Undergraduate Research Collective 2025-2027 Cohort

Name: Warsame Abdiaziz

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Year: First-year transfer

Major: Public Health-Global Health

Mentor: Kelli O’Laughlin, Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine, Global Health; International Clinical Research Center (ICRC)

Warsame is a first-year transfer from Seattle, WA, and is majoring in Public Health-Global Health. He applied to this program after discovering the opportunity to work with Professor Kelli O’Laughlin, a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Global Health. This gives him the opportunity to explore two of his biggest interests, emergency medicine and global health, in one. He hopes to pursue a career in the medical field and hopes to contribute to health reform and equity along the way. In the meantime, he enjoys playing board games and writing all kinds of material, from poetry to short stories.

Name: Nadine Ali

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Year: Second-year

Major: International Studies

Mentor: Aria Fani, Assistant Professor, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures

Nadine is a second-year from Phoenix, AZ, and is majoring in International Studies and Political Science. She applied to the program in order to gain essential skills for research and collaboration. She is interested in area studies and learning about diverse cultures and politics. During high school, she strived to create spaces for her peers to feel like they belong, which is a concept that she highly values and try to incorporate into all of her work to this day. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, eating, and watching cooking videos.

Name: Sarah Allen

Hometown: Richmond, CA

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Environmental Public Health

Mentor: Jennifer Otten, Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health program

Sarah is a second-year student from Richmond, CA, studying environmental public health. She is excited to be a part of the Undergraduate Research Collective, where she looks forward to exploring her interests in food systems and public health. Sarah joined to gain guided research experience and to meet like-minded peers and mentors. She is interested in working in food safety after graduation and enjoys hiking, reading, and playing guitar.

Name: Danika Asgeirsson

Hometown: Port Angeles, WA

Year: First-year

Major: Environmental Science

Mentor: Jessica Bissett-Perea, Associate Professor, American Indian Studies; Adjunct Associate Professor of Comparative History of Ideas; Adjunct Associate Professor of Music History

Danika is a first-year from Port Angeles, Washington, attending the University of Washington’s Honors Program to major in Environmental Science, and minor in Political Science and American Indian Studies. She is Yup’ik Alaska Native from the Village of Kotlik, and aspires to work in environmental law and policy with tribes to protect land, water, and treaty rights for Indigenous people across Turtle Island. She is excited to have the opportunity to join the Undergraduate Research Collective to work with professor Jessica Bissett-Perea. Danika is passionate about her culture, rooted in subsistence practices of hunting, fishing, and gathering traditional foods and medicines from the land, and hopes to preserve those ways of life through environmental activism. In her free time, she enjoys designing beadwork, hiking new trails, and swimming.

Name: Alexa Carrasco Morfin

Hometown: Royal City, WA

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Biology

Mentor: Ronald Kwon, Associate Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

Alexa is a second-year from Royal City, WA, planning to major in biology. She applied to this program because of the opportunity to gain hands on experience in research, learn about a potential career path and be a part of a supportive and driven community. She is excited to learn all the components involved in research and be exposed to new experiences. She is still exploring specialties to pursue in the future, but hopes to go to medical school. In her free time, she enjoys painting, making bracelets, baking, and attending concerts.

Name: Maggie Chen

Hometown: Ringgold, GA

Year: Second-year

Major: Environmental Studies

Mentor: Tim Billo, Lecturer, Program on the Environment

Maggie is a sophomore from Ringgold, GA, and is majoring in Environmental Studies. The Undergraduate Research Collective stood out to her because of its emphasis on community building and advising support throughout the entire program. She is excited to work with Professor Tim Billo, drawn to how his research focuses not only on restoration, but also on bringing justice to the Duwamish people. After graduation, she aims to pursue a career related to environmental justice, through further education in either public policy or law. In her spare time, she enjoys running with friends, going to concerts, and crocheting.

Name: Samira Demeke

Hometown: Federal Way, WA

Year: First-year

Intended Major: History

Mentor: Katie Bunn-Marcuse, Associate Professor, Art History; Curator of Northwest Native American Art, Burke Museum

Samira is a first-year from Federal Way, WA, planning to major in history. She is excited to join the Undergraduate Research Collective as a way to connect with peers and extend her learning beyond consumption into research. After graduation, she plans to attend law school with a focus on labor and employment law. In her free time, she enjoys playing the flute, reading, and taking nature walks.

Name: Saishree Devineni

Hometown: Kirkland, WA

Year: First-year transfer

Intended Major: Finance and Economics

Mentor: Elizabeth Umphress, Professor, Business

Saishree is a first-year transfer student from Kirkland, WA, and is planning to pursue degrees in both finance and economics. She applied to join the Undergraduate Research Collective because she knew the organization, structure, and guidance given by the program would make conducting research feel less intimidating and make the process feel more accessible. Saishree is especially excited to work with an interdisciplinary cohort to expand her thinking and strengthen her research. She hopes to attend law school and go into economic policy. In her free time, she likes to bake, decorate cakes, write poetry, and practice henna skills. Saishree is honored to have been selected for such an amazing opportunity and is thrilled to spend the next two years as a member of the program!

Name: Sarah Dittle

Hometown: Mililani, HI

Year: Second-year

Major: Classical Studies

Mentor: Stephen Groening, Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Studies

Sarah is a sophomore from Mililani, HI, hoping to double major in History and Journalism and Public Interest Communication. She is excited to join the Undergraduate Research Collective because of the opportunity to engage in textual research as well as the community and support she hopes the program will provide. Her other interests include Classical and Chinese history, as well as writing. In the future, she would love to be a History professor or work in publishing and foster cats. In her free time, Sarah likes to write, watch YouTube videos, cook, and spend time with her wonderful friends and family.

Mentor: Stephen Groening, Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Studies

Name: Ian Downen

Hometown: Longbranch, WA

Year: First-year transfer

Major: Environmental Science and Resource Management

Mentor: Suzanne Withers, Associate Professor, Geography; Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, Centers for Statistics and the Social Sciences

Ian is a junior transfer student from Longbranch, WA, and is majoring in Environmental Science and Resource Management. He joined the collective to forge personal and professional relationships with both peers and mentors while also acquiring skills relevant toward the fields of public health, environmental health, and geographic information systems. Ian plans to work as an environmental consultant, safety and health technician, or compliance manager and is willing to explore similar options. In his free time, he likes to hike in the mountains, lift weights, read and write, and go to concerts.

Name: Alondra Estrada Perez

Hometown: Tacoma, WA

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Biology

Mentor: Adam Steinbrenner, Associate Professor, Biology

My name is Alondra and I am a sophomore from Tacoma, WA, attending the UW and plan to major in Biology. I am super excited to join a program that is designed for people, like me, who have never done research/were intimidated by research. I applied to the Undergraduate Research Collective because I wanted to surround myself who were just as curious on research topics but didn’t know how to start; additionally, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and apply what I have been learning in my STEM classes into the real world. I am interested in becoming a physician in either pediatrics or family medicine, but am interested in exploring other specialities as well! In my free-time, I LOVE to walk, journal, explore the city, and my quiet time!

Name: Jaiden Garcia

Hometown: Bellingham, WA

Year: First-year

Major: Jazz Studies

Mentor: Ted Poor, Associate Professor, School of Music, DXARTS

Jaiden is a first-year from Bellingham, WA, and is majoring in Jazz Studies at the School of Music. With a background in music and an interest in doing research, Jaiden is delighted to have the opportunity to combine them under the guidance of Ted Poor. In their free time, Jaiden is also a software developer and electronic music producer, which has led to a special interest in the intersection of technology and music. Jaiden hopes to continue pursuing music as a career, and is considering becoming a teacher after graduation.

Name: Sophia Grechishkin

Hometown: Mount Vernon, WA

Year: Second-year

Major: Marine Biology

Mentor: Amy Van Cise, Assistant Professor, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Sophia is a sophomore student from Mount Vernon, WA, majoring in Marine Biology. The Undergraduate Research Collective appealed to her due to its emphasis on fostering a sense of community and skill development among undergraduates, and her passion for gaining experience in the field of marine biology was the cherry on top. Sophia especially loves learning about the Salish Sea ecosystem and strengthening her stewardship and sense of place in western Washington. In her spare time, she runs, listens to music, volunteers, and explores.

Name: Agustina Kapor Prije

Hometown: Bothell, WA

Year: First-year transfer

Major: Environmental Engineering

Mentor: Brandi Cossairt, Professor, Chemistry

Agustina is a junior transferring from Edmonds College and is majoring in Environmental Engineering. Her hometown is in Bothell, Washington. She applied to this program with hopes of joining a community that is interested in conducting research. Her research interests align with building sustainable materials/methods to help the environment and that’s why she is very excited to work alongside Professor Brandi Cossairt. She likes to spend most of her free time outside and is also passionate about music!

Name: Catherine Kiggundu

Hometown: Kampala, Uganda

Year: First-year transfer

Major: Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Mentor: Ayokunle Olanrewaju, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering

Catherine is a junior from Kampala, Uganda majoring in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. She was drawn to undergraduate research because she wanted to find a community and a sense of belonging. She is excited to meet new people and make new friends while developing her research and leadership skills. She hopes to become an aeronautical engineer after graduation, but is also open to pursuing research-focused career paths. In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with family, hanging out with friends and taking walks.

Name: Lesley Lopez-Covarrubias

Hometown: Federal Way, WA

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Public Health-Global Health

Mentor: Angélica Amezcua, Assistant Professor, Spanish and Portuguese Studies, Director of the Heritage Language Program

Lesley Lopez-Covarrubias is a sophomore from Federal Way, Washington, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health-Global Health. She applied to the Undergraduate Research Collective because she is excited to work with Professor Angélica Amezcua, whose research supports Latinx communities through bilingual education and the maintenance of heritage languages. Lesley looks forward to gaining qualitative research skills while contributing to studies that amplify the voices of minoritized communities. Her career goal is to become a dentist serving low-income and Hispanic communities, using her bilingual skills in Spanish and English to provide culturally sensitive care. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring hair products for her curly hair, creating clay figures, volunteering, and going to the gym.

Name: Ofelia Matevosyan

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Year: First-year

Major: Education

Mentor: Sara Kover, Professor, Speech and Hearing Sciences

Ofelia is a first-year from Seattle, WA, and is majoring in Education Research and Policy. She applied to the program because she is very curious and wanted a more immersive dive into information about speech and hearing sciences. She has always been interested and eager to understand how and why humans interact the way they do and is excited to undergo research especially alongside Sara Kover. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Sciences and use what she’s learned in the classroom as a college professor. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports like swim and waterpolo, baking, and exploring the city.

Name: Christina Paw Htoo

Hometown: Tri-Cities, WA

Year: First-year transfer

Intended Major: Psychology

Mentor: Paula Saravia, Assistant Teaching Professor, Anthropology

Christina is a transfer student from Tri-Cities, Washington, who plans to major in psychology and pursue clinical work. She is starting her journey at UW as a junior. Her dream is to start her own non-profit organization and give back to her Karen community. She is grateful to participate in the Undergraduate Research Collective and work with Professor of Anthropology Paula Saravia. She’s always been interested in research and believes this program will not only teach but also support her through the learning process. In her free time, she enjoys watching video essays, crafting, eating, or attending local events.

Name: Kymber Stephenson

Hometown: Boise, ID

Year: First-year

Intended Major: Medical Laboratory Science

Mentor: Patrick Boyle, Associate Professor, Bioengineering; Adjunct Associate Professor, Cardiology; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Cardiovascular Biology, eScience Institute

Kymber is a first year student from Boise, ID, planning to major in medical laboratory science. She is excited to join the Undergraduate Research Collective because she wants to gain early research experience along with learning new skills outside of the classroom. She hopes to pursue a career in forensic pathology but is open to other paths. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and reading in cafes with friends.

Name: Priya Ton

Hometown: Portland, OR

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Asian Studies

Mentor: Chan Lu, Associate Professor, Asian Languages and Literature

Priya is a second-year student from Portland, OR and is majoring in Asian Studies. She is excited to join the Undergraduate Research Collective to learn more about the research process, meet other passionate students, and learn more about the world. She is looking forward to working with Professor Chan Lu in her work with bilingual development and dual language immersion schools. Having attended Chinese immersion schools herself, she is excited to learn about language development and hopes that it will help in her own language learning journey. Priya is still exploring potential career paths, but hopes to use her Chinese language skills in her future career. In her free time, she enjoys baking, trying new foods and restaurants, traveling, and paddle boarding.

Name: Ruiqi Zhou

Hometown: Beijing, China

Year: Second-year

Intended Major: Statistics

Mentor: Sara Curran, Professor, International Studies, Sociology, Public Policy; Director, Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology; Associate Vice Provost for Research

Ruiqi is a sophomore from Beijing, China, and plans to major in Statistics. He joined this program because he’s looking forward to joining a community where mutual understanding is valued while conducting research. He has witnessed social disparities in development and wealth inequality, and feels obligated to improve them. He believes that academic research is a scientific way to do that and sees this program as an ideal starting point. He’s still unsure about his future career but open to various opportunities, especially ones related to data science. In his free time, he likes playing basketball, reading, playing with his cats, and watching sports games.