Bringing together innovation, excellence, and impact, the School of STEM held its 2nd annual award recognition ceremony, applauding students, faculty, and community partners who exemplify our dedication to solving the pressing problems and confronting challenges that shape our communities, region, nation, and world.

Today, we come together to recognize those who have gone above and beyond, those who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, DEIJ values, innovation, service, and a deep commitment to their disciplines and communities. These awards are more than just honors; they reflect the values we hold dear in the School of STEM.

Jennifer McLoud-Mann, dean, School of STEM

Faculty awards

Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions in undergraduate research mentorship, broadening participation from underserved communities and inspiring the next generation of 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell School of STEM graduates to make a positive impact in their broader community and the world.

Recipient: Dr. Afra Mashhadi, assistant professor, Computing & Software Systems Division

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.

Philanthropic recognition

Scott Grosenick — a proud “Double Dawg,â€� earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computing & Software Systems here at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell in 2000 and 2012 — has created an endowment that will make a lasting impact for generations of students to come.

Read more about Grosenick in a 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell article, Inspired by computer science rockstars.

This year, we were able to recognize and celebrate student excellence in an exceptional way, awarding our student honorees a monetary prize made possible by the generous support of Dr. Sheree Wen.

In addition to this support, generous donors came together last year to help fund undergraduate research scholarships for summer 2025. These scholarships open doors for students to engage in meaningful experiential learning, work closely with faculty mentors, and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world research that prepares them for their future careers.

We are deeply grateful for our donors’ thoughtfulness and generosity to the School of STEM — a testament to the strength of our community and the lifelong connection our graduates and community partners feel to 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell.

Computing & Software Systems (CSS) awards

CSS Best Poster

In recognition of the best Computing & Software Systems (CSS) Division poster presentation during the Capstone Colloquium.

Recipients:

• Spring 2025: Sarah Anderson
• Winter 2025: James Day
• Autumn 2024: Aditya Pillai
• Summer 2024: Lily Aguirre

CSSE Outstanding Academic Performance

In recognition for high academic achievement for students graduating between summer 2024 and spring 2025 with a major in Computer Science & Software Engineering.  

Recipient: Jordan Lavigueure

Applied Computing Outstanding Academic Performance

In recognition for high academic achievement for students graduating between summer 2024 and spring 2025 with a major in Applied Computing.

Recipient: Anni Khanal

CSS Graduate Studies Best Thesis Award

In recognition of the most outstanding thesis from a Computing & Software Systems graduate student during the past year. 

Recipient: Phat Tran

CSS Graduate Studies Best Thesis or Capstone Project that Incorporates Diversity, Equity, inclusion, and/or Justice

In recognition of the most outstanding thesis or project from a Computing & Software Systems graduate student during the past year that made an impact in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and/or Justice. 

Recipient: Elias Martin 

Physical Sciences Division (PSD) awards

Student Success Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the chemistry or physics program through achievements in mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

• Physics: Carol Miu

Academic Achievement Award

In recognition of outstanding performance in chemistry or physics coursework.

• Chemistry: Zach Thomas 
• Physics: Jayron Yucker 
• Earth System Sciences: Dash Paulson

Outstanding Peer Facilitator

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments as a peer facilitator and helping other students achieve their goals and potential.

• Chemistry: Ethan Gause
• Physics: Morrigan

Outstanding Researcher

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in chemistry or physics research.

• Chemistry: Zach Thomas
• Physics: Liliana Flores
• Earth System Sciences: Brendan McCindle 

Physical Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Award 

Winners of this award show excellent potential as researchers, and they receive a stipend from the chair of the Physical Sciences Division to support summer research. 

Recipients:

• Kaito T. Hasebe, working with Dr. Joey Shapiro Key on their project “Fast Radio Burstsâ€�
• Jude Pazier, working with Dr. Subramanian Ramachandran on their project “The Design of a Sample Stage and Search for Resistive Transition in the Superconducting State of Bulk MgB2â€�
• Tobias Roetteler, working with Dr. Lori Robins on their project “Stability of Chronic Wound Dressingsâ€�
• Hana Yu, working with Dr. Hyung Kim on their project “New Proteins in the Nitrogen Cycleâ€�

Earth System Sciences Recognition of Community Engagement

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the community through achievements in mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

Recipient: Aidan McQuilkin

Biological Sciences (BIO) awards

Outstanding Biology Community Engagement Award 

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the community through leadership, outreach, and service. 

Recipient: Jiwan Tib

Outstanding Biology Equity and Justice Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the community through equity and inclusion service, outreach, and leadership work. 

Recipient: Gurleen Dosanjh 

Outstanding Biology Peer Facilitator Award

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments as a peer facilitator and helping other students achieve their goals and potential. 

Recipient: Newton Austria Ball 

Outstanding Biology Peer Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions as a peer and colleague, demonstrating kindness, support, collegiality, support, and mentorship to fellow Biology students.  

Recipients:

• Vivian Lam 
• Hadiya Amjad

Outstanding Biology Independent Researcher Award

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in Biology research. 

Recipients:

• Christian Paulos
• Joanna Agana

Engineering & Mathematics (E&M) awards

E&M Academic Excellence Award

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in mathematics or engineering research.

• Electrical Engineering: Giovanni Dominguez
• Mechanical Engineering: Charlotte Morrison
• Computer Engineering: Hong K Nguyen
• Mathematics: Alex Lewis
• Mathematics: David Z. Gershnik

E&M Leadership and Service Award

In recognition of contributions to the mathematics or engineering programs through achievements in mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

• Electrical Engineering: John Vertner
• Electrical Engineering: Jason Truong
• Mechanical Engineering: Brooke Ojala
• Computer Engineering: David Kim
• Mathematics: Cassandra Humarang

E&M Resilience Award

In recognition of resilience in overcoming significant obstacles and challenges in the mathematics and engineering programs.

• Electrical Engineering: Kenneth Ho
• Electrical Engineering: Julianne DeGuzman
• Mechanical Engineering: Haley James
• Computer Engineering: Husai Ehrari
• Mathematics: Bryan Zeutenhorst

Celebrating achievement

Each award recipient demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation within their respective fields. Their accomplishments reflect academic excellence and highlight their commitment to advancing research, fostering community engagement, and representing the School of STEM’s vision and mission.

The School of STEM congratulates all award winners and expresses gratitude to the countless faculty, staff, students, and partners for their continuous support and contributions to making the 2nd annual STEM Symposium a resounding success.

Learn more about the School of STEM Symposium.

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Dr. Scherr’s research explores hands-on physics labs, faculty development, and inclusive teaching in quantum mechanics. A leader in physics education, she has served as a conference organizer, doctoral advisor and community leader.

In 2017, she was named a fellow of the American Physical Society for her foundational work on energy learning, classroom video analysis, and her leadership in the physics education research community.

Check out the .

Reflecting on the appointment, Dr. Scherr shared, “Peer review is one of the most important forms of communication among scientists. I think of the review process as an authentic conversation between peers about a matter that is important to both of them. A framework of mutual understanding and growth improves the quality of research in the field by creating conditions in which colleagues appreciate peer review as a valuable source of substantive feedback on their work.”

Congratulations, Dr. Scherr! Your continued work enriches the physics education community and helps pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in the field. Through her research and leadership, she supports both current educators and the next generation of physicists.

The post Rachel Scherr, associate editor of Physical Review Physics Education Research appeared first on School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

Yoon was honored at the 66th Annual PSEC Engineer of the Year Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 26, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann had the honor of introducing Yoon and welcoming him up to the stage to accept his award.

“He lives the mission of our School of STEM, transforming lives — one student at a time,� said Dean McLoud-Mann. “From supporting first-generation college students here in Washington to mentoring Korean students across the globe, Yoon’s reach is both personal and far-reaching.�

A leader in innovation and impact

Yoon directs the Smart Medical Devices Lab at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell, where his research bridges mechanical engineering, robotics, and biomedical devices. His work focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to improve the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and to support caregiving tasks.

Among his most impactful projects is the development of a smart multifunction toilet wheelchair — a device designed to restore dignity and independence for users, while enhancing safety and efficiency for caregivers. His lab also explores minimally invasive surgical robotics, multi-modal medical imaging, and neural interfaces for assistive technologies.

Yoon’s work has led to multiple patents and has received support from agencies including the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

A global perspective, a local commitment

Yoon brings a diverse range of experience to 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell. He previously served as an assistant professor at Qatar University and worked as a research engineer at Samsung Electro-Mechanics. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, where he developed an automated bladder imaging system using a novel scanning fiber endoscope.

Since joining 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell in 2014, Yoon has become an integral part of the School of STEM — offering students a unique opportunity to learn from a global innovator with deep roots in interdisciplinary, application-driven research. As a founding faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s program, Yoon was instrumental in developing the undergraduate program curriculum and overseeing the program’s review for the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Mentorship that matters

In addition to his research, Yoon is a dedicated educator and mentor. He supported students in founding the campus chapter of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers in 2016 and still serves as their adviser. He also advises the TrickFire Robotics Club, helping students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Under his guidance, student teams have competed in national competitions such as the NASA Robotic Mining Competition and the University Rover Challenge.

Serving as an adviser since the start of the Eco-car club in 2022 (which was renamed in 2024 from The Electrical Motorsports club), Yoon supported the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell team participating in the EV Grand Prix, an electric go-kart race for collegiate teams hosted by Purdue University in 2023. Looking ahead, the club is focused on the annual Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026. The Eco-car club designs and builds small, energy-efficient electric cars from scratch.

His emphasis on hands-on learning and student engagement reflects the core values of the School of STEM — providing opportunities, collaboratively engaging with our community and empowering students to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in their fields.

PSEC recognizing excellence

The PSEC Academic Engineer of the Year Award is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement in academic engineering and research. Yoon was nominated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Western Washington Section in recognition of his significant and ongoing contributions to both academia and the broader engineering community.

Reflecting on the significance of this recent award, Yoon emphasized the personal and professional fulfillment he has found in mentoring students and serving the community.

“While time-consuming, my service to student groups as well as professional and local communities has been deeply rewarding and fulfilling — especially witnessing students grow, which has been truly priceless,� he shared. “I strongly believe that students who engage in extracurricular activities are more motivated, and that this experience is positively related to academic performance and leadership.�

Please join us in congratulating Yoon on this well-deserved recognition. This honor not only highlights Yoon’s accomplishments but also reflects the growing impact of 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell’s School of STEM in addressing complex challenges through research, education, and innovation.

To learn more about Yoon’s work, visit the .

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A personalized approach to education 

When Dr. Han-Wei Shih joined the School of STEM’s Division of Biological Sciences at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell as an assistant professor in autumn 2024, he brought a student-focused approach to his Molecular Biology course. A pre-course survey revealed to him that his students, mostly seniors planning to graduate in a few months, were unaware of the diverse career paths available to them. Instead of merely delivering lectures, he engaged students in discussions about what they already knew and what they hoped to learn. This adaptive teaching method ensured that students were not just checking boxes for graduation but were actively preparing for their future careers. 

“He wanted to go above and beyond and help us prepare not just for our academic lives, but also for our lives onward from that,â€� Biology Senior Adelle Nolan said. “Whether it’s our career or continuing in academia, whatever it was.â€�  

Eye-opening field experiences 

To expand his students’ understanding of career possibilities in biology, Shih arranged field trips to and the at the end of autumn quarter. The field trips gave students an inside look at the facilities through guided tours and interactive Q&A panels with professionals working in cross-disciplinary roles. Shih hoped that these tours would provide his students with awareness of the research community in the region and the career opportunities in the fields. Shih also wanted his students to hear from speakers with diverse STEM backgrounds, learning about their personal journeys through academia and industry and how they arrived at their current roles.  

“I strongly believe that academia and industry share a close and mutually beneficial relationship,â€� Shih said. “This connection is essential not only for advancing academic research but also for fostering industry growth.â€� 

At Just – Biologics, students explored the intersection of biology and technology, where professionals worked in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions. Speaker panels highlighted unique backgrounds and specialties and how they come together collaboratively in biotech research. The Allen Institute further reinforced this concept, with researchers from a wide range of backgrounds collaborating on cutting-edge projects across disciplines. 

“It was very interesting to see the types of people that go into this facility and what their roles were, what they did, and how they all interconnected,� said Hannah Heilman, a senior majoring in Biology.  

For Heilman, who’s been involved in genetics research at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell, the experience was eye-opening to the opportunities available in biology in Seattle and the value that vast research experience brings to the field. 

“Going on the field trip to the Allen Institute and Just – Biologics tied into my research because it made me appreciate the science more,â€� Heilman said. “It just inspired me to keep going, working at what I love, and to get as much research experience as possible.” 

A well-rounded approach to science and learning 

For many students, these experiences were more than just academic exercises — they were pivotal moments that shifted their outlook on their futures. Nolan, initially uncertain about job opportunities within their niche specialty of human sex diversity, found reassurance in seeing recent graduates working in interdisciplinary roles. 

“I came into this field trip being worried about my future and feeling like I wanted to cling on to my bachelor’s degree — find a way to stay in college forever,â€� they shared. “But then when I came out of that first field trip, I felt confident. I felt inspired.â€� 

The field trips reiterated to students that a successful career in biology isn’t confined to a single specialty. The educational journey in the School of STEM is about more than just meeting graduation requirements — it’s about helping students discover their passions, build meaningful connections and step into their future with excitement and purpose. 

“The experience showed us how science thrives on collaboration and innovation,â€� Shih said. “As we returned to our studies, we carried with us a deeper appreciation for the endless possibilities in scientific discovery.â€� 

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Building on gravitational wave research from the last decade, the European Space Agency (ESA) teamed up with NASA for the upcoming . NASA’s Astrophysics Division selected six U.S. scientists from all over the nation to serve on the joint ESA-NASA LISA Science Team; they will join a team of eleven European scientists along with two interdisciplinary scientists and a representative from the LISA Consortium.

Among the six U.S. scientists chosen is 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell’s Dr. Joey Shapiro Key, associate professor in physics.  

We’re going to be working hard to ensure the success of the mission. But that is something that I want to contribute my time to.

A multi-generational legacy in astronomy 

During her time in graduate school at Montana State University, Key intended to focus on cosmology but was still unsure of her path. She began working on cosmology research with Dr. Neil Cornish but changed to his research group’s focus on gravitational waves.    

“I was an astrophysics major in college and I worked on cosmology in undergrad,â€� Key said. “But in grad school, I started working on gravitational wave astronomy because that’s what my adviser was working on.â€�   

Key’s research has contributed to LIGO, LISA and NANOGrav, the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves.    

“These big missions that we do, like LIGO and like LISA, they’re multi-generational,â€� Key said. “I mean, really human generations, scientific generations and academic generations.â€�   

Key’s adviser, Cornish, had been working on these missions long before he taught her, and now she is teaching students who will become leaders in this field in 10 to 15 years. Cornish is also one of the six scientists selected to work on the LISA mission, so after many decades of working and researching, Key and Cornish will reunite for the project as peers and colleagues.    

“I trained with him and learned from him,â€� Key said. “It’s fun and exciting to continue collaborating with him in this new role.”  

Nurturing curiosity and discovery in the classroom 

As an associate professor at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell, Key incorporates current research and discoveries in her teaching. Because it’s happening in real-time, gravitational wave research makes its way into her physics and cosmology courses, classical mechanics and astronomy 101.    

“It’s natural and timely to include all of this in classes,â€� Key said.    

56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell provides programs and opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge gravitational wave research. Last year, Jayron Yucker, a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Physics, received an email from Key offering her mentorship. Yucker became involved in Key’s gravitational wave research group and was encouraged to apply for the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). In this program, he worked with simulated LISA data – particularly looking at extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRI), small black holes orbiting supermassive black holes.  

Astronomy is sort of a gateway science. People can get excited even if it doesn’t connect to the details of their everyday life.  

One of the more well-known opportunities at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell are the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, which provide students with immersive research experiences over the summer. August Muller, a visiting researcher at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell, was part of the 2021 Physics REU cohort working with Key on LISA EMRI search techniques. Muller came to 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell because it was one of the only research programs she applied to that would give her hands-on research experience. Even after completing the REU, Muller kept updated on the gravitational wave project and it later became the focus of her bachelor’s thesis. 

“I sort of realized in that moment that I was having more fun in the research that I was doing with Joey,â€� Muller said. “Trying out different fields and really using that as an opportunity to figure out what one likes and doesn’t like as an academic and as a scientist, I think was very useful to me.â€� 

Now, Muller’s beginning a 10-month Fulbright fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics where she will be continuing her gravitational wave research.   

“That’s how the undergraduate research goes,” Key said. “They’re long-term projects that students come on and learn about the project and contribute and then sort of pass it along.â€�   

Due to the generational longevity of this field, K-12 outreach efforts are crucial for engaging high school students in gravitational wave research. Initiatives like the aim to make complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for younger audiences.   

Through outreach and research opportunities, educators like Key are cultivating the next generation of scholars in this relatively young field.    

“Astronomy is sort of a gateway science,â€� Key said. “People can get excited even if it doesn’t connect to the details of their everyday life.”  

LISA’s unique design: A space-based revolution 

Set to launch in 2035, LISA’s design consists of three spacecraft arranged in an equilateral triangle, with laser beams extending approximately 2.5 million miles on each side measuring the distance between them. When an astronomical event occurs, the gravitational waves will cause the spacecrafts to shift slightly. The lasers will measure that distance and send the signal to scientists down on Earth to analyze – which is the role Key is assisting with.    

Designing this mission to be in space is more complicated according to Key, but it holds a lot of advantages. Because it will operate in space, LISA will span larger than the Earth and be incredibly sensitive to gravitational waves — resulting in LISA collecting a lot of data for scientists. One of the key objectives of the mission is to learn more about supermassive black holes. Located at the center of almost every large galaxy, a supermassive black hole has a mass of hundreds of thousands to billions of times the Sun’s mass, according to NASA. But scientists know very little about them. 

“LISA is our only prospect for observing those kinds of systems,â€� Key said.    

This ability to capture the subtle shifts caused by gravitational waves will revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental nature of gravity, black holes and galaxies.  

Key’s commitment to advancing gravitational wave research 

Due to its incredible sensitivity, LISA will collect a lot of overlapping signals which will need to be analyzed so they aren’t contaminating each other. Key’s role in the mission is to analyze simulated LISA data since the mission has not yet launched.  

“It makes it an interesting data analysis problem,â€� Key said. “Right now, I use simulated LISA data to demonstrate our analysis techniques – that’s what I do with students here at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell.â€�   

Key’s role in the mission is essential because her work enables LISA’s gravitational wave data to identify the properties of different astrophysical sources. Key’s term on the LISA science team will last three years; collaborating with the other scientists selected and learning more about the data that LISA will collect on its 4.5-year mission orbiting around the Sun. 

“It’s a great honor to be selected,â€� Key said. “Our field is full of smart, talented, motivated scientists working to answer these kinds of questions, this new kind of astronomy and this new way to observe the cosmos and black holes and other kinds of sources. We’re going to be working hard to ensure the success of the mission. But that is something that I want to contribute my time to.â€� 

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Konpal Ali

Assistant Professor

Division of Engineering & Mathematics – Electrical Engineering

Dr. Konpal Ali earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Before joining the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø, she was a postdoc at the University of Manitoba and then at New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi.

Research focus:
Performance analysis, optimization and design of large wireless networks that accurately model real-world networks.

Courses:
EE 341A Discrete Time Linear Systems
EE 517A Wireless Communications I
EE 235A Continuous Time Linear Systems
EE 518A Wireless Communications II

Miguel Balzan

Assistant Teaching Professor

Division of Engineering & Mathematics – Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Miguel Balzan is a mechanical engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, specializing in fluid dynamics. With over 15 years of teaching and industry experience, he has collaborated with energy companies on improving fluid handling processes.

Research focus:
Complex fluid behaviors, including effervescent atomization and drop impacts.

Courses:
B ME 331 Thermodynamics
B ME 435 HVAC
B ME 223 Engineering Dynamics
B ENGR 321 & B ME 334 Laboratories in Mechanical Engineering

Dharma Dailey

Assistant Teaching Professor

Division of Computing & Software Systems

Dr. Dailey earned her Ph.D. in Human Centered Design & Engineering from the University of Washington College of Engineering. She has taught part-time in the School of STEM since 2021. Having mentored over 20 data science teams, she emphasizes the integration of human-centered practices to improve processes and results.

Research focus:
Investigating collaborations between professional software engineers and scientists at the Scientific Software Engineer Center at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø, while also organizing workshops for data science educators to exchange strategies for teaching Data for Good. Additionally, she supports digital equity projects in Washington state.

Courses:
CSS 142 Intro to Computer Programming I
CSS 478 Usability and User-Centered Design

Elizabeth Field

Assistant Professor

Division of Engineering & Mathematics – Mathematics

Dr. Elizabeth Field received her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She went on to work at the University of Utah where she was a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Scholar.

Research focus:
Geometric group theory, geometric topology, and low-dimensional topology.

Courses:
MATH 300 Foundations of Modern Math
MATH 441 Topology

Elizabeth Ostrowski

Assistant Professor

Division of Biological Sciences

Dr. Ostrowski received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Michigan State University. Ostrowski will join 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell in December from the University of Auckland, where she was a senior research fellow at the Liggins Institute. Ostrowski’s research background is in microbiology, evolutionary genetics and genomics. Her research combines studies of natural populations with laboratory evolution experiments that identify genetic changes in real-time.

Research focus:
Microbiology, evolutionary genetics and genomics.

Courses:
B BIO 375 Molecular Biology
B BIO 495 Investigative Biology

Han-Wei Shih

Assistant Professor

Division of Biological Sciences

Dr. Han-Wei Shih earned his Ph.D. in cell biology from Pennsylvania State University in 2015, focusing on cellular ion signaling in mechanosensing and gravity-sensing within the field of space biology. His postdoctoral research at the University of Washington Seattle explored signal sensing and transduction in cell differentiation and antibiotic resistance, specifically in the protozoan parasite Giardia.

Research focus:
Molecular mechanisms regulating encystation and antibiotic resistance.

Courses:
B BIO 375 Molecular Biology
B BIO 495 Investigative Biology

Jeff Stride

Assistant Teaching Professor

Division of Computing & Software Systems

Jeff Stride earned his M.S. in computer science from University of California Santa Barbara. began his career at Microsoft, where he spent 22 years in various roles. He contributed to notable products like Microsoft Bob, which introduced Clippy, and spent eight years at MSN, where his teams launched the Home Page for 500 million users and revamped the Entertainment channel. After his time in industry, Jeff transitioned to education, teaching AP Computer Science through the TEALS program. In 2017, he joined North Creek High School, where he taught until the 2023-24 school year.

Courses:
CSS 143 Computer Programming II
CSS 360 Software Engineering

Madhava Vemuri

Assistant Professor

Division of Engineering & Mathematics – Electrical Engineering

Dr. Madhava Vemuri completed his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Dakota State University in 2024. During his Ph.D., he worked on developing frameworks and methodologies for studying the newer generation of chip design using beyond Moore technologies. He also investigated various circuit design and optimization techniques for advanced process nodes.

Research focus:
Monolithic Integration, Beyond Moore Technologies, On-chip Power Delivery, Edge Computing, Artificial Intelligence for IC design, Biomedical and Agricultural projects.

Courses:
EE 528 Computer Organization
EE 425 Microprocessor System Design
EE 525 Embedded System Design

The post Welcoming new faculty to the School of STEM appeared first on School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

The School of STEM hosted its inaugural award recognition ceremony and recognized students and faculty for their outstanding achievements, academic excellence, resiliency, engagement, leadership and service during the academic year.

Faculty awards

Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa Endowed 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell STEM Faculty Fellowship Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions in undergraduate research mentorship, broadening participation from underserved communities and inspiring the next generation of 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell School of STEM graduates to make a positive impact in their broader community and the world.

Recipient: Dr. Joey Shapiro Key, associate professor, Physical Sciences Division

Michelle Gamboa created this endowment in honor of her father, Sr. Chief Ronald G. Gamboa. But a special thanks to Michelle, your endowment will leave an everlasting impression on our School and your father’s legacy will support undergraduate research, inspire students and change lives. Thank you, Michelle, for founding this in the School of STEM at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell. Read more about the .

Read the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell story “A gift to ‘the faculty who make 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell so special’.”

I believe that someone’s path in life can change in a moment, all it takes is a person or an experience that influences that person and gives them a spark of inspiration.

Michelle Gamboa, endowment founder, STEM advisory board co-chair, alumna

Physical Sciences Division (PSD) awards

Student Success Award

In recognition of outstanding contributions to the chemistry or physics program through achievements in mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

• Chemistry: Lauren Woods
• Physics: Roland Rothwell

Academic Achievement Award

In recognition of outstanding performance in chemistry or physics coursework.

• Chemistry: Sam Bowers
• Physics: Abby Wang
• Earth System Sciences: Neil Hicks
• Earth System Sciences: Sylvia Gholson

Outstanding Peer Facilitator

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments as a peer facilitator and helping other students achieve their goals and potential.

• Chemistry: Ben Green
• Physics: Parbeen Sekhon

Outstanding Researcher

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in chemistry or physics research.

• Chemistry: Shiho Higuchi
• Physics: Randall Te

Earth System Sciences Recognition of Community Engagement

Recipient: Aidan McQuilkin

Biological Sciences (BIO) awards

Engagement and Leadership Award

In recognition of contributions to the biology program through achievements in community building and student engagement.

• Recipient: 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell Biology Club
  • Tavleen Singh
  • Shrinithi Arun
  • Tavleen Singh
  • Ilhan Dirie
  • Michelle U. Vo
  • Esha K Gill
  • Ethan Y Park
  • Jiwan Kaur Tib
  • Dang Truong

Computing & Software Systems (CSS) awards

CSS Best Poster

In recognition of the best Computing & Software Systems (CSS) Division poster presentation during the Capstone Colloquium.

Recipient: Chrishansel Raphael Dimiputra

Engineering & Mathematics (E&M) awards

E&M Academic Excellence Award

In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in mathematics or engineering research.

• Mathematics: Andrew Cheney
• Mathematics: Martin F. Martinez
• Mathematics: Lana Young

E&M Leadership and Service Award

In recognition of contributions to the mathematics or engineering programs through achievements in mentoring, service, scholarship, and research.

• Electrical Engineering: Casey Duncan
• Mechanical Engineering: Cory Morin

E&M Resilience Award

In recognition of resilience in overcoming significant obstacles and challenges in the mathematics and engineering programs.

• Mathematics: Marie Culp
• Mathematics: Morgan Futty
• Mathematics: Taylor Gibbons
• Electrical Engineering: Majeedah Abdul-Azeem

Service to the School of STEM

In recognition of exceptional work at the School of STEM Capstone Symposium and dedication to serving the students of 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell.

Recipients:

• Haydn Tamura
• Anna Ritchie
• Erika Lee

Celebrating achievement

Each award recipient demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation within their respective fields. Their accomplishments not only reflect academic excellence but also underscores their commitment to advancing research, fostering community engagement, and pushing the boundaries of STEM education.

The 56³Ô¹ÏÍø extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award winners and expresses gratitude to the faculty, staff, and student community for their continuous support and contributions to making the STEM Symposium a resounding success.

Learn more information about the School of STEM Symposium.

— Enter password: STEM2024

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Six senior mechanical engineering students created their own goose neck hinge, which allows the passenger door of an aircraft to open to 180 degrees. Boeing tasked the students to create a hinge using a more contemporary manufacturing process and more modern materials than the ones they currently use. The team was advised and mentored by Boeing senior technical lead engineers Matthew Soja and Mitchell Mellor, Engineering Capstone Coordinator Dr. Imen Elloumi-Hannachi, ME faculty Dr. John Bridge and Captain Bill Anderson. who continuously collaborated to provide guidance and support to the students throughout the project.

The students, Kacper Syzmanski, Andrey Fomin, William Fogle, Loyan Dude, Simran Deol and Daniel Comsea, who all graduated in June, were selected based on their interests, career aspirations and qualifications for the project. The team split into sub-groups to work on various aspects of the project, from research, manufacturing, design, testing and coding. Led by Syzmanski and Fomin, the team created various designs before finding one that is capable of withstanding 9,000 lbs. of tension and 4,500 lbs. of compression.

“Will, Andrey and I designed our clevis, which is the device that would hold our hinge in testing to verify that it would pass all the loading criteria,� said Syzmanski. “At the same time Loyan, Daniel, and Simran were researching materials to select for our hinge to get an idea of what the material and manufacturing costs would be, and what we could manufacture in house and what would have to be done through vendors.�

Before the project completion, the students were given the opportunity to tour of the Boeing Everett plant and to meet several other Boeing engineers and other students from the Seattle campus working on other capstone projects.

“It was a really great experience working with our Boeing mentors,� said Fogle. “I felt like I learned something new every meeting, whether it was about testing, structural design, or finite element analysis. They also respected our ability to solve problems and would subtly point us in the right direction without giving anything away. Their industry knowledge and experience were invaluable, being able to learn from them was a real privilege.�

Fomin said the experience was an incredible opportunity.

“We were all very excited to see our hinge in person and to test our hinge design. Our hinge met all the criteria given.�

Elloumi-Hannachi, said that the project gave students an opportunity to practice several aspects of engineering they learned in different courses, including design thinking and human centered design, and to develop their engineering skills even further. It also gave them the opportunity to learn more about Boeing culture and needs. The scope of the project was well-defined, and the constraints and requirements were explained to the students well in advance, while the students had to come up with their own design and demonstrate how it works. The students also had to present their work not only at the School of STEM Capstone Symposium, but also at the Boeing campus in front of Boeing engineers and senior leaders, as well as faculty and deans from all three 56³Ô¹ÏÍø campuses.

Bridge said that after this years’ experience, Boeing was interested in doing more projects with 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell students in the future.

“They seemed very happy with the results of our team. This is a perfect capstone/company relationship as the projects envisioned — including the one we just did — are a wonderful mechanical engineering experience for our students,â€� said Bridge. “They can get their hands around these projects while also helping Boeing.  This experience also gives insight to our students into engineering at Boeing and networking opportunities for employment.â€�

Elloumi-Hannachi says that she was happy that the Boeing engineers took the time to share current job openings at Boeing, and that they were happy to recommend her students for those job openings.

“I am very pleased to see that several of the students already have jobs at Boeing,� she said. “I am excited to continue this partnership with Boeing, we already started discussing the scope of the projects for the next academic year.�

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The evidence, newly published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, comes from several teams of researchers, including several from the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø.

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His work, however, didn’t go unnoticed.

Ghadamsi was nominated by his professors for the 2023 President’s Medal, which he was presented in this year’s Commencement Ceremony on June 11.

Each year, the President’s Medal is awarded to a graduating senior with the most distinguished academic record. Students are nominated and selected from the top 2% of the graduating class in their program. In addition to their academic success, students are selected based on other honors and awards, research and publications, as well as future plans.

Ghadamsi graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Neuroscience. He is currently taking a gap year while he applies to medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor specializing in neuroscience.

A discovery of limitless potential

Ghadamsi always knew he would go to college. Higher education was a priority for his family going three generations back.

“My grandpa was the first person to go to college in his city where he grew up in Libya,� he said. “From then on, my dad and all his siblings went to college, and my dad got the opportunity to go to the United States and study. It was ingrained into the family that college education is very important.�

From an early age, Ghadamsi had an interest in science and engineering. He enjoyed tearing stuff apart and discovering how things worked. Together with his dad, he worked on fixing cars. His interest in science deepened in high school with his biology and chemistry classes.

While college felt not only possible — even essential — to Ghadamsi as a young boy, he still believed what he could accomplish would be limited because of his heritage. “I didn’t think I could be a doctor until I was told I could,� he said. “I didn’t see anybody like me who was a doctor.�

Ghadamsi’s father challenged this perception and helped him imagine all that could be possible for him. Now, as a college graduate, what he once thought was unimaginable has become his life’s ambition. And he hopes that, as a doctor, he will also be an inspirational figure for other young people like him to see what they can achieve.

Specializing in neuroscience

Ghadamsi’s interest in neuroscience in particular started at the age of 16 when he had a seizure while having dinner with his family. Once at 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell, he laid the groundwork for this specialization through his minor and by completing two summer internships: the 56³Ô¹ÏÍø  and the .

“Being able to participate in a neurosurgery internship where I gained lab experience and made clinical observations really reassured me in my goal to become a doctor who studies neuroscience,� he said.

Pre-med adviser Kristen Labrecque helped him apply for the program. Then, after completing the internship, Ghadamsi in turn worked to encourage other students to apply.

“He was getting help and passing it on,â€� said Dr. Alaron Lewis, associate teaching professor and chair of biological sciences in the School of STEM. “This is totally in-line with what I know of Hithem — not just accepting help but passing that help on to others.â€�

The internship also opened Ghadamsi up to the idea of doing his own research, he said. As a senior at the 2023 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Undergraduate Research Symposium, he presented “.â€�

An accomplished student and leader

Even beyond his two internships, Ghadamsi was an accomplished student who made the Dean’s List each quarter. Lewis recalls having to remind Ghadamsi of that very fact when she asked her Cell Biology class to practice writing cover letters.

“I pointed out to him that making the Dean’s List and being eligible for the President’s Medal were impressive accomplishments that he should tell people about, and he just shrugged about it self-consciously,� she said. “Hithem is an excellent student but not in a flashy way. He is extremely modest about his own activities and accomplishments. He did not set out to get the best score, he just set out to do his best — and it turns out that his best is pretty darn good.�

Lewis added that even in remote classroom settings, Ghadamsi’s engagement with his peers stood out and his desire to learn was evident in the insightful questions he asked. As classes returned in person, his “quiet and unassuming� presence as a leader grew, she said.

“Hithem is a wonderful, caring human being. He is absolutely a leader in class. Not a loud out-in-front leader, but a ‘talk to everyone in your group’ leader and a ‘make sure everyone has a voice’ leader and ‘stop by the professor’s office to advocate for others’ leader,� Lewis said.

A desire to help others

Ghadamsi’s role as a leader and a resource for his peers extended outside the classroom to his work across several student clubs and activities, as well. One club stands out as a passion project for him: the Student Association for Refugees and Immigrants.

SAFIR was founded in 2019 to support refugees and immigrants in the campus community to succeed academically and professionally. The club works with the International Rescue Committee to develop connections with 56³Ô¹ÏÍø Bothell and refugees. It became inactive after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted campus activities. In the hopes of reviving the club when in-person activities resumed, Dr. Salwa Al-Noori reached out to Ghadamsi.

“Hithem’s role in SAFIR has been significant,� said Al-Noori, associate teaching professor in the School of STEM. “With the other club officers, he has worked tirelessly to facilitate events and awareness that support students from immigrant and refugee communities and which promote understanding, inclusion and practical benefits for students from diverse communities.�

As president of SAFIR, Ghadamsi helped organize events such as clothing drives, youth mentorship programs and career networking nights.

“I want to help people because it’s the right thing to do,� Ghadamsi said. “Being a first-generation American, I’ve witnessed what it was like for other people. Reflecting on my parents’ experience coming to the U.S. and having to struggle, I feel that I’ve been fortunate to have a different experience, and I want to pay that forward to others who haven’t had the same opportunities.�

Ghadamsi’s passion for SAFIR’s mission is part of his overall ambition to help others. He aims to someday practice medicine both in the U.S. and in his family’s home country of Libya. In Libya, he hopes to develop a program or a clinic to help provide health care services to the communities that need it most.

Graduating on a high note

When Ghadamsi heard he was receiving the President’s Medal, he was excited to see his dedication to his course work and his extracurricular activities recognized.

“I knew how much hard work I put in throughout college,� he said. “At times school was very challenging, so being recognized for that is very gratifying.�

His professors were thrilled to hear he had been awarded the medal.

“Hithem has consistently over the period of his undergraduate studies demonstrated the characteristics that make him truly deserving of this award; he is an excellent student not only as reflected in his impressive performance in his coursework and through his engagement in research but for the dedication and passion he brings to learning,� Al-Noori said. “He also has a strong commitment to community as can be seen by his extracurricular engagement, especially in his contributions through SAFIR and the local Greater Seattle community.

“I truly believe Hithem is deserving of the recognition conferred by this medal, and I am confident that he will continue forward with the same commitment and dedication in his future.�

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