Students who presented at this year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium researched malaria vaccines, artificial intelligence, traumatic brain injuries, classical music, sleep routines and everything in between.
With more than 1,700 presenters across more than 220 majors, this year’s Symposium was the largest in the event’s 29 years.
Undergraduates from all three University of Washington campuses as well as local community colleges presented their research in the day-long event, giving peers, faculty, family and community members a chance to learn about their work and ask questions. This year, more than 2,000 faculty mentors worked with students on their research projects, many of which aim to solve the world’s most pressing problems.
For students, being a part of a research project helps them find a community and gives them academic experience outside of the classroom.
“Research doesn’t just build knowledge – it builds people,” said Sophie Pierszalowski, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “It shapes identities, expands what is possible and empowers students to see themselves as contributors to the world, not just passive observers.”
The following are six stories of students researching solutions on a host of topics. Their interests are just a piece of what the 1,700 presenting students shared at this year’s Symposium.
Daniella Maor; Karalee Harris
Daniella Maor, ’27, and Karalee Harris,’28, helped dig through Seattle Public Library checkout data to find out what exactly Seattle is reading. Want to know where your favorite author landed? Or how many people are reading popular authors like David Foster Wallace each year? Daniella and Karalee may have the answers.
