News from the Office of Connected Learning

Persistence in Practice by Aidan Carey

When I first began my summer research, I had only a small crumb of an idea of what I had gotten myself into. While I did learn a significant amount about my field, the skillset I began developing is what I consider my most valuable takeaway. Fundamentally, the main thing it takes to do research...

January 26, 2026

Finding My Path in Stem Cell Research by Davis Liu

Dear future researchers, For 11 weeks last summer, I spent my time exploring research at the Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM). I had matched into Dr. Marcinek’s lab, studying aging and its effect on mitochondria. Growing up in my parents’ acupuncture clinic, I found an interest in both nerves and muscles of...

January 21, 2026

UW Bothell honored for outstanding community engagement

UW Bothell has again received national recognition from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its sustained, institution-wide commitment to community engagement. The Carnegie Community Engagement reclassification recognizes UW Bothell’s exemplary practices and long-standing partnerships that are designed to be meaningful and mutually beneficial. The achievement reflects...

January 13, 2026

What Climate Data Can Tell Us About Stock Behavior by Thomas Purchas

This summer I looked to tackle the research question of how extreme weather events affected stocks within the energy sector. I found this to be an important question to answer because there appears to be an increased incidence of extreme weather events going on as time passes. It is important to understand the effects of...

January 7, 2026

Building a Low-Cost Physics Device by Joseph Del Gianni

Q&A with Joseph Del Gianni What did I do this summer?  The purpose of my research is to develop an inexpensive, open source speed of light time of flight measurement device and associated curricula and lab manuals for undergraduate physics students. The device consists of a pulsed laser that fires the light across a measured...

January 7, 2026

Fall 2025 Mary Gates Awardees

Congratulations to five Bothell students for receiving the 2025 Mary Gates Endowment for Students in Autumn quarter. This scholarship provides $5,000 disbursed over two quarters and is intended to enhance the educational experiences of undergraduates while they are engaged in leadership and research guided by faculty. Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship Adrian Eccleston Degree: Extended Pre-MajorMentor: Gabi Cuna,...

January 7, 2026

From the Andes to the Amazon

Peru’s extraordinary biodiversity has long inspired Dr. Ursula Valdez, a UW Bothell lecturer and tropical ecologist who leads students on a 21-day study abroad program exploring the country’s ecosystems from the Andes to the Amazon. This year, 19 students experienced close encounters with wildlife, conducted field research and learned about major conservation challenges such as...

December 24, 2025

Opening New Doors: My Study Abroad Journey in Japan by Maja Makowska

What began as a way to fulfill Arts & Humanities credits became a deeply meaningful study abroad experience in Japan for Maja. Through immersive classes, field trips to cities like Hiroshima and Osaka, and collaboration with local university students, the program helped her gain cultural insight, independence, and a broader academic perspective beyond her major....

December 11, 2025

Beyond the Single Story: Connecting With People, Not Perceptions by Catherine Cruz

Catherine’s second study abroad experience in Rwanda became a deeply transformative journey that challenged assumptions and reshaped her understanding of Africa. Through close collaboration with UW and African Leadership University students, immersive discussions on nation-building, sports development, health, and human rights, and meaningful everyday moments, Catherine found connection, growth, and a new sense of belonging....

December 10, 2025