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Ryan Burt, He/Him

Director

About me

Hi there! I was born and raised in Eastern Washington before moving to our lovely Emerald City to study at the University of Washington. The UW was big, but I was lucky to have friendly professors and inviting programs that made me feel connected and at home. For me that is a great goal for us in Academic Support Programs: to make every student feel supported and at home.  

I loved my undergraduate experience, where I studied English and the Comparative History of Ideas, and decided to continue my studies. In graduate school, I spent a lot of time thinking about how American universities can better welcome a diverse student population and offer classes that reflect an equally diverse curriculum.  Graduate school was difficult, but truly rewarding. In 2008 I received my PhD in the English Department at the UW.  

Over the years I have studied in Italy and Spain and taught for two years at a large public university in Southern Morocco. As I know how exhilarating, mind-opening and challenging it can be to live and learn in a country and culture that is not your own, I am grateful to be part of a team in Academic Support Programs committed to helping our students from all corners of the world succeed.  

Outside of school I love playing and listening to all kinds of music (I’m a drummer), checking out art, cooking, and getting into the beautiful Washington State out-of-doors. I love hanging with my family and friends.  After seeing some amazing parts of the world, I can say that Seattle is one of my favorite places to be.  

Please come visit me in ASP and let me know how I can help you at the University of Washington!

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Alli Botelho, She/Her

Assistant Director, (Oversees Academic Success Coaching Program)

About me

Growing up I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i which taught me about the values of community and family. From a young age, I learned so much from the community around me and strive to bring a compassionate heart everywhere I go.

I decided to move to Seattle to pursue higher education and learn from a new community of people. I went to Seattle Pacific University (SPU) where I studied psychology and learned about subject areas that I was passionate about. My college experience taught me that in order to be successful in higher education, I needed the community of people around me. From being involved on campus in many different organizations that sparked my passions in sharing my culture, service, and event planning, I learned about the field of Student Affairs.

From there, I decided to continue my educational pursuit at Seattle University where I graduated with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development Administration. During my time in the program, I had the opportunity to intern with Academic Support Programs. I am thankful to continue working with ASP and support the Academic Success Coaching Program. I continuously learn and am inspired by our peer Academic Success Coaches who work to support students and create intentional spaces for students at UW. 

I value community, collaboration, and compassion where I believe that each person has their own strengths and that working together to achieve our goals truly makes a difference. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, trying new food places, watching TV shows, and working on new art projects. 

Please feel free to reach out, and let me know what I can do to best support you at the University of Washington! 

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Jessica Simon, She/Her

CLUE Program Manager

About me

Hi! I grew up on the east coast and then moved to California to study bioengineering at UC San Diego. During undergrad, I worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Tutor at the Teaching and Learning Commons. I focused mostly on calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, but I occasionally tutored chemistry and physics when needed. 

After graduating, I immediately drove up the coast to Seattle to begin graduate school at UW.  I spent the first 2 years focusing on taking classes and research, but I realized that I missed education and working with students. I graduated from UW in 2024 and am excited to be working with CLUE in a more permanent role.

In my role at Academic Support Programs, I support the entire CLUE team and work closely with our Subject Lead Tutors. Stop by if you want to chat or have any questions!

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Ingrid, CLUE Student Assistant, she/her

Graduate Student, Environmental Health

I'm excited about

Returning to CLUE! I was a student assistant as an undergraduate and liked it so much I came back. It's a pleasure to support students and tutors every shift - CLUE is an incredible resource that I am proud to be part of, and I'm so impressed by our knowledgeable tutors and the dedicated students that come in to see us.

Ask me about

bike commuting, oatmeal, the UW farm, vests, urban hikes, couponing, shorts weather, sheep

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Krisha, Digital Engagement Student Assistant, She/Her

Second year, Computer Science

I'm excited about

Chess, books, music, baking

Ask me about

I am passionate about using technology and digital design to support students by creating accessible resources and fostering inclusive environments.

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Aditi, ASP Student Assistant, She/Her

Junior, Bioengineering with Data Science Option

I'm excited about

I really like traveling, swimming, hiking, photography, and listening to music!

Ask me about

Hi! I'm from Phoenix, Arizona, but I’ve always been drawn to the PNW. Coming from a small high school, I’ve really enjoyed the transition to a larger school where I’ve had the chance to meet new people and explore different perspectives. Living in a new city has been really exciting! I love discovering local spots, trying new food, and getting outdoors whenever I can. I'm passionate about building community and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Notable academic challenge

During my freshman year fall quarter, I took MATH 126 and didn’t do as well as I hoped on the first midterm. The academic pressure, combined with the challenge of being an out-of-state student still trying to find my community, left me feeling overwhelmed. But over time, I learned that it's okay to struggle, because what matters is how you respond. I started connecting with classmates, forming study groups, and leaning on others who understood what I was going through. Not only did that help me academically, but some of those people have become my closest friends to this day. That experience really showed me how important it is to work with others, keep going even when things get tough, and lean on people who are going through the same thing.

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Annika, Lead Coach, she/her

Senior, Public Health-Global Health

I'm excited about

I love shopping, watching reality TV, and going on runs!

Ask me about

Hello! My name is Annika, and I am a fourth-year student majoring in Public Health–Global Health on a pre-medical track. I am originally from a small town in Eastern Washington, and while moving to Seattle initially felt daunting, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had at UW. I have definitely had my share of hardships as I proceed through my academic career, but they have taught me the importance of consistency and the value of a positive mindset. In this role, I hope to empower fellow students and provide meaningful support as they navigate their own academic and personal challenges.

Notable academic challenge

I am the proud daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to attend a university in the U.S., so navigating my first year was certainly a significant challenge. I often experienced imposter syndrome in my introductory courses, feeling intimidated by the large class sizes and competitive grading. Now, as a junior, I have learned to better manage my anxiety and developed strong time-management skills that allow me to balance academics with my personal life. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant demands of classes, but I believe it’s equally important to pause, take care of yourself, and recognize the accomplishments that brought you here. Because I know firsthand how difficult these challenges can be, I am deeply passionate about supporting other students as they navigate their own journeys.

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Caleb, Math Coach, he/him

Senior, Applied Math

I'm excited about

Going to the zoo, playing baseball and tennis, reading comics, and baking

Ask me about

I'm always trying to learn whether it be a new topic in school, a new recipe to make, a new friend's life story, I love learning and to support others' learning however I can!

Notable academic challenge

I've had to take care of family due to health issues which took away from my normal routine in school. That being said I was able to adjust and adapt, everyone has a life outside of school which comes with personal challenges at times!

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Chanssen, Engineering Coach, they/she

Senior, Electrical and Computer Engineering

I'm excited about

I'm minoring in Music, and a lot of my hobbies are music-related - I play the cello and the piano, and I've sung in various choirs in the past. I also love attending concerts - my favorites have been Ateez, Twice, BTS, and Stray Kids!

Ask me about

Hi there! My name is Chanssen, and I'm a senior studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus in digital design. I was born and raised in Seattle, and I've loved the opportunity to continue exploring the city as a college student. Outside of the classroom, I'm involved with research with the Department of Radiology, and I also love video games, playing the piano, and hanging out with my dog. I look forward to working with you during your time at UW!

Notable academic challenge

While I have enjoyed math classes since elementary school, I found myself seriously struggling with MATH 208 (Matrix Algebra) at UW - it felt like a completely new way to approach math, as it was much more conceptual than something like calculus. The homework assignments seemed impossible - I didn't even know where to start. This was the first time I started regularly attending office hours, something I had previously been scared of, and I found that my instructor was very welcoming and excited to help me tackle the assignments. This experience taught me the importance of seeking support when necessary and that I do not need to face academic challenges alone.

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Grace, she/her

Professional Year 2, Pharmacy

I'm excited about

My hobbies include reading (recently finished the Assassin’s apprentice, turn of the key), practicing tennis at the IMA, trying new foods, and watching K-dramas

Ask me about

Hello, my name is Grace and I am currently in my second year of the Pharmacy program at UW! I am a Double Dawg and also did my undergraduate years at UW majoring in Public Health-Global Health. I grew up in Washington but am still having a good time exploring Seattle and all the surrounding areas.

Notable academic challenge

Personally, I struggled adjusting to university after high school because of the faster pace and expectation to handle classes more independently. One of my most challenging classes was organic chemistry and after the first exam, I realized that I really needed to change the way I approached my academics to succeed. I developed a better time management and accountability system which allowed for me to get more involved and pursue my career goals. Learning how to balance my personal life and academics is still something I am developing even in pharmacy school and I think that it helps to think of this as an ongoing project that adapts with whatever academic challenge you face I hope that my experiences could be helpful for supporting students on their journeys!

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Griffin, Lead Coach, she/they

Junior, Political Science and Communications

I'm excited about

Some of my hobbies include long walks, making bracelets, volunteering at a cat cafe, thrifting and watching horror movies.

Ask me about

Even though I grew up in the greater Seattle area, I never really ventured into Seattle. I've found a love for long neighborhood walks, allowing me to discover new places. I've also been diving more into classic horror movies (along with many new ones), and spending time taking care of cats.

Notable academic challenge

In a few classes I've struggled on first tests or quizzes, and was unsure why my studying methods weren't working. To improve on future tests, I utilized my professors and TA's as valuable resources. They have often advised me how they would study for the next one, or pointed me to another resource or person who knows how to answer my questions.

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Kate, Allen School Coach, she/her

Junior, Computer Science

I'm excited about

On the side, I bake, crochet, hike, and ride my bike.

Ask me about

Hi, I'm Kate! I am a junior studying Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. I am also in the Professional Sales Program. I love creativity and problem-solving.

Notable academic challenge

I have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Growing up, I often struggled with reading and writing. I occasionally misread questions, leading to answers to the wrong problems. This can be disheartening, but it has taught me to rely on small tricks to make sure I read the questions correctly.

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Noga, she/her

Senior, Finance & Psychology

I'm excited about

I grew up playing soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball, so I’ve always been passionate about sports. Outside of sports, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends.

Ask me about

Hi! My name is Noga, and I’m a senior studying Finance and Psychology. I love getting involved on campus, meeting new people, and helping other students navigate college. I’m excited to be an Academic Success Coach and be a resource for you throughout the year, whether you have questions about classes, getting involved, or finding your place at UW.

Notable academic challenge

One of my biggest academic challenges at UW was going through a quarter where I struggled to balance school with other commitments, and my grades reflected that. It was difficult to see my performance drop, especially because I knew I was capable of doing better. Rather than letting the experience discourage me, I took the opportunity to reflect on what wasn’t working and changed the way I approached my academics. I learned that one difficult quarter does not define your academic ability, and that it’s okay to ask for help, adjust your approach, and give yourself another chance.

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Alex (Lead), Biology, he/him

Senior, Biochemistry

Ask me about

comic books, Pokémon, and crochet

Notable academic challenge

Staying on top of a study schedule by myself

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Brianna, Biology, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry and Philosophy

I've taken

Biochemistry 440, 441, 442, Genome 361, Biol 413

Ask me about

Riding horses, husky marching band, or my cat Kevin :)

Notable academic challenge

Time management

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Izzy (Lead), Chemistry, she/her

Senior, BS: Chemistry; BA: Psychology

I've taken

Chem 237, 238, 239, 241, 499, 196

Ask me about

Quilting, Crocheting, Orchestra, Hiking

Notable academic challenge

I hadn't taken chemistry before college, so going straight into Chem 142 my first quarter here was quite a challenge-- I almost dropped the class. However, I relearned how to study, went to as many office hours as possible, and eventually changed my major to chemistry!

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Ryan, Chemistry, he/him

Graduate Student, Medicinal Chemistry

I've taken

Equivalent of CHEM 162, 237, 312, 530, 531, 532

Ask me about

Trail running and playing classical piano!

Notable academic challenge

The weekly problem sets in CHEM 530 (Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry) required both creativity and a deep knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms. By working on them with my peers, however, I gained an appreciation for collaborative problem solving that I hope to share with fellow students while at CLUE.

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Avery, Chemistry, he/him

Junior, Molecular Biology

I've taken

General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, CHEM 241 & 242

Ask me about

Swimming, tennis, and cooking! I'm also trying to get into musicals too!

Notable academic challenge

I came into UW under prepared and disorganized. I struggled getting used to the college workload and ended up doing below average on my first midterm in MATH 126. However, I was able to learn from this experience by utilizing organizational tools such as google sheets and calendar. This was extremely beneficial to my time management and allowed for focused and effective study time. I would strongly recommend trying some of these academic strategies if you're ever struggling.

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Jack, Chemistry, he/him

Junior, Chemical Engineering

I've taken

Chem 142, 152, 162, 237, 238

Ask me about

Swimming, cycling, concrete canoe, cooking, fishing, hiking

Notable academic challenge

I procrastinated so hard in my HS Spanish 2 class that I had to do around 60 assignments in 2 nights.

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Abby, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, Biochemistry

I've taken

Chem 145, 155, 165 Chem 237, 238, 239, 241, 242

Ask me about

Baking, Skiing, Hiking, Crossword Puzzles

Notable academic challenge

I had a hard quarter where I really burnt myself out with 4 STEM classes, which made it impossible to focus the following quarter. There were also topics I encountered that quarter that I struggled with, but I've learned to look for more of a balance in my schedule and give myself grace. College is a great time to work hard, but don't forget to enjoy it!

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Alexis, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Microbiology

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239, 241, 242

Ask me about

Baking, dance, reading, crocheting

Notable academic challenge

Going into my second ochem lab final, I assumed it would be easier than the final of the first course since we had done fewer labs. This made me overconfident, so I let other things take priority and barely studied. It turned out that this meant we were tested on much more detail, not less, and I paid for it on the final. That experience taught me that series courses are split up for a reason, and that doing well in one doesn't mean the next will be the same. I realized that I couldn't let past success or what other people say decide how much effort I put in.

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Jenny, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, MCD Biology

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239, 241, 242

Ask me about

books, music/concerts, video games, crocheting

Notable academic challenge

I struggled a lot while studying for the first midterm in CHEM 237. I was unprepared for the question style and lacked a deep understanding of the content, which affected my exam results. However, after the exam, I spent time figuring out which study strategies worked for me in learning organic chemistry. I learned that explaining concepts to my peers and working through practice problems helped me improve my future exam scores and overall understanding of organic chemistry.

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Kacy, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, MCD Biology

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239, 241, 242

Ask me about

hiking, soccer, crocheting, pokemon

Notable academic challenge

I came into UW convinced that I wasn’t a chemistry person, and I dreaded the class. After relearning how to study and getting more comfortable asking for help, I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected.

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Katie, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Biochemisty

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239; CHEM 241, 242; CHEM 312, BIOC 440, 441, 442

Ask me about

reading, hiking, speedcubing

Notable academic challenge

It took me a long time (and a couple very late nights of studying organic chemistry) to learn how to ask for help!

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Maia, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Neuroscience, microbiology and chemistry minor

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239, 241, 242, 312

Ask me about

Books, movies, violin, hiking, or rafting/ sea kayaking

Notable academic challenge

I started at UW in pre-science, having been rejected for direct admission to the neuroscience major. I then didn't complete their prereqs in time to apply my sophomore year, which meant I went into my junior year without a major or any declared minors. While I was terrified of rejection again, I took all the neuro-related classes I could, joined a neuro lab, and, thankfully, was accepted into the major last fall.

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Mojan, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, Biochemistry

I've taken

CHEM 142, 152, 162, 237, 238, 239, 241

Ask me about

Writing piano compositions, working out, painting

Notable academic challenge

As someone who transferred course credits from another school, I found difficulty in adjusting to UW's chemistry curriculum since I felt that it was structured differently than what I was used to. Attending professors' office hours and gaining insight on their perspective of the class structure allowed me to understand the steps I needed to take in order to succeed in my organic chemistry courses!

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Anvita, CSE, she/her

Junior, Informatics

I've taken

CSE 373

Ask me about

Formula 1, coffee and books

Notable academic challenge

Imposter syndrome, navigating being an international student, balancing extracurriculars and school

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Jamie (Lead), Math, she/her

Senior, Mathematics, International Studies minor

I've taken

Taken math 402 & 403, currently taking 441 and 395

Ask me about

Electric guitar, fiction books, music recording, and Swedish rap

Notable academic challenge

I got a 50% on my first midterm here at UW and realized I had to learn how to study better.

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Amelie, Math, she/her

Senior, Math

I've taken

Math 207, 208, 224, 300, 318, 327, 342, 394, 402, 403, 404, 424, 425, 426, 427, 441, 442, 461, 504, 505, 506

Ask me about

Trying a cookie, classical music, curling, fish

Notable academic challenge

After my first math test at UW, I realized I never properly learned how to study in high school. So, I spent a lot of time thinking about how best to understand concepts and planning my study sessions. After trial and error, it’s much less stressful studying for and taking exams now that I follow an effective routine.

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Matt, Math, he/him

Alum, Math

I've taken

MATH 207/8/9 224 327/8 402/3/4 424/5/6 441/2/3 391/2/3

Ask me about

hiking, movies, puzzle games

Notable academic challenge

I will never be a truly great mathematician because I am just not crazy enough

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Parker, Math, he/him

Junior, Mathematics/Computer Science

I've taken

Math 207, 208, 224, 300, 318, 327, 342 402, 403, 404, 424, 461

Ask me about

Literature, music, board games, cooking

Notable academic challenge

I took on a much heavier course load than I should have one quarter. This made it difficult to maintain a healthy school and life balance, which in turn made it difficult to find motivation to focus on my academics. It was the hardest quarter I have been through, but it taught me the importance of having a balanced schedule.

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Aayush, Math, he/him

Junior, Mechanical Engineering

I've taken

MATH 12X, MATH 207, 208

Ask me about

Anime, Backpacking, Puzzling, Music

Notable academic challenge

I often face troubles with time management and juggling both extracurricular activities and school work. In the past, I had tended to over-extend myself and participate in too much, which caused burnout and exhaustion. I had to sit down with multiple friends/family and plan out my time to determine the proper balance between what I was truly interested in academically and what I am actually able to realistically do while maintaining a good work-life balance.

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Abby, Math, she/her

Sophomore, Chemical Engineering

Ask me about

anything music related, good eats, reading, pokemon

Notable academic challenge

I used to struggle with math in high school, like 13% on exams type of struggle. It was super hard to have confidence in myself at this stage and it continued to show in my performance. Getting additional help was such a big step for me and it takes so much courage to do so, but it was honestly one of the best things I could have done for myself academically, so please don't be afraid to reach out in any way you can!

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Ashton, Math, he/him

Senior, Mathematics, Aeronautics & Astronautics

I've taken

MATH 207, MATH 208, MATH 224, MATH 300, MATH 327, MATH 394, MATH 402, MATH 403, MATH 404, MATH 407, MATH 424, MATH 425, MATH 426, MATH 427

Ask me about

Jazz, movies, and spicy food

Notable academic challenge

During my first year at UW, I was met with many unpleasant surprises. The increased workloads and difficult exams required me to completely shift my study habits and work-life schedule. The introductory sequences in particular had me stressing about whether I was on the right career path (shout-out physics and chemistry). But by the end of the year, I had adapted to this schedule and developed confidence in my academic abilities, finding success in every class since.

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Iris, Math, she/her

Junior, Computer Science and Mathematics, AMATH and NCE minors

I've taken

MATH 12X, MATH 208, AMATH 301, AMATH 351, MATH 300, MATH 327, MATH 407

Ask me about

hyperpop music, bleach painting, scifi books, any indie roguelike game ever

Notable academic challenge

getting up for class

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Jake, Math, he/him

Junior, Industrial Engineering

I've taken

MATH 207-208, 300

Ask me about

Pokemon, video games

Notable academic challenge

I had no idea what was going on in my kinematics class and barely scraped by. I didn't utilize office hours or quiz section and that added so much more difficulty and pain.

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Li-An, Math, he/ him

Junior, ACMS (Data Sciences and Statistics), Geography (Data Science)

I've taken

MATH 125, 126, 207, 208, 300, 394, 407

Ask me about

Soccer (Come on you Spurs), Video Games (Especially RPGs), Dungeons and Dragons, Playing Music (Piano & Clarinet)

Notable academic challenge

When I started college, I only had a vague idea of what I wanted to do in the future, and for a while, I felt pressured to have it all figured out. Over time, I realized it is natural not to know exactly where I am headed and that the best thing I can do is focus on making the most of my time here by taking classes that interest me, learning skills I care about, and staying open to where those experiences might lead.

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Parker, Math, he/him

Junior, Chemical Engineering

I've taken

MATH 207, 208

Ask me about

paddle boarding, sci-fi thrillers, history, whatever you want!

Notable academic challenge

In school I have always struggled with procrastination. I used to punish myself for leaving every assignment until the last second, which brought me a lot of stress. But I noticed that even though I procrastinated a lot, I still got everything done. Through this I learned to give myself grace and trust myself, which has made it easier to work and my life less stressful.

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Ryan, Math, he/him

Sophomore, Bioengineering

Ask me about

Rubik's cubes and tennis

Notable academic challenge

Studying for IB tests senior year, especially the Spanish test was a real challenge. Trying to study for multiple subjects while keeping up with my other activities was a very difficult feat.

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Alyssa, Math, she/her

Junior, Mechanical Engineering

I've taken

MATH 207, MATH 208, MATH 224

Ask me about

art, climbing, piano & music

Notable academic challenge

Going into college I was excited (and also felt some pressure) to involve myself in as much as possible. I ended up joining more than I could handle, so instead of making the most of the opportunities I was given, I half-assed everything. I've learned now that it's better to minimize my responsibilities and be able to put in full effort.

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Cici, Math, she/her

Junior, Computer Engineering, Math

I've taken

Math 207, 208, 224, 300, 318, 327, 407

Ask me about

Jazz, cafes, films/books, cycling, badminton

Notable academic challenge

2.5 years of learning French and I still can't understand the second sentence people say after greeting you.

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Ranch, Math, he/him

Junior, Applied Mathematics with Data Science (AMATH-DS)

I've taken

MATH 208, AMATH 301, AMATH 351, AMATH 352, AMATH 353

Ask me about

K-dramas, anime, matcha, music, pickleball, and traveling

Notable academic challenge

One of my biggest academic challenges has been learning how to balance doing well in school with taking care of myself. When I first started at UW, I put nearly all of my energy into academics and became very focused on achieving good grades. Over time, I realized that working hard isn't sustainable if I don't also make time for friends, hobbies, and the things that make life enjoyable. I'm still learning how to find that balance, but it has changed the way I approach school and has taught me that being a successful student isn't just about how much you can accomplish but it's also about taking care of yourself along the way.

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Mikhail (Lead), Physics, he/they

Senior, Mechanical Engineering

I've taken

PHYS 224, PHYS 225, PHYS 227

Ask me about

Hobby rocketry, sowing, basketball

Notable academic challenge

I bombed my first college midterm because I didn't build study habits in high school! It was a rude awakening but it also helped discover my love for studying which I am very grateful for!

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Cameron, Physics, they/them

Senior, Physics and Astronomy

Ask me about

what book I'm reading or show I'm watching!

Notable academic challenge

In high school, my math teacher asked us to raise our hands if we had studied for a test we took the day before. I had, so I raised my hand. She looked right at me and said, "Really?" with a look of shock on her face. I have never recovered.

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Dion, Physics, he/him

Graduate Student, Education (Teacher Preparation)

I've taken

PHYS 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 321, 322, 323, 324, and 401

Ask me about

Marching band/concert bands, Osu!, webnovels

Notable academic challenge

Fall quarter of my junior year I overloaded my schedule with 2 advanced physics classes, 3 bands and teaching a FIG. Every day was long, and I would frequently go to Ode straight from band rehearsals to work on homework or prep for my FIG class. Thankfully I had friends and classmates who I was able to collaborate with, allowing me to get through my mountain of work every week and to finish the quarter off strong.

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Cameron, Physics, he/him

Junior, Comprehensive Physics

I've taken

PHYS 224, 227, 228

Ask me about

Board games and sci-fi/fantasy books. Specifically, Arcs, Root, Stormlight Archives and Name of the Wind are some of my all-time favorites.

Notable academic challenge

I scored a 50% on my first midterm in the equivalent of PHYS 122, electromagnetism. This exam was not curved and so was very sobering. I knew I needed to change something. I doubled my efforts and went to every office hours I could.

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Josephine, Physics, she/her

Senior, Major: Earth and Space Sciences; Minors: Physics, Environmental Science

I've taken

PHYS 224, 227, 228

Ask me about

Hiking and backpacking, PNW plants.

Notable academic challenge

I struggled with a lot of the intro series physics tutorials, especially in 122. Looking back, though, they probably taught me the most!

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Luke, Physics, he/him

Junior, Aero and Astro Major, Physics minor, Extensive Coursework in CS

I've taken

PHYS 224 & 225

Ask me about

Embedded Systems, Computer programming, Rock Climbing

Notable academic challenge

Chemistry

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Ella, Physics, she/her

Graduate/Professional Student, Astronomy

Ask me about

hiking, skiing, non-fiction, and the Universe!

Notable academic challenge

I've always struggled with not asking for help when I need it! It took me a while to learn that we don't need to always be able to figure it out all by ourselves. I've learned the most through discussions with others and working collaboratively, and I'm here to encourage you to speak up when you need it!

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Armaan, Physics, he/him

Junior, Physics, Astronomy, ACMS

I've taken

PHYS 224, 225, 227, 228, and 329

Ask me about

swimming, hiking, and research in gravitational wave astronomy

Notable academic challenge

My first quarter at UW, I jumped in with a lot of hard classes, and I struggled to keep up with everything alongside extracurriculars and time for my friends and family. Thankfully, with a bit of extra time spent organizing my schedule and planning things out, I was able to push through and manage everything.

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Hayley (Lead), Writing, she/her

Graduate/Professional Student, Computational Linguistics

I've taken

ENGL 392, ENGL 298, ENGL 289, LING 478, LING 462, LING 451

Ask me about

hiking, journaling, music, cooking, soundtracks/scores, and all things Star Wars!

Notable academic challenge

One thing that was difficult transitioning from high school to college, and even from undergrad to graduate school, was finding a system/routine that worked for me. With so much freedom and autonomy over our own schedules, it can get overwhelming to find and perfect the rigid structure and scaffolding that high school provided, with us now in charge of our own discipline. A strategy that I found helpful was using the quarter system to my advantage! Every 10 weeks, we get a clean slate with a new schedule to follow, which gives so many opportunities to experiment with different tools, resources, structures, and systems that I can workshop each quarter until I find a routine that feels the most natural and productive for me. For example, I'm someone that likes to move around, and so when working, I've found that I can make the most of our beautiful campus/area and study-hop! I'll sit for a little in one spot, until I either finish one assignment or make a certain amount of progress, before moving to a different library or cafe to continue working there! This gives me mental resets, helps me move my body, and provides a change of scenery all while physically breaking up a study session. I'm so grateful that we get to have such an amazing environment for exploration and experimentation as we navigate this chapter of our lives!

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Carilyn, Writing, she/her

Junior, English, Environmental Science minor

I've taken

ENGL 202, ENGL 302, ENGL 284, Humanities first series (101-103), ENGL 283, ENGL 333, Honors 211

Ask me about

Backpacking and hiking, gardening, and reading!

Notable academic challenge

Having to regularly share my writing aloud as part of a creative writing class. I have a lot of difficulty with public speaking, especially when it comes to sharing personal things like poetry, but strategies like getting support from friends in the class and practicing at home really helped me.

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Yoojin, Writing, she/her

Graduate Student, Linguistics

I'm excited about

I like to explore coffee shops, play piano, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends!

Notable academic challenge

Writing was my worst enemy for a long time--I was a second language speaker of English and essay writing was almost fearful for me. But in high school, I took AP Language and Composition and AP Literature to strengthen my weaknesses. Doing so forever changed my attitude towards writing. With the right organizational skills and motivated mindset, writing became so much approachable and somewhat enjoyable! Eventually it became one of my strong suits and here I am in a Ph.D. program, writing all the time!

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Sophia, Writing, she/her

Junior, History

I've taken

HSTRY 388, HSTAA 402, CLAS 328

Ask me about

Reading, traveling on a budget, and the best places to walk in Seattle

Notable academic challenge

I faced my biggest academic challenge in a tiny seminar class. I looked up to my Professor and my peers so highly that I struggled to participate adequately and questioned my place in both the class and academia as a whole. I found the solution in conquering my fear of asking questions and being wrong. As cliche as it sounds, I found that making mistakes and struggling is integral to true learning.

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Audrey, Writing, she/her

Sophomore, Architecture, Urban Planning and Japanese minors

Ask me about

My tastes in classical music, horror movies, scrapbooking, and travel

Notable academic challenge

My biggest challenge was being a serial schedule overstuffer---I used to misjudge my own limits and bite off way more than I could chew. I remember writing my final essays for a political science class on my phone during my orchestra performances in the pit! Every quarter was a non-negotiable 18 credit workload, until I realized that maintaining a balance and saving time for my health makes me function at a much higher and more maintainable level.

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Lily, Writing, she/her

Sophomore, Political science, sociology / LSJ

I've taken

ENGLISH 131

Ask me about

Nails, gym, cats, and reality tv!

Notable academic challenge

I did a very bad job in my SATs because I didn’t study :(((

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Devin (Lead), Physics, he/him

Senior, Physics

Ask me about

Classical & Jazz, Piano, Video Games, Beekeeping

Notable academic challenge

I struggled with not knowing how to prepare for physics exams. I would do practice problems and review my notes, but when I would take the exams, I felt underprepared and confused. After getting help from my professor, I learned different ways to get more value out of the same practice problem and how to apply that to tests.

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Tamar, Biology, she/her

Junior, Cellular, Molecular, Developmental Biology

Ask me about

swimming, reading, hiking, and F1

Notable academic challenge

Coding

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Jaylene, Biology, she/her

Senior, Neuroscience, Data Science Minor

I've taken

BIOL 381-383, PBIO 375

Ask me about

Bruno Mars, lacrosse, field hockey, and jigsaw puzzles

Notable academic challenge

I struggled to shift my approach to biology exams from relying on rote memorization to truly understanding biological processes, how they can be manipulated, and how those changes affect downstream outcomes. This left me feeling frustrated and stuck for some time, especially during BIOL 200. However, by adopting new study strategies, working with peers, and practicing, I learned better ways to approach these concepts. I am excited to you develop that same understanding!

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Vibhuti, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, Biochemistry, Psychology

I've taken

BIOC 450, BIOC 451

Ask me about

F1, guitar, swimming, cooking, sewing, and dogs!

Notable academic challenge

During spring quarter of my sophomore year, I ended up taking a total of 23 credits (horrible idea) which included 14 credits of STEM classes and 3 credits of research. I thought I could handle it, since I had taken heavy courseloads in previous quarters and done well. However, by the end of spring quarter, I was extremely burnt out and exhausted. I found myself unmotivated to do any schoolwork, struggled to focus in my research lab, and my grades took a hit. This challenge taught me about knowing my limits, and the importance of setting boundaries for myself to balance school and my personal life. I ended up taking 21 credits in the fall quarter of my junior year (also a bad idea). While it was still difficult, I was able to use what I learned from spring to balance my workload effectively and I didn't get super burned out by the end of the quarter!

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Rin, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, Bioengineering, Biochemistry

Ask me about

I love reading! I listen to audiobooks all the time when I can't pick up a physical book!!

Notable academic challenge

During the winter quarter of my freshman year, I took on a very heavy load of STEM courses while also joining a research lab for the first time. Balancing challenging coursework, learning new research skills, and maintaining a personal life proved to be overwhelming. I struggled to manage all of these responsibilities effectively, and it became a turning point in helping me recognize the importance of balance and time management. From this experience, I learned to set more realistic expectations for myself and to prioritize tasks in a way that supports both my academic and personal goals.

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John, Math, he/him

Sophomore, Math

I've taken

Math 207, Math 208, Math 224, Math 300, Math 327, Math 402, Math 424

Ask me about

Drumming, guitar, gaming

Notable academic challenge

A big challenge was failing my first math midterm in college. Despite this, I was still able to get back on track and continue studying what I love.

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Chase, Math, he/him

Junior, Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering, Minor: Applied Mathematics

I've taken

MATH 12x, MATH 207, 208, AMATH 301, 383, 401, 402

Ask me about

Running, Hiking, Lifting

Notable academic challenge

Took a class with a professor I could not follow. I came out of class not even understanding what I was supposed to have learned. I ended up taking advantage of the tutors on campus as well as online resources just so I could get my bearing in that class.

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Eliana (Lead), Physics, she/her

Senior, Chemical Engineering

I've taken

Currently taking PHYS 224 and 227

Ask me about

running, baking, lacrosse, reading, and video games.

Notable academic challenge

My freshman year, I remember walking into one of my physics midterms feeling confident and walking out sure I'd somehow ruined my academic career in one night. Obviously I was being a tad dramatic and after much studying and preparation the rest of quarter went well, but walking out of the exams room and hearing my classmates speak about how well it went for them only made me feel worse. For me, it can become far too easy to get caught up in my failures and missteps and it was a struggle to motivate myself to keep studying when all the effort I put toward my last exam seemed to amount to nothing. However, it is only by persevering through failure that I was able to finish the class strong. In this case, the real failure would have come through giving up.

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Aditya, Chemistry, he/him

Junior, Bioengineering and Biochemistry

I've taken

CHEM 237, 238, 239, 241, and 242

Ask me about

Tennis, Spongebob, and Football (go hawks!)

Notable academic challenge

Procrastinating studying for exams

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Auburne, Biology, she/her

Sophomore, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology/Data Sciences

I've taken

GENOME 361, MICROM 301, NURS 499

Ask me about

Mountain climbing, distance running, skiing, scuba diving, and going on adventures!

Notable academic challenge

Learning that academics are more about personal growth and development than the numbers on your transcript.

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Anagha, Math, she/her

Graduate/Professional Student, Aeronautics & Astronautics

Ask me about

Literature, horror for stress relief, music that hits different, or chess

Notable academic challenge

Right as I started undergrad, I had an accident that shattered my knee and required complex surgery. I spent a long time bedridden, and my CGPA understandably took a hit. I was advised to take a year off, but I decided to power through—literally one very slow step at a time. Balancing recovery and coursework was not easy, but I gradually brought my CGPA back up and graduated on time with results I was proud of. Turns out, “taking things one step at a time” hits differently when you actually have to do it on crutches.