Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Honors Program


January 10, 2025

From mentorship to MBA

Danielle Marie Holland

Photo of Izaiha Ellis with Seattle skyline in the background

Alumnus Izaiha Ellis, ’20, began his interdisciplinary journey at the University of Washington with the Honors Program course, “Leadership, Democracy and a More Thoughtful Public.” Each week, he read essays by global politicians and writers, exploring how individual actions shape community dynamics. The course challenged students to consider how their choices impact the support or neglect of others.


October 16, 2024

Bridging histories in the American South

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Zoe and LeVera stand outside Crumbville, TX, holding boxes of cupcakes after a tour of Project Row Houses in Houston's historic Third Ward. They are smiling, reflecting their intertwined journeys of family history, values and a passion for nursing and public health.

What if learning about the American South meant building bridges to both the past and the future? Instead of merely skimming the surface of history, what if you could dive deep, discovering the connections between place, community and the resilience born from oppression? What if history became personal, revealing the stories of beloved communities shaped…


August 26, 2024

15 Seconds at a Time: Honors Program

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Screenshot of video interview with Stephanie Smallwood.

In this video, Honors Program Director Stephanie Smallwood takes on the challenge of explaining the Honors Program in less than 15 seconds at a time. 15 Seconds at a Time is a series where we find out if various Undergraduate Academic Affairs departments can explain their work in only 15 Seconds at a Time.


May 28, 2024

Wen Eckelberg selected as scholar for China’s Yenching Academy

Danielle Marie Holland

Wen Eckelberg, ’24, an undergraduate at the University of Washington, was recently chosen for the competitive Yenching Academy Scholars program at Peking University.


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….



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