Profiles

"I find theory of computation and logic extremely beautiful," says Sam Hopkins (BS, Mathematics, Computer Science), whose fascination with mathematics and philosophy have informed his computer science research.

An interest in social justice led Sam Nowak (BA, Geography) to the Department of Geography, where he pursued research on issues of inequality, particularly among Seattle's homeless and other marginalized populations.

For Mimi Cagaitan (BA, English, Comparative History of Ideas), an unusual family history was the motivation for her research and a class she led about international marriage migration—the so-called "mail-order bride" industry.

After years of balancing UW studies with a demanding full-time dance career, Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Leah O'Connor will earn a bachelor's degree in sociology in June.

Lillian C. McDermott has dedicated her career to improving physics education using scientific research methods. The American Association of Physics Teachers is honoring her for her contributions to the field.

A&S alumni and siblings Gary and Carver Gayton have led extraordinary lives, following in the footsteps of their great grandfather Lewis Clarke, who escaped slavery to become a well-known abolitionist.

Filmmaker Lynn Shelton talks about her late start in filmmaking and her newest feature, Touchy Feely.

Peter Chiarelli spent years as a film producer working on Amityville Horror, Eagle Eye, and other projects before trying his hand at screenwriting. His 2009 romantic comedy, The Proposal, starred Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.

Robert Kocher, '94, discusses the experience of serving as an adviser to President Obama during the crafting of healthcare reform legislation—and why he thinks the legislation is a huge step forward for healthcare in the U.S. 

A&S alumna Maura O’Neill had just begun working for USAID when a 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti in January. "As the agency in charge of international development and disaster relief, we kicked into gear minutes after getting notice," recalls O'Neill, who offers an insider's look at the relief effort. 

H Stewart Parker ('79, '81) spent nearly two decades at the helm of Targeted Genetics. Now she brings her considerable talents to her role as chair of the College of Arts and Sciences Board. 

Harriet Dumba (‘04, ‘07) and Agnes Oswaha (‘05, ’09) founded the Southern Sudanese Women’s Association to help new refugees connect and settle into life in the U.S.

Matthew Alexander (‘01) is founder of Ahmsa, an NGO in Bogotá, Colombia that provides skills training, microcredit, and other support to alleviate poverty in Bogotá.

Craig Nakagawa (’89) is co-founder of VillageReach, an NGO aimed at improving health care distribution systems in the most distant reaches of developing countries, beginning with Mozambique.

When Noah Purcell ('02) first met Supreme Court Justice David Souter, he couldn’t believe he was discussing the law with a Justice. Now, as a clerk for Justice Souter, it's all in a day's work.