Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Honors Program


November 7, 2023

Belonging: My Husky experience through UW Honors

Samantha-Lynn Martinez

Photo of Samantha-Lynn Martinez using RED camera.

UW undergraduate student Samantha-Lynn Martinez delves into the world of wildlife cinematography, science communications and belonging. In this commentary, Martinez discusses the importance of representation in the field and reflects on her growth and the support she received from the UW Honors Program and her community. Martinez emphasizes the power of belonging, recognizing the value of her voice and creative interests in academic and professional settings. She aspires to continue her journey in science communications and conservation filmmaking, inspiring others along the way.


April 4, 2023

Making marine biology fun

Danielle Marie Holland

Video still.

An undergraduate in the Honors Program at the University of Washington, Martinez not only studies marine biology, but is also pursuing evolution, ecology and conservation biology. Add in her videography, photography and design work, and it’s easy to see how Martinez is making waves innovating science impact communications. With a unique perspective as both a…


March 29, 2023

Protecting our shared home: A conversation with author, climate advocate and alum Brianna Craft

Danielle Marie Holland

Photo of Brianna Craft

Far from remaining frozen in panic, Craft spent the following years diving into the issues behind the climate crisis. Craft credits some of her journey through fear and into deeper understanding to the UW Honors Program’s interdisciplinary approach. She was awarded a Bonderman Fellowship in 2008, and used the following year to travel through 14…


June 7, 2022

Honors Director Vicky Lawson prepares for next adventure

Interview by Danielle Marie Holland

Photo of Ed Taylor, Vicky Lawson and Tina Ragen.

Lawson is past president of the Association of American Geographers and former chair of the Department of Geography. Having worked across South and North America on informal economies, women’s work and poverty, her classes focus on the intersections of poverty, inequality and feminist care ethics. In addition to her leadership in the Honors Program, she…


May 23, 2022

Stephanie Smallwood named director of Honors Program

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Portrait of Stephanie Smallwood standing outside

The University Honors Program, now celebrating its 60th birthday, serves as an academic core of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, bringing students and faculty from every corner of campus together for original learning opportunities focused on collaborative, cross-disciplinary curriculum, experiential learning, research and critical reflection. In the past eight years under the direction of geography professor and…


November 10, 2021

Connecting, belonging, being well: Across UAA, programs welcome back students

Jenelle Birnbaum

Photo of 15 student first-year network leaders posing with the signs identifying the network they are facilitating.

Student well-being is top of mind as programs across Undergraduate Academic Affairs are welcoming back our students. This work involves building community so students feel connected and a sense of belonging. It’s recognizing and addressing the increased stresses students may be experiencing as a result of the pandemic and the transition back to in-person learning….


March 6, 2020

UW Honors students use art to disrupt the narrative on homelessness 

Jenelle Birnbaum

Portrait of Addis Michael Jr.

Students in the Interdisciplinary Honors class “Citizen Acts to Challenge Poverty” collaborated with Real Change to bring the exhibit Portraits for Change to the UW campus. The gallery features portraits and biographies of Real Change newspaper vendors, originally commissioned and curated by Real Change art director, Jon Williams. The idea of hosting this exhibit grew…


June 3, 2019

2019 UAA staff awardees announced

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Icon of an award medal

Congratulations to the 2018-19 Undergraduate Academic Affairs staff recognition and distinguished partner awardees. Selected for their dedication to supporting UAA’s mission of creating innovative academic experiences for undergraduates, these 14 staff members made an indelible impact on the UW’s students, faculty, staff and community. And the awardees are… Award for Excellence • Debbie McGhee, research…


February 1, 2019

2017-18 President’s Medalists announced

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Icon of an award medal

The President’s Medalist Award celebrates the top student in each undergraduate class. Selected by a committee for their high GPA, rigor of their classes and number of Honors courses, the recipients for the 2017-18 academic year come from a broad range of disciplines.


December 3, 2018

UW’s Havana McElvaine selected as prestigious Marshall scholar

Jackson Holtz

Image of Havana McElvaine playing soccer and city-based portrait

University of Washington alumna Havana McElvaine, Class of 2017, has been selected as a Marshall scholar, one of the highest honors available to college graduates in the U.S.



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