Husky 100

My UW journey has been shaped by my collaborative protein biochemistry research, active engagement in the undergraduate research and chemistry department communities, interdisciplinary honors education, and hospital volunteering and science outreach in the local community. I now strive to develop expertise in structural research techniques, deepen my understanding of the human body and medicine, and learn how to advance health equity in an M.D./Ph.D. program. My experiences at the UW will guide me as a medical and graduate student, mentor and physician-scientist, working toward more precise therapies that are accessible to all communities, including families like my own.

While at UW, I have cultivated my passion for medicine through mentorship, education, and service-based activities centered around the biological sciences. I am empowered to embrace all aspects of my identity, knowing it allows me to better lead with kindness and compassion in my commitment to improving global public health. As a future physician, I strive to provide patient-centered holistic care while advocating for a more equitable and accessible health care system that serves the diverse populations within our community.

Growing up as the daughter of a Japanese immigrant, I often took on the role of translator during doctors’ visits. This childhood experience ultimately grew into my motivation to strive toward becoming a bilingual pediatrician to do my part in mitigating the need for children like me to be a translator for their parents. My Husky Experience has further fortified my goals and has equipped me with the skills necessary to become an advocate for others in the future. Becoming a bilingual pediatrician is not just a career goal; it’s a reflection of the values I hold and the collective experiences that make up who I am.

I’m a researcher and national champion athlete who has made the most of my time at the UW by balancing academics and athletics. My work in forestry and ecology focuses on sustainable land management, and my experience in rowing has taught me teamwork and perseverance. I was selected for the Husky 100 for my dedication to both research and sport.

As a Husky, I have been able to find my voice in youth mental health research, as well as leverage unique student voices as a student mentor and a team lead in the Campus Visit Program. Together, these experiences have further embodied me with an eye for detail, a heart of resilience and a passion to serve. As an aspiring research-informed and culturally competent child clinical psychologist, I strive to continue incorporating an equity lens and implementation strategies to improve access to quality mental health care for the most vulnerable youth.