June 5, 2025

Research shapes our future at the 28th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

The 28th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium brought together more than 1,500 undergraduate scholars from the University of Washington and regional colleges to present 1,138 projects in over 100 disciplines. From STEM innovations to public health and arts explorations, the event showcased the collaborative spirit and academic depth of the UW’s undergraduate research ecosystem. Supported by over 1,000 mentors, the all-day symposium unfolded across multiple campus venues, engaging students, faculty and the public with the transformative power of research.

For many undergraduates, research is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a way to connect classroom learning to urgent real-world issues. Whether addressing climate resilience, exploring ethical tech or improving rural healthcare, these students are preparing for future careers — and they’re contributing to the public good right now. “This year’s symposium reflected the relationships built through research, the growth students experience through discovery and the confidence they gain to pursue future challenges,” said Sophie Pierszalowski, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Students show more research is needed

The following stories of six presenters illustrate how undergraduate research empowers students from all backgrounds to explore meaningful questions, prepare for real-world challenges and contribute to communities both locally and globally.

Understanding early brain development to improve public health

Omar Kamran Khan, ’25

Major: Neuroscience

Research: Mice Don’t Walk on Two Legs: Investigating Unique Features of Human Cerebellar Development by Tracking the Birth and Maturation of GABAergic Neurons

Omar Kamran Khan didn’t always know he’d pursue neuroscience research, but a growing interest in pediatric developmental studies led him to the Millen Lab at Seattle Children’s. There, he learned through his research that many disorders that appear later in life, whether neurological or systemic, can often be traced back to disruptions in early brain development.

“A big part of my interest in neuroscience is rooted in the belief that if key components of development aren’t properly engaged, they can lead to long-term impacts on health,” Khan said. “That’s why pediatric research is so important. The way we support development in childhood shapes the rest of our lives.”

The Millen Lab explores various neurodevelopmental processes focusing on the development and maturation of GABAergic neurons, essential inhibitory neurons, in the human cerebellum. This is a critical region of the brain for motor function, coordination and cognition, and known for its early formation and density in both morphology and activity.

The lab aims to map each stage of how the cerebellum develops in humans, identifying the areas and steps that lead to the formation of different cell types. This research helps identify key moments when things could go wrong and could lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating disorders.

Most studies on cerebellum development use mice, but Khan points out that human brains are very different. “The cerebellum is highly active throughout the entirety of gestation and packed with cells early in development, making it a crucial area for brain growth and especially vulnerable to problems like tumors and malformations,” he explained. “Understanding these differences is key to improving medical care. If we can figure out where things go wrong early, we may be able to prevent or lessen diseases later in life.”

Khan plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a clinician, with a particular interest in emergency medicine. In his gap year, he’ll work as an EMT to gain hands-on clinical experience and deepen his understanding of patient care in real time. “Emergency medicine appeals to me because of the immediacy, the chance to act quickly and make a difference in moments that matter.”

For Khan, undergraduate research wasn’t just about gaining technical skills; it was about developing a mindset. “It’s humbling to realize how much we don’t know,” he said. “But it’s also exciting. Because it means we still have so much left to explore.”

“In school, we’re taught facts, things that seem absolute. But research showed me how knowledge is made,” Khan said. “Every paper, every discovery, is part of an evolving story.” He believes being in a lab has made him more critical and curious. “It made me want to contribute to that story.”

Bridging health care gaps in rural Washington

Grace Plavocos, ’25

Major: Nursing, UW Honors

Research: Evaluating the Impact of Post Graduate Fellowship Programs on Rural Healthcare Workforce Needs in Washington State

Grace Plavocos has spent her senior year immersed in nursing science research with mentor Anita Souza, Ph.D., a faculty member at the School of Nursing and co-investigator of the Premera Rural Nursing Health Initiative. Led by the UW in collaboration with rural primary care clinics in Washington state, the initiative supports newly graduated advanced registered nurse practitioners in their transition to independent practice through a comprehensive post-graduate fellowship program. The long-term goal of the program is to strengthen the pipeline of nurse practitioners serving rural communities.

“This work matters because rural areas, both in Washington and beyond, face significant barriers to healthcare access, from geographic isolation to cost,” Plavocos said. “Having a well-prepared workforce of ARNPs ready to serve these communities can make a real impact. The program benefits everyone involved: patients gain more access to care, clinics receive more support, and fellows gain diverse, hands-on experience.”

Plavocos conducted a literature review and contributed to the design of surveys evaluating the experiences of ARNP fellows and their host clinics. At the Symposium, she presented an analysis of one survey focused on how well clinical rotations prepared fellows for independent practice. The survey examined perceptions of fellowship structure, preparation, confidence, competency and understanding of the ARNP role.

“It was exciting to see that this program is not only well-received but also demonstrably effective in preparing nurse practitioners for real-world care in rural settings,” Plavocos said.

Participating in undergraduate research has been a rewarding experience for Plavocos. “I’ve learned so much, not only through conducting a literature review but also by contributing to a long-term, collaborative research effort,” she said. “It’s given me a broader view of how academic research can shape clinical practice and health care systems.”

Plavocos plans to work as an emergency medicine RN, with hopes of applying to nurse practitioner school in the future with a focus on public and global health. “Research has been incredibly eye-opening and has given me valuable insight into the health disparities in rural areas,” she said. “I feel honored to have contributed.”

Advancing treatments for neurological disorders

Gardenia Sanchez, ’25

Major: Biochemistry

Research: Characterizing IMPDH2 Variants and Investigating Potential IMPDH2 Inhibitors to Treat Neurological Disorders

Gardenia Sanchez transferred to the University of Washington with a clear goal: to get involved in research. So when her biochem professor mentioned an opening for an undergraduate in a lab, she jumped at the chance. She reached out to the graduate student leading the project, and with that, her research journey began.

Sanchez’s research focuses on mutations in an enzyme known as IMPDH2, which have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. The broader goal of her project is to test small molecules that could serve as potential therapeutics for associated neurological symptoms. These include low muscle tone, delays in motor skills, visual impairment and seizures.

“This research allows us to gain a deeper understanding of neurological disorders and explore targeted therapies for specific mutations,” Sanchez said. “That means we’re not just treating neurological disorders as a broad spectrum, but we’re focusing on the exact mutations that individuals may present.”

Sanchez describes research as one of the most transformative experiences of her undergraduate career. Before joining a lab, she wasn’t sure what career path she wanted to pursue or where her interests truly lay. “Being in the lab, learning theoretical concepts and then applying them in practice, helped me solidify key ideas,” she said.

The experience built technical skills and gave her a firsthand understanding of what research entails. It also led to recognition through several prestigious awards, including the Washington Research Foundation Fellowship, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and the Undergraduate Research Conference Travel Award. Through her work, Sanchez collaborated with graduate students, fellow undergraduates and research scientists. “It immersed me in the scientific community and helped me see that research is more than just benchwork,” she said.

Coming from a community college without access to research labs, Sanchez found the resources at the UW crucial in preparing her for her career. “It opened up so many more opportunities — more doors, more networking — and expanded my path forward,” she said. Sanchez is next set for a postbaccalaureate program at Fred Hutch, where she will work as a research technician after graduation.

“Everyone in my lab was open to helping and teaching,” she said. “I think there’s a stereotype that scientists aren’t social or that researchers keep to themselves, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I met so many amazing, generous people. That really enriched my experience beyond the research itself.

Centering lived experience in research

Sofia Schwarzwalder, ’26

Major: Philosophy (Ethics), Communication (Journalism)
Mary Gates Scholar

Research: Ambivalence Toward Memory Prosthetics: Views of At-Risk Individuals on DBS for Dementia

Sofia Schwarzwalder joined the University of Washington’s Neuroethics Research Group early in her first quarter on campus. Focused on ethical questions at the intersection of neuroscience and emerging technologies, the group gave Schwarzwalder an opportunity to explore the human side of advancing medical science.

For nearly two years, Schwarzwalder has investigated how individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease perceive the potential use of deep brain stimulation as a treatment. Her current project is part of a secondary study funded by a National Institutes of Health parent grant. A two-time recipient of the Mary Gates Research Scholarship, her work has also been supported by the Mary Gates Endowment.

Through qualitative interviews, Schwarzwalder analyzed participants’ interest in an implantable device designed to treat short-term memory loss. She found that most fell into a category identified as “ambivalent.” These were individuals who expressed curiosity or even enthusiasm about the idea of an implant, but whose interest was tempered by concerns, unanswered questions or specific conditions that would need to be met before they would seriously consider it.

One recurring theme that surprised Schwarzwalder, was the value of forgetting. The study focused on individuals at heightened risk for Alzheimer’s, including those with a family history, a genetic marker or early signs of cognitive impairment. Many had firsthand experience watching loved ones navigate memory loss. Some participants shared that, in certain moments, forgetting could be a kindness. Distressing experiences, such as a difficult doctor’s visit or painful conversation, were often forgotten shortly afterward, sparing loved ones from emotional strain.

Their insights highlighted that “memory is only one part of dementia or neurodegenerative disease, and repairing one aspect, like short-term memory, might not always be beneficial for everyone,” Schwarzwalder said.

A double major in philosophy and journalism, Schwarzwalder said the project helped shape her vision for the kind of work she wants to pursue. “This research emphasized the importance of centering the voices of those most directly impacted by scientific and technological developments,” she said. “Those are things that only people with lived experience can pinpoint, not necessarily people who just read about it or know about the disease clinically.”

“We know that putting users at the center of research design and, ultimately, clinical practice is essential to translating developments into real-world treatments,” she added. “It helps researchers understand where potential clinical trial participants stand, and what needs to be addressed before people feel comfortable participating.”

Schwarzwalder said the experience has also deepened her academic development. “It’s taught me a lot about different research methods, collaboration and working in interdisciplinary environments,” she said.

Schwarzwalder credits the Neuroethics Research Group with making her project possible. “While this specific project I’m presenting has been largely independent, it wouldn’t have happened without the support of my research group,” she said. “They brought me in during my first quarter, and their continued support, along with my mentor’s guidance, made this possible.”

Research-driven disaster preparedness

Hailey Alyssa Smith, ’26

Major: Earth and Space Sciences

Research: When the burning stops, a new hazard emerges: The 2021 Muckamuck fire and 2022 Conconully debris flows and floods

When Hailey Alyssa Smith left her Eastern Washington hometown of Conconully, she never expected it would one day become the focus of her research. But after a major wildfire in 2021 and a destructive flood and debris flow the following year, her academic path took a new turn.

“My research focuses on post-fire debris flows, hazards that follow wildfires but are not planned for,” Smith said. The connection is deeply personal. Her family’s property was among those damaged by the debris. “A lot of people assume that once a fire is out, everything is fine,” she said. “But the danger doesn’t stop when the flames are gone. Debris flows cause serious damage, and not many people are aware of that or know how to prepare.”

The town came together to support one another, but the experience exposed for Smith how limited awareness can leave communities vulnerable. “With climate change, we’ve seen an increase in fires, which are now significantly more destructive and widespread than they were in the past,” she said. “Studies show current conditions are far worse than scientists predicted even 60 years ago. Unfortunately, they’re only going to get worse as climate change continues to escalate.”

Through her research, Smith discovered “a way to create meaningful, high-quality work about something I deeply care about, and to share that work with people I love.” Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between environmental systems and human lives, she now envisions her research making an impact far beyond her hometown borders.

For Smith, the undergraduate research journey has been a transformative one. “Research used to intimidate me so much,” she said. “Coming from a small-town background and being a first-generation college student, I didn’t think research was possible for someone like me.” Smith intends to pursue a Ph.D. in geosciences with a focus on disasters.

“I’ve found so many opportunities at the University of Washington and through the Office of Undergraduate Research that have helped me grow into a confident person, who believes I can give back and inspire others,” she said. Smith credits the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM, and Identity, Belonging and Inquiry in Science for further fostering that growth.

Sonic pathways to conservation

Ian Tsai, ‘25

Major: Computer Science

Mary Gates Scholar

Research: Birdsong in the Machine: An Auditory Re-Imagination and Realization in Spreading Wildlife Awareness and Technological Advancement

Ian Tsai’s research began to take shape during the UW’s Summer Institute of Arts and Humanities (SIAH) program. A computer science major with a passion for the natural world, Tsai wanted to explore the intersection of conservation, technology and sound — three areas that had long inspired him.

“This project, a soundscape and composition created using songs from the Streaked-Horned Lark, sound processing techniques and machine learning, felt like a culmination of my interests,” he said.

Tsai developed a model that takes birdsongs as input and predicts their note sequences. He used the generated melodies to create a multimedia piece telling the story of the Streaked-Horned Lark, a threatened species native to the Pacific Northwest. Through this creative lens, he aimed to raise awareness about conservation efforts while showcasing the positive potential of artificial intelligence.

“I wanted to do research that would represent a shift in how we use technology — not as something that harms the environment, but as a tool for awareness and support,” he said. “I hope it inspires artists, scientists and programmers to collaborate across disciplines for causes like protecting our planet.”

A lifelong musician, Tsai studied piano before switching to alto saxophone in middle school. He later became interested in music production and composition — skills he brought into the lab to shape both the emotional and technical aspects of his work.

Working on the project for nearly a year, Tsai said the experience has deeply influenced his future goals. He was named a Mary Gates Research Scholar and presented his work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Although he’s graduating with a degree in computer science, he plans to continue pursuing projects that merge sound design with environmental storytelling. “I’d love to be involved in sound design and explore new ways we can interpret and experience sound,” he said. Currently, he’s working as a composer and sound designer for a wildlife documentary.

“I didn’t originally think deeply about AI’s broader impact while working on the project, but I’ve come to see it as a versatile tool and collaborator. Not something to fear, but something we can use thoughtfully to support both human and ecological well-being,” Tsai said. “The goal of using advanced technology, I think, should be to bring out the best versions of ourselves and use that to create a brighter future.”

Tsai said the project helped him recognize how interconnected technology, nature and creativity really are. “Composing a soundscape alongside the lark showed me how close we really are to the natural world,” he said.