with an open mind. Be ready to be flexible and give more than you might have initially intended to. Every "sacrifice" you make will be completely worth it. 2. Don't plan on being involved in research in the short-term. The longer you are involved the more rewarding it will be. Contact
	Mathew Summers Majors: Neurobiology, Biochemistry Mentor: Peter Ward, Biology Current research project Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide on Plant Growth Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Our work has the potential to develop a cheap and effective method of increasing commercial crop yields that would reduce the need for energy intensive, eutrophication-prone fertilizer production. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? I would advise "researching your research" by identifying local researchers in your area of interest, and then reading (or attempting to read) published scientific articles from that lab or professor. If you decide to contact a professor, mention these articles. Be honest and upfront about which parts you found interesting, and which you didn't quite understand. Contact
	Alex Taipale Majors: Biochemistry (B.S.) Minors: Applied Math, Bioethics, and Humanities Mentor: James Mullins, Microbiology Current research project Mechanisms of Base J Insertion in Leishmania Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Leishmania is a parasite common in the tropics that causes wide spread disease and death. Current drugs targeting Leishmania are inadequate and there is no vaccine. I study mechanisms of modification of Leishmania DNA. I do this by obtaining more information about where the Leishmania genome is modified by studying small segments of Leishmania DNA. Hopefully this will lead to future drug targets. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? A friend of mine got involved with research when I was a Freshman. It sounded like she was enjoying it, so I looked into it! I perused the URP website and emailed professors whose research appeared interesting. I was lucky enough to reach out to a Material Science and Engineering lab that was enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduates, and I started volunteering there spring quarter of my Freshman year. Contact
	Nancy Thomas Majors: Physics, Astronomy Mentor: Joshua Bandfield, Earth & Space Sciences Current research projects (1) Aqueous Compositions and Surface Morphologies on Mars (2) Kepler Transiting Exoplanets Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance (1) Researching and mapping water-related minerals on Mars to determine where water could have existed in its past. (2) Analyzing Kepler Spacecraft data to discover new exoplanets, planets orbiting other stars. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I first became involved with research through the Washington NASA Space Grant Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) during the summer before my freshman year. I wanted to find a way to transition into college life while exploring major options - research seemed like the perfect way! Contact
	Alex Vaschillo Major: Mathematics, Chemistry Mentor: David Masiello, Chemistry More info coming soon! Contact
	Keiko Weir Major: Neurobiology, Economics Mentor: William Moody, Zoology Current research projects The Use of a Microfluidic Multichannel Array to Study Activity in Slices of Mouse Cortex Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance It is not well understood how all of the connections among neurons required for the brain to process information are established during development. It has recently become apparent that waves of spontaneous electrical activity spread across large groups of neurons during early brain development and that these waves of activity are crucial for correct development of brain circuitry. In my work in the Moody Lab I study how waves of spontaneous electrical activity propagate across the mouse cerebral cortex by using calcium imaging and recording extracellular electrical activity. My goal is to use a novel device (a microfluidic array) to understand the frequency and pattern of these waves. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most rewarding part of my undergraduate research experience was having my research published in a scientific journal and being able to present my work at a national conference (Neuroscience) this year. Contact
	Janson White Major: Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Developmental) Mentor: Tony Krumm, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Current research projects Genetics (epigenetics) Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I am looking at what Human DNA looks like inside your cells. By understanding what your DNA looks like we are able to analyze how genes are able to to be mutated. In the case of the Myc gene, we are looking for a loop in the DNA that can be associated with cancer. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Undergrad research has many awesome perks, but to me the best is being able to network with sooo many interesting people. Whether it's working with a graduate student or a professor, everyone is motivated and inspirational. Contact
	Yue Xiang Major: Biochemistry, Cellular Biology Mentor: Merrill Hille, Biology More info coming soon! Contact
	Xiaohan (Thomas) Yan Major: Economics, Statistics, Applied and Computational Math Sciences Minor: Mathematics Mentor: Hendrik Wolff, Economics Current research project Gender Difference in Risk Aversion: Evidence from the Effects of SARS on Thailand Tourism. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which broke out from February 2003 to January 2004 in several Asian countries, had negative impact on Thailand tourism during that period. Using time series data, I can measure the different risk averseness between genders, which is interesting to know to sociologists and economists. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most rewarding aspect of my undergraduate research experience is that it gives me an opportunity to explore my interest in time series analysis and helps me to decide my future degree/career goal based on that interest. Contact
	Alan Yu Major: Bioengineering Minor: Applied Mathematics Mentor: Dr. Joan Sanders, Bioengineering Current research project Prosthetic Liner Prescription Assistant (PLPA) Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance For amputee patients, prosthetic liners are used to improve comfort and safety by adding a cushioning layer between the prosthetic socket and the residual limb. Most prosthetists prescribe a liner from a small pool of liners that is used regularly, and the problem is that they limit selection since differences among liners are ambiguous, meaning they can only know about liners from clinical experience. The development of the PLPA serves the purpose to overcome this problem while acting as an accessible tool to teach practitioners of the technical versatility of liners such as observing the compressive, tensile, and shear properties. Our research involves testing many different prosthetic liners currently used in the market through a variety of materials testing while translating this data to meaningful information for prosthetists. Thus, a simple chart is developed for practitioners to improve their recommendations to fit a variety of amputee patients' needs. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Research is more than just a vehicle to find the connection of studies into a functional application in the real world; it is a jumping-off point to a wealth of opportunities. Learning to take initiative and risks within your lab will prepare you by developing a well-rounded research skill set, taking ownership of your individual project, and persevering through the difficulties that come with research, which are important life skills that will be used in the future. Orienting yourself through the research process takes time, but the amount of hard work you put into it always pays dividends in the long run. Since joining research even before taking a single UW class, I have received a variety of research scholarships, presented at conferences from Seattle to Atlanta, and joined other research opportunities all over the UW campus, something I could not have imagined of doing as a freshman. Through research, the willingness to work hard and persevere is the key to not only finding success in your field, but also for long term character development as a well-rounded member of society. Contact

URL Alumni - 2011-2012 Cohort

	Meg Ainsley Majors: Social Sciences, Anthropology Mentor: Walter Andrews, Near Eastern Languages and Civilization Where are they now? Meg is in London attending University College London pursuing a M.A. in Digital Humanities and Arabic. UW research project The Ottoman Text Archive Project, Svoboda Diary Project Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Given the current state of Iraq, without preservation efforts, texts like the Svoboda diary could have been destroyed. This project helps keep the history of Iraq in the late 19th century alive. This is also the time when the Ottoman Empire was dissolving. Valuable historical information about this era is contained in this diary, making it invaluable to researchers interested in the time period. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? I feel that I help keep history alive since I am an avid history lover this is an indescribable feeling. Being able to extend my knowledge of near eastern history, the Arabic language, and the cultivation of invaluable technical skills has made my involvement with the Svoboda Project one of the best experiences of my life.
	Katy Atakturk Major: Earth and Space Sciences Mentor: Karl Lang, Earth and Space Sciences
	Jayleen Bowman Major: Sociology Mentor: Chandra Childers, Sociology UW research projects 1. Social Determinants of Seattle Community Court Defendants 2. Social Order and the Genesis of Rebellion: Mutiny in the Royal Navy Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance 1. Community Court is an alternative court program; rather than go to jail, non-violent misdemeanor offenders who enter the program can help themselves by completing community service and making a variety of comprehensive social service linkages to help address the root and underlying issues of repeated criminal behavior. My research focuses on defendants who are (1) charged with committing a theft offense and (2) must make a housing and/or chemical dependency social service linkages. By categorizing these offenders, I hope to see a trend in defendant characteristics which may explain the determinants of the those populating Seattle Community Court. 2. Mutiny is among the most serious and feared challenges of social order. Mutinies are not simply a spontaneous reaction to grievances, for they are quite rare, while the poor treatment and difficult lives of seamen are all too common. Using systematic data on Royal Navy ships, this research seeks to ask why shipboard social order shifts, tipping members of a crew towards mutiny. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I was introduced to undergraduate research by enrolling in a practicum class offered through the Sociology Department. It's amazing how beneficial it is to become an active member in ones department. For me personally, every research opportunity has been introduced by a faculty member because they know my interests, experiences, and aspirations as an undergraduate student. I owe it to my department.
	Kelsey Braxton Majors: Physics, Astronomy Mentor: Bruce Balick, Astronomy UW research projects 1. Galaxy Formation 2. Planetary Nebula Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance 1. Using the gas of six nearby galaxies to determine how they formed. 2. Searching for planetary nebula in open star clusters. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most exciting aspect is the research itself. It is finally getting those results after spending so much time struggling through the process over and over again.
	Becca Emery Majors: Psychology and Philosophy Mentor: Kevin King, Psychology Where are they now? Becca is pursuing a joint PhD in Clinical Psychology and Biological Health at the University of Pittsburgh. She will be studying weight regulation and smoking cessation during and after pregnancy. UW research project The Moderating Role of Negative Urgency on the Dual Pathway Model of Bulimia Nervosa Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Binge eating itself is a symptom of both binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa and may lead to major health consequences such as weight gain, heart attack, and diabetes. Given the issues surrounding binge eating, I became interested in better understanding what places an individual at risk for such behavior. Essentially, my research looks at personality traits, specifically impulsiveness, that serve as risk factors for binge eating in an attempt to better understand what motivates people to binge. What I've found is that individuals who are highly impulsive are more likely to binge eat particularly under certain circumstances, such as when they experience negative mood. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? There is a wide variety of research going on in the psychological sciences and I would encourage anyone interested in studying psychology to get involved. However, I would strongly advise students to avoid choosing an area of study that simply sounds 'cool'. Do some research before you start researching. Find something that you're truly interested in and learn about what research in that area entails to make sure it's something you might enjoy before jumping into it.
	Lisa Nguyen Major: Biology (Physiology) Minor: Bioethics and Humanities Mentor: Helen Dichek, Pediatrics UW research project Role of Hepatic Lipase in Diet-Induced Obesity Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Hepatic lipase (HL) is an enzyme in the liver that hydrolyzes intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL) into low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which is also known as bad cholesterol. HL breaks down lipoproteins, releasing free fatty acids, and it is hypothesized that this triggers increased food intake in the central nervous system. Using a mouse model with the human HL gene, we are testing the effects of regular food and high fat diet food on weight gain and food consumption. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most challenging aspect of my undergraduate research experience is running into a problem (such as contamination) that can bring your work to a stop. It's frustrating, but it is a great learning experience to learn to troubleshoot your work!
	Max Schumm Major: Biochemistry Mentor: Jesus Lopez-Guisa, Seattle Children's Research - Center for Tissue and Cell Sciences Where are they now? Max is interning in the Quality Assurance Department at Highland Hospital, a public trauma center in Oakland, California. He will be involved with projects enhancing patient experiences and improving patient outcomes. UW research project The Role of IL-6 in the Nephrotoxic Serum Nephritis Mouse Model Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance A major problem with kidney related injuries is that they end in kidney failure regardless of their main cause of first insult, a process known as renal fibrosis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory protein secreted by white blood cells, we know to play a significant role in the inflammatory and fibrotic process as seen in kidney disease. We have genetically engineered mice that have the IL-6 gene deleted only in cells prominent in the immune response. After injecting these mice with a serum that invokes a strong inflammatory response in the kidneys, we sacrifice the mice and harvest the kidneys. It is my job to analyze the gene expression in the IL-6 depleted kidney tissue and analyze tissue sections to determine differences in gene expression as well as progression and level of disease. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Undergraduate research has been rewarding in many lights. I've learned the ability to critically read and think my way through problems and errors that occur at the lab. These skills transcend into my daily life and have helped me academically and socially. My research has also complemented my coursework and has helped me to better understand the material I'm learning in the classroom.
	Sarah Szewczyk Majors: Electrical Engineering, Linguistics Mentor: Rich Christie, Electrical Engineering Where are they now? Sarah is pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at the UW. UW research project The effect of wind incentives on US power markets Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable resource for electric power in the US. Incentives exist at local, state, and federal levels that impact how much wind energy is being produced. We want to know if these incentives are helping to get more wind energy on the grid, and if so, how the wind energy is affecting the energy supply mixture. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most rewarding part of my research experience has been going deep into a subject that just one year ago, I had no idea even existed. I may not be an expert yet, but I have more specialized knowledge on the subject than I did just last year.
	Anning Yao Major: Bioengineering Minor: Mathematics Mentor: Pierre D. Mourad, Neurosurgery Where are they now? Anning is pursuing a graduate degree in the Bioengineering Department at the University of Pennsylvania. UW research project The use of ultrasound elastography as an imaging tool for stroke Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Ultrasound elastography is a technique that measures local tissue deformation from ultrasound-induced shear wave propagation within tissue from which it derives estimates of local tissue stiffness. We are currently building a research device with the capability of generating elastic images using Verosnoics ultrasound engine, which allows complete control over all aspects including data acquisition and processing, image formation and display, and user interface, for stroke detection. We surgically induce ischemic stroke on mice and image using the built device. We optimize the imaging device using the information reflected from the elastic images and the histology results of the stroke animals. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Since the stroke imaging project was in the nascent stage when we first started, a great amount of preliminary studies and preparations were needed. It was very frustrating because we had to keep changing experimental protocols due to gross imaging artifacts. Instead of living with frustration, the appropriate use of logical thinking, engineering skills, and collaboration with experts eventually led us to the correct solution. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from medical research is that even if it does fail most of the time, I can never lose hope because I do not know when I will see that light at the end of the tunnel. Perseverance to a researcher is like a blueprint to the construction of a house: extremely essential.
	Martha Zepeda Majors: Biochemistry, Biology (Molecular,Cellular, Developmental) Mentor: Merrill Hille, Biology Where are they now? Martha is pursuing her PhD in Molecular, Cellular Biology at Harvard University. UW research projects p120catenin and the RhoA GTPase Interaction during Early Gastrulation in Zebrafish. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I look at a small protein (RhoA) that is involved in mediating necessary cell movements during tissue layer differentiation in early embryonic development in zebrafish. This small protein is in turn regulated by a larger protein (p120 catenin), and so I make mutations in specific amino acids in RhoA and inject it into zebrafish embryos to see what happens, and I also make mutations in p120catenin to see how those mutations affects its regulation of RhoA. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Perhaps the most challenging aspect of my experience has been the lack of preparation that I had for dealing with failure. When I first started, any experiment that failed I blamed on myself, and while it is true that human error can have an impact, more often than I would like an experiment simply does not give the results I need/expect. The experimental set up can have been meticulously planned and backed up with concrete reasoning and still results are hard to come by and even harder to draw intuitive conclusions from. Yet, I have realized that that is simply the nature of the research I do and that unexpected results are not bad results but rather mini puzzles to decipher and the beauty of research is that deciphering them is something I can feel ownership of.
	Eunice Zhang Major: Neurobiology Minor: Chemistry Mentor: Barbara Wakimoto, Biology Where are they now? Eunice is working as a Patient Navigator at ICHS (International Community Health Services- a community health center in Seattle's International District) through AmeriCorps. UW research projects Identifying the role of dGCS1 in Drosophila fertilization Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance The process of a sperm entering an egg during fertilization is not well-understood for any organism. Our lab uses Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, as a model organism to learn about sperm-egg interactions. My project focuses on a protein called GCS1, originally identified as a fertilization molecule in flowering plants. We found that fruit flies also express a version of this protein, called dGCS1, which is essential as a fertilization molecule. The gene encoding for dGCS1, when mutated, results in male sterility. This is exciting because plants and animals show such diverse modes of sexual reproduction. The fact that they may share a common protein suggests that GCS1 has played a fundamental role in fertilization throughout evolutionary history and may have possible implications for human fertility. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Definitely consider what you want in a mentor. I think developing and having a good mentor-mentee relationship is probably the most important and gratifying part of undergraduate research. Don't limit yourself to, "But I only want to work in a neurobiology lab!" The subject of research is not as important as the people whom you will be working with. As an aspiring neurobiology major at the time I started research, I never thought I would be working in a lab studying fertilization. But I found such a close camaraderie in my co-workers and mentor in my lab that has really shaped my research experience, that I might not have had if I had decided to only limit myself to labs based on research topic. I am so grateful for all the ways in which my mentor has helped me grow!

URL Alumni - 2010-2011 Cohort

	Ann Bauer Majors: Earth and Space Sciences, French and Italian Studies Mentor: Bruce Nelson, Earth & Space Sciences Where are they now? Anne is pursuing a graduate degree in the Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Department at MIT. UW research projects 1. High-Precision Pb Isotope Data from Crustal Xenoliths to Examine Magma Source and Crustal Interaction, Bezymianny Volcano, Russia 2. Using Cosmic Ray-Produced Isotopes to Determine the Glacial History of Antarctic Bedrock Surfaces Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance 1. Not much is understood about the subsurface interaction of magma and the crust that it comes into contact with. In many cases, the crust gets incorporated into the magma and changes its isotopic signatures. In this study, I use high-precision Pb isotope and mineral composition data to compare the signatures of pieces of crust (in this case, xenoliths, or foreign material) entrained in magma as it rises to the surface and erupts and the magma that is hosting it. My preliminary conclusions confirm that little to no sediment is incorporated in the magma by subduction into its mantle source and also help characterize the composition of subsurface rocks in the area of Kamchatka, Russia. 2. The expansion and retreat of the Antarctic ice sheet has a major impact on global sea level. It is difficult to model the extent of the ice sheet prior to the most recent glaciation, but cosmic ray-produced isotopes in bedrock can be used to place limits on the extent of the ice sheet during past glaciations. Cosmic rays interact with the minerals in bedrock to produce unstable radioactive isotopes. We measure the relative concentrations of two radioisotopes, aluminum-26 and beryllium-10, both of which are produced in quartz when exposed to cosmic rays. These isotopes increase in concentration when rock surfaces are exposed during interglacial periods, and decay at different rates when bedrock surfaces are shielded by ice during times of glacial cover. The ratio of these two isotopes is therefore sensitive to the length of exposure and burial of the bedrock. For this project, bedrock samples were collected on elevation transects off of Scott Glacier and Reedy Glacier in the Transantarctic Mountains. Our data thus far demonstrate that the sampled surfaces have recorded cosmic ray exposure prior to the most recent glaciation and that the bedrock has had more exposure time at higher elevations than at lower elevations. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Don't be shy! I was, and I regret it-- I wish that I had gotten involved in research much earlier in my undergraduate career. You don't need to have taken all of the classes in your major before you will be equipped to engage in research. The only thing you need is enthusiasm! If you work hard and are truly engaged in the subject, your mentors will both recognize and appreciate that.
	Ellie Casey Majors: Microbiology, Spanish & Portuguese Studies Mentor: James Mullins, Microbiology Where are they now? Ellie is currently working as a Research Scientist in the Mullins Lab where she did her undergraduate research. UW research project Genetic Impact of Vaccination on Breakthrough HIV-1 Sequences from the Step Trial Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Even though the vaccine didn't protect against infection, if we can establish the mechanism by which if affected the incoming HIV, this information could be used in the design of future HIV vaccines that will hopefully be more effective in blocking transmission of the virus. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Research is somewhat synonymous with frustration. It is not uncommon to work for weeks on an experiment only to have it fail. And then you have to try it again. In fact, I think not getting frustrated is probably one of the most challenging things in research. Developing a patience and an understanding that things take time (almost always more time than initially expected) is important so that you can keep moving forward with your work.
	Michael Choi Majors: Chemistry, Biochemistry Minor: Mathematics Mentor: Hannele Rouhola-Baker, Biochemistry and the Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine UW research project The Metabolism of Embryonic Stem Cells Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Embryonic stem cells are cells found in the developing embryo that are capable of forming all of the various tissues and cell types found in the body. Using human and mouse embryonic stem cells, I am researching how these cells obtain and utilize their energy sources. Previously, I have characterized how the metabolism of embryonic stem cells changes during development, and currently I am investigating the biochemical basis that drives these changes. With this research, I hope to further expand the knowledge that scientists have about embryonic stem cells in order to better utilize them for therapeutic and regenerative purposes. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? There is a ton of research going on at the University of Washington in all fields, not only in the sciences. I would advise any student considering undergraduate research to get involved because there is definitely a research project on campus that they will find interesting.
	Benjamin Dulken Major: Bioengineering Minor: Chemistry Mentor: Suzie Pun, Bioengineering UW research project Micelles Formed from Triblock Copolymers Used as Delivery Vehicles for Chemotherapeutic Drugs Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Chemotherapeutic drugs are very harmful to humans. They are extremely toxic and cause a great deal of suffering. By enclosing these toxic molecules inside of nanoparticles we can hopefully minimize the harmful effects on the normal body tissues, while still providing powerful tumor suppression. When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research? I originally got involved in undergraduate research after working as a lab tech for a lab in the Department of Pathology. I made media and cleaned glassware for about 6 months, and I was subsequently offered an undergraduate research position in the lab. Needless to say, I found a passion for the research and have been able to carry that passion into my more recent research endeavors.
	Byron Gray Major: Political Science, Law, Societies, and Justice, Asian Studies (South Asia) Minor: South Asian Languages Mentor: Sunila Kale Where are they now? Byron is currently finishing his multiple tracks of study at UW and preparing for graduate school. He has recently received two very prestigious scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship and the Beinecke Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship will take him to the University of Oxford in fall 2012. UW research project Currently I am engaged in research which examines the politics of personal law in post-colonial India. This project examines how different groups conceptualize and frame the law, and how these interpretations inform the political changes the legal system undergoes. Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My current research tries to understand how different groups in India interpret family law and how these interpretations affect struggles over changes to the legal system. At a basic level, this project is an attempt to explore the relationship between law and politics. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? For a student interested in getting involved with research in the social sciences my first suggestion would be to simply explore a variety of undergraduate classes and get a sense of the topics or issues which you find interesting. As you get a sense of things you might be interested in, take courses which place emphasis on a longer term paper or research project; often you will be able to explore a topic you are interested in but still have the support of an instructor. If you strike upon something promising you might then consider expanding it through an independent study and applying for funding for the work you are doing. Research is most rewarding when you have developed a personal investment or stake in what you are doing.
	Albert Han Major: Psychology Mentor: Jonathan Brown, Psychology Where are they now? Albert is pursuing a PhD in Organizational Psychology at the University of Southern California. UW research project Power Increases Pressure to Demonstrate Fairness Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance Those in power might be hypersensitive to threats to their ability to be seen as fair. They may experience distress in situations that might cause others to perceive them as being unfair. Accordingly, they may adjust their behavior to demonstrate fairness, even if that adjustment would not be the best choice. For example, a Black manager in a predominately white company may experience distress if one of his black subordinates asks him for extra help due to the possibility of his other subordinates (who are mostly white) perceiving favoritism. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? Doing research nurtures your critical thinking skills. It gives you the ability to analyze and interpret information. Doing research teaches you how to think.
	Maggie Hellis Majors: Near Eastern Studies, Comparative History of Ideas Mentor: Ileana Rodriguez-Silva, History
	Brandon Ing Major: Biochemistry Minor: Music Mentor: Marshall Horwitz, UW Medicine, Pathology Where are they now? Brandon is working as a Middle School Math teacher in Hawaii through the Teach for America Program UW research project Understanding the Genetic Basis of Hodgkin Lymphoma Pathogenesis What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most exciting aspect of my undergraduate research experience is collaborating with other professionals who know the science behind your research. When you engage in undergraduate research, most of the time you are working directly next to someone who has gone through graduate school and is filled with life-stories to tell. At my own bench, I am surrounded by a graduate student, a research scientist, and an MD/PhD Junior Faculty member. They have their own stories to tell but it's also very encouraging to be surrounded by people who have gone through what you are going through and to see where that hard work will get you. It is also very rewarding when you see the results of the experiment you have been working at for countless weeks on end. When you see the results, whether they support or refute your hypothesis, you feel a sense of accomplishment; a sense of success knowing that you aided in the work of something that is important and life-changing. Of course we all experience a sense of success when we do well in a class, but when you've finished an experiment, you get a feeling of high accomplishment knowing that you've aided in the understanding in this small area which may have a larger impact on others in the end.
	Joy Kim Major: Computer Science Mentor: Eve Riskin, Electrical Engineering Where are they now? Joy is currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science & Engineering at Stanford University. UW research project MobileASL Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance To communicate while mobile, Deaf people usually just use English text and text messaging or email. The problem is, many Deaf people don't use English as their first language and sign language is much more comfortable and natural to communicate in. Therefore, through MobileASL, we want to make it possible for Deaf people to communicate in sign language, much like hearing people are able to communicate by voice on regular cell phones. Cell phones aren't that powerful, and video is complicated to process and transmit over a network, so these are two major problems that we have to deal with while developing MobileASL. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? I really like that the project I'm involved in is addressing very current and real technology issues in the Deaf community. Just last summer, I was able to assist in running a field study where we gave 11 Deaf high school and college students MobileASL phones to observe how they used it. I was able to speak with them about the situations in which they found MobileASL useful (such as calling each other for bus directions or finding each other when lost downtown) and hear from them directly that they thought MobileASL was totally awesome. That was really rewarding.
	Vivian Lee Major: Biochemistry Minor: Chemistry Mentor: Anne Manicone, Medicine Where are they now? Vivian is now working for UW Medicine Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine / Department of Pediatrics as a Research Scientist I at the South Lake Union campus. Her projects involve generating primary cell culture for Cystic Fibrosis Core projects and studying the way in which lung and tracheal epithelial cells respond to nanoparticles. UW research project Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine project on understanding the mechanism by which leukocyte recruitment to the lung is regulated Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance We are studying the way in which white blood cells are recruited and activated in our lungs during injury to fight pathogens. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most challenging aspect of undergraduate research for me has been the fear of making mistakes. It can be scary to make mistakes because many people invest their time and grant money into the projects. However I try to learn from my mistakes and never make the same mistake twice. It also helps to have friendly lab members always ready to answer your questions!
	Kate Mead Major: Bioengineering Minor: Philosophy Mentor: Tom Matula, Applied Physics Lab Where are they now? Kate is currently pursuing a degree in Law at the University of Washington. UW research project Designing a pulsed, low intensity ultrasound bath to boost the growth rates of E. coli Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I am trying to create a machine that will "massage" tiny bacteria cells with sound, with the hope that they will grow faster than normal. Many common pharmaceuticals that we use on a daily basis are actually made by bacteria. If I can make bacteria grow faster, then we could potentially make drugs faster, and therefore, cheaper. What is the most exciting and/or rewarding aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most exciting aspect of my research experience is the pressure to teach myself a variety of interesting skills that I could not develop in the classroom. Right now, I am working on the design of an electrical circuit. Before I started this project, I did not have much experience with circuit design, but I have been forced to teach myself and to navigate the electrical engineering literature so that I can design a circuit that can reliably do what I need it to do. My research projects have taught me how to be independent and pro-active with my education.
	Mariam Shehata Major: Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Mentor: Mei Wu, Oncology Where are they now? Mariam is currently working as a Family Services Coordinator at Seattle Children's Hospital. UW research project Identification of Tumor Antigens Associated with Breast Cancer Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance My work is aimed at identifying protein markers that are associated with the occurrence of breast cancer and can be used in the future for diagnosis as well as treatment. What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research in your field? Don't think that you are not qualified to do research or that others maybe more qualified than you are. Undergraduate research is an exciting experience that everyone should consider.
	Scott Swan Major: Biology Minors: Earth and Space Sciences, Paleobiology Mentor: Greg Wilson, Biology UW research project The Earliest North American Marsupial Ancestor from the Wayan Formation of Southeastern Idaho Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance I am doing work on a recently discovered marsupial ancestor from Idaho. This specimen is remarkable due to the fact that it sets back the first incident of marsupial in North America to about 100 million years ago. This research will allow us to study the migration of mammals and marsupials through time. My project includes scoring the tooth (examining the characteristics) and comparing it to other marsupials in the same time period. What is the most challenging and/or sometimes frustrating aspect of your undergraduate research experience? The most challenging/frustrating aspect of my research is going through the writing process.