{"id":37842,"date":"2026-07-07T13:51:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T20:51:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/?p=37842"},"modified":"2026-07-07T15:57:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T22:57:16","slug":"stem-symposium-awards-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/news\/2026\/07\/07\/stem-symposium-awards-2026","title":{"rendered":"STEM Symposium Awards \u2014 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ceremony also honored faculty and community partners whose mentorship, guidance and support have helped students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faculty awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed UW Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"From
From left to right: Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann, Michelle Gamboa, Dr. Jong Yoon and Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recipient:<\/strong> Dr. Jong Yoon<\/a>, associate professor in the Department of Engineering & Mathematics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u202f 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoon, thank you for your incredible dedication to our students and your profound impact on our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> and find out how you can establish a fellowship to support the next generation of STEM leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis 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,\u201d said Chancellor Esterberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community partner awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

STEM Partnership Impact Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recipient:<\/strong> Dr. Jeffrey Williams, chief executive officer at Medesol Global Inc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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\"Dr.
From left to right: Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dr. Lori Robins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Dr.
From left to right: Dr. Lori Robins, Dr. Jeffrey Williams and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Throughout this partnership, Williams has served two years (2012-2014) on the STEM Advisory Board<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDr. Williams\u2019 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,\u201d said Dean McLoud-Mann.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Department of Computing & Software Systems Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Computing
Computing & Software Systems department awardees with Acting Department Chair Dr. Johnny Lin and Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This award recognizes undergraduate students with outstanding academic performance and excellence in core computing concepts and coursework.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recipients:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n