Abby is a senior graduating this spring 2024 with a B.S. in Biochemistry with Interdisciplinary and Departmental Honors and minoring in Data Science and Chemistry. She first got started in research in Professor Sharlene Santana’s lab in the Biology department during her freshman year and fell in love with the power of evolution to fine-tune form and function on a macroevolutionary scale. By the end of her sophomore year, she realized that a research career was the right fit through her work on computational biology projects supervised by Dr. Chris Law (Santana Lab) and Dr. Kelly Diamond (then at Seattle Children’s Research Institute).

As she advanced in her college coursework, she became increasingly drawn to the microscopic level of life, leading her to join Professor Neil King’s group at the Institute for Protein Design in the Biochemistry Department. There, she works on a project designing de novo proteins to bind Toll-Like Receptors, key receptors that activate the innate immune system, for applications in vaccine development. This project allowed her to learn and synthesize a variety of computational and experimental biochemistry skills, confirming her interest in this area. She was fortunate to be funded by the Washington Research Foundation Fellowship and Goldwater Scholarship as she worked on this project, which is the subject of her Biochemistry Honors thesis work.

As a career, Abby wants to investigate immunological systems through a biophysical lens to elucidate their mechanisms of action and design potential therapeutics as a PI at an academic or industrial research lab. Pursuing a master’s at the University of Cambridge will help her work towards that goal by giving her the chance to learn foundational immunological techniques and scientific approaches before starting her Ph.D. She is also excited to be living in the UK, as she learned the value of conducting international research during a biochemistry internship in Hannover, Germany with Professor Dietmar Manstein in the summer of 2023. Over the course of the Churchill Scholarship year, she expects to learn a great deal of science in an international context, something that will be helpful in studying biomedical issues of global importance. In her free time, Abby enjoys reading fiction, hiking and skiing in Washington’s beautiful mountains, and running around Seattle with Husky Running Club.

Abb’s near and longer term goals: After completing the MPhil at Cambridge, I intend to obtain a Ph.D. in Biophysics and then pursue a career as a PI at an academic or industrial research lab.

Abby’s tips for future applicants: Don’t count yourself out before even putting yourself in the running! These scholarships are always a gamble but even the process of applying really helped me develop my ideas and goals for the future.

I currently live in Jakarta, Indonesia, working as a political analyst at Vriens and Partners, a Singapore-headquartered government affairs consulting firm. Before moving to Southeast Asia, I completed my BA in Political Science and History: Empire and Colonialism, writing my senior history thesis about Cold War geopolitics in Asia.

Histories of the Cold War and diplomacy first captured my attention during my sophomore year when I took a course about the Cold War and its legacies. I was especially interested in relations between Indonesia and its Indo-Pacific neighbors, which led me to learn Bahasa Indonesia through the Boren and Critical Language Scholarships and intern at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Southeast Asia Program. After graduating, I split my time across Indonesia and Singapore as an intern at the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) in Jakarta and, most recently, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore.

My experiences in civil society and government across both sides of the Pacific motivate me to continue studying the Indo-Pacific’s post-colonial, Cold War history. At Oxford, I hope to develop my understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts that shape Southeast Asian foreign policies. This attention to local nuance will inform my foreign policy career in the Department of State, where I will contribute to diplomatic initiatives that empower everyday people in the region.

Esty’s near and longer term goals: I will continue gaining insights on foreign policy perspectives and political dynamics in Southeast Asia. These experiences will inform my future work as a senior advisor for US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

Esty’s tips for future applicants: Personal statements take a lot of self-reflection, and it may seem overwhelming when you’re at the starting line, unsure of how to weave together your disparate parts. Recognize that you’ll have to leave stuff out, especially as you move further away from high school and gain more life experience. And be kind to yourself. Give yourself space to relax and “do nothing.” In reality, your brain is mulling over what to say – even when you’re doing the most mundane tasks.

MS: Computer Science & Engineering; BS: Computer Science & Data Science; BA: Sociology, Gates Cambridge Scholar

I was born in Eastern Canada and raised in rural Washington-State in the US. I completed my BS in Computer Science & Data Science, my BA in Sociology, and my MS in Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington. I had the honor of researching three different branches of Computer Science: (1) AI Bias, Ethics, Fairness, and Governance, (2) Commonsense Reasoning and development in AI, (3) Designing equitable pedagogies in Computer Science curricula, (and anything else that interests me in a manic spur of the moment). I have also had industry experience in AI development at Google Brain, DeepMind, and AI2. During my PhD in Digital Humanities at Cambridge, I hope to research how to effectively legislate AI governance in protection of intersectional identities from the Global South, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. I hope to pursue fieldwork in critical areas that are most adversely-affected by the recent accelerated developments of AI, and research how it is that AI can be universally-regulated to avoid such outcomes. In deep gratitude, I am honored to join the Gates Cambridge community and continue to learn about the humanities’ intersections with technology from scholars of other fields.

Sonia’s near and longer term goals: Firstly, I hope to finish my PhD in Digital Humanities at the University of Cambridge and that it will have empowered me with the academic rigor, diverse perspectives and comprehensive understanding of the global AI landscape, placing me in a favorable position to influence and direct international legislation for AI. After my doctoral studies, I hope to become a full-time research professor at either the Oxford Internet Institute or the Cambridge Digital Humanities group and join the UN’s Global AI Governance Advisory Council. Here, I will be able to constructively shape the global dialogue concerning AI ethics and regulation, with specific focus on advocating for the underrepresented nations from the Global South.

Sonia’s tips for future applicants: Do your research as best you can about what program you can genuinely see yourself pursuing for the next 4-6 years, as you may find out that what you thought was what you wanted may not actually be the best option for your research direction and future goals.

I graduated from UW in 2023 with a double-major in Law, Societies, and Justice and Political Science with interdisciplinary and departmental honors. Since graduation, I have continued my work with the Seattle Clemency Project and The Redemption Project of Washington helping to secure the early release of those incarcerated in Washington.

My studies, work, and research all focus on improving accessibility and justice. On campus, this has translated to instructing a course in the Honors College, appointment to ~10 leadership boards, directing the Womxn’s Action Commission, and serving as the UW’s Student Body Vice President. My on campus advocacy work, as well as my participation in the LSJ major and Juvenile Parole Program, uncovered my true passion my junior year: working with the incarcerated population. Since then, I have directly secured the early release of 2 men who were incarcerated before their 18th birthday for life/long sentences, written manuals on viable release mechanisms, and conducted research on the intersection between hope and life sentences. My research (a product of LSJ departmental Honors) was accepted and funded for presentation at the Department of Justice’s NIJ National Research Conference.

Outside of these passions, I am an avid hiker (Lime Kiln Trail is probably my favorite), pickleballer, and reader. I have two rescue, one-eyed pugs back home (named Squirrel and Bentley) and love cooking (recent recipes include: gluten free arrowroot fried orange chicken and shrimp/andouille sausage jambalaya).

I was motivated to apply for this scholarship because of what it could potentially mean for my future and goals. It is my intention to continue producing the research aforementioned and implementing its effects – the removal of life sentences and the implementation of early release mechanisms. An opportunity to study at Oxford would greatly further my ability to do so.

Kaitlyn’s near and longer term goals: I plan to continue studying incarceration and punishment, while producing research that aids in the creation of a justice system that is truly “just.”

Kaitlyn’s tips for future applicants: Two pieces of advice: 1. Do it – put yourself in the running! 2. Give each part of your application equal love and attention, which Robin and the OMSFA are the best at helping with (seriously, work as much as you can with Robin and her office – they are incredibly supportive and helpful in so many ways).

I am Shahd Linjawi, a senior majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Data Science. My keen interest lies in medical genetics, and my journey into genomics began with my participation in the Genomez team at a hackathon. Our project, focused on revolutionizing disease diagnosis, particularly for COVID-19 and cancer, using multiplex pooling strategies, received recognition, placing 1st runner-up in the MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Arabia Idea Track and 3rd place in the MITEF Saudi Arabia Idea Track. This experience introduced me to the intersecting world of research, genetics, and clinical application.

To delve deeper into the research field, I joined the renowned Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Immunology and Immunotherapies department as a research assistant. As a member of the Rawlings laboratory, I contributed to the viral core team by utilizing techniques such as DNA extraction, flow cytometry, AAV, and LV titrations to quantify viral particles for gene editing experiments. This hands-on experience allowed me to understand the details of gene editing technologies and the potential of genetic sequencing in developing personalized therapies. In addition, my involvement in a new project aimed to develop second-generation molecular therapies for autoimmune diseases allowed me to test my ability to adapt to novel research.

Outside the academic accolades, I really enjoy staying active by playing tennis, running, hiking, and scuba diving. I am also very fond of the arts, especially attending musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. The Rhodes Scholarship application process has been invaluable, offering not just academic rigor but also a platform to connect with leading experts across disciplines. It allowed me to delve into self-discovery, refine my problem-solving skills, and connect with remarkable individuals during mock interviews and panel discussions. I believe that pursuing such scholarships not only advances academic pursuits but also fosters a community where collective intelligence thrives.

Shahd’s near and longer term goals: Looking ahead, I aim to undertake a DPhil and focus my research on unraveling the complexities of genetic diseases prevalent in regions with high consanguinity through developing a novel whole genome sequencing pooling strategy. The main goals I have in pursuing genetics is gaining insights into genetic susceptibility, identifying disease-causing variants, and advancing personalized medicine. In the near term, my primary focus is on advancing my coding skills and actively participating in laboratory research within the Genome Sciences department, while simultaneously maximizing my time at Seattle Children’s to make significant strides in the project and, optimistically, achieve breakthroughs in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

Shahd’s tips for future applicants: My advice is to fully embrace the opportunity. Be authentic, and invest time in self-reflection to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Engage in numerous mock interviews to sharpen your ability to think on your feet. Moreover, savor the experience and make the most of it.

I am a recent alum from the University of Washington with degrees in Neuroscience and Public Health and a minor in Labor Studies. I am a research scientist at the Young Lab studying the effects of tau loss-of-function and anticholinergic medication on Alzheimer’s Disease phenotypes in stem cell-derived neurons. In undergrad, I led and cofounded Huskies for Neurodiversity, the first Husky Seed Fund initiative by and for neurodivergent students with the goal of amplifying neurodivergent voices on campus. I also lead free workshops dedicated to making music and occupational therapy accessible to people with neurological conditions through the Plus One Foundation and assist the Center for Teaching and Learning with conducting focus groups to understand the needs of neurodivergent students at UW. I am passionate about disability justice specifically in the intersection between neurodevelopmental disabilities and mental health conditions. I also have a great love for teaching, and I have served as a mentor and tutor across several roles, including a writing tutor at the Seattle nonprofit Bureau of Fearless Ideas, a CLUE biology tutor at UW, and a mentor to several high schoolers and undergraduates over the years. Outside of my academic and volunteer commitments, I enjoy outdoor hiking, writing poetry, doing digital and traditional artwork, listening to music and spending quality time with my cats and loved ones.

I was motivated to apply for the Rhodes, Gates-Cambridge, Marshall, and Fulbright scholarships for several reasons. First, I knew I wanted to pursue a Master’s degree to build my quantitative public health skills, and all of these scholarships provided excellent funding to that end. Second, due to COVID, I never got the opportunity to study abroad during undergrad. I think it is incredibly valuable to be exposed to different cultures and ways of life, especially as a public health professional, so applying to these scholarships felt like fantastic options to gain that experience in a different way. Finally, I figured “”Why not?”” Best case-scenario, I get a unique opportunity to pursue my Master’s abroad, worst case-scenario I get lots of preparation and feedback for applying to graduate schools conventionally.

Tiara’s near and longer term goals: As an aspiring physician-scientist, I aim to research the experiences of individuals with mental health conditions and communicate with community organizations and governmental bodies to promote evidence-based healthcare interventions.

Tiara’s tips for future applicants: Plan early, and keep track of letter writers in a spreadsheet of some kind. Also, get lots of eyes on all your essays; crafting a targeted, specific narrative is key to success.

I am currently a fourth-year student majoring in chemistry and pursuing departmental honors. My research experiences have been multidisciplinary because I have always wanted to study the foundational mechanisms that lead to macroscopic phenomena from different perspectives.

I was first exposed to research when I joined Prof. Ashleigh Theberge’s group in the Department of Chemistry in September 2020 to understand how microfluidic technologies can be applied to bioanalytical chemistry applications. I have been continuing research in the Theberge group since then, and currently, my project focuses on demonstrating an ex vivo model of airway inflammation using microfluidic coculture devices. I then pursued a DAAD-RISE internship at Hochschule Coburg, Germany, in Summer 2022. In Germany, I conducted research with Prof. Klaus Drese to study fluid dynamics and engineer a microfluidic chip that performs free-flow electrophoresis, which sparked my interest in studying the underlying physics of modern technologies. My recent interest in energy sciences expanded after taking a quantum theory class and pursuing an internship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory under the guidance of Dr. Junko Yano in Summer 2023. In this latest internship, I visualized the surface dynamics of ruthenium oxide performing acidic oxygen evolution reactions using atomic force microscopy. Beyond my undergraduate years, I hope to combine my interests in chemistry, physics, and engineering to study novel materials that can enable sustainable energy generation, including organic optoelectronics.

Alongside my academic passion, I am always excited to connect with individuals and communities, because I believe extensive networking is one of the best ways to exchange knowledge and educate oneself. I have been serving as the co-chair of the mentorship committee in the Goldwater Scholar Community where I facilitate pairing newer Scholars with older Scholars for graduate/medical school advice, academic support, and general mentorship. I have also been serving as the Young Ambassador for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to share fellowships and study abroad opportunities for individuals at UW to promote the diversification of German education and research. I’ve also had the pleasure of presenting a lecture with Dr. Kayode K. Ojo and Dr. Stephen J. Polyak on body size diversity in Spring 2023 to promote a more equitable education on body sizes and general health. Outside of academia, I enjoy drawing, cooking, baking, and studying languages!

Inspired by my DAAD-RISE experiences and childhood experiences of living in Japanese and American cultures, I aspire to continue establishing international networks to exchange more knowledge and grow as a scholar. This value motivated me to apply for Master’s programs through the UK fellowships. Throughout my career, I hope to advance renewable energy for a more sustainable future.

Meg’s near and longer term goals: After graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry, I hope to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy sciences by studying the underlying physics of optoelectronic devices and novel semiconductor materials. I hope to collaborate with other scientists in a national laboratory or academia in this field as my future career.

Meg’s tips for future applicants: Start early, but it’s okay if you’re unsure about your career plans/research topics yet! I’d recommend applicants connect with potential advisors and read through their papers. Talking with experts in the field can help reinforce your prior interests or could lead to discovering new interests. This entire application process allows you to take the time to re-think what you want to achieve soon and how you want to accomplish it, which is not given to many of us all the time. Applicants should also meet with the OMSFA scholarship advisors frequently! They can help a lot with articulating your points in your essays and providing other general feedback!