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.
Category: Features
Typically longer in length and relevancy than content in the news category. Features content is more likely to be republished over time.
Janice DeCosmo to retire from Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Janice DeCosmo, associate vice provost for undergraduate research and associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, will retire in October, capping off over 20 years of impact and leadership within Undergraduate Academic Affairs and 30 years at the University of Washington.
Along with her role at the Office of Undergraduate Research, formerly known as the Undergraduate Research Program, DeCosmo will step down as associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, a position she has held since 2006. As associate dean, DeCosmo stewarded the Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ Center for Experiential Learning & Diversity, directed the Mary Gates Endowment for Students and served as interim director of the Robinson Center for Young Scholars.
“Janice DeCosmo has been a leading figure for not only undergraduate research, but for the entirety of the undergraduate academic experience,” said Ed Taylor, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. “Under her guidance, Janice stewarded a nationally-renowned research program that has offered our undergraduates the opportunity to apply their learning to address society’s biggest challenges.” In 2022, more than 7,000 undergraduates devoted over 1,200,000 hours engaged in research across the University’s colleges, schools, departments and research centers.
“Janice has been both an inspiration and guiding light for the role of undergraduates in research,” said Tom Daniel, president and CEO of Washington Research Foundation and professor emeritus of neuroscience at the UW. “The level of excellence that she and the staff of the Undergraduate Research Program have provided has made the UW one of the top programs nationally for undergraduate research experiences.”
Celebrate Janice’s legacy with us!
As she retires, help us celebrate Janice and her legacy with a gift to the Undergraduate Research Gift Fund.Donations of all sizes will provide undergraduate researchers with the tools, experiences and funding to make the most of their research experience.Thank you for your support of Janice, our program and our students!
Make a gift
As she retires, help us celebrate Janice and her legacy with a gift to the Undergraduate Research Gift Fund.Donations of all sizes will provide undergraduate researchers with the tools, experiences and funding to make the most of their research experience.Thank you for your support of Janice, our program and our students!
Make a gift
Through DeCosmo’s focus on highlighting the student experience, the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium has become one of the largest of its kind in the nation. This signature event for the University of Washington celebrates scholarship and cutting-edge research and typically features over 1,000 undergraduate researchers presenting their work from all academic disciplines.
DeCosmo’s journey at the UW began in 1991, when she earned a doctorate in atmospheric sciences in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences specializing in atmosphere-ocean interaction. She became a research faculty member in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences in 1994, serving as associate director, and later director, for the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium. In 2000, DeCosmo joined Undergraduate Academic Affairs as the first director of the Undergraduate Research Program (now named the Office of Undergraduate Research), a program she grew to connect thousands of undergraduates to faculty research annually.
DeCosmo served as the 2019-20 president of the national-in-scope Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), where she was previously an issue editor for CUR’s journal, Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research, for five years. While serving as CUR president, DeCosmo represented undergraduate research at the White House Summit of the Joint Committee on the Research Environment. She has served as an elected member of the board of governors of the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). DeCosmo directed the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium in the College of Arts and Sciences from 1997 to 2006, leading the program to receive a Brotman Award for Instructional Excellence in 2005.
Sophie Pierszalowski, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research since 2021, said DeCosmo is a constant champion of undergraduate student voices at the UW. Even when she had the most responsibility and obligations in her career, “Janice made a point to continue serving on undergraduate research application review committees and to meet individually with students to offer feedback and career advising. This allowed her to keep a pulse on the undergraduate experience and develop important programming that meets students’ needs.”
Scott Heimlich, president of the Amgen Foundation, said DeCosmo gave undergraduates ownership of their educational research experiences. From “regularly meeting with students, giving them the agency to apply for opportunities and reach out to researchers, to just her thoughtfulness for taking that time to think and communicate, DeCosmo not only impacted those students but became a clear leader in the field.” DeCosmo would go on to write the opening chapter for Amgen Scholars: Best Practices in Summer Undergraduate Research Programs.
Mary Gates Scholar Ruby Barone, ‘23, said that experiencing DeCosmo’s mentorship transformed her as an undergraduate researcher and as a young professional. “Janice’s tenacious spirit fueled my academic pursuits, while her unconditional kindness and unwavering support provided a foundation upon which my work and I could thrive.”
“Watching students develop as they encounter authentic questions, research that is relevant and important to them, is so inspiring,“ said DeCosmo of her experience over the decades working with undergraduates. “When students own the work they are doing, when they learn to develop and explore their curiosity and discover how that research can impact others – that is what drives me.”
“Whether a student continues the line of inquiry they began as undergraduates — and many do, with great success — or whether they take the curiosity and confidence they developed to a brand new field or activity, it is gratifying to see how they grow through these experiences,” said DeCosmo.
Barone reflected on DeCosmo’s legacy as one that “will forever remind us of the remarkable impact one person can make in fostering a culture of resilience and motivation across all fields of study.”
The Office of Undergraduate Research looks forward to honoring this important legacy of undergraduate research excellence while continuing to advance the role of the University of Washington in the development of technology and discovery for the public good.
The Undergraduate Research Program announces new name: Office of Undergraduate Research
The name of the Undergraduate Research Program has recently changed to the Office of Undergraduate Research. The updated name more accurately reflects the diverse range of research programs, scholarships, events, awards and essential resources the unit offers to support the success of all undergraduates at the University of Washington.
Created over 25 years ago, the office has been pivotal to the growth of undergraduate research at the UW. Recognized as one of the best undergraduate research programs in the nation, the Office of Undergraduate Research hosts the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Since it began, the Symposium has grown from 80 student presenters to more than 1,000 undergraduate presenters from all UW campuses, as well as local community and regional colleges.
A celebration of scholarship and cutting-edge research of undergraduate researchers from all disciplines, the Symposium brings together students, faculty members and the greater community to engage with a diverse showcase of research and academic achievement at a signature event for the University. The presenters represent just a slice of the students who participate in research across the three campuses.
In 2021-22, more than 7,000 undergraduates spent 1,286,468 hours engaged in research advancing technology and discovery for the public good.
The Office of Undergraduate Research name change will further encompass the mission and direct goal of supporting equity, access and inclusion in undergraduate research. Director Sophie Pierszalowski said, “The updated name leaves no question that we are here to support all UW undergraduate students across disciplines, class standing and level of research experience.”
Explore the Office of Undergraduate Research’s mission, vision and values.
Undergraduates immersed in summer STEM research
When you think of summer as an undergraduate, you’re probably envisioning relaxing by the pool, catching up on much-needed sleep or working long hours at a summer job. But have you considered spending your summer in a STEM research lab?
The University of Washington’s Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a variety of programming and partner programs every summer to give students the chance to immerse themselves in STEM research opportunities. From SCAN Design Innovations in Pain Research to the Institute for Protein Design to the Molecular Engineering Materials Center, undergrads from the UW and beyond come together to explore a range of exciting STEM fields.
The Office of Undergraduate Research, formerly known as the Undergraduate Research Program, creates successful summer research experiences for each student by managing program logistics, providing undergrads with mentorship and supporting a thriving research community. Students participate in weekly seminars organized by staff and present their work in a final poster session open to the public.
Andres Ardon is a visiting senior from Guatemala majoring in biochemistry. A participant of the Institute for Protein Design, he spent his summer focusing on de novo design of DNA-binding proteins. “I think these technologies will revolutionize medicine by making cheaper and more potent therapeutics and diagnostics,” said Ardon. A former biosecurity fellow at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and current Project Head at iGEM Community, Ardon was drawn to this project as it aligns with his goal to “help shape the world as it should be — more compassionate, more sustainable and more just.”
Ardon shared that he gained a transformative shift in his perspective on science from the summer program, along with the added benefit of discovering the beauty of a Seattle summer. “This internship provided me with the chance to work at a world-class research facility, where I had the privilege of meeting authors whose works I have admired for an extensive period.” Ardon said his horizons have been broadened from seeing science through a new lens. “The Institute for Protein Design proved to be a hub of innovation and collaboration, full of people who are not only inventive but also very kind. Witnessing their dedication to devising imaginative solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues has been truly inspiring,” he said.
Priya Christenesen, ‘25, double majoring in global health and biochemistry, continued her vaccine research of the past academic year by working in the King Lab with the Institute for Protein Design. “Being able to dedicate the full 40 hours a week to my project has not only taken the project so much further but has made me a more confident scientist by learning how to ask the questions necessary for innovation and polishing my wet lab skills,” said Christenesen of her summer experience.
Through one-on-one mentorship and facilitated group meetings, undergraduates not only gain independence but deeper insight into the scientific process. “The IPD hosted multiple lab group meetings throughout the week allowing me to learn from graduate students and postdocs, as well as happy hours and lab lunches that allowed me to closely connect with grad students,” shared Christenesen. “Now I feel comfortable asking questions of people, and I now know who to ask because I’m more familiar with their work. It has been revolutionary for me personally.”
Sharing a similar impact from the summer seminars, Honors student double majoring in molecular biology and philosophy, Dylan Clark, said, “I’ve loved the seminars. They’re really open to answering questions from ‘’what happens if you feel burned out,’ to ‘what happens if you’re worried about the pay as a graduate student?’” Clark shared that the summer research experience taught him to trust himself, “I think a lot of people can think that they don’t know enough or that they need to be an expert before they even start research,” he said. “But the whole point of research is that you’re answering questions that no one knows.”
Deserée Lai, a rising junior pursuing physics, will be transferring to the UW from North Seattle College. Lai used her time in the Clean Energy Bridge to Research (CEBR) to maximize understanding the different programs available at the UW. Creating community connections was a vital component of the summer experience for her, “It’s been a really great window into the research environment.” From getting to learn about the graduate school experience, working alongside graduate students, and having the space to network and ask questions, Lai has been able to explore new pathways as she moves forward in pursuing research. “I have learned that a strong support network and community is central to my success. My summer research experience has allowed me to begin building these now.”
To learn more about undergraduate research at the University of Washington, visit the Office of Undergraduate Research.
15 Seconds at a Time: First-Year Interest Groups [video]
In this video, Student Academic Services and First Year Programs executive director LeAnne Wiles takes on the challenge of explaining the First-year Interest Groups (FIGs) in less than 15 seconds at a time. “15 Seconds at a Time” is a series in which various Undergraduate Academic Affairs programs explain their work in bite-sized bursts.
Washington Research Foundation awards Undergraduate Research Program $500,000 grant
The Washington Research Foundation recently announced a $500,000 grant to the University of Washington’s Undergraduate Research Program, continuing its robust support of the Washington Research Foundation Fellowship for the next five years.
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
On June 10, over 7,000 graduating seniors celebrated their academic accomplishments with 40,000 Husky families, friends and guests at the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium. Among the scholars who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas were those who connected to, deepened and expanded their Husky experience with Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ opportunities and programming. We recognize the hard work and dedication of each graduating senior, who now embark on pathways to create a better world. Every single one of these graduates has left a lasting impact on the UW, our community and on us. Congratulations to the class of 2023!
Here are a few examples from the Class of 2023!
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s care: Undergraduate research in public health
In this video, undergraduate researcher Varuna Ravi, ’23, shares what motivated her to pursue research focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Ravi’s firsthand experience of the devastating impact Alzheimer’s has on millions of individuals and their families drove her to reimagine how we perceive, comprehend and treat age-associated cognitive decline.
Junior medalist Olivia Brandon
Olivia Brandon, who twice received the President’s Medal, said, “I am constantly inspired by the impact — small or global — an individual can have in the medical and scientific world.” Brandon majored in public health–global health and hopes her future research helps improve global health challenges like infant mortality.
Five UW students named 2023 Goldwater Scholars
Nuria Alina Chandra is one of five undergrads selected for the Goldwater Scholarship, a competitive scholarship that supports students in STEM fields. Chandra plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and then work at the intersection of machine learning, computational biology, and algorithms research. “I will research machine learning, computational biology, and algorithms to develop tools that prevent, treat, and cure disease. My research career will span from theory to clinical application,” says Chandra.
Undergraduates at the intersections of research: from blueprints to breakthroughs and visual arts to virtual reality
Out of the 1,000+ undergraduate researchers who presented their work at the 26th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, hundreds of them were seniors. Class of 2023 graduate and neuroscience major Shannon Hong reflected: “It was a valuable experience to present my own research and to learn about the work my peers are doing. The Symposium showed me that students can be at the forefront of change.”
Spring CELEbration event recognizes student and community partnerships
UAA’s Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center held the 2023 Spring CELEbration, a forum showcasing student service, leadership and activist work. Presenter Greta Fehlan, ‘23, shared her internship experience from the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. Fehlan said, “I loved this experience so much that it solidified for me that this is what I want to be doing with my life — community-based, community-focused work.”
UW students, alumni selected for Fulbright awards and a world of opportunities
Among this year’s group of students and alumni selected for Fulbright Fellowships are seniors Jessie Cox, Mia Filardi, Auden Finch, Kennedy Patterson and Lillian Williamson. They will join approximately 2,000 students and recent graduates from around the country to teach, study and research abroad in countries such as Botswana, Taiwan and Finland.
UW senior Casper Suen selected for China’s Yenching Academy
Casper Suen, ’23, was recently selected for the competitive Yenching Academy Scholars program at Peking University. One of two scholars from the UW, both of whom majored in international studies, will join 115 scholars hailing from 31 countries as the 2023 cohort participating in the interdisciplinary China Studies master’s program. Through his coursework at the UW, Suen developed his interest in China’s policy institutions and international relations.
Dr. Kristina Henry Collins named executive director of Robinson Center
Congratulations to Kristina Henry Collins, acclaimed professor and gifted education leader who has been appointed the new executive director of the UW Robinson Center, officially beginning her term September 1, 2023.
For more than 40 years, the Robinson Center for Young Scholars has offered challenging, accelerated learning opportunities at the University of Washington to highly capable young students. Recognized internationally for their excellence in gifted education, the Robinson Center remains committed to promoting research and discovery.
The nationwide search for an executive director of the Center led to Dr. Collins, with her record of significant research in gifted education and talent development, and strong commitment to educational equity and diversity.
“Dr. Collins is already a strong leader in developing programs that engage marginalized students and families in STEM education, and I am very excited to see her impact on the Robinson Center students and programs,” shared Janice DeCosmo, associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and interim director of the Robinson Center. “We are lucky to have her as our new executive director.”
Collins envisions stewarding the Robinson Center by cultivating a shared vision and culture of innovation, including inclusive engagement, optimal performance and socioemotional well-being for students and staff. Collins is most excited about her role as center leader and serving as an agent who will foster a community of practice.
“Transformational and servant leadership are the principles that guide my approach to leading and teaching,” said Collins. “I aim to cast visions that are connected to the values and hopes for the future of the organizational members, the university and the larger community.”
“The Robinson Center will continue to create challenging and innovative programming for gifted young scholars under Collins’ leadership,” shared Vice Provost and Dean Ed Taylor. “She has the vision, knowledge and experience to steward the program and experiences of scholars into the future.”
Collins earned both her Ph.D. and Ed.S. in educational psychology: gifted and creative education from the University of Georgia in Athens. She was most recently the associate director at the LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research, and an associate professor in the Talent Development Program at Texas State University. Collins received the College of Education Presidential Distinction Award of Excellence in Teaching at the assistant professor rank for her work at Texas State University.
Collins’ first formal experience with gifted education was as a parent of a gifted student herself. “Playing an active role in matching appropriate K-12 educational experiences to effectively nurture my son’s academic, creative and athletic talent, I learned to navigate spaces designed to meet his needs,” shared Collins. “I was also drawn to advocating for more equitable practice in recruiting, identifying and serving diverse populations of students in accelerated and gifted education.”
Collins’ philosophy as both a reflective leader and a teacher emphasizes the importance of contextual mentoring relationships. Taking clearly defined and communicated goals within a culturally responsive environment, she creates experiences that are empowering and engaging for all.
Collins intends to “inspire staff and students to reach their full potential by setting ambitious organizational goals, leading by example and prioritizing guidance toward the needs of the members for personal development and fulfillment.”
Collins is committed to the experience and development of current and future Robinson Center scholars, “I believe that every student has a right to engage in an educational setting that offers opportunities for students to maximize their potential.” In addition to Collin’s role at the Robinson Center, she will hold an affiliate faculty appointment in the College of Education and will hold an affiliate appointment in the School of Education at UW Tacoma.
About the Robinson Center
Through early entrance programs The Robinson Center prepares younger students for college and provides them with challenging, accelerated learning opportunities in a vibrant, intellectual community at the University of Washington. They also provide outreach through enrichment and summer programs that offer classes for highly capable Puget Sound students. The Robinson Center is a site for research and discovery of best practice in supporting highly capable young students and maintains the UW’s position as an internationally renowned center of gifted education.
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s care: Undergraduate research in public health
In this video, undergraduate researcher Varuna Ravi, ’23, shares what motivated her to pursue research focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Ravi’s firsthand experience of the devastating impact Alzheimer’s has on millions of individuals and their families drove her to reimagine how we perceive, comprehend and treat age-associated cognitive decline.
Spring CELEbration event recognizes student and community partnerships
The University of Washington’s Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center announces the 2023 Spring CELEbration, a forum in which CELE Center and Mary Gates Endowment Leadership Scholars showcase their service, leadership and activist work that was conducted in partnership with the greater community.
Spring CELEbration places the CELE Center tenet of reflective learning into practice, as students articulate their learning, community service and leadership work. Executive director of the CELE Center, Fran Lo, shared that the event was intentionally “designed for students to reflect upon critical questions about themselves and the world around them, which is vital in our individual and collective work toward positive change with and in our communities.” The public forum allows students “to draw from the knowledge and skills they have developed as they lead and act in service to the greater good,” Lo stated.
Event details
Spring CELEbration
May 24, 2023 / 4:30-7 p.m.
HUB, North Ballroom and conference rooms
4001 E Stevens Way NE
Seattle, WA 98195
Program schedule:
4:40 p.m. Welcome
5–5:50 p.m. Round 1 presentations
6–6:50 p.m. Round 2 presentations
Guests will attend poster sessions, oral presentations, lightning round talks and a video showcase, all exploring the impact of students’ work, mentor relationships, and academic and career trajectories. Undergraduates will present on topics ranging from current challenges with access to engineering/STEM disciplines, mentorship of students on dismantling systems of oppression, to mental health awareness and resource allocation in farmworker communities.
Presenter Greta Fehlan, ‘23, and CELE Center participant of the Undergraduate Community Based Internship Program, is looking forward to sharing her internship experience from the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank. “I’m focusing my presentation on the impact I witnessed for this community,” said Fehlan. “I loved this experience so much that it solidified for me that this is what I want to be doing with my life — community-based, community-focused work.”
Fehlan noted it will be rewarding to see the range of student projects from across all CELE Center programs and the Mary Gates Endowment Leadership Scholarship. Guests will be able to engage with undergraduates in conversation and questions across this wide-sweeping range of leadership experiences and service fields. “I’m excited to see all the awesome things that everyone’s been up to,” Fehlan said.