News from the Office of Connected Learning

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

Utrecht – a Hidden Gem in the Netherlands by Jeane Marbaniang

Jeane arrived in Utrecht feeling homesick, but the city quickly became a place of comfort and discovery. From exploring canals and traveling to nearby cities to forming friendships and engaging in small, diverse classes at UCU, she found confidence and connection in a new environment. What began with uncertainty turned into a transformative experience that...

December 19, 2025

Recognizing the Little Moments in a City of Motion: My Study Abroad Experience in Tokyo, Japan by Ayrianna Hall

Ayrianna’s study abroad in Japan blended cultural immersion with personal and academic growth. Through classes, film analysis, and visits across Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, she learned to navigate discomfort, connect with Japanese students, and appreciate the small everyday moments that shaped her experience. By the end, Japan transformed her understanding of culture, identity, and herself,...

December 15, 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

Digital Scholars gain experience through campus internships

Launched in 2021, UW Bothell’s Digital Scholars Program trains traditionally underserved students in digital skills like marketing, data analytics and social media. The program concludes with a summer internship where students apply what they have learned to real-world projects. This year, students worked directly with campus departments. From improving digital accessibility and branding in the...

December 3, 2025