The Distinguished Research Awards honor graduating seniors for excellence in undergraduate research while maintaining an exceptional academic record. This year, thirteen students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry received the award: five conducted research with faculty in the Department of Chemistry and were supported by the Donald J. Hanahan Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry or Biochemistry and the Rex and Ruth Robinson Scholarship in Chemistry; eight conducted research with faculty in the Department of Biochemistry.
This year’s recipients of the Distinguished Research in Chemistry award are:
Donald J. Hanahan Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Lia Barrow is a senior pursuing a B.S. in biochemistry with a minor in data science. She joined the group of Assistant Professor Lauren Rajakovich in autumn 2022 to follow her passion for gut microbial biochemistry. Lia plans to pursue a graduate degree in computational biology to further explore the connections between human health and the gut microbiome. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding with Husky Winter Sports and spending time outdoors.
Tanush Korde is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry. His experience and interest in chemistry courses led him to look into research at UW as an undergraduate student. He reached out to Professor Champak Chatterjee and has been doing research under him for the last two years. Tanush wants to use his passion for science and helping others by pursuing an MD-PhD. Outside of the lab and classes, Tanush enjoys running and making his own coffee every day.
Jacob Nichols is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry who has spent two years conducting research in the lab of Professor Champak Chatterjee. Here he has looked at how modifications to chromatin, more specifically, histones, result in changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. Jacob will spend time conducting post-baccalaureate research before pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. program. He hopes to translate bench top work to patient bedside.
Rex and Ruth Robinson Scholarship in Chemistry
Michael Rosen is a senior undergraduate student completing a double major in chemistry and physics, with a minor in applied mathematics. Michael works in the research group of Professor Anne McCoy using theoretical methods to elucidate the spectral details of small molecular clusters displaying internal and overall angular momenta coupled to skeletal vibrations. Outside of research, he participates in the UW Physics Mentoring Program, where he works with first-year students taking the introductory physics series, and as a member of the UW Physics Majors Committee. Later this year, he will continue his research in the chemistry Ph.D. program at Princeton focusing on the theory of nonadiabatic motions and their effect on quantum chemistry calculations.
Albert Shin graduated in March 2025 with a major in biochemistry and a minor in chemistry. He joined the group of Professor Ashleigh Theberge during his second year of college and has been conducting research on point-of-care microfluidic technology. He is currently working in the Theberge Lab as a postbaccalaureate researcher and plans to pursue a career in medicine.
This year’s recipients of the Distinguished Research in Biochemistry award are:
Sophia Arons is a graduating senior pursuing dual degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. In the lab of Professor Justin Kollman, she investigates PRPS1, an enzyme that catalyzes a rate limiting step in the nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. Her current project explores how PRPS1 mutations in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse affect the enzyme’s structure and function. Outside of the lab, Sophia takes an active role in supporting her peers as vice president of Free Radicals and undergraduate liaison to Inclusion in Chemical Sciences at UW.
Priya Christensen is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry and public health-global health. For the past three years, she has worked in Dr. Neil King’s group at the Institute for Protein Design on engineering protein-based vaccine adjuvants that target the CD40 signaling pathway in germinal centers. After graduation, she will be working on flu vaccine research at NIAID’s Vaccine Research Center while applying to medical school. Outside of science, Priya is very passionate about serving those experiencing homelessness through her volunteer work with ROOTS and Elizabeth Gregory Home, as co-education chair with University District Street Medicine, and in advocacy with Health Equity Circle.
David Khawand, a graduating senior in biochemistry, has been a member of Associate Professor Michael Ailion’s lab for three years, where he has researched neuropeptide processing. After graduation, David aims to pursue a medical career, specializing in neurosurgery. Passionate about community service, he believes health care is the most impactful way he can improve lives and serve his community.
Lily Nguyen is a graduating senior pursuing dual degrees in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and biochemistry. In the lab of Professor Jennifer Kong, she uses stem cell models and small molecule drugs to investigate how signaling pathway defects affect early brain development. Outside of research, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and two cats, trying out new restaurants and cafes and crocheting. After graduation, she aspires to obtain a Ph.D. in biochemistry.
Daniel Park is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in chemistry. He works in the lab of Associate Professor Michael Ailion studying the regulation of the small GTPase RAB-2. Daniel plans on eventually pursuing graduate training in biochemistry. He is thankful to his mentors, Chau Vuong and Michael Ailion, and the rest of his lab.
Sahiti Peddibhotla is a graduating senior pursuing degrees in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and biochemistry. Her research in the group of Professor Hannele Ruohola-Baker focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying a cell-cycle arrest in stem cells known as quiescence; she also studies how this mechanism varies across genetic backgrounds. Her work has implications for aging and cancer. Sahiti hopes to pursue a career in genetics and become a professor. Beyond the bench, she enjoys visiting scenic places and museums, as well as playing the violin.
Samuel Perkowski is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry. For the past three years he has worked in the lab of Associate Professor Andrea Wills studying mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration in Xenopus tropicalis tadpoles. After graduation, Sam will be attending the University of Chicago to earn the Ph.D. in developmental biology. Sam hopes to continue to study mechanisms in the development of the nervous system.
Gardenia Sanchez is a graduating senior majoring in biochemistry with a minor in diversity. She joined the group of Professor Justin Kollman in fall 2023, focusing on understanding the structure and regulation of IMPDH2 and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research aims to test various IMPDH2 inhibitors, including derivatives from traditional Chinese medicine and FDA-approved drugs, to potentially treat disorders caused by IMPDH2 hyperactivity. Her work involves using spectrophotometric assays and structural techniques such as negative stain and cryo-EM to analyze the impacts of small molecules on IMPDH2 filament assembly. Her research demonstrates a commitment to bridging molecular-level insights with clinical strategies to improve patients' lives through more precise treatments. After her undergraduate studies, she wishes to pursue a post-baccalaureate program before attending graduate school. Gardenia would like to thank Dr. Kollman and her mentor Audrey O’Neill, as well as her lab colleagues for their support.
Congratulations to the recipients of these research awards and congrats to all our graduating seniors!
These awards were established by the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry to honor graduating seniors who have maintained an exceptional academic record and excelled in their undergraduate research.
Thank you to our alumni and friends who give generously to fund these awards. If you have questions about giving to the University of Washington or how you can support students studying chemistry and biochemistry, please contact Diana Knight, advancement & communications manager.