Emily Huynh

Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, Autumn 2024

Leadership Project: Office of Undergraduate Research Inclusivity-Centered Policy Guide

Project Description: As an Undergraduate Research Leader at the UW Office of Undergraduate Research, I identified a critical gap in inclusion within spaces of research. Gathering qualitative feedback from students across UW’s diverse undergraduate community, I learned that underrepresented students were deterred by confusing processes, inaccessible mentorship, and a lack of targeted outreach. As a first-generation Vietnamese-American, I resonated with these students, and I felt passionate about expanding the traditional role of an undergraduate research leader by taking decisive action to bridge these gaps. Thus, supported by the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship, I led the development of an inclusivity-centered internal policy for the Office of Undergraduate Research, providing guidance on giving access to research opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds and emphasizing strategies to extend their impact beyond campus.

What have you learned throughout your leadership project? In leading this initiative, I learned that effective leadership involves guiding from the front while also mentoring emerging leaders from behind the scenes, creating a sustainable framework that benefits both students and staff. This work is deeply connected to my future aspirations as a legal researcher; by dismantling barriers to research accessibility and fostering collaborative partnerships, I am committed to using evidence-based advocacy and policy work to drive transformative social change.

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants? Write about what makes you passionate, not what you think people want to hear, as this will translate well in your writing! Furthermore, ensure you know the details of your application outside of what you’ve written. If someone were to ask you, “Can you tell me about your project and why you are pursuing it?” be sure that you are able to give an answer that you are confident in. Oftentimes, the “why” is what sets your application apart; especially if your project has personal relevance, be sure to highlight this in your application.