University of Washington senior Shubham Bansal, ’26, has been named a 2026 Rhodes Scholar, one of the most prestigious academic awards for U.S. students.
Tag: Office of Merit Scholarships Fellowships and Awards
Four UW undergrads awarded Fulbright scholarships to study, teach and conduct research abroad
Four University of Washington undergraduates have been awarded Fulbright scholarships for the 2025–26 academic year, joining three other UW students and alumni selected for the prestigious international program. They join about 2,000 recipients nationwide who will pursue graduate study, conduct research or teach English abroad.
This year’s undergraduate awardees will travel to Germany, Mexico, Tajikistan and the United Kingdom to engage in research, teaching assistantships and advanced study in the arts.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program is the nation’s flagship international exchange initiative, supporting students in building global connections through education, service and scholarship.
Explore the full story from UW News.
About the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
The Fulbright application process is supported by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA), a UAA program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards. The UW campus application process for students interested in Fulbright U.S. Student Programs (and other scholarships supporting graduate studies around the world) will get started this spring. Watch for updates about OMSFA’s Global Fellowships Prep program.
41 UW undergraduates awarded Gilman International Scholarship
The U.S. Department of State has recognized the University of Washington for producing 41 recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship during the spring 2025 cycle. The Gilman Scholarship supports U.S. undergraduates with financial need in studying or interning abroad. The UW’s strong showing reflects the University’s commitment to expanding global learning opportunities for all students.
UW undergraduate with interdisciplinary AI focus earns fellowship of up to $90,000 for graduate study
University of Washington Honors student Andre Ye, pursuing bachelors’ degrees in philosophy and computer science with minors in math and history, has been selected for the esteemed Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans is a merit-based fellowship supporting immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate education in the U.S. This year, 30 Fellows were selected out of more than 2,600 applicants for their past achievements and future promise to make significant contributions to American society. Fellows will receive up to $90,000 to fund graduate studies for two years.
In appreciation of David Bonderman, whose vision broadened horizons and changed lives
Photo by Web Summit Web Summit, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
We join friends, colleagues and the Bonderman Fellow community who are saddened to learn of David Bonderman’s recent passing. David earned his undergraduate degree in Russian from the University of Washington in 1963. A proponent of the transformative power of travel, he created the Bonderman Fellowship in 1995 to provide opportunities for students to have life-changing, international experiences.
His influence in and talent for business, and his interests in sports and rock-and-roll music are well-documented with far-reaching impacts. The Bonderman Fellowships at the UW are, arguably, the most individually-impactful of David’s visionary interests and gifts. David received a travel fellowship after graduating from Harvard Law School which inspired his vision for the Bonderman Fellowship at the UW.
Bonderman Fellowships offer undergraduate, graduate and professional students at the UW $26,000 for independent exploration and international travel. Bonderman Fellows travel on their own for eight months, to at least six countries in two regions of the world. Their “assignment” is to seek out new experiences and learn about the world around them. While there is frequently a guiding interest that shapes their trip, fellows are not allowed to engage in formal study at a university, conduct research or travel with an organized group.
More than 300 students have been named Bonderman Fellows since 1995. Collectively, they have traveled from Algeria and Argentina to Vietnam and Zimbabwe and dozens of countries in between. Their interests are as wide-ranging as their flight paths and other modes of travel.
“These journeys have created a sense of connection with all of humanity and trust in oneself that can’t be replicated by any other experience,” said Brook Kelly, Bonderman alum and assistant director in the Honors Program who also supported the Fellowship for nearly two decades.
“My own Bonderman journey was 20 years ago, and I first met David just after I’d returned to Seattle from six months of traveling in east and southern Africa. I felt lucky to meet and thank him, and to get a little glimpse into the direct, funny and impact-minded person behind the gift that had changed my life. I feel so lucky to have known him, to have helped to bring his vision to life, and for the ripples my own Bonderman trip continues to create.”
— Brook Kelly
Upon learning of David Bonderman’s passing, Bonderman Fellow Drew Pierce-Street wrote that she “reflected on how every nook and cranny of my present day have been touched by David Bonderman’s generosity, and how vastly different I am from one year ago (almost to the day) when I boarded a plane to discover the greatest internal adventure and period of growth in my life. … Perhaps there is more motivation for me now to keep surging forward with an added sparkle of gusto on the path that the fellowship laid down for me.”
Bonderman Fellows talk about their gratitude in being able to travel the world; how prolonged, solo travel can be difficult but inspires courage and confidence; how they view the world differently and see the interconnectedness of people more readily; how they want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Bonderman Fellow Bryan Nakata reflected they were “inspired to push boundaries, challenge assumptions and find ways to connect with others across cultures and geographies. I grew immensely as a person, and it was undoubtedly one of the most important experiences of my life. The lessons I learned as a fellow will guide me for the rest of my life, and I am very proud to call myself a Bonderman alum. I believe his legacy will live on through the work we do and the next generations of fellows for years to come.”
Bonderman Fellowships are administered by Undergraduate Academic Affairs and The Graduate School. In 2017, the UW Bonderman Fellowship expanded its impact with a $10 million endowment from David Bonderman. Prior to that he funded the Fellowships annually.
Read President Ana Mari Cauce’s appreciation of David Bonderman.
Learn more about the experiences of Bonderman Fellows through this audio slideshow, created in 2007 for the 15th anniversary of the Bonderman Fellowships.
UW alumna Crysti (Zinan) Chen named Schwarzman Scholar
University of Washington alumna Crysti (Zinan) Chen, (’15, B.A. in political science) received the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship. Selected from more than 4,700 applicants, Chen will join 145 Schwarzman Scholars from around the world to make up the program’s fifth cohort. A competitive program, the incoming class was selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify academic ability, as well as leadership potential and strength of character. The program takes place at Tsinghua University in Beijing, where the scholars will immerse themselves in Chinese culture, business and language. At the end of the cross-cultural, year-long program, scholars will have developed an in-depth understanding of China and earned a master’s degree in global affairs.
The core curriculum is focused on three pillars: China, global affairs and leadership. Scholars also have the opportunity to take elective courses from a variety of disciplines at Schwarzman College, as well as from other departments at Tsinghua University. Scholars are taught by a cadre of leading international faculty, with frequent guest lectures from prominent global thought leaders.
Beyond the classroom, Scholars gain exceptional exposure to China and access to important relationships through internships, mentors, high-profile speakers and opportunities to travel throughout China. Scholars are also provided with a range of career development resources to help them to make the most of their time in Beijing and position them for success upon graduation. This unique combination of coursework, cultural immersion and personal and professional development opportunities equip students with a first-hand and well-rounded understanding of China’s changing role in the world, critically important to leadership in any field in the 21st Century.
About Crysti (Zinan) Chen
Chen will graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with an M.S.Ed. degree in education entrepreneurship. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a political economy focus, and minored in international studies from the University of Washington. Chen founded her first nonprofit organization in 2009. She dedicated a decade in promoting education quality, gender equality, and environmental awareness in underprivileged villages in China, Vietnam and Kenya. In 2017, Chen co-founded UniWill Ventures in Silicon Valley. She currently serves as the general partner and leads impact investing into early-stage tech startups. As a Schwarzman Scholar, Chen hopes to explore more effective methods to leverage investment capital with goodwill to create bigger impact on urgent social and environmental issues.
About the Schwarzman Scholars Program
Designed to inspire the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the most significant program of its kind since the Rhodes Trust was founded in 1902. The Schwarzman Scholars Program is in its fourth year as a new institution at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The program’s focus is global leadership and draws students from China, the U.S. and the rest of the world. Over the course of the year, students will spend a quarter immersed in language: Mandarin for non-Chinese students; English for Chinese students. They’ll complete an intensive field study, where they will spend a week in communities throughout China, working with mentors from NGOs, academics and government; receive mentorship from prominent Chinese leaders; attend talks from high-profile speakers; and complete a practical training project, where they take on consulting-style projects. Scholars also have access to career services support to help them make the best of their time in Beijing, and receive ongoing support in the form of alumni events. The Schwarzman Scholars program is dedicated to building a strong alumni network, so that their students can continue to learn from and support one another. Last year, Henry Chan became the UW’s first Schwarzman Scholar.
The Schwarzman Scholarship application process is supported by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA), a UAA program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards.
Two UW students selected as Udall Scholars
Juniors Helen Ganahl and Cece Hoffman have been selected as Udall scholars, joining 53 other students from around the country for the competitive award. This year’s cohort was selected from more than 400 nominees.
Udall Scholarships are offered in three categories: those pursuing careers in the environment, Native American healthcare or tribal policy. Udall scholar candidates must also demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to public service and academic achievement. The scholarship provides each student with up to $7,000 for use on tuition, room, board or supplies. The Udall Foundation also hosts a five-day orientation in Tucson, Arizona. There, scholars will meet each other and program alumni, complete a case study and interact with community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.
Helen Ganahl
Hometown: Bishop, CA
Graduation: June, 2020
Major: community, environment and planning
Helen is a community, environment and planning major at the University of Washington. Sustainable agriculture, ecological restoration, urban planning, and activist fields inform the creation of her self-guided degree. She has determined that food sovereignty and well-planned cities are essential in the construction of stronger, kinder societies. She plans to attend graduate school for urban planning or landscape architecture, where she might influence the urban sphere for the better. She dedicates her time to research on penitentiary gardens and decreased recidivism, urban farming organizations, permaculture on campus, backyard gardening and building strong community relationships.
Cece Hoffman
Hometown: Mission, OR
Graduation: June, 2020
Major: education, communities and organizations
As a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Cece Hoffman wants to make a positive impact for her community. Throughout high school and while in college, Hoffman has been involved in numerous activities which she credits with bringing a diverse perspective of the world. Some highlights include serving as the vice chair for the student advisory board, where she facilitates discussions with UW faculty on issues of diversity and equity and serving as a member of the Got Green young leaders team, where she collaborated with the community of South Seattle on programs that work towards environmental justice. Hoffman also works with ISTEAM, a summer program that is dedicated to providing STEM and art programs for indigenous youth. She holds great interest in tribal and educational policy and part of her work with ISTEAM includes analyzing and recording data to contribute to the future changes in education. She’s also interested in environmental justice, public health and other forms of organizational change. She hopes to continue these investments while maintaining strong connections to her communities and working together on transformative justice.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities at UW
The Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship application process is supported by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA), a UAA program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards.
2019 UAA staff awardees announced
Congratulations to the 2018-19 Undergraduate Academic Affairs staff recognition and distinguished partner awardees. Selected for their dedication to supporting UAA’s mission of creating innovative academic experiences for undergraduates, these 14 staff members made an indelible impact on the UW’s students, faculty, staff and community.
And the awardees are…
Award for Excellence
• Debbie McGhee, research scientist, Office of Educational Assessment
Outstanding Achievement Award
• Carissa Mayer, counseling services coordinator, University Honors Program
• Emily Smith, assistant director, Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
Outstanding Student Employee Award
• Salem Abraha, front desk staff and student program staff, Center for Experiential Learning & Diversity and Mary Gates Endowment for Students
• Danya Clevenger, graduate staff assistant, Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center
• Makayla Dorn, front desk staff and peer adviser, Student Academic Services and Undergraduate Advising
Distinguished Partner Award
• Mary Gates Hall Custodial Team
Award for Excellence
Awarded to employees who have worked in UAA for at least five years, this award celebrates the employee’s leadership in creating formative student experiences and building the necessary infrastructure to support their vision. Debbie McGhee’s 20-plus year commitment to advancing undergraduate teaching and learning through rigorous evaluation and assessment will be carried forward by all who worked with her.
Debbie McGhee, the passionate researcher
Awarded posthumously.
“Anyone who interacts with Debbie is likely quick to notice her keen wit, warm sense of humor, strong attention to detail and commitment to professionalism. Those of us who have had the opportunity to collaborate with her are thankful for these qualities, as they help us to produce high quality research and service while enjoying the work we do. The impact of Debbie’s work over the years truly reaches beyond the boundaries of our office, and OEA, UAA and UW are better because of Debbie’s service to them.”
— Angela Davis-Unger, research scientist and Sean Gehrke, director of the Office of Educational Assessment
Achievements of note: Served as interim associate director of OEA from 2017-2018, leading OEA through a time of transition and uncertainty. Recipient of the Washington Educational Research Association Research Award (2003). Led research on psychometric properties of IASystem course evaluation items and instruments, with 6 first-authored reports between 2005 and 2016. Co-authored 11 articles and chapters in the fields of psychology and education, including: “Psychometric properties of student ratings of instruction in online and on-campus courses” in New Directions for Teaching and Learning (2003), written with former director Nana Lowell utilizing course evaluation data from OEA; “Measuring individual differences in implicit cognition: The Implicit Association Test” in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (1998), an article that has been cited by other researchers more than 11,000 times in the past 20 years!
Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognizing the innovation, collaboration and tenacity it takes to initiate change, this award acknowledges the teams behind some of UAA’s innovative programming. Through her leadership and devotion, Carissa Mayer helps students make strong decisions and set exciting goals about their education and their futures. Emily Smith created the Global Fellowships Prep program to help students learn about and apply for opportunities for graduate school, fellowships, research or leadership opportunities abroad.
Carissa Mayer, the trusted adviser
“We trust Carissa as both a colleague and an adviser immensely. There is no question that a student working with her will get the best possible help and care. She has tremendous instincts for what is right, and we know that anything she works on, be it individual advising appointments or long term community building projects, are going to be handled with grace and professionalism that will represent our program — and UAA — well and will improve the student experience.”
— Aley Mills Willis, director of academic services, University Honors Program
Achievements of note: Created the Honors Community Ambassadors Program. Leads the Honors Peer Educator Program. Instructs HONORS 100 to introduce the entire freshman class to the essential features of the Honors Program. Serves as our Honors Lead Adviser. Improved our Honors curriculum management organization. Mentors our entire advising staff. Serves on UW-wide advising boards and committees to advocate for the profession. Directs partnership with Honors Living Learning Community. Was awarded as Adviser of the Month by the UW Association of Professional Advisers and Counselors (APAC).
Emily Smith, the collaborative creator
“Global Fellowships Prep (GFP) is Emily’s creation; one method of revamping how we engage students to ensure our office and scholarships are accessible, viable and meaningful options for all UW undergrads, especially those underrepresented within the university and within nationally competitive scholarships. Emily designed GFP as an open entry point for students to develop goals, better understand how scholarships could support those goals and break down intimidating processes, making it more feasible to apply. Through building efficiencies, GFP also makes it possible for our tiny team to work with more students more intensively.”
— Janice DeCosmo, associate dean, Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity and Robin Chang, director, Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards
Achievements of note: Created Global Fellowships Prep last year as a way to better support and serve underrepresented students and those from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Developed Writers Block sessions in collaboration with Mary Gates Endowment and Global Opportunities to support students in their application drafting and revision. Created Scholarship Fridays to streamline and bring consistency to our first and second year student-focused programming. Connects students she meets to other programs, and vice versa. Developed and launched a new assessment effort for OMSFA to better understand the impact of our advising appointments.
Outstanding Student Employee Award
Student employees are an integral part of the UAA staff. This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of three student employees. Salem Abraha stepped up and helped keep the May Gates Endowment Program running in a time of transition. Through her organization, planning and collaboration, Danya Clevenger’s influence will have a lasting impact on the Carlson Center. Makayla Dorn assists her peers in succeeding through her work as a peer adviser.
Salem Abraha, the program influencer
“As a student you never imagine yourself having to carry the integrity of any program, and Salem did that. Her efforts and commitment carried our programs through a tough and busy school year. Aside from excelling in rigorous academics, Salem truly helped our programs excel this year.”
— Annabel Cholico, assistant director, Mary Gates Endowment
Achievements of note: President of the Black Student Union, 2019 Husky 100 Awardee, Global Opportunities Scholarship Recipient, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., University of Washington dean’s list for four consecutive quarters from fall of 2017 to fall of 2018.
Danya Clevenger, the impactful advocate
“When you first meet Danya, her easy laugh and genuine interest in people quickly win you over. Next, her thoughtfulness—about systems, process and details—comes shining through. Then if you’re lucky, you get to witness these things buoyed by her exceptional research facilitation, analysis and synthesis skill. Danya Clevenger is a women with vision—and she has the gifts, talents, and follow-through to make that vision come into being.”
— Kathryn Pursch Cornforth, associate director, Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center
Achievements of note: Shepherded the Carlson Center’s Theory of Change process, including facilitating robust involvement from on and off campus partners. Helped to create an internal process of strategic planning that asked the Carlson Center to consider how to activate their Theory of Change in meaningful ways that call upon them to use their time in alignment with their values. Concurrently completed two masters’ degrees while serving on the board of directors for Launch, completing a capstone degree project with Seattle Public Schools and raising her inquisitive 3-year-old-daughter, Philippa.
Makayla Dorn, the dedicated leader
“She approaches situations with curiosity, often asking questions when something doesn’t seem right, which inspires those around her to try harder and do better. She also leads by example, by consistently going above and beyond her job title. When students have questions she doesn’t know the answers to, she will take initiative to call multiple offices to find the answer for the student.”
— Joslin Boroughs, associate director and Lauren Marriott, lead academic adviser, Undergraduate Advising
Achievements of note: As a newly-hired peer adviser, processed hundreds of course prerequisite overrides and registration transactions for incoming students at Advising and Orientation. Leads by example for both the student associate and peer adviser teams in the Center for Undergraduate Advising, Diversity, and Student Success — helping to bridge communication gaps and suggest solutions and efficiencies for both staffs.
Distinguished Partner Award
The Undergraduate Academic Affairs Distinguished Partner Award recognizes a colleague, program or department whose collaborations with Undergraduate Academic Affairs have made significant advances in the University of Washington’s undergraduate academic experience. These collaborations enhance, enrich and deepen the undergraduate experience. The reciprocity of these relationships benefits undergraduates and the broader campus community.
Mary Gates Hall Custodial Team, the stewards of Mary Gates Hall
Desiderio De Castro, Maria Devaney, Joe Lo, Zenaida Pagdilao, Emebet Sefara, Cassk Thomas, Robert Thompson and Seare Zerom
“Our custodial team is indispensable to our work with our students, faculty and staff. They are keepers of the places we work, learn and convene. We are grateful for the work they do to preserve the spirit of Mary Gates Hall.”
— Ed Taylor, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Three UW students honored by the Boren Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The Boren Awards program honored three University of Washington students, naming Conor Cunningham and Sarah Slack as recipients, and Oliver Lang as an alternate. A competitive award, more than 850 students applied, and only 244 were offered positions. Boren Scholarships award up to $20,000 to study language and regions critical to U.S. interests. In exchange for funding, scholars will work in the federal government for at least one year following graduation. Since 1994, over 6,000 students have received Boren awards. Established in 1991, the Boren Undergraduate Scholarship provides funding opportunities for U.S. students to study languages and world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America & the Caribbean and the Middle East).
Meet the Boren Undergraduate Scholarship recipients:
Conor Cunningham, scholar to Latvia
UW senior Conor Cunningham knows firsthand the importance of immersion when learning a language. Growing up, he attended a French language school in Lausanne, Switzerland. More recently, he received the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship to spend two months studying Russian in Moscow. Cunningham, an international studies major, is specializing in cybersecurity issues in Eastern and Western Europe, Russian and Central Asia. To help prepare, he’s pursuing a triple minor in: French language; Russian language; and Russian, East European and Central Asian studies. Cunningham is currently a cybersecurity fellow in the Jackson School and received a Mary Gates Research Scholarship to support his work building a comprehensive dataset of Russian political interference around the world. During his fellowship, he participated in two global research group projects for Microsoft’s Defending Democracy team on election security. Cunningham presented his findings to the executive panel of the Digital Diplomacy Team at Microsoft. The combination of Cunningham’s passion for Russian language with Eastern European history and security issues in the region prompted him to apply for the Boren Scholarship. As a Boren scholar, he’ll be living in Daugavpils, Latvia. There, he’ll live with a host family, study at Daugavpils University, explore the culture and continue to study Russian language.
“Receiving the Boren has been one of my greatest achievements thus far and it has been a huge honor for me.” Cunningham explains. “This was my second time applying, after I was rejected for last year’s cycle, but this gave me time to reevaluate why I wanted to pursue this path and develop both my language skills and expand my research in Eastern European topics. In the end, this made receiving the scholarship that much more rewarding for me. It really signifies an acknowledgment of my work that I have done as a student at the University of Washington.”
Following his Boren experience, Cunningham plans to attend graduate school in the Washington D.C. area to continue pursuing his interest in Euraisan studies and cybersecurity. His long-term career goal is to build a career in the federal government using the cultural and linguistic skills developed during his Boren year.
Sarah Slack, scholar to Brazil — award declined
Bioengineering major Sarah Slack started at the UW determined to contribute to medicine. Early in her first year, she started researching in the Woodrow Lab. The Lab specializes in global health, and this experience confirmed her desire to pursue a career focusing on international health, likely infectious disease. Slack started taking Portuguese classes during her second year, primarily motivated by the uniquely welcoming culture she experienced while traveling in Brazil with her father to visit his old exchange family. Since then, her career goals have shifted towards integrating Portuguese, and what she’s learned from it, into her work. Her language studies have emphasized the importance of researchers being able to communicate with the different communities they work in. Slack envisions herself collaborating with global Lusophone communities by potentially working with the Center for Disease Control to respond to infectious disease threats in Lusophone areas. Slack was offered the Boren Scholarships’ summer STEM initiative to study in Brazil. She ultimately declined the Boren Scholarship in order to pursue a different fellowship opportunity in Brazil.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities at UW
The Boren Undergraduate Scholarship application process is supported by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards (OMSFA), a UAA program. OMSFA works with faculty, staff and students to identify and support promising students in developing the skills and personal insights necessary to become strong candidates for this and other prestigious awards.
Teaching across borders to become a better doctor
Tammy Tarhini, ’17, graduated knowing she wanted to be a doctor and work with Arabic speaking populations. However, she decided to spend the year before medical school on a Fulbright Fellowship as an English teaching assistant in Berlin, Germany. The question she’s most frequently asked is, “You want to be teacher?” Nope. Here’s why she’s confident that teaching English will make her a better physician.