News from the Office of Connected Learning
My London leap of faith by Janeyra Ruiz-Navarrete
Janeyra once believed studying abroad was out of reach, but after attending a workshop and hearing from students with similar backgrounds, she found the confidence to pursue a program in London. Despite early fears about being away from home, navigating the city, and making friends, she quickly adapted, built meaningful friendships, and embraced new experiences....
August 25, 2025
As Cool as a Capybara: Connecting with nature in the Pantanal Region by Alexander Kennedy
In Campo Grande, Brazil, Alexander discovered a city where wildlife and culture are deeply connected from capybaras sunbathing in the parks to vibrant blue araras soaring above murals and neighborhoods. Conversations with Indigenous Terena leaders and visits to a local art exhibition showed him how these birds symbolize protection and identity. Grateful for the experience,...
August 25, 2025
Windmills and Walking Shoes by Gabriel Landry
Gabriel’s study abroad journey through Belgium and the Netherlands began not with windmills but with the reality of walking nearly 30,000 steps a day as his class explored eleven museums across Antwerp. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary installations, he learned as much from the art as from navigating cobblestone streets and the physical challenge of...
August 11, 2025
2025 President’s Medalist blazes her own path
Emerald Chuesh, who graduated in June with a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies from the University of Washington Bothell, was named the 2025 President’s Medal recipient, the highest academic honor awarded to a UW Bothell student. Her passion for research and participation on a test anxiety project helped her grow and become more open to...
July 31, 2025
Seoul Diaries by Jasmeet Kainth
Jas’s first solo study abroad in Seoul quickly became a transformative adventure, from navigating the city alone on her first day to building a routine studying in Yeonnam-dong’s cozy cafés and exploring Hongdae’s nightlife. She made unforgettable memories visiting Namsan Tower, experiencing K pop culture up close, and traveling beyond Seoul to places like Busan,...
July 30, 2025
Improving CPR outcomes with robot assistance
Dr. Jong Yoon, associate professor in the University of Washington Bothell’s School of STEM, is developing technology to better support first responders in these critical moments through his Smart Medical Devices Lab, Yoon leads the “Collaborative Robot-Assisted Ultrasound System for CPR” project. Dr. Yoon emphasizes that the project’s goal is not only to create innovative...
July 24, 2025
From the classroom to the streets of Kyoto: My Japan Journey by Hamdi Mohamud
For Hamdi, her first trip to Japan felt like a dream, especially as she navigated the country completely on her own. A homestay quickly became the highlight, giving her a welcoming family and access to hidden local spots she would not have found alone. She loved exploring Osaka freely, enjoying new foods and the independence...
July 21, 2025
Solo Seoul Exploration by Elizabeth Pham-Brehm
Elizabeth Pham-Brehm, a Study Abroad Ambassador, reflects on her transformative experience studying abroad in South Korea. What began as a daunting solo trip to Yonsei University became a journey of independence and personal growth. By navigating housing, classes and everyday life on her own, Elizabeth explored Korea more deeply, met new people and embraced new...
July 18, 2025
Measuring biases of GenAI
Dr. Afra Mashhadi, an assistant professor at the University of Washington Bothell, focuses her research on identifying and addressing bias in generative AI (GenAI) systems like ChatGPT. Dr. Mashhadi collaborates with UW’s Information School, and a team of student researchers in her latest research called The AuditLab project aimed to create a set of algorithms...
July 17, 2025
Report to the Community 2025
In the 2025 Report to the Community, the University of Washington Bothell celebrates its growth, achievements, and deep community connections. Now recognized as Washington’s No. 1 regional public university, UW Bothell provides a top-tier UW education to students across the greater Seattle and North Puget Sound region. This report highlights the university’s 35-year legacy of...
July 17, 2025
