2023
Dylan Clark
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Kushang Patel
Dylan is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a double degree in Molecular Biology and Philosophy. He has previously done research on modeling HIV evolution at Dr. Alison Feder’s lab, and is now interested in understanding complex afflictions of the nervous system such as chronic pain. This summer, he will be in Dr. Kushang Patel’s lab researching the effects of exercise and cognitive-behavioral training on chronic pain within older adults. In his free time, Dylan likes to watercolor, nordic ski, rock climb and trail run.
Phoenix Adison Davis
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Michael Bruchas
Phoenix is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with College Honors. This summer, Phoenix is working with Dr. Michael Bruchas on a project investigating anxiolytic and drug-seeking behaviors related to peri-coerulear Neuropeptide S pathway modulation of orbitofrontal cortex NPSR1 populations. Phoenix plans on pursuing a P.hD. in biochemistry and establishing a career as a college professor. When they are not in class, the lab, or volunteering you can find them playing violin in the Campus Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as leading and participating in the RSO, Grey Matters. They also delight in mentoring other students and exploring their passion for teaching by peer mentoring incoming Interdisciplinary Honors Students and acting as a reader grader for undergraduate biochemistry students. At the end of an eventful day, they enjoy playing Mario Kart or snuggling up with their cat for a nap.
Kavin Srinakarin (Ken)
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Tonya Palermo
Kavin is a junior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Education. He plans on acquiring a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology post-graduation. This summer, he will be working at the Seattle Children’s Pediatric Pain & Sleep Innovations Lab under the supervision of Tonya Palermo, Ph.D. The lab specializes in constructing cognitive-behavioral interventions for pain conditions, and utilizing clinical research to inform pediatric pain management and resilience building. During the school year, Kavin is pursuing an honors thesis at the Center of Neuroscience, Neuroendocrinology & Clinical Translation. In his free time, Kavin enjoys directing short films, performing theatre, playing volleyball, late-night McDonald’s drive-thrus, and sitting by tranquil water.
Raiyan Khan
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Sean Rundell
Raiyan Khan is a rising junior at the University of Washington pursuing a B.S. in Microbiology. This summer, he will be working with Dr. Sean Rundell on epidemiological research related to back pain in older adults, specifically examining how neighborhood characteristics affect their pain trajectories. Raiyan has previous research experience as an assistant at the Harwood Lab for 1 1/2 years, where he worked on microbiology research related to Rhodopseudomonas palustris. Raiyan plans to obtain an M.D. after his undergraduate degree and is involved in a few RSOs. Currently, he serves as the Podcast Director for Grey Matters, the Dawah Coordinator for the MSA, and the Outreach Coordinator for the KSHR. His other fields of interest include computer science, philosophy, and history. In his free time, Raiyan enjoys being at the masjid, eating good food, playing sports with his friends, and reading books about Islamic history, philosophy, and jurisprudence.
Claire Joy Lee
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Charles Chavkin
Claire is a senior at the University of Washington majoring in Biochemistry and Philosophy. She is conducting research at the Chavkin lab, studying the Kappa opioid receptor and its potential antagonists for clinical applications. Claire is hoping to continue research in pharmacology and plans to enter the medical field as well. She is a classically trained cellist and ex-chess prodigy. In her free time, she likes to boulder, philosophize, or go to the opera.
Akila Rajan
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Benjamin Land
Akila is a second year majoring in Material Science Engineering, with an intended concentration in Nanomolecular Engineering. This summer she will be working with Professor Benjamin Land to use biological modeling methods to investigate the effectiveness of cannabanoids as long term pain mitigators.
Natalie Swanda
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Emily Law
Natalie is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Ancient Greek and Roman History. This summer, she will be working with Dr. Emily Law at Seattle Children’s Hospital, studying psychological and family functioning in youth with chronic headaches and refining internet-delivered interventions to treat pain and related sleep disorders. In the future, Natalie hopes to earn her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. During the school year, she works in the RISE Mental Health Lab under the direction of graduate student, Rashed AlRasheed, and plays the French horn in the UW Concert Band. She also enjoys walking and biking around her hometown of Snoqualmie, Washington, watching old movies, and building miniature models.
Olivia Tucker
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Garret Stuber
Olivia is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience. This summer she will work for Dr. Garret Stuber’s lab under the guidance of Ph.D. students Abigail Elerding and Madelyn Hjort. Her work will focus on identifying and isolating midbrain neuronal cell systems that guide motivated behavior. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine and research. She enjoys dancing, exploring the outdoors, and cooking fun meals in her free time.