Abby Wang (she/her/hers) is an undergraduate student at UW Bothell who will graduate in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. She is working with Prof. Paola Rodríguez Hidalgo in her quasar research group. She has also worked with Dr. Ansel Neunzert on continuous gravitational waves research. She plans on applying to graduate programs in physics next year.
Alex Vong is a senior Physics student at the University of Washington Bothell. He is currently working on capstone projects with Dr. Rodriguez Hidalgo in astrophysics. Previously, he has been involved in a particle physics research project that involves doing data analysis on FASER neutrino detector; he also briefly participated in LIGO gravitational wave detection research. He will graduate with a B.S. degree in physics in the summer of 2023. His main passions are the foundation of physics and astrophysics.
Ali Mirzazadeh (he/him/his) is in his senior year. He is currently studying Biology and minoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. He intends on taking his MCAT and applying to medical schools after he graduates in Spring 2023. He currently is a TA for BBIO 200, a research assistant at the REED lab, a cope health scholar, and has worked as a rehabilitation aide. He is hoping to improve his skill of public speaking and sharing his knowledge to better students academic careers. He enjoys spending time with his closest friends, learning about different cultures, and working on his research outside of school.
Amy Walesby (she/her/hers) is a junior at the University of Washington Bothell, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies. She currently works as a Peer Health Educator (HERO) for the Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC) and as a dance teacher for the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) Fitness Instructors. Amy loves to plan events for students on campus and to create a space in which students can thrive, get to know one another, and learn more about themselves. In her free time, Amy loves to spend her time baking and cooking for her friends and family and going on hikes.
Anika Gopez (she/her/hers) is a Filipina American undergraduate student at the University of Washington Bothell with an intended major of Psychology. In high school, she interned under Lorna Gilmour at the Issaquah School District Equity Office. Anika is passionate about intersectional social justice that considers all minorities. In her free time, she enjoys writing, drawing, and singing.
Anish Rijal (he/him/his) is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington Seattle, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He has been a part of the Quasar Research Group since September of 2021. He has also participated in the UWB Physics REU in the summer of 2022, under the mentorship of Dr. Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo. In his free time, he has recently taken an interest in writing and producing music and also enjoys working out and playing football.
Brittany Howell is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Washington Bothell, who will be graduating in Summer 2023 with a Bachelor in Health Studies. After graduating, she plans to continue with college at the University of Washington School of Medicine, specializing in Rheumatology. She has always been passionate about the medical field and started an early career working in medicine in high school. She helped run an COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Evergreen Health Infectious Disease clinic, ensuring patients got vaccinated and educated about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine. In her free time, Brittany likes to spend time with her family, dog, friends, traveling, and expanding her knowledge on different medical studies.
Cora DeFrancesco (she/her/hers) is a first year Masters student in Electrical and Computer Engineering and NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Currently, she works for the Advanced Radar Research Center at the University of Oklahoma; she completed her Senior Capstone remotely with the Quasar Research Group at UW Bothell. Cora graduated in December 2022 with B.S. degrees in Astrophysics and Math, and she is an active member in the OU women’s ultimate frisbee team.
Easton Pierce (he/him/his) is a senior graduating in spring with a B.S. in physics at UWB. He currently studies variability in Dr. Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo’s quasar research group, and will present more up-to-date findings at the Mary Gates undergraduate research symposium. He plans to take a year exploring internships in the industry before potentially applying to graduate programs in the winter. Easton spends his free time reading, gaming, and recently picked up climbing.
Isabella M. Humphries is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies in the summer of 2023. Following graduation, she intends to continue her education to become a nurse. Isabella discovered a passion for taking care of patients after working in a clinical laboratory in 2022. She has learned how to advocate for and support patients and is excited to use those skills in her future endeavors. Isabella would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Stefanie Iverson-Cabral and Dr. Bryan White for all the support and encouragement they have given to her throughout her academic career. Isabella would like to dedicate her research proposal to her inspiration, role model, and mom, Lori Humphries.
Ishika Nayyar is a Senior graduating in Spring 2023 from UW Bothell, majoring in Health Studies and minoring in Global Health. Driven by her passion for healthcare, math, and science, she aspires to attend medical school to become a pediatrician, specializing in sports medicine. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, attending concerts, watching and playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends. She plans to learn more about the factors that influence health and dismantling health barriers for individuals worldwide.
Lorena Sanabria (she/her/hers) is originally from Colombia, and is a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics with a Russian Studies minor. She has participated in a variety of research projects topics that include gyrochronology, active galactic nuclei, and extremely high velocity outflows. She will continue her studies pursuing a Master’s Degree in Data Science and is set to graduate with her Master’s in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys lifting weights and staying active in the gym.
Loren Herrera studies Science, Technology, & Society (STS) and is a senior at University of Washington Bothell. He is also a member of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society for transfer students and a UW Bothell Study Abroad Ambassador. Loren is a musician and filmmaker, with a deep interest in philosophy. Professionally, he serves as both an Administrative Assistant and a Preservation & Museum Specialist at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, Washington.
Mariam Badr is a business student at the University of Washington studying Marketing and Management Information Systems. She has previously published a case study, "Unleashing the Power of AI: The Microsoft and OpenAI Partnership," on the University of Washington ResearchWorks. Her campus involvement includes Women in Business, Beta Alpha Psi, and Mentorship EDGE program.
Mary Kapitonenko is an undergraduate student at the University of Washington who will graduate in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Policy Studies and Human Rights. She intends to pursue Industrial and Organizational Psychology for graduate studies and entertains the option of a PhD. Her passion for psychology has been a long-time interest and she hopes to create positive change in the world through her knowledge of human psychology.
Mikel Charles (she/her/hers) recently graduated from UWB, majoring in Mathematics with a minor in Physics. She is currently a graduate student at The Ohio State University pursuing a PhD in Physics. In her free time she enjoys painting, attending concerts, and spending time outdoors.
Molly Elise Biedscheid (she/her/hers) graduated in the Winter of 2023 from the University of Washington with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Growing up in the Puget Sound area has taught her to love nature and the people surrounding it. She plans to pursue research in Toxicology to help diverse communities and wildlife. She loves spending time with her friends, kayaking, and exploring new sights.
Rachel Reese (she/her/hers) graduated with Honors in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. Throughout her undergraduate career, Rachel conducted research in multiple astronomical fields including Active Galactic Nuclei, Broad Line Absorption Quasars, and Comet Sublimation. Rachel currently works at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in Newport News, VA in the Experimental Nuclear Physics Department. She was hired as a Magnet Engineer and is currently learning how to design, manufacture, and assemble accelerator magnets. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys cooking, photography, and hiking
Saajidah Abideen (she/her) is a senior graduating in June 2023 with a major in Biology and minors in Health Studies and Health Education and Promotion. Currently, she works as a peer writing consultant at UWB’S Writing Center and Communications Center. She also works as a research assistant in the Headley Lab at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Saajidah intends to obtain a PhD in Immunology, researching the complicated mechanisms of infectious diseases and cancer cells.
Sinit Ogbagaber (she/her/hers) is a junior at the University of Washington Bothell, majoring in Health Studies with a minor in both Global Health and Health Education & Promotion. After graduation, she plans on continuing her education and pursuing a master’s in Public Health at the University of Washington. She hopes to use the skills and knowledge gained from her education to figure out ways to tackle public health disparities and inequalities. In her free time, she likes hanging out with friends and family, trying new food, and watching tv shows.
Tzitzi Romo Perez (she/her/hers) is a 4th year, graduating from UWB, majoring in Community Psychology. She has worked as a research assistant for Dr. Rodriguez Hidalgo in the Quasar research group for about a year. With mentorship and guidance, Tzitzi was able to follow her deep passion for astronomy and astronomy education. After graduation, she intends to apply to psychology graduate programs to reach her goal of becoming a therapist. In her free time, she enjoys astrophotography, poetry, and ceramic painting.
Veronica Powell (she/her/hers) is a senior majoring in Physics at the University of Washington Bothell. She is currently working on her senior project in Physics Education Research with Dr. Alanna Pawlak, leading up to graduation in Spring of 2023. Prior to this, she worked in Dr. Paola Rodriguez Hidalgo's Quasar research group during the UWB Physics REU in the Summer of 2022. She is the Vice President of the UWB Physics & Astronomy club, and she takes special interest in astronomy, climate change research, and making physics more accessible to everyone. Always ready to pick up new hobbies, she has explored watercolor painting, photography, blacksmithing, skiing, and various other interests.
Yordanos Berhane is a first-generation college student of Eritrean descent. She is an undergraduate student at University of Washington who will graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Health Studies. After graduating, she plans on continuing her education in the hopes of becoming a family practitioner or clinical therapist, specializing in mental illness or childhood trauma. In her free time, she likes to read, visit art museums, and watch historical K-dramas.