On June 12, 2026, the School of STEM held its third annual STEM Symposium Awards Ceremony, where over 40 students across all four departments were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in their academics, research, leadership and more.

The ceremony also honored faculty and community partners whose mentorship, guidance and support have helped students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Faculty awards

Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship Award

From left to right: Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann, Michelle Gamboa. Dr. Jong Yoon and Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg. Dr. Jong Yoon holds certificate and glass award, shaped like a water drop — From left to right: Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann, Michelle Gamboa, Dr. Jong Yoon and Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg

In recognition of outstanding contributions in undergraduate research mentorship, broadening participation from underserved communities and inspiring the next generation of UW Bothell School of STEM graduates to make a positive impact in their broader community and the world.

Recipient: Dr. Jong Yoon, associate professor in the Department of Engineering & Mathematics

Yoon provides exceptional research opportunities for students, mentoring them in developing research skills, presenting their work and publishing with student authors. He has demonstrated outstanding mentorship by creating an inclusive undergraduate research environment where more than 40 undergraduate students have participated in long-term research experiences in biomedical engineering, robotics and assistive technologies.  His support extends beyond the classroom and lab, as he is a tireless champion of student clubs like TrickFire and EcoCar, helping students secure vital funding for competitions, conference travel, outreach and professional networking opportunities.

Yoon, thank you for your incredible dedication to our students and your profound impact on our community.

Michelle Gamboa created this endowment in honor of her father, Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa. Discover the story behind the STEM faculty fellowship Michelle founded and find out how you can establish a fellowship to support the next generation of STEM leaders.

“This symposium represents the very heart of the UW Bothell experience: a place where exceptional faculty mentorship empowers our diverse student body to tackle real-world challenges,” said Chancellor Esterberg.

Community partner awards

STEM Partnership Impact Award

The first-ever STEM Partnership Impact Award honors partners who create meaningful impact for STEM students through exceptional mentorship, leadership and support. This award celebrates those whose generous contributions of time, resources, research opportunities and community or industry engagement advance student success, strengthen STEM pathways and further the mission of the UW Bothell School of STEM.

Recipient: Dr. Jeffrey Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Medesol Global Inc

Dr. Jeffrey Williams has held a 14-year long, and on-going, partnership with the School of STEM and Dr. Lori Robins, professor in the Department of Physical Sciences.

Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Lori Robins at UW Bothell together. — From left to right: Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Lori Robins

Dr. Lori Robins holds a small framed certificate alongside Dr. Jeffrey Williams who holds a larger certificate alongside Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann at the awards ceremony. — From left to right: Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Lori Robins

Throughout this partnership, Williams has served two years (2012-2014) on the STEM Advisory Board, laying the foundation for a lasting partnership focused on science, discovery and student success. He has worked with many undergraduate students in publishing co-authored peer-reviewed publications. He has been a significant mentor to students, taking part in weekly research meetings on campus, funding projects, assisting with internships and guiding students in their academic journey.

“Dr. Williams’ generosity, expertise and dedication have made a lasting impact on UW Bothell STEM students, helping them build confidence, develop scientific thinking and explore new possibilities,” said Dean McLoud-Mann.

Department of Computing & Software Systems Awards

Computing & Software Systems department awardees holding their certificates, standing in a line with Acting Department Chair Dr. Johnny Lin and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann — Computing & Software Systems department awardees with Acting Department Chair Dr. Johnny Lin and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann

Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award

This award recognizes undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance and excellence in core computing concepts and coursework.

Recipients:

Ella Williams
Jonah Uellenberg

Undergraduate Research Excellence Award

This award recognizes undergraduate students for significant contributions to computing research, innovation, or impactful projects.

Recipients:

Student recipient (name withheld)
Robert Zimmerman

Undergraduate Leadership and Service Award

This award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship, service, and community engagement in computing.

Recipients:

Ava Calpe
Jonah Uellenberg
Student recipient (name withheld)
Uri Mittelman

Undergraduate Best Poster Award

This award recognizes the best poster presentation from today’s Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase.

Recipient: Codie Aragon

Graduate Outstanding Thesis Award

This award recognizes graduate students whose thesis demonstrates exceptional scholarship, originality, and academic achievement.

Recipients:

Shristi Srivastava
Haobo Peng

Graduate Impact and Innovation Award

This award recognizes graduate students who demonstrate innovation and applied impact through research, collaboration, or technology development.

Recipients:

Chandramathi Murugadass
Kris Yu
Samarth Mahadev Devkar
Nathaniel Jewel

Outstanding Project Award

This award recognizes a student whose project demonstrates exceptional innovation, technical excellence, creativity, and impact within their field of study.

Recipient: Sahithi Choragudi

Department of Physical Sciences Awards

Physical Sciences department awardees holding their certificates, standing in a line with Department Chair Eric Salathé and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann — Physical Sciences department awardees with Department Chair Eric Salathé and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann

Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award

This award recognizes outstanding academic performance in Chemistry, Physics, and Earth System Science coursework.

Recipients:

Ben Green (Biochemistry)
Student recipient (name withheld)
Sydney Reynolds (Chemistry)
Jude Pazier (Physics)
Alexander Kennedy (Physics)
Adam Ryuki Parker (Earth System Science)
Samantha Mark (Earth System Science)

Undergraduate Research Excellence Award

This award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to undergraduate research in Chemistry and Physics.

Recipients:

Kaito Hasebe (Physics)
Hannah Yu (Chemistry)

Undergraduate Leadership and Service Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Chemistry and Physics programs through mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

Recipients:

Rae Candelaria-Stoner (Physics)
Vidhyuth Vaidyanathan (Chemistry)

Outstanding Peer Facilitator Award

This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments as a peer facilitator and dedication to helping fellow students achieve their goals and potential.

Recipients:

Henry Fouillade (Physics)
Aleksandra Kozielczyk (Chemistry)

Department of Biological Sciences Awards

Biological Sciences department awardees holding their certificates, standing in a line with Department Chair Dr. Kristina Hillesland and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann — Biological Sciences department awardees with Department Chair Dr. Kristina Hillesland and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann

Outstanding Biology Community Engagement Award

This award recognizes a UW Bothell Biology student or team that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to community engagement through service, volunteer work, internships, student organizations, or other projects on or off campus.

Recipient: Evnit Kaur

Outstanding Biology Equity and Justice Award

This award recognizes a UW Bothell Biology student who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing equity and justice.

Recipient: Shree Karunagaran

Outstanding Biology Peer Facilitator Award

This award recognizes a UW Bothell Biology student who has demonstrated excellence in mentorship and peer facilitation, helping fellow students achieve their goals and potential.

Recipient: Dan Nguyen

Outstanding Biology Peer Award

This peer nominated award recognizes Biology students who demonstrate exceptional support, encouragement, and leadership among their peers.

Recipient: Naina Gill

Outstanding Biology Independent Researcher Award

This award recognizes Biology students who demonstrate excellence, independence, creativity, and dedication to research.

Recipients:

Basima Sharawi
Ash Putzke

Department of Engineering & Mathematics Awards

Engineering & Mathematics department awardees holding their certificates, standing in a line with Department Chair Dr. Tadesse Ghirmai and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann — Engineering & Mathematics department awardees with department chair Dr. Tadesse Ghirmai and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann

Academic and Research Excellence Award

This award recognizes Engineering and Mathematics students who have demonstrated outstanding performance in academics, undergraduate research, independent projects, or capstone projects.

Recipients:

Wesley Pronovost (Mechanical Engineering)
Marcus Barajac (Electrical Engineering)
Tim Jerome Scheldt (Mathematics)

Leadership and Service Award

This award recognizes an Engineering or Mathematics student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and community involvement.

Recipient: Carter Pham (Mechanical Engineering)

Resilience Award

This award recognizes Engineering and Mathematics students who demonstrate resilience and perseverance in overcoming significant challenges.

Recipients:

Ashley Trammel (Mechanical Engineering)
Daniel Dirdala (Electrical Engineering)
Hajer Alarak (Computer Engineering)
Student recipient (name withheld)

Graduate Research Excellence Award

This award recognizes graduate students who demonstrate outstanding research achievement or project work.

Recipient: Jacob Fontana (Electrical Engineering)

Congratulations to the awardees!

Each award recipient was recognized for their hard work and dedication to their field. Thank you for making an impact within your community – we are so proud of you!

Thank you to all the faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners who made this STEM Symposium & 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony possible.

Learn more about the School of STEM Symposium.