Class of 2026

Please find below a collection of student impressions and reflections. Congratulations to our Class of 2026!

Undergraduates

Chloe E Anderson

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences, Geoscience Option
Undergraduate Research: Petrology of Mt. Si (2026) & Disaster Dialogue: Interpreting Volcanic Hazards at Craters of The Moon (2025)

Livingston-Wernecke Award (2025), ESS Gala Rising Rockstar Award (2025)

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite memory was definitely the ESS 213 field trip to Ellensburg! It was so cool to see the lahar stratigraphy and be able to recognize these events in the rock record based on sedimentary features. We also saw pillow basalts and lava columns from the Colombia River Basalt Group; I’d never fully processed just how much lava erupted at once until I saw it in person.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 106 & ESS 462 – I loved learning about how volcanic processes shape the world and how communities can develop disaster resilience!

What do you like to do outside of school?

I play guitar, write poetry and paint digitally in my spare time!

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I interned as an education and interpretation ranger for Craters of The Moon National Monument & Preserve (a volcanic field and National Park in Idaho) in the Summer of 2024, then presented my findings on science communication at the ESS Gala in 2025, with a talk titled Disaster Dialogue: Interpreting Volcanic Hazards at Craters of The Moon. This talk won the Rising Rockstar award for best undergraduate talk and was featured in the departmental magazine “Between Spheres.” In September 2025, I began work on my senior thesis on the petrology of Mt Si, where I collected samples and field data for analysis. I presented my research at the 2026 ESS Gala with a talk titled Deep Si: A Brief History of Seattle’s Favorite Mountain. I am active in the UW Spanish Club as a second language learner, and attended a study abroad program in Colombia during Spring Break 2026 to learn more about the culture, history and geology of Latin America.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be performing field work at Mt. Hood this July to assess pyroclastic flow deposits and lahar hazard potential. I will also be attending Idaho State University in Pocatello, where I will be completing a Master’s in Geology project mapping volcanic fields in the Snake River Plain. There, I will be working as a research assistant for the USGS logging basalt cores!

Tianyi Ao

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best memory was during my third year, on an ESS 433 field trip to Deception Pass. We drove all the way up to the top of Mount Erie, where there was a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the landscape. From the peak, we could see the shorelines, lakes, forests, and hills stretching into the distance. We were just admiring the view and then took a group photo there with our classmates and professor, and it became one of the moments I remember most clearly from my time in ESS.

Standing there, looking as far as I could, I felt a deep connection to the world around me. It felt as if the Earth itself was a masterpiece, like a storybook, while I was a kid who only beginning to learn how to read. I had spent so much time in neighborhoods, classrooms, books, and screens, but that trip reminded me how vast and beautiful the world really is. It made me feel ready to keep exploring it.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class was ESS 420, Introduction to GIS. I enjoyed making different maps and working with spatial data. Compared with other classes, it felt very hands-on and practical, and it made me feel like I was learning a real professional skill.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I enjoy trying new restaurants, autocross, basketball, road trips, track days, and gaming, even though I’m not very good at any of them.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I really enjoyed all of the ESS field trips. One accomplishment I would like to highlight is that I often served as a field trip driver, I love driving and I could also support my class.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to move to Canada in the fall to pursue a master’s degree. I hope to further develop my skills in data analysis, GIS, and applied geoscience while exploring future career opportunities. Outside of school, I want to keep improving as a driver through autocross and road trips, and I also hope to finish writing a book.

Shoham Barak

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option (College Honors, Interdisciplinary Honors & Departmental Honors)

Minor in Paleobiology, Minor in Computer Science & Software Engineering

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

One of my best memories from being in ESS was actually from my very first few weeks of college. My ESS 211 Professor took our class on a field trip to Eastern Washington and it was the trip that really pushed me out of my comfort zone to put myself out there and meet new people. I was able to make so many amazing friends and connections within the ESS community and really dissipate most of the stress I had coming in to college. And there were absolutely beautiful sights!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Geobiology with Drew Gorman-Lewis was such an interesting class and Drew is an absolutely amazing instructor!

What do you like to do outside of school?

Backpacking, camping, skiing, rock climbing, traveling, playing guitar and piano, playing basketball and spikeball, cooking, and bowling

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

Graduating with College Honors and presenting my research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and Biology Research Symposium

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be continuing my research at various paleontology labs within the Biology Department and Burke Museum. I also will be applying to graduate school and hope to begin working towards a PhD soon!

Luis Bedolla-Cruz

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite memory by far was a specific car ride back from one of the summer field school trips. It was after our day-long adventure up and down Mount Baker. We were all tired and decided to play fun music and keep talking to make sure we stayed awake for the drive back. It was such a wholesome moment and really showed the kind of community that can be found between ESS majors.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class by far was ESS 452: Vertebrate Paleontology with Christian Sidor. I came into this major with an interest in dinosaurs, but this class allowed me to appreciate vertebrate fossils of a larger scale. I really enjoyed the tactile and involved nature of the class, and the teaching staff were all very passionate. This class truly solidified my love for all things paleontology related.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I like to do just about every creative hobby. Drawing, writing, worldbuilding, sewing, etc. are all ways I like to round out a very STEM-heavy workload.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in museum work. Specifically, I plan to work with vertebrate fossils. During my time at UW, I have really come to enjoy working with a museum’s collections system and would like to continue doing so in some regard. Ideally, as a museum curator.

Mikhail Cabacungan

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best memory with the ESS program was definitely meeting new people, especially the cool people I’ve met in ESS 313!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite classes I took for the ESS major were ESS 313, ESS 462, and ESS 420! The main reason why is because of friends who were helpful in my learning, but also because it’s interesting to learn about theories of life on Earth, volcanoes are fabulous, and it’s fun to play around on ArcGIS!

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I like to read my silly little mangas, hang out with my friends, play video games, go exploring, bake delicious treats, watch movies, sing and dance to music, and hopefully travel around the world!

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I still have ESS 401 left, so I’m excited for that in the summer! After UW, I’m going to take a break, find a job, save up any money I have and go travelling! And who knows, maybe I will pursue my Master’s. I’m still young!

In the wise words of Lemonade Mouth, you just gotta turn the world into your dance floor and determinate!!!!

Gabbi Carlos

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option

Minor in Physics

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

The ESS 213 field trip to Manchester State Park was a ton of fun. We walked along the beach and spent time analyzing different rock layers, taking strike and dip measurements, and building a cross section. I remember coming home with a backpack full of rocks.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

I loved taking ESS 420 with Steven Walters. Steven is an awesome professor and introduced me to the world of GIS and mapping, which I really enjoy doing.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love fishing, playing video games, making jewelry, reading comic books, rockhounding, and playing the clarinet for the Husky Marching Band.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am interested in going to graduate school. After that, I would like to possibly work in geohazard monitoring or remote sensing for geophysics.

Nicolas Chang

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option (Department Honors)

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Getting to see the gravimeter in action during the field course, using our own collected data to guess the subsurface structure was a lot of fun.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS411; One of the first classes where I got to see the math I was learning applied to geophysical problems.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Hanging out with friends, gaming, golfing.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be starting my Master’s at UW this upcoming fall quarter

Erin Davis

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Developing a Reproducible Python-Based Workflow in ArcGIS to Identify River Sections Flowing Along the San Andreas Fault

Minor in Applied Mathematics and Data Science

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best experience with the ESS program has been taking all of Professor Walters GIS courses. While I did spend the majority of my undergraduate time in JHN 021 (which has no windows!) I found a great passion for GIS work which has influenced my future career and education greatly.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 521 has to be my favorite class I took for my ESS major. Using python to work with GIS labs and projects had such an impact on me it’s what I decided to dedicate my undergraduate research project on, and Professor Walters makes all his course super enjoyable!

What do you like to do outside of school?

I enjoy traveling while on my breaks, a goal of mine is to make it to all of the continents eventually. Additionally, I love attending concerts, kayaking, and zentangling!

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I really enjoyed being the undergraduate representative for ESS for the College of the Environment Student Advisory Council for two years.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After my undergraduate time I plan to attend graduate school for a Geographic Information Science masters program.

Oli Facq

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option
Minor in American Indian Studies

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Honestly the overlap I’ve had with ESS students & staff, and their support with my other programs too. I’ve helped run First Nations Annual Spring Powwow for three years now, and it makes my day seeing my classmates come and volunteer. First Nations is a small RSO, so all the help we get means a lot.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class would have to be the ESS 490 Sedimentary Structures class with Akshay Mehra Winter 2025. I’ve been much more involved in the AIS department, so I wasn’t super familiar with the ESS programs apart from classes at the time. Though because the Sedimentary structures class was a small and I had a couple friends, I really enjoyed getting to know my professor and classmates better. As a result I felt more grounded in the ESS department. The class also was a great time, and I learned a great deal too. So a time I hold fondly.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Some hobbies I love are beading such as flatstitching or lane stitching on leather, drawing, carving, listening to music and hanging out with my friends and loved ones!

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I would like to highlight my work with First Nations at UW and the Annual Spring Powwow.

First Nations at UW is an undergrad led RSO that strives to create community and empower all Indigenous students at UW. We plan one of two largest events on UW campus which is our Annual Spring Powwow. Our Powwow serves as such an important tool for Indigenous student wellness, joy, recruitment and retention. Our Powwow is open to all, and we host 4 000 – 8 000 guests over the weekend, and we are fully student led and volunteer run.

I’ve been a part of the RSO for the past 5 years as a general member, Historian chair, Secretary chair, co-Chair, and concession and volunteer coordinator at powwow. Fostering community in FN and planning Powwow is such a labor of love and it has been very rewarding. My work in FN has made me proud to be a UW native student.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I hope to continue to explore career options in NAGPRA repatriations, museum and library sciences, and registrar work.

Charles Fleming

Dahlia Gietka

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option (Departmental Honors)
Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, Mary Gates Research Scholar, Livingston-Wernecke Scholar

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be heading to the National Energy Technology Lab in Morgantown, WV to participate in the Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship with ORISE and the Department of Energy, working on subsurface detonation dynamics and contamination.

Matthew Hayes

Saul Hernandez

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geology Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite memory with the ESS program was when I was first starting off, I was given an assignment to describe and figure out a rock I was given. I was able to use the rock saw and other materials to figure out what it was. Doing this assignment was a first for me and showed me a glimpse of what I might be doing in the future.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class I took for the ESS major was ESS 463 structural geology (undergraduate). It was my favorite because the coursework was fun to do, the structure of the class was well done, and the people I took the class with were great.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I am hoping for a job that will allow me to help the public in case of hazard like making hazard maps using ArcGIS or checking the local geology of the area.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I am hoping to get an internship that is in the state so I can get some experience in the field.

Maria Holnicka-Szulc

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geology Option (Departmental Honors)
Undergraduate research: Tracing Slab Contributions Beneath the Central Cascades Using Magnesium Isotopes

Minor in comparative religion, Minor in data science

Julian D. and Marajane Barksdale Endowed Fund and the Geology Undergraduate Field and Research Fund

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Comparing packed lunches during field school. It’s impressive how little humans need to survive. And the trip to Canada with John Stone for the AME roundup!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 463 Structural Geology with Juliet Crider. Great Class! Covers a lot of material while teaching you many many tools you can use and has great projects. I definitely recommend it to anybody who wants to get some more skill-based classes rather than just academic knowledge.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of School I like to feed the feral squirrels at the Hub (they like the icing of Starbucks lemondrop cake a lot!)

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I worked in the Non-Traditional Isotope Lab for my last year. That was a bit more hardcore than I thought it would be to be fair.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Master’s Degree in Earth Resource Science and Engineering at Colorado School of Mines!

Alyssa Iverson

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option (Departmental Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Linking Submarine Channel Morphology to Tectonic Processes at the Cascadia Subduction Zone

AGU Travel Fund (2025), Mary Gates Research Scholarship (2024), Steven H. Evans Geological Sciences Fund (2023, 2024), Wilbert R. Danner Endowed Fund (2023, 2024), Geology UG Field Support Fund (2024), Julian D. and Marajane Barksdale Endowed Fund in Earth and Space Sciences (2024), Afton Woolley Crooks and James William Crooks Scholarship Fund in Geological Sciences (2024)

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

I loved getting involved with as much as I could, especially with research and outreach. I learned a lot from the graduate students and professors in this department and working with them helped me discover my love for research and decide to go to graduate school after graduation. It also gave me the opportunity to become involved with the Quileute CCASE program to work with and teach geology to students at the Quileute Tribal School which helped me realize my love for teaching. Presenting my research at AGU 2025 and teaching at the Quileute Tribal School over spring break were my best memories.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Tectonic Geomorphology with Alison Duvall. She makes any class I take with her so fun and interesting, but it also helped me find my research interests in geology and directed my undergrad research project towards tectonic geomorphology. I loved learning about different research techniques and how the landscape changes with different tectonic forces.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love outdoor activities which was also a big component of why I chose geology. I really enjoy going to the peninsula to see parts of the accretionary wedge or beaches at the Puget Sound to see different glacial stratigraphy and cool rocks from all over Washington and Canada. I love to hike and explore the outdoors as much as possible.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation? Or what have you been doing since graduation?

I am going to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ to get a Master’s with Donna Shillington and Christine Regalla. I’ll be researching and mapping bending faults in the Aleutian Islands or Chile.

Miranda Jackson-Gain

Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

One of my best memories with the ESS program was a trip out to the Copalis river with my Sediments class led by Brain Atwater. We canoed and waddled through the mud to look at tsunami deposits and a ghost forest which display evidence for large CSZ earthquakes and tsunamis

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class I took within ESS was ESS 312 Earth Materials with Cailey Condit and Sophie Johnson. During dark winter quarter in was nice to see minerals light up under a microscope.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school I like to go roller skating, spend time with friends, and attend community events in Seattle. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and looking at clouds, stars, and rocks. Additionally, I have interests in photography, film, and writing.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

Most notably I worked at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network on the outreach team and worked in the Burke Museum’s Foram lab under Ruth Martin where I was able to complete and present my research on the benthic health of Commencement Bay. Additionally, my most memorable accomplishment was participating in the CASE Makah program with UW Riverways where I worked on a team to teach a geohazard curriculum to high school students in Neah Bay and gained the opportunity to learn from and connect with their local community. I also took part in ESS Geoclub, Ceramics club, Analog club, Mycology club, and volunteered at the UW Planetarium.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation I have plans to work with the Washington State Park Service and in the future will continue to pursue opportunities aimed toward intersections between the public and the natural world. I would also hope to further pursue other artistic passions and hobbies as well as adopt a dog.

Shannon Jones

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering

Minor in Earth and Space Sciences

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite experiences with the ESS program were my two field seasons accompanying Dr. Cantine’s research group to Newfoundland, Canada! These really ignited my love of fieldwork and helped confirm Earth Sciences was a path I wanted to pursue.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite ESS class was ESS 103 – Earth History, which I took freshman year as an engineering undeclared major, because it opened my eyes to the opportunities in ESS.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I enjoy lifting, traveling, hanging out with friends, and watching movies.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with ESS and Oceanography assisting in a myriad of projects over the past three years, resulting in a poster presentation at GSA, and the development of my first manuscript.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am headed to the University of Ottawa to complete a PhD in Earth Sciences, specifically focusing on early crustal evolution!

Mick Jordan

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

Minor in Business Administration

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Attending the AME Roundup conference in Vancouver with a group of students and John Stone. Was a super fun trip and learned a lot about the Geosciences industry and met some great people.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

It has to be between Physics III: Waves, Light, and Optics, or Economic Geology. Physics is fascinating because of the profound understanding it brings to everyday phenomena, but Economic Geology has been the most practical course I have taken for my career.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I love photography, hiking, camping, a good game of catch, or just going on any outdoor adventure I can.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I have just been offered a job with Equity Geosciences for an Assistant Geologist position north of Anchorage, AK. I will be helping with active drilling operations investigating the Whistler Copper Gold Porphyry deposit. After this summer seasonal work, I plan to either continue in the mining industry at a different location, or transition to something like environmental consulting. I’m excited!

Anything else you would like to add to your profile?

I just wanted to say thanks! I sort of just fell into the ESS program and I cannot be happier. It’s a great and underappreciated program at the UW and I will look back on it fondly!

Calun Kanze

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

The field trip we took to examine the Blakeley Formation at Manchester State Park was quite fascinating (ESS213).

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 420 (Intro to GIS) was the most interesting class, I enjoyed learning how to use ArcGIS tools to perform visual analysis and construct specialized geologic maps.

What do you like to do outside of school?

My hobbies include Hiking, Music, and Cooking.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I’m planning to work in the commercial sector, potentially with renewable energy research and development.

Molly Kaufold

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Seasonal Glacier Calving Variability from Passive Seismic Monitoring
Minor in Physics.

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

The ESS program has been incredibly welcoming, and I have enjoyed working in labs and making friends throughout my degree that are similarly passionate about Earth science.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class was ESS 313 Geobiology; the labs were very hands-on, and everything I learned about evidence of early life on Earth was super interesting.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Geophysics through a joint program from ETH Zürich, RWTH Aachen, and TU Delft.

Emmanuel Larsen

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

Minor in Leadership

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Finding dinosaur bones in Montana

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Paleobiology

What do you like to do outside of school?

Playing video games, hiking, seeing rocks and nature

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Will be an Armor (tank/other armored vehicle) officer in the Army

Alexa Lavinder

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option (Departmental Honors, Baccalaureate Honors – Cum Laude)

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best memory with the ESS program was backpacking with my friends during field camp. Although the trip strayed so far from the plan, we came out of it with good stories and great memories!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 457 Environmental Geochemistry was by far my favorite ESS class. I left every single class session with the feeling that I learned something new and confirmation that I wanted to continue my education in this subject field.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, you can find me anywhere outside. I love running on the Burke-Gilman, hiking up mountains, walking along the water, and reading in the sun.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I am really grateful for the undergraduate research position that I held at the Burke Museum. I worked on the Puget Sound Foraminifera Research Project under Dr. Ruth Martin, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

This summer, I will work for Shannon and Wilson as a geotechnical soil lab intern. This fall, I will begin a master’s degree in environmental management with concentrations in Ecotoxicology and Data Modeling at Duke University!

Deven Loska

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Strontium Isotope Ratios as a Proxy for Fluid-Rock Interactions in the Protolith of the Catalina Schist Metabasalts

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best memory in ESS was the ESS 213 field trip to Manchester state park. We saw dipping strata, a fault, turbidites, clam boreholes, and a lot of crabs. Dr. Mehra and our TAs taught us how to take strike and dip with Bruntons. My friends and I got taco bell and rode the ferry after. It was a perfect, sunny, happy day, spent with amazing friends and cool local geology.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class I took for the ESS major was ESS 212. I enjoyed Dr. Crider and Dr. Muth’s teaching styles, the fun and creative assignments, and the field trip to Discovery Park. It was also my first exposure to minerals, in hand sample and thin section, and I thought that was super cool. This class really confirmed that I wanted to be an ESS major.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Hike, paint, bake, and swim.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I presented my research at the Geological Society of America 2025 annual meeting and at the 2026 ESS Gala where I won Best Overall Talk. I also am proud of receiving the Afton Woolley Crooks Scholarship for full tuition and the Northwest Geological Society Scholarship award.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am applying for internships and jobs in the area and will apply to graduate school next fall.

Julia Nie

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

I love the physics courses in ESS.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 314 Geophysics, because it’s interesting.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Listening music & watching movies.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Take a break and find something interesting to do.

Nate Nolan

Filip Novak

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option (Department Honors, Baccalaureate Honors – Cum Laude)
Minor in Paleobiology
Undergraduate Research: From outcrop to point cloud: A three-dimensional technique for the remote analysis of terrestrial and extraterrestrial sedimentary structures

Mary Gates Research Scholarship, Julian D. and Marajane Barksdale Endowed Fund and Geology Undergraduate Field and Research Fund, College of the Environment Meeting and Travel Award, “Rising Rockstar” – Best Undergraduate Talk 2026, “The Money Figure” – Schematic Contest First Place

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

I really enjoyed being able to attend GSA with other undergraduate students in my cohort. We were all able to present our research to scientists from across the country, and were then able to explore San Antonio together afterwards. It was a great learning experience, and I made many connections that will last throughout my career.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 490 Special Topic: Sedimentary Structures. I got to dive deep into the many layers of sedimentary analysis. The class inspired me to think more critically about what creates the structures we see in the field, and led me to pursue similar topics in my research.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I like to play tennis, travel to historic sites, and play video games.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I won a Student Technology Fee proposal for $50,000, First place in the 2026 ESS Gala Schematic contest, and “Best undergraduate talk” in the 2026 ESS Gala. I am also a Mary Gates Scholar.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be pursuing a PhD at Princeton University, where I will be exploring Cambrian-aged carbonate reef systems from Southern Australia.

Jesus Rangel

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences, Geoscience Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

I really enjoyed attending field school; it felt satisfying applying what I’ve learned academically in a variety of ways. I also met some truly great friends during it, which can be hard to do in other classes, or even in other programs.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class was ESS 408 (great geological issues) and learning about some of the history and literature behind some of what we take for granted in wide scope of Geoscience. It was a topic I hadn’t thought seriously about when it should be the backbone of how use geological principles. Eric was a great professor and was thoroughly engaging.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I enjoy reading, tennis, playing video games, bird watching, collecting trading cards, hikes that aren’t too crazy, watching old TV shows/movies, and spending time with my family and friends.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

My Undergraduate Research done through IBIS on landslide dating which I later presented at SACNAS 2025.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

want to spend some time with my family, maybe a vacation, we’ll see, before continuing to pursue some career options here in Seattle. I also want to hang out with all the friends I’ve made here before they go off and pursue all their own impressive and wonderful things.

Sophia Robillard

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Formation Process and Environments of Miocene Lacustrine Carbonates on the Colorado Plateau

Minor in Data Science

Undergraduate Service Award 2026, Woolley Crooks Scholarship 2025, Best Undergraduate Poster ESS Gala 2025

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite memory with the ESS program was presenting my research at the GSA Conference in San Antonio, TX! My cohort of ESS undergrads and I all really bonded on this trip and it was great to meet students and faculty from across the U.S. and see what they were working on!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite ESS class was ESS 456 Sedimentary Geology and Depositional Environments! I love making field notes with lots of illustrations so I really enjoyed that we took lots of field trips where I got to fill up my field notebook!

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school I love practicing yoga and painting!

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

This next year I am planning to finish writing my manuscript for my research project and will be applying to PhD programs for 2027!

Nikolas Saathoff

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Physics Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My favorite memory is doing my undergraduate research with Steven Walters to collect and map data pertaining to the surface and environment of Mars, while simulating a hypothetical ocean and tidal systems using Python and ArcGIS Pro to also create 2D and 3D visualizations of the data.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 420 was my favorite course because it introduced me to GIS and all of its different applications, which I ended up continuing to use and study for almost 2 years at UW while also being the main component of my research project.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school I enjoy hiking, trying new restaurants, weight lifting, playing basketball, and spending time with friends.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Eventually I would like to go back to graduate school, but as for right now my plan is to go into the work force and hopefully find a job pertaining to my education in geology, geophysics, and GIS.

Lesly Silva

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: TERRESTRIAL PALEOCLIMATE AND PROVENANCE ACROSS THE EOCENE–OLIGOCENE TRANSITION IN THE WENATCHEE FORMATION, CENTRAL WASHINGTON

Minor in Data Science

Mary Gates Research Scholarship, Afton Woolley Crooks & James William Crooks Endowed Scholarship in Geological Sciences, Identity, Belonging and Inquiry in Science (IBIS) Research Grant, Best Poster Presentation Award, Earth and Space Sciences Research Gala 2025

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Getting to do fieldwork in Wenatchee, WA the summer of 25 with friends and my mentor Jody Bourgeois.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 490 Special Topics Carbonates was my favorite course, especially because it so beautifully relates to larger questions in paleoclimate and sedimentary systems.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will continue to work on the outreach portion of my research project on Paleobotany Tribal Relations with the Burke Museum, and later on, apply to a master’s program for the fall of 2027.

Hailey Smith

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

During ESS 401 we would often take field trips across Eastern Washington. It was so amazing to learn about the geology of Washington and how rich in history the area by my hometown is. During 401 I was also able to make some really great friends who made the summer and senior year fly by.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 427 Hillslope Geomorphology with Alison Duvall! Alison is a great professor who makes any class fun and learning about.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I was able to do two undergraduate research projects! partnering with DNR/USGS, and COLDEX. I was able to present one of my projects on a national level in Ohio.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I plan to pursue my Master’s degree!

Nissa Stupakoff

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Biology Option (Department Honors)
Undergraduate Research: Taphonomic Controls on the Fossil Record of a High-Latitude Vertebrate Paleoecosystem (Lower-Middle Triassic Fremouw Formation, Antarctica)

Minor in Architecture

ESS Research Gala: Rising Rockstar (Best Undergraduate Presentation – Runner Up)

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Conducting paleontological fieldwork in eastern Montana this past summer with Greg Wilson-Mantilla and his team was fantastic! Also, participating in the DIG Field School program which helps high school teachers from across the U.S. learn about paleontology and fieldwork methods was an incredibly fun and fulfilling experience.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Taking Geobiology with Marjorie Cantine opened my eyes to the interconnected world of life and rocks, and the diverse ways we can reconstruct ancient ecosystems through the rock record.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Beyond classes, I love doing anything outside – hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, etc.! I also enjoy illustration and drew comics for UW’s satire newspaper, Off Leash News, for several years.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I will be concluding my research project on the taphonomic biases and preservation spectrum of the Early Triassic of Antarctica and hope to finish writing and submit my first paper on the subject in the coming months. I presented this work at the GSA Rocky Mountain Section meeting this year, as well as at the ESS Research Gala and Undergrad Research Symposium at UW. I also completed a project providing stratigraphic information on a Paleocene-aged paleochannel in eastern Montana for a project being conducted by Jacqueline Silveria in Greg Wilson Mantilla’s lab.

I will be concluding my position as a Student Outreach Assistant at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network this spring, and would like to thank everyone at the network for the wonderful past two years, and for the perfect opportunity to spread geohazard awareness and expand my skills in scientific communication!

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

This summer, I plan to conduct fieldwork Namibia, assisting graduate student Lucy Helms in investigating Ediacaran reef systems. Following that, I am excited to continue working on paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction research.

Sofia Suhinin

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Maybe not the most exciting memory, but definitely the most memorable experience was sitting in the basement classrooms of Johnson Hall, classifying every possible type of mineral and rock in the department. Half the time we were wrong, but hey – we got to see a lot of cool rocks!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Without a doubt, it was ESS 101 with Terry Swanson! This was the first ESS course I took at UW and the one that truly solidified my passion for the geosciences.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I enjoy hiking around Washington and exploring our beautiful national parks! I also love a good picnic at Golden Gardens with my friends, nothing better than a bonfire, some s’mores, and a gorgeous sunset.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I completed a research project titled Investigating the Statistical Structure of Glacier Calving of Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland. I was able to present my research at the UW ESS Gala Poster Session, and learn a great deal from other members of the department during this experience. The project, advised by Taryn Black and Daniel Shapero, taught me a lot about remote sensing, glaciology and geospatial data analysis. I am thankful to both of them for their guidance and support throughout the research process!

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I will be pursuing a PhD in Climate and Space Science Engineering at the University of Michigan this fall.

Regan Thomas

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option
Minor in Informatics

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Getting to take measurements on a glacier on Mount Baker during field school.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Igneous Petrology because I love looking at thin sections and learning about how different types of magma form in different settings.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I play hockey and like to draw.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I’m planning on continuing my current guest services role at Kraken Community Iceplex and hoping to move into a hockey analytics position eventually.

Nia-Lael Wangia

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geology Option

Boren Scholarship

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Getting to work with friends in field school.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Geomorphology with Alison Duvall. The course matter was very interesting. We had cool field trips.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Play rugby

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

Won the Boren scholarship.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I’m going to study Swahili in Tanzania for 6 months and then spend 6 months in Nairobi traveling and visiting family.

Van Waters

Sophie Widloe

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geology Option (Department Honors)

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 462! Volcanic Processes!! I love volcanoes and that class was a super cool insight into different types of volcanoes and how they work. A whole class of just volcanoes, literally my dream it was super interesting.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I am graduating in three years which is so crazy! Everything went so fast, but that is something I am really proud of myself for accomplishing.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am taking a gap year and then hopefully going to grad school to pursue research in volcanic hazard mitigation!

Carson James Wilson

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Attending an economic geology conference.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 421 – Remote Sensing.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After taking some time to travel, I will be looking into careers for economic geology, geothermal energy, and GIS related professions

Nathan Wolford

Lauren Yoson

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science, Geoscience Option

Minor in Spanish

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Rock identification labs were one of my favorite experiences. They really helped me connect what I learned in lectures to real samples, and I enjoyed the hands-on aspect of working directly with minerals and rocks.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Field school in Hell Creek, Montana, was my favorite because it gave me a hands-on opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom to real geologic settings.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I’m interested in emergency preparedness and learning more about how communities can respond to natural hazards.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am currently working toward getting my professional geologist license and plan to pursue a field-based career where I can apply my geology skills in real-world settings.

Graduates

Tamara Aránguiz-Rago

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences
Dissertation: The Role of Climate and Erosion in Shaping Strike-Slip Fault Landscapes: Insights from the Extreme Hyperarid Atacama Desert

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

It is hard to pick one best memory! I have so many… The retreat with my gradmates, field trips, supergroup. I think I enjoyed the most when we interacted across research groups and showed how curious we are about science. I love the supportive and motivating intellectual environment that ESS fostered during my time in the program.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

One of my favorite classes was scientific writing with Gerard Roe. It gave me so many skills and resources that shape the way I think and communicate my science in my presentations and papers.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Climb, run, improv theater

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Postdoc at the University of Colorado Boulder

Autum Downey

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences and Astrobiology
Dissertation: Molecular and thermodynamic controls on cell envelope reactivity of a deep-sea hyperthermophilic methanogen: Solute-specific mechanisms governing archaeal envelope chemistry and nutrient acquisition

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Some of my best memories center around hanging out with my office pals and fellow grad students on a sunny Friday afternoon.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I would like to take the time to highlight my infamous lab photo that has been–and will continue to be used at will by the College of the Environment for the next 20 years.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation? Or, what have you been doing since graduation?

Since graduating, I have started a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Missouri, Kansas City in the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Anna Ledeczi

Madeleine Lucas

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences
Dissertation: Geophysical and geomorphological signatures of accretionary wedge faulting at the Cascadia subduction zone

Washington Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Fellow, 2023 Homecoming Scholar

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Meeting my best friends Tamara and Kim in my PhD cohort! All the laughs and time spent with my office mates in JHN 423 <3

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Tectonic Geomorphology with Alison Duvall. It turned me into a tectonic geomorphologist! 🙂

What do you like to do outside of school?

Making art, hiking, cooking, foraging for mushrooms and plants!

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I am currently a Washington Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Fellow with the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Tokeland, WA. My project is working on tsunami awareness and preparedness in the community.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I plan to keep working with coastal communities to prepare for earthquakes and tsunamis at the Cascadia subduction zone. I also would like to continue participating in offshore research expeditions to map active Cascadia fault zones.

John-Morgan Manos

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences

Dissertation: High-resolution geophysical observations and modeling of the cryosphere using distributed optical fiber sensing

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

My best memories with the ESS program are the scavenger hunt and retreat to Orcas Island each year.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

My favorite class was Seismology with Ken Creager because the material was presented and discussed in an approachable and thought-provoking way.

What do you like to do outside of school?

I like to hike, rock climb, bicycle, snowboard, and mountaineer.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

I was awarded the Program on Climate Change Graubard Fellowship. Additionally, I served as Graduate Student Representative during my 4th and 5th years of my program with the aim to improve communication between graduate students and faculty.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I accepted a postdoctoral researcher position at Cornell University to study the connection between cryoseismicity and basal hydrology in West Greenland.

Paul Morgan

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences
Dissertation: Landslide legacies: The cascading impacts of landslides on hazards and landscape evolution

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

The summer of swims with the Bike Shop office crew!

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

Great Geologic Issues with Jody Bourgeois, a class that put me in context as a neo-catastrophist!

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Turn my dissertation into publications!

Yiyu Ni

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences, Data Science Option
Dissertation: Scaling Up Data-Driven Earthquake Monitoring

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

Doing field work in Oregon and Alaska

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

David A. Johnston Memorial Fellowship for Research Excellence

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

Keep working on data-driven geophysics and seismology.

Jason Ott

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences
Subduction Zone Blues: Laboratory and Field Constraints on the Rheology and Deformation Mechanisms of Mafic Blueschist at the Subduction Interface

David A. Johnston Prize for Research Excellence

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

The amazing graduate student community–the support makes all the difference.

Favorite class you took for the ESS major and why?

ESS 212 as an undergrad-it was the course that led me to my passions for metamorphic rocks and research.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Playing electric guitar, spending time with my partner, Jamie, and our puppers, Roxie.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

David A. Johnston Prize for Research Excellence

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation? Or what have you been doing since graduation?

Researching the brittle-ductile transition and fault healing through deformation experiments on halite.

Kimberly Sinclair

Doctor of Philosophy in Earth and Space Sciences and Astrobiology
Dissertation: Understanding the Geochemical Context for the Origin of Life in Surface Lakes on Early Earth and Mars

Washington NASA Space Grant Award, OpenMinds NextGen Leader Fellow

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

A lot of my favorite memories from ESS were planning or participating in our scavenger hunts and retreats over the years. They have been such amazing opportunities to explore campus and the UW Friday Harbor Labs, as well as get to know other graduate students and have some fun! I’ll never forget winning a dead frog stored in formaldehyde one year as a prize….

What do you like to do outside of school?

Outside of school, I like to spend my time exploring the mountains and the city. I have spent a lot of time climbing some of the spectacular peaks in the Cascades, hiking trails in the Olympics, and skiing in the backcountry. I also have enjoyed taking art classes at Pratt, being a part of the UW women’s hockey team, and going to music and dance performances around the city.

Do you have any accomplishments or activities you would like to highlight?

One of my greatest accomplishments has to be driving the Mars rover and discovering novel minerals on Mars. It has been a gift to be part of this mission, and to be able to use the latest data from Mars in my defense was truly special.

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work in the decarbonization landscape, continuing work I started in my last year of my PhD in carbon capture research. I am excited to apply my expertise in geochemistry to help develop solutions to the climate crisis.

Trent Thomas

Bering Tse

Masters of Science in Earth and Space Science, Research Option
Thesis: Sediment record of paleotsunami inundation at Lagoon Creek, CA. Deposit chronology and inland extent

ESS Kenneth Robbins Endowment, GSA John A. Black student award, QRC Research award

What is your best memory of experience with the ESS program?

There are so many! Days spent in the field, so much support and encouragement from my advisors and peers, and meaningful outreach.

What do you like to do outside of school?

Pottery, biking, hiking, and rock climbing

What next steps do you have planned for after graduation?

I am looking for work! I will be staying in Seattle and aiming to spend more time outdoors.