In honor of Valentine’s Day, UW News invited 12 researchers from the University of Washington to recount their love stories: What influenced their choice of career paths? Scroll down or follow the links below to discover their stories.
Lakeya Afolalu | Katya Cherukumilli | Stephen Groening | June Lukuyu | Jennifer Nemhauser | Zoe Pleasure | Kira Schabram | Bára Šafářová | Adam Summers | Timeka Tounsel | Kendall Valentine | Navid Zobeiry
Lakeya AfolaluUniversity of Washington
Lakeya Afolalu, Assistant Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture at the College of Education
What is your area of study at UW?
My work investigates the intersections of immigration, race, language, literacy, and identity within the experiences of Nigerian immigrant and transnational youth. In contrast to many West African nations, race serves as the principal identifier in the U.S., often overshadowing the various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic identities of African origin youth. This often shapes how immigrant youth comprehend their identities within this society. My research delves into how Nigerian young people employ multilingualism, literacy, and digital literacies to construct and navigate their identities within home, educational, and digital contexts in the United States.
What drew you to your field of research?
My mother is African American while my father hails from Nigeria. Therefore, during my upbringing, I frequently felt as if I were caught between two cultures. There were numerous societal and familial pressures regarding what being “Black,” “African American,” and “Nigerian” entailed.
In my younger days, my family and friends in Detroit would refer to me by my African American name, “Lakeya.” However, whenever my sisters and I would spend summers and holidays in Queens, New York, with our Nigerian relatives, as soon as I crossed the threshold of the door, I would be greeted by my Nigerian name, “Iyore.”
To be truthful, I would assert that I began defining my life’s course very early on, striving to be deliberate about how I wanted to present myself to the world — my identity. It has not always been — and even now as an adult Black woman in America, it remains challenging — to challenge identity norms. But is there any other way to exist? To merely be a facade of what others, or society, expect us to be? Is that truly living? It is not.
As a teenager, I struggled with confidence in being outspoken and embracing my authentic self. I had a passion for reading novels. I’d visit bookstores to purchase books to read, but I concealed this practice from my peers due to an unspoken rule suggesting one cannot be Black, cool, and intelligent. Experiencing peer pressure during adolescence was a genuine challenge. This was also how I developed an affinity for writing. Frequently feeling out of place, I would turn to the pages of my journals, where I could express myself and envision my future self. To this day, I maintain a journal.
My Aunt Darcelle claims I’ve been asking profound inquiries since I learned to articulate my thoughts. This trait has remained unchanged. Thus, it is unsurprising that I have dedicated my career to research. However, my research transcends mere investigation. It encapsulates the stories and lives of numerous young individuals who feel trapped between others’ and society’s expectations of who they ought to be and who they aspire to become. Often, these anticipations come from those closest to us, with the best of intentions — parents, family, and dear friends. I resonate deeply with this sentiment.
Countless times while writing a manuscript or analyzing data, I reflect on my own educational experiences to decipher interview transcripts from the Nigerian youth involved in my research. I also recall comparable experiences from West African seventh graders in Harlem, which guide me in selecting theoretical frameworks that align best with the Nigerian youth experience.
My research fundamentally aims to transform the narrative regarding what it signifies to be Black, Nigerian, and African. Why? Because Blackness is extraordinarily rich, varied, and complex. The same applies to Nigerianness and Africanness. As I engage in research to depict the vibrant diversity of Nigerian youth’s languages, literacies, and identities, I also strive to contribute to breaking down rigid identity frameworks, thus fostering greater freedom for all young individuals who find themselves in situations governed by predetermined identities that clash with their desired self-portrayal.
My research serves as a pathway to freedom — a liberation that extends into adulthood. My presence may be in academia, yet my heart and efforts have always been rooted in communities that reflect my own. It is a genuine privilege to engage in this heartfelt work.
Afolalu (right, dressed in purple) with her two sisters and a cousin at their grandmother’s home on Detroit’s west side. This image was captured by their Uncle Keith, who had come from Atlanta and called the girls inside for a photograph.Lakeya Afolalu/University of Washington
I also wish to elaborate on the process through which I came to my decisions.to follow this vocational journey. During my childhood, I consistently imagined myself playing teacher during pretend school sessions. In fact, I would become upset whenever my sisters and cousins refused to engage in school play with me. For Christmas and my birthday, I would request my mother to acquire dry-erase boards, markers, and other stationery materials so that I could create my own “classroom” at home.
I developed a passion for teaching because some of my first-grade teachers were among the first individuals who made me feel acknowledged. For example, my first-grade instructor, Mrs. Schave, would allow me to select and read books to the entire class every Friday. My second-grade teacher, Mrs. Korn, at Fitzgerald Elementary in the western part of Detroit, would invite me to the writing table in the classroom whenever I completed my assignments ahead of time. At that table, I discovered the empowering and liberating nature of writing.
While I experienced these wonderful educational moments, they were markedly different from what my cousins encountered. They resided in and attended public schools in Auburn Hills, located in the suburbs of Detroit. I frequently visited them on weekends and observed that they read the same books that I studied at my elementary school, except that we had abbreviated versions in our basal textbooks while they had the complete chapter books. This realization resonated deeply with me, and I quickly understood that your ZIP code — your place of residence — influenced the standard of your education. It seemed inequitable. I lacked the vocabulary to articulate this at the time, but I have come to recognize it as an equity issue — not just in education but also regarding economic and social advancement.
Thus, I resolved around the age of seven that I aspired to be an educator. I made a personal pledge to ensure that children growing up in communities like mine — the vibrant west side of Detroit — would receive a quality education, regardless of circumstances. Since taking that pledge, I’ve taught elementary and middle school students in Newark, New Jersey, Detroit, and Harlem.
Reflecting on my exploration of identity, I held numerous discussions with my Nigerian father, who encouraged me to pursue a career in finance. In Nigerian culture, there is often a prevalent belief that becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer are the sole three career options, yet I was less motivated by finance and status. I was determined to follow a path in education.
Currently, as an assistant professor and the initiator of a new literacy and arts nonprofit organization aimed at supporting the identities and well-being of youth of color, I occasionally reminisce about my younger self, Lakeya, and smile. I am accomplishing exactly what she aimed to achieve and so much more. She would take pride in my journey.
What guidance would you offer to your younger self?
It’s perfectly fine to be misinterpreted. It’s acceptable to feel out of place. In fact, standing out is what makes you uniquely beautiful. I realize that at this moment, your identity and educational experiences may be perplexing, but they will eventually make sense. Trust me, they will — not only for you but for countless youths who are navigating their own identities. Indeed, you will dedicate your career to advocating, writing, and engaging in community-related initiatives concerning these topics. Lastly, I understand you are seeking a role model who embodies your dreams and exists between multiple cultural realms, but in due course, you will become the example you desire to see. Be patient. It’s going to be a magnificent adventure.
For additional information, reach out to Afolalu at [email protected].
Katya CherukumilliUniversity of Washington
Katya Cherukumilli, Assistant professor, Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering
What is your area of research at the UW?
My research team, the Safe Water Equity and Longevity Lab, seeks to close the gaps between scientific breakthroughs, technology development, and safe water distribution. We merge techniques from human-centered design and environmental engineering to examine barriers that limit access to safe water and to create effective water quality monitoring and treatment solutions. More specifically, we apply data science, experimental approaches, hardware prototyping, and community-focused research strategies to develop collaborative tools that enhance safe water management and reduce exposure to chemical pollutants in water resources.
What led you to your passion for your research field?
From an early age, I always felt a profound connection to our planet. I relished spending my time outdoors, discovering the natural environment. My curiosity and eagerness to learn as a child drove me to solve puzzles, play games, and comprehend how everything functioned. This inquisitiveness guided me through an intriguing journey of research that allowed me to delve into geology and supercontinents, climate change, alpine plant science, fuel-efficient cookstoves, wastewater irrigation, and ultimately, safe drinking water access.
Cherukumilli has enjoyed connecting with nature from a young age and has consistently felt a strong allure to water bodies. Pictured here is a seventh-grade Cherukumilli engaging with water in California.Katya Cherukumilli/University of Washington
When I contemplate how I arrived at the decision to focus on drinking water access, I reflect on the various places I’ve lived: southern India, Florida, California, and Washington. Each area has a distinctly different lifestyle, cultural customs, and natural surroundings. A recurring aspect in all the places I’ve inhabited has been their closeness to coastlines and ready access to freshwater springs, rivers, and lakes. I have always felt a magnetic pull towards the nearest water bodies.
I am thankful that my profession permits me to tackle environmental health issues while simultaneously focusing on human experiences, reflecting on and addressing inequalities and injustices, and collaboratively solving intricate challenges with remarkable students, colleagues, and community collaborators.
What guidance would you provide to your younger self?
Do not be afraid to pursue what you love daily, listen to your heart, and always express your thoughts. Eventually, you will find your path and come to understand that it is the journey that holds significance in the end.
For further details, reach out to Cherukumilli at [email protected].
Stephen GroeningCorinne Thrash
Stephen Groening, Associate Professor, Department of Cinema & Media Studies
What do you research at the UW?
I am a historian of media with a focus on the sociocultural dimensions of media technologies. This encompasses analyzing and documenting the devices, the ramifications of their introduction and widespread acceptance, and the ways in which individuals engage with them. For instance, my initial publication was about the evolution of in-flight entertainment. My research endeavors have also covered subjects such as mobile phones, online music videos, 16 mm instructional films, streaming video platforms, and the utilization of television screens within family minivans.
What inspired your passion for your research field?
At the age of 7, I found myself stuck on a Pan Am 747 for five hours on the London Heathrow tarmac, and when they finally screened a movie on the large cabin screen, it was electrifying!
Subsequently, I resided in Poland under a military regime, which significantly influenced my media experiences growing up. For example, we utilized a 16 mm projector to view Hollywood films in our living room — both the films and projector were procured through the U.S. Armed Forces. The variety of films we were exposed to was peculiar. I vividly recall watching “Sophie’s Choice,” “Heartbeeps,” “Terms of Endearment,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Going Ape!,” “Sleeper,” “Fire and Ice,” “The Towering Inferno,” “City on Fire,” “When Time Ran Out,” “Three Days of the Condor,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” and “Krull” — these were certainly not part of AFI’s list of 100 greatest films.
Concurrently, we viewed Polish television (primarily the animated programs “Pszczółka Maja” and “Bolek i Lolek”). Occasionally, a Hollywood film would be broadcast on television, dubbed in Polish while allowing the English dialogue to be heard. I have clear memories of watching “The Poseidon Adventure” and catching the initial few words in English before the Polish translation overlapped the dialogue. It wasn’t until about a decade later that I discovered this was not the conventional method for creating alternate language versions of films.
We occasionally accessed U.S. television shows through other American diplomats returning from leave, who brought videotape recordings. I was able to watch “Hogan’s Heroes,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Gilligan’s Island” months post-airing, complete with commercials (which I found both entirely confounding and fascinating — As I type this, I’m humming the Big Red commercial jingle from 1979). I even had the opportunity to view “Roots” and “The Day After” on Betamax (we did not utilize what was then perceived as the inferior VHS format).
I would argue that those media experiences — in-flight movies, 16mm home screenings, and films viewed on television in various languages — ignited my interest in our mediated mass culture. Until fairly recently, film studies was largely skewed towards theatrical exhibitions of feature films (with occasional acknowledgment of experimental films displayed in art galleries), while media studies primarily focused on the effective delivery of messages to audiences. The forms of media interaction that are unforeseen and often unintended at the moment of production are frequently regarded as incidental and trivial; yet, for numerous individuals, this is the primary avenue of engagement. Based on my experiences, I recognize that all media formats, devices, and their contents are dependent on a specific and serendipitous set of circumstances. Thus, I am intrigued by those situations and their historical context.
What counsel would you provide to your younger self?
If I had foreseen my journey into academia, I might have advised my 8-year-old self to take more meticulous notes and encouraged my college self to spend additional time in professors’ office hours discussing academia. Given my current insights, I would have instructed my past self ten years ago to cease worrying about others’ perceptions and simply write that damned book.
For further queries, contact Groening at [email protected].
June LukuyuUniversity of Washington
June Lukuyu, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
What do you research at the UW?
My studies focus on employing transdisciplinary methods to devise sustainable, inclusive, and integrated energy solutions for marginalized communities. My knowledge aids policymakers and practitioners who are pursuing equitable, community-centered energy transitions that merge technical and socioeconomic viewpoints.
What inspired your passion for your research area?
I was raised in a small community situated outside Nairobi, Kenya. From a young age, I encountered the difficulties of fluctuating electricity: frequent blackouts, power surges, and a framework that often failed to meet the requirements of the populace it served. When the power went out, my family, like many in the vicinity, was commonly left racing to safeguard our food or finish homework in candlelight. It wasn’t merely an inconvenience — it served as a reminder of how crucial electricity could hinder communities. It became apparent to me early on that I wanted to effect change, though I initially didn’t know how.
During my high school years, I applied to institutions in the U.S. and garnered acceptance to Smith College with a full scholarship. There, I pursued engineering science; however, it wasn’t solely the technical hurdles that ignited my passion for the field — it was the interconnectedness of energy systems with society. At Smith, my education encompassed not just mathematical problems. I delved into how energy influences everything from education to healthcare to human progress. My engineering courses were integrated with studies in psychology, economics, and sociology, and this fusion of disciplines broadened my perspective: Energy was not merely a technical issue awaiting resolution, but a societal dilemma.
The deeper I delved, the more I understood that rectifying energy systems in underserved communities could not be as simplistic as merely increasing energy supply or erecting larger grids. It required a comprehension of the people reliant on that power. I aspired to create systems that catered to the needs of those communities.
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to genuine requirements, which didn’t merely impose solutions, but took into account the community’s culture, environment, and pre-existing infrastructure. After completing my studies, I obtained a position creating software to project the costs of power systems, yet I continuously pondered how we could reconceptualize energy to enhance its sustainability, inclusivity, and connection to the social framework of the communities it supported.
This contemplation propelled me to pursue a master’s in renewable energy systems at Loughborough University in the UK and subsequently a doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where my research concentrated on discovering methods to develop energy systems that emphasized community as much as they did technology. I aimed not just to create another energy system that might falter because it didn’t resonate with how individuals lived or how societies functioned. Instead, my goal was to construct systems that were attuned to local circumstances and addressed the needs of the communities they were designed to serve, ensuring they would be reliable over the long term.
In 2023, I became part of the University of Washington as an assistant professor, where I established the IDEAS (Interdisciplinary Energy Analytics for Society) research group. Our work revolves around formulating energy systems that cater to the individuals utilizing them. It combines the advancement of sustainable technology, social comprehension, and profound collaboration with communities. We are engaged in projects in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and even here in the U.S., always with the objective of devising solutions that are both sustainable and tailored to the particular needs of each community.
What I cherish most about my research is that it transcends mere science — it revolves around individuals. Each project grants an opportunity to immerse myself in a new community, comprehend its challenges, and devise solutions that genuinely resonate. I am fervent about ensuring that when we contemplate energy, we also consider the people, not just the power. Currently, teaching and guiding the upcoming generation of engineers at UW permits me to instill that perspective — to motivate others to think beyond technicalities and question, “How does this system assist those who need it the most?”
It has been an intricate journey, from a small town near Nairobi to investigating sustainable and inclusive energy solutions at a prominent university. Yet the essence has consistently remained unchanged: a wish to create an impact, to address real-world challenges with technology, and to guarantee that every individual, regardless of their location, has access to the energy necessary for their prosperity.
What counsel would you provide to your younger self?
I would advise my younger self not to stress excessively about conforming to a stereotype or taking a conventional route. Every encounter, even those that appear disconnected or uncertain, contributes to your journey. Embrace the unpredictability, as it often guides you to the most fascinating destinations.
I would also remind myself to exhibit patience and kindness towards the process. Advancement isn’t always linear. There were instances when I felt inundated or unclear about my forthcoming steps. It’s acceptable to experience those feelings — it’s a part of learning and evolving. Setbacks, obstacles, and even the times of uncertainty are just as crucial as achievements. They shape you and impart valuable lessons.
Lastly, I’d encourage myself to embrace more risks — to pursue the intimidating opportunities, those that appear daunting or unfamiliar. You never know where a seemingly minor choice or unexpected turn may lead you. Occasionally, what seems unattainable is the most worthwhile pursuit. So, have faith in yourself, maintain your curiosity, and continue moving forward, even when the pathway isn’t distinctly visible. The journey will be rewarding.
For further information, reach out to Lukuyu at [email protected].
Jennifer NemhauserUniversity of Washington
Jennifer Nemhauser, Professor, Department of Biology
What do you explore at the UW?
We utilize plant, yeast, and human cells to comprehend and engineer the molecular interactions that allow organisms to process information during development and stress reactions.
What led to your passion for your research area?
As a young girl, I attended a Montessori school in Los Angeles during the 1970s, where the educators embraced the philosophy of allowing a child’s interests to guide their learning. I developed a strong rapport with a teacher named Dr. Pillai, who introduced me to the principles of scientific research, rewarding my seemingly insatiable curiosity with insightful answers and sharing the appropriate book, model, or experiment to help me delve deeper into any subject that fascinated me. He made me feel that asking countless questions was a remarkable trait (something that not everyone appreciated back then or even now!).
The sheer delight of discovering the natural world through experimentation resonated deeply within me. Although my journey to my decision to pursue a profession in science was quite winding, I am certain that I would not be where I am today without that early encouragement.
What advice would you provide to your younger self?
Be kinder to your dad while he is assisting you with your math homework!
For further information, contact Nemhauser at [email protected].
Zoe PleasureUniversity of Washington
Zoe Pleasure, Doctoral student, Department of Health Systems & Population Health, School of Public Health
What do you explore at the UW?
My research centers on understanding how individuals make choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health care while navigating the multi-level influences that shape our current societal dynamics. In my research, I utilize mixed methods to evaluate both traditional data sources, such as qualitative interviews and surveys, as well as contemporary data sources, including TikTok videos, Reddit posts, and electronic health record notes, to investigate the kind of information people seek about sexual and reproductive health, their motivations in decision-making, and interactions with providers. I aim to explore how individuals with diverse lived experiences (for instance, those with chronic illnesses, young people, and veterans) may possess varying motivations and informational needs to make autonomous reproductive health choices.
What led to your passion for your research area?
Are you enamored with your research domain?
My enthusiasm for sexual and reproductive health ignited during my enrollment in the course Sex, Gender and the Brain while pursuing my neuroscience undergraduate degree at Emory University. My concluding project examined how anti-choice organizations sought to restrict reproductive freedom by advancing misleading interpretations of neuroscience findings to assert that oral contraceptives pose dangers. This course illustrated to me how researchers could integrate scientific inquiry with feminist principles and, more specifically, how the strategic dissemination of falsehoods online acts as another mechanism to curtail bodily freedom.
In the earlier stages of my academic journey, instructors often presented my biology, chemistry, and physics sessions as apolitical or detached from societal influences. I now recognize that this is a misconception. This course was among the first where we were prompted to identify the particular perspective or framework of a research article or study and analyze who and what was excluded.
After this course, I swiftly abandoned my neuroscience concentration and redirected my focus toward policy-relevant, public-health-oriented research aimed at enhancing accessibility, equity, and quality concerning sexual and reproductive health care and information. While obtaining my master’s in public health, I began my tenure at the Guttmacher Institute, a prominent organization in sexual and reproductive health policy and research located in New York City. There, I engaged in research initiatives that assessed methods to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.
What counsel would you offer your younger self?
I would encourage my younger self to critically analyze the lessons available in all academic disciplines, including English, dance, and history, considering how these teachings can be applied to become a more effective public health researcher and writer.
For additional information, reach out to Pleasure at [email protected].
Kira SchabramUniversity of Washington
Kira Schabram, Assistant professor of management, Foster School of Business
What topics do you explore at the UW?
My two main areas of research are significant work and employee sustainability. My studies investigate methods to support workers who aspire to create a positive impact through their jobs, whether on a large or small scale, from individuals who perceive work as a vocation—more than mere compensation, but rather as a source of personal, communal, or ethical importance—to those engaged in daily acts of assistance, kindness, and compassion. I explore the obstacles that hinder these endeavors to identify how employees can perform their responsibilities more sustainably.
What led you to become infatuated with your research field?
My journey into academia was somewhat accidental. In 2007, I was employed at the largest animal shelter in North America, and I enrolled in a part-time master’s program in business, motivated by ambitions of one day occupying a leadership role in animal welfare.
Schabram initially worked at an animal shelter and began pursuing master’s courses to prepare for a leadership position in animal welfare.Kira Schabram/University of Washington
In 2008, the Great Recession struck, resulting in job loss, but it also opened my eyes to the fact that the academicians in my master’s program conducted research (who would have thought!). At that time, studies regarding meaningful work were just emerging and predominantly highlighted the positive aspects (for example, showing that employees engaged in meaningful work tend to experience higher levels of engagement and satisfaction). I witnessed this among my colleagues at the animal shelter, but I also observed considerable frustration, burnout, and disillusionment. Daily, employees with aspirations of saving animals’ lives found themselves overwhelmed and reduced to tears due to their inability to achieve that goal.
I applied to ten doctoral programs and was accepted into one where my mentors encouraged me to join the growing movement of research examining meaningful work as a complex, multifaceted issue and addressing the related challenges. The rest is history.
What would you tell your younger self?
This reflection is less advice for my younger self and more an expression of gratitude to all the individuals who supported me along my journey. Early on in your career, you lack an understanding of how the system functions: how research operates, which journals serve as suitable outlets, and how to cultivate the capacity to recognize where to focus our energies: which research initiatives are both innovative and impactful. Senior mentors serve as essential navigators during this phase. The foundation for a successful career is built upon the generosity of individuals who offer their time and expertise throughout the journey. I made numerous mistakes early in my career, but one thing I did right was to proactively seek out and express gratitude for any and all assistance I received. I wouldn’t be in my current position without the countless hours invested in me by others in the field, and I strive to pay that kindness forward in whatever small way I can.
For further information, please contact Schabram at [email protected].
Bára ŠafářováChrista Holka
Bára Šafářová, Assistant professor, School of Urban Studies, UW Tacoma
What topics do you research at the UW?
My investigations primarily concentrate on housing segregation, but I have also developed expertise in the intersection of Chagas disease and its connection to urban greening amidst climate change and increasing inequalities.
What drew you to this emerging research field?
During a late-night moment a few months into my architectural doctorate program, I serendipitously stumbled into this area of research. It was early spring, and I had just relocated to College Station, Texas, residing in an older timber-framed house. One night, around 1 a.m., I leaped into bed and suddenly cried out from a sharp discomfort in my lower back.
My first instinct: a snake bite?! Ileaped up, grasped my back as if to inhibit any venom from entering, illuminated the room and examined the bed for a serpent. Nothing. Instead, I noticed a small insect — a flat, dark bug, barely an inch in length. I captured it in a jar, released my grip on my “contaminated skin” and exhaled in relief.
Then I wondered, could this be a perilous insect? I had recently relocated to the U.S. from Europe and I was entirely unfamiliar with the local wildlife. To address this logically, I focused on dismissing the most dire scenarios. I searched online: “most hazardous insects in Texas.” I scrutinized the bug in the jar for distinctive traits and matched it against a list of… OH MY GOD! The third insect on the list was identical to the one that was confronting me from the jar: A Kissing bug… a bite from this insect can lead to Chagas disease… Lethal… No remedy… Organs deteriorate over several decades.
My heart raced. My hand returned to the bite location. I was scouring the internet in a frenzy. It was so late, and I had no one to contact at that hour. I considered reaching out to people in Europe, but what knowledge would they possess? I compelled myself to read attentively and devise a strategy.
The message became evident: There is no remedy for Chagas disease, and the only symptom (potentially) appears the following morning: the swelling of one eyelid on the side closer to the bite area. Even if I sought hospital care, this seemed to be an under-researched illness with minimal testing available. I decided to attempt to sleep through it and visit the doctor in the morning.
I arose early. My face looked symmetrical. Phew. I brought the jar to the clinic just as they opened. Someone in the waiting area recounted their experience of being bitten by a brown recluse. “Oh well,” I thought, feeling a bit resigned to my fate.
The doctor glanced at the bug and declared, “Yes, that is a Kissing bug. There’s no remedy. No test. Just move on, sorry!”
Confused, but also comforted by the apparent lack of urgency, I exited the clinic. Over the next few days, my anxieties gradually diminished as there seemed to be nothing to be done about it. I discarded the bug.
Two weeks later, I noticed a notice on the university homepage from Rachel Curtis-Robles, who was then a doctoral candidate in biomedical sciences. She was inquiring about any Kissing bug sightings and inviting individuals to partake in emerging research.
I promptly wrote to Rachel and recounted my experience. She was thrilled and requested that I bring her the bug. I explained that I had thrown it out but I possessed photographs and had found a similar one — having accumulated many bugs in my previous home. We convened over coffee. Rachel reassured me that the bug was NOT a Kissing bug and that I shouldn’t be concerned. She could conduct tests, but it wasn’t necessary.
Šafářová gathering data in the colonias for the pilot project inspired by her encounter with a bug.Bára Šafářová/University of Washington
She elaborated on the science of how the parasite responsible for Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, transmits into humans. It’s quite a process: After the bug bites, it defecates. The parasites are present in the feces of infected bugs, which means that the feces need to come into contact with the bite area for infection to occur.
Then Rachel inquired about my doctoral research, and I mentioned that I was studying housing in the colonias along the Texas-Mexico border. Her eyes lit up because she was seeking samples from there. Thanks to the bug incident and my meeting with Rachel, a whole team was formed and we initiated a pilot project that melded our research interests. This study became the foundation of my master’s thesis, and six years later we published a paper together in the renowned Habitat International journal.
What advice would you offer to your younger self?
Engage with doctoral students from far more disciplines!
For further details, contact Šafářová at [email protected].
Adam SummersUniversity of Washington
Adam Summers, Professor, Department of Biology and School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
What do you study at the UW?
I am a natural historian employing physics, mathematics, and engineering principles to living organisms to comprehend how they function. My research is motivated by both the evolutionary significance of function and the potential for bio-inspired design.
What drew you to your research field?
From my earliest years, I spent three seasons in downtown Manhattan and summers in the north woods of Ontario, Canada. The contrast between the most urban setting and a locale devoid of utilities or indoor plumbing was pivotal. Fish, whether in aquariums, on fishing lines, or through my SCUBA mask, were my constant and most captivating companions. No detail was too subtle, and no species too dull to miss my observation.
I departed from fish when I entered college. Instead, I found immense joy in mathematics and engineering, supplemented by a liberal arts assortment of art history, economics and German. Following college, I explored various avenues: I launched a business, taught in the NYC public school system, and attempted a photography career. However, I hesitated to endure when challenges emerged or the experience became unenjoyable. Then I traveled to Australia to become a SCUBA instructor, where I encountered my first biologist. I was enchanted by the possibility of earning a living while trying to understand animals.
Upon returning to New York, I immersed myself in biology, focusing primarily on the natural history of fishes, reptiles, and amphibians. Spending countless hours in the field meticulously observing animals and their habitats inspired me deeply. Additionally, I ventured into the study of animal morphology using an electron microscope. The connection between form and function defined my days — analyzing microstructure one moment, then wading into temporary ponds to observe larval salamanders the next. I fell utterly in love with both domains, forging my career at that intersection.
What advice would you offer to your younger self?
Value your mentors in the moment. They will vanish too quickly, and you will never feel like you adequately conveyed the impact they had on you and your career.
For further inquiries, contact Summers at [email protected].
Timeka TounselUniversity of Washington
Timeka Tounsel, Associate Professor, Department of Communication
What is your field of study at the UW?
I am a scholar in critical-cultural studies concentrating on race, gender, and sexuality within media. Specifically, I examine how Black individuals navigate mass media as marginalized entities whose citizenship remains constantly uncertain. I hold a particular interest in narratives that revolve around Black women, encompassing both external accounts and self-crafted stories from Black women themselves.
What inspired your passion for your research field?
Sometimes I view myself as an inadvertent academic. I pursued a degree in magazine journalism and international relations during my undergraduate years with aspirations of becoming a magazine editor. However, everything shifted when I secured an internship at my dream publication, Essence. At that time, numerous magazines were closing or scaling back their workforce due to the repercussions of the 2008 financial meltdown. Suddenly, aspiring for a career in magazines began to seem like a considerably bigger gamble than I was ready to take. Beyond the industry challenges, I also recognized that I enjoyed studying magazines (and other media) for academic projects just as much as working for one.
Throughout my experience at Essence, my editor assigned tasks that portrayed a specific depiction of Black womanhood and carried assumptions about Blackness, femininity, and masculinity that were essential to the magazine’s identity. Upon returning to university for my final year, I enrolled in a Black feminist theory class where I penned essays addressing the inquiries that arose during my internship – persistent queries that lingered in my thoughts as I strolled through the magazine section at the grocery store, or while consuming television and films. This glimpse into the profound satisfaction associated with intellectual pursuits became a pivotal moment. By the conclusion of the feminist theory course, I resolved to apply for graduate school.
My debut book, “Branding Black Womanhood: Media Citizenship from Black Power to Black Girl Magic,” marked a full-circle moment for me. In this publication, I provide a cultural historical overview of Essence magazine and frame it as a precursor to modern commercial portrayals of Black womanhood evident in the 2010s, represented through hashtags like #BlackGirlMagic and marketing initiatives such as Procter and Gamble’s “My Black Is Beautiful.” It was exhilarating to follow my curiosity and revisit the inquiries that first intrigued me as an intern. During the writing stage, I discovered that the origins of these inquiries began even earlier, back when I was a young girl seated in a Black beauty salon surrounded by numerous issues of Ebony, Jet, and Essence magazines. Long before I grasped the full intricacies of the articles, the visuals within these publications fascinated me, beckoning me to delve deeper.
What fills my heart with joy about the academic journey I’ve embarked on is the capacity to document and elevate the genius and beauty of Black women. There exists a multitude of challenges in the narratives society presents about Black women, but the most rewarding moments in my instruction and research are linked to the inspiring stories that Black women narrate about themselves.
What counsel would you offer to your younger self?
Embrace the inquiries that engage you and the topics that ignite your enthusiasm and curiosity. This will guide you toward your most gratifying research endeavors and exceptional writing.
For further details, reach out to Tounsel at [email protected].
Kendall ValentineUniversity of Washington
Kendall Valentine, Assistant Professor, School of Oceanography
What are your research interests at the UW?
I am a coastal ecogeomorphologist, meaning I investigate how ecology, geology, and physics shape coastal landscapes. Much of my research examines how biological elements (plants, microbes) influence the movement of sediment in coastal environments and modify the appearance of our shorelines. I have a particular fascination with marshlands and mudflats. I venture into the field to assess the actual dynamics on the shore, and subsequently create numerical models to predict how these processes may evolve in the future.
What sparked your passion for your field of research?
At the age of 5, my family and I vacationed at Cape Cod National Seashore. We participated in an educational program at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, and I instantly knew I had found my passion. The pungent, muddy marsh felt like home, and I vividly recall conversing with a volunteer scientist about marsh ecosystems. However, at that point, I had no inkling that studying marshes and sediment could be a career!
This foundational memory lingered with me, even as I progressed through school with the aim of becoming a medical doctor. In my mind, if you excelled in mathematics and science, the natural career choice was to pursue medicine.
Valentine fell in love with marshes on a trip to Cape Cod National Seashore when she was five years old but had no idea that a career studying marshes and mud existed. Pictured here is five-year-old Valentine at Cape Cod National Seashore.Kendall Valentine/University of Washington
I enrolled at Boston University, intending to major in chemistry. However, for each class assignment, I found myself drawn towards topics related to oceans and coastal systems. One of my wonderful teaching assistants noticed this pattern and casually mentioned that the university had a marine science program, suggesting that I explore a course within that field. I signed up for a class titled “Estuaries,” and from that point on, I haven’t looked back. During the initial week of the course, we embarked on a field trip to gather data in a marsh, instantly whisking me back to the wonder I felt as a 5-year-old.
I adore the marsh. I was the initial student who leaped into the muck to gather information, and I was reluctant to depart. Within weeks, I found myself working in that professor’s laboratory, and I truly haven’t exited the marsh since.
I also began cultivating a plethora of inquiries regarding how various elements functioned — and how everything interconnected, from the mud to the avian creatures — which led me to swiftly comprehend that research and education in the field was my destined path. My research has significantly broadened since then to include diverse types of coastlines, yet my affection for the pungent, squelching mud influences many of my choices. Experiencing nature firsthand and witnessing the processes in real time motivates me to grasp coastal ecosystems and contribute to a more resilient future for our planet and humanity.
What guidance would you provide to your younger self?
I feel extremely fortunate to possess a career that I genuinely cherish, and I would advise my younger self to pursue what brings me joy. At times, my work scarcely feels like a job because I am so immersed and thrilled by my discoveries and the students I have the privilege to collaborate with. While not every day is extraordinary (I face challenging workdays too!), at the conclusion of each workweek, I’m always grateful for the exceptional job I hold. I hope that everyone can discover something they are passionate about in their lives.
I would also say: Trust in yourself and refrain from comparing yourself to others. Simply continue engaging in what you adore and what you find significant and beneficial to others, and everything will turn out just fine.
For further details, reach out to Valentine at [email protected].
Navid ZobeiryUniversity of Washington
Navid Zobeiry, Associate professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering
What is your area of study at the UW?
My research group combines materials science, data analysis, and cutting-edge manufacturing with primary focus in the aerospace sector. We concentrate on three principal domains:
- Innovative material testing techniques, using physics-informed machine learning to adjust testing variables.
- Intelligent manufacturing that utilizes automation, sensing, and machine learning. The aim is to create AI for self-sufficient and self-aware manufacturing systems.
- Advanced engineering strategies to expedite aerospace design and certification. We employ a blend of machine learning, automated evaluations, and physics-based numerical simulation methods.
What prompted your passion for your research field?
As my parents recount, my inaugural word was “hot.” Reflecting on it, this seems like a fitting introduction to a life steeped in the concepts of heat transfer. My intrigue with temperature and materials commenced early and found an organic expression through my enthusiasm for cooking. I delight in experimenting with various cooking methods, all of which benefit greatly from an understanding of heat dynamics. This enthusiasm even propelled me to publish a cookbook a few years back.
After receiving my doctorate, I began my career at a research institution in Canada, where I partnered with different companies to tackle their manufacturing obstacles. Gradually, I engaged with an extensive array of materials — concrete, timber, polymers, metals, and composites. As I immersed myself in manufacturing, I observed captivating parallels between it and cooking. Both fields demand meticulous control of factors such as temperature and pressure to convert materials into new forms.
For example, producing aerospace composite components in an autoclave is fundamentally like pressure-cooking a layered substance. Likewise, tempering chocolate to achieve its ideal microstructure, texture, and snap closely resembles manipulating the crystallinity of thermoplastics to enhance their functionality. Identifying these correlations enabled me to merge my personal passion for cooking with my professional enthusiasm for materials science and engineering.
This fascination with probing the science behind materials was complemented by my enduring interest in mathematics, naturally guiding me toward integrating machine learning and AI into my research. These instruments facilitated a means to unlock profound insights and foster innovation in material design and manufacturing. For instance, my very first endeavor as a professor at the University of Washington was a collaboration with Boeing, where we devised AI for manufacturing aerospace composites. It was akin to developing a smart oven that can monitor the temperatures of various components and independently adjust the controls — a direct echo of advanced cooking techniques.
What advice would you share with your younger self?
As you investigate various paths for your career, prioritize what you genuinely love to do. Do not hesitate to fuse your personal interests with your professional aspirations — commence this integration sooner. The joy and satisfaction you will experience by aligning your personal endeavors with your career will unveil paths to creative possibilities and distinctive solutions you may not have envisioned. Have faith in the journey and pursue what ignites your passion.
For additional information, contact Zobeiry at [email protected].