From 56�Թ�� Bothell to 56�Թ�� Medicine

John Vicory — Wed, 14 May 2025 23:37:48 +0000

Claire Truongdang’s journey of purpose and persistence

When alumna Claire Truongdang, Biochemistry ’24, started at 56�Թ�� Bothell, she wasn’t sure what to expect from college.

Having moved from Vietnam years earlier, she and her family were unfamiliar with the application process. With help from someone at her high school, she applied to 56�Թ�� Bothell because it was close to home and easy for her family to access.

Once at 56�Թ�� Bothell, she started in psychology but changed course after her mother faced serious health issues. “I just wanted to understand what she was going through,” Truongdang said.

It was then a chemistry course with Dr. Brandon Finley that sparked a new passion. “He changed my life,” she said. “He made me want to spend my whole day thinking about chemistry.”

With his encouragement, she switched to biochemistry and found a new direction in college and in a career.

Doors to research and opportunity

Through 56�Թ�� Bothell, Truongdang gained access to resources across the University of Washington. She joined the Maternal-Fetal Research Lab at 56�Թ�� Medicine, mentored by Dr. Stephen McCartney and Dr. Raj Shree, where she studied how pregnancy may unlock new insights into diseases like cancer and knowledge about human parturition mechanisms.

“Pregnancy is often seen as an invasion — like a tumor — but the body tolerates it,” she said. “Understanding that could help us find cures.”

Even after graduation, she has continued research with Dr. McCartney and Dr. Shree, exploring her interest in both science and social impact, especially in reproductive health care. “Pregnancy research is so underexplored,” she said. “It’s more than just uteruses, vulvas and vaginas. It can teach us about cancer, cardiovascular disease and more.”

While her lab work as a student took place at the 56�Թ�� in Seattle, Truongdang said the foundation she built at 56�Թ�� Bothell was essential. “Our campus feels small, but it opens doors across the 56�Թ��,” she said.

She credited Dr. Finley for inspiring her academic shift, Dr. Marc Servetnick for helping her secure research funding from the Associated Students of the 56�Թ�� Bothell and Dr. Brian White for connecting underrepresented students (including her sister) to internship opportunities at 56�Թ�� Medicine and other labs in Seattle.

Support that shaped her future

Now working full time in the 56�Թ�� Medicine lab while preparing to apply to M.D.-Ph.D. programs, Truongdang said she hopes eventually to lead her own lab, advance research that improves lives and support patients through complex health decisions just like her current mentors.

In addition to the support of faculty, this path was made possible through financial support, including the 56�Թ�� Bothell Alumni Endowed Scholarship and the Worthington Scholarship.

When her mother was laid off, the extra support helped her continue her studies. “That summer, those scholarships reduced the financial burden on our family’s budget by not having the added expenses of school.”

To the alumni who fund scholarships through efforts like the 56�Թ�� Bothell Husky 5K, Truongdang offered heartfelt thanks. “It’s not about big, flashy gifts,” she said. “It’s about giving back to the communities we came from. That kind of awareness is the highest level of giving.”

Despite the challenges, Truongdang found her voice — and it is clear, focused and grounded in purpose.

Like Claire, every student has a story full of potential, challenges and discovery. Giving to 56�Թ�� Bothell helps unlock opportunities for students to find their path and pursue their future with confidence.

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Joe Decuir’s Gift Expands Opportunities for Future Engineers

John Vicory — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 19:39:00 +0000

56�Թ�� Bothell lecturer Joe Decuir, a computing industry veteran, is helping future engineers through a generous gift supporting students in engineering and computing. With decades of experience in computer engineering and video game technology, Decuir’s contributions inside and outside the classroom are shaping the next generation of innovators.
Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News

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Innovation Hall expands STEM pathways

John Vicory — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 08:58:00 +0000

With the opening of Innovation Hall, 56�Թ�� Bothell and Cascadia College are offering more space and resources for STEM learning. The facility enhances collaboration, research and training in high-demand fields, supporting students as they prepare for careers in Washington’s growing tech economy. Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Supporting faculty who spark discovery

John Vicory — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 09:36:00 +0000

Dr. Joey Shapiro Key, associate professor of physics and an advocate for student research, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed 56�Թ�� Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship. The award, created by alumna Michelle Gamboa in honor of her father, recognizes faculty who mentor undergraduates and inspire the next generation of scientists. With support from the fellowship, Key will expand the reach of 56�Թ�� Bothell’s STEM Public Outreach Team — helping more students engage in hands-on science communication and research. Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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School of STEM Archives - Give to 56�Թ��� Bothell

From 56�Թ��� Bothell to 56�Թ��� Medicine

Joe Decuir’s Gift Expands Opportunities for Future Engineers

Innovation Hall expands STEM pathways

Supporting faculty who spark discovery

School of STEM Archives - Give to 56�Թ�� Bothell

From 56�Թ�� Bothell to 56�Թ�� Medicine