Academic Support Programs

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Professional Staff

Ryan Burt, He/Him

Ryan Burt, He/Him

Director
(206) 685-5347

About me

Hi there! I was born and raised in Eastern Washington before moving to our lovely Emerald City to study at the University of Washington. The UW was big, but I was lucky to have friendly professors and inviting programs that made me feel connected and at home. For me that is a great goal for us in Academic Support Programs: to make every student feel supported and at home.  

I loved my undergraduate experience, where I studied English and the Comparative History of Ideas, and decided to continue my studies. In graduate school, I spent a lot of time thinking about how American universities can better welcome a diverse student population and offer classes that reflect an equally diverse curriculum.  Graduate school was difficult, but truly rewarding. In 2008 I received my PhD in the English Department at the UW.  

Over the years I have studied in Italy and Spain and taught for two years at a large public university in Southern Morocco. As I know how exhilarating, mind-opening and challenging it can be to live and learn in a country and culture that is not your own, I am grateful to be part of a team in Academic Support Programs committed to helping our students from all corners of the world succeed.  

Outside of school I love playing and listening to all kinds of music (I’m a drummer), checking out art, cooking, and getting into the beautiful Washington State out-of-doors. I love hanging with my family and friends.  After seeing some amazing parts of the world, I can say that Seattle is one of my favorite places to be.  

Please come visit me in ASP and let me know how I can help you at the University of Washington!

Alli Botelho, She/Her

Alli Botelho, She/Her

Assistant Director, (Oversees Academic Success Coaching Program)
206-543-5755

About me

Growing up I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i which taught me about the values of community and family. From a young age, I learned so much from the community around me and strive to bring a compassionate heart everywhere I go.

I decided to move to Seattle to pursue higher education and learn from a new community of people. I went to Seattle Pacific University (SPU) where I studied psychology and learned about subject areas that I was passionate about. My college experience taught me that in order to be successful in higher education, I needed the community of people around me. From being involved on campus in many different organizations that sparked my passions in sharing my culture, service, and event planning, I learned about the field of Student Affairs.

From there, I decided to continue my educational pursuit at Seattle University where I graduated with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Student Development Administration. During my time in the program, I had the opportunity to intern with Academic Support Programs. I am thankful to continue working with ASP and support the Academic Success Coaching Program. I continuously learn and am inspired by our peer Academic Success Coaches who work to support students and create intentional spaces for students at UW. 

I value community, collaboration, and compassion where I believe that each person has their own strengths and that working together to achieve our goals truly makes a difference. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, trying new food places, watching tv shows, and working on new art projects. 

Please feel free to reach out, and let me know what I can do to best support you at the University of Washington! 

Jessica Simon, She/Her

Jessica Simon, She/Her

CLUE Program Manager
206-616-7303

About me

Hi! I grew up on the east coast and then moved to California to study bioengineering at UC San Diego. During undergrad, I worked as a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Tutor at the Teaching and Learning Commons. I focused mostly on calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra, but I occasionally tutored chemistry and physics when needed. 

After graduating, I immediately drove up the coast to Seattle to begin graduate school at UW.  I spent the first 2 years focusing on taking classes and research, but I realized that I missed education and working with students. I graduated from UW in 2024 and am excited to be working with CLUE in a more permanant role.

In my role at Academic Support Programs, I support the entire CLUE team and work closely with our Subject Lead Tutors. Stop by if you want to chat or have any questions!

Selina Siow, She/Her

Selina Siow, She/Her

Graduate Staff Assistant

About me

Hi! I am a current DMA student studying violin performance at UW, and I am a classical violinist and music educator in Seattle. I know from personal experience that having a strong and welcoming academic support system is very important, especially during stressful times. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of the ASP community at UW to provide the same support I received and hopefully to help as many students as I can with my work here. 

 

Fun facts about me: I have played with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and was a part of the Netflix Bridgerton: Queen Charlotte promotion tour in Seattle. Sometimes, you can also catch me performing in the Allen Library Concert at UW on Wednesdays. Besides playing the violin, I like crocheting and cooking, and I have an adorable poodle called Google! 

Student Assistants

Lauryn, CLUE Student Assistant, she/her

Lauryn, CLUE Student Assistant, she/her

About me

I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, watching movies/tv, eating, shopping, and travel!

I took ART 190 for to fulfill some VPLA credits. I honestly underestimated the difficulty level of the class (for someone like me who has never taken a formal drawing class but enjoys art recreationally). I started out finishing all the assignments during class, never spending too much time on them. Then, when my grades began to reflect that, I started taking the class more seriously and would spend hours on each project, and at times my grades still didn't reflect that. I got really frustrated and down on myself, but what I learned is that you should put your best foot forward in every class, no matter how easy or difficult you perceive it to be, and if you're doing your best that's all you can do! I shouldn't have underestimated the class at first, but I also should not have gotten down on myself for receiving certain grades when I was doing all that I could. Have grace with yourself and try hard things!

Bella, CLUE Student Assistant, she/her

Bella, CLUE Student Assistant, she/her

Junior, Public Health-Global Health

Ask me about

hiking, tennis, cooking, yerba mate, or friends!

Krisha, Digital Engagement Student Assistant, She/Her

Krisha, Digital Engagement Student Assistant, She/Her

First year, Computer Science

I'm excited about

I enjoy playing chess, listening to music, reading books, and hanging out with my friends!

Ask me about

I was born and raised in Mumbai, India and moved to Seattle in 2021. I love playing chess and have been competing in tournaments at an international level since I was 5! I also love meeting new people, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!

Success Coaches

Amina, Transfer Success Coach, She/Her

Amina, Transfer Success Coach, She/Her

Senior, Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health

I'm excited about

I enjoy playing video games, reading books, and baking.

Ask me about

I am a transfer student from Seattle Colleges. As a student who has taken a slightly nontraditional route to education, I understand that the transferring experience comes with a lot of positives, but also a good amount of challenges. It is my goal to support you on your journey and help acclimate you to a new learning environment!

Notable academic challenge

My main academic challenge is time-management. I often feel like I don't have enough time in a day. As a result, I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out ways to utilize the time I do have, from creating routines to trying various strategies.

Ana Luisa, She/Her

Ana Luisa, She/Her

Senior, Biology

I'm excited about

Some of my hobbies include watching horror movies, learning languages and drawing. I also enjoy going to the beach and soaking in the sun.

Ask me about

Being raised in another country, transitioning to the academic life in the U.S was a challenge that I knew I wanted to take even with the hardships it brought. After continuing my college journey here, I found a profound interest in helping other students going through similar experiences so we can all have a successful academic career. I wish to help students remember that we can overcome obstacles no matter how hard they may be at first.

Notable academic challenge

One of the challenges that really pushed my academic journey for the better was failing my first class ever during sophomore year. As a student who had never failed any classes, I took it really hard because I had pressured myself into thinking that I could not fail, especially as a STEM student. I came to realize that that failure didn't equal to me failing my entire career, as it only let me know that there were some areas I needed to work on and once I started working on that it made other "failures" easier to overcome.

Erica, She/They

Erica, She/They

1st year Masters student, Master of Library Information Sciences (Undergraduate Major: English Literature and Language; Minor: Law, Societies and Justice)

I'm excited about

I love reading and will always want to know what your favorite book is! Legos are some thing I enjoy doing with my family and friends. Zine Making is for when I'm trying to let out some creativity either by using old magazines/books or digitally on Canva.

Ask me about

I was born and raised on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi. I had the great pleasure of attending UW as an undergraduate and now I'm coming back as a first-generation graduate student.

Notable academic challenge

My very first class at UW was BIO 180 in Kane 130 where there were twice as many students in this one lecture than there were in my entire graduating class. Right off the bat I was intimidated, but still hopeful. The first exam came around and I thought I did well, but when I saw my score and found out I was below average it felt like I was in over my head. It made me doubt myself and wonder if I had come all this way just to fail and disappoint my loved ones. However, after doing some crying I realized that I still had future chances to improve my grade and now it was a matter of planning and preparing for the next exam. I realized I needed help and sought out resources, collaborated with peers more, and learned new study habbitts. Test scores don't reflect your worth, but how you choose to address a problem and move forward make all the difference.

Esther, Allen School Coach, She/Her

Esther, Allen School Coach, She/Her

Sophomore, Computer Science, Linguistics

I'm excited about

I jump between this and that, but recently I've spent my time crocheting, learning electric guitar, working out and playing video games.

Ask me about

I failed my first quarter at UW. No excuses—too much ego and not enough good habits taught me the hard way what I needed to succeed in my academics, social life, and extracurriculars. These challenges ultimately led me to discover the countless resources and opportunities available at UW, helping me turn things around. I became an academic coach to help others avoid the same mistakes I made, and to provide the guidance needed to navigate college life. Whatever stage you're at, I'm here to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to succeed.

Notable academic challenge

I caught COVID-19 twice this spring, once during midterms week and once during finals week. Initially, I panicked, but I coordinated with my professors to make sure I had the time to recover fully and still perform my best on exams. As someone with a chronic health condition, this experience emphasized how important it is to balance my health with my academics. It wasn't easy, but I now know how to manage setbacks and stay on track, even when things don't go as planned.

Genevieve, She/Her

Genevieve, She/Her

Senior, Finance and Information Systems

I'm excited about

I love traveling, reading, fashion, and watching anime. I'm obsessed with solving puzzles. Fun fact: I once played Sudoku for 10 hours straight on a flight! I’m also getting back into playing the organ.

Ask me about

I was born and raised in Vietnam. I care a lot about student success and social justice, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support. With experience working with both international and domestic students, I’ve developed a broad understanding of the diverse challenges you may encounter. I’m eager to get to know you better and work together to help you succeed.

Notable academic challenge

I occasionally struggle with staying motivated (and I am a certified procrastinator), but I make it a point to seek assistance whenever I need it. I believe that having a strong and reliable support system is crucial. And above all, ALWAYS believe in yourself! Understanding who you are and recognizing what you deserve is fundamental to achieving success.

Madison, She/Her

Madison, She/Her

Senior, Microbiology

I'm excited about

Cooking, Snuggling with my cats, Hiking, Crocheting, Singing, and Reading

Ask me about

I am a hardworking, caring student who came to UW from Massachusetts to pursue my interest in microbiology. Since starting UW, I have learned more than I imagined, and have had countless invaluable educational opportunities. My dedication to life-long learning drives me to continue to grow my study, time management, and test taking skills for success. I am passionate about creating personalized plans for academic success that also emphasize social and emotional well-being, and helping students navigate the vast resources at UW.

Notable academic challenge

In Winter 2024, I had a flare up of my chronic illness that caused me to be in the emergency room and eventually miss so much school that I had fallen significantly behind in my classes. In the 6th week of an 18-credit quarter, I came to the realization that if I tried to catch up in every class, I would end all of them with grades I would not have been happy with, and likely would not have been able to allow my body to properly recover. I made the difficult decision to drop one of my classes, taking a registrar drop, and focus on the other classes that I believed I could catch up in. Thanks to that decision, I was able to finish my classes with good scores, and heal. This situation was an important reminder that balance is key in undergrad and reminded me of my resilience, both as a student and as a person.

Natalia (Lead), She/Her

Natalia (Lead), She/Her

Senior, Community, Environment, and Planning

Project areas

795751032

I'm excited about

I love going to museums, watching old movies, reading, journaling, playing the uke, and watching the sunset.

Ask me about

As an immigrant and a first-generation college student, my transition to university was challenging. I struggled to picture myself getting through not only my first quarter but also my first year. However, I was determined to give my best effort to succeed. I learned many valuable lessons during that initial period that I wish someone had shared with me beforehand. This is why I've become an academic success coach. My goal is to support you on your journey in any way I can and to remind you that, regardless of who you are and where you come from, you can thrive here!

Notable academic challenge

During my first year at UW I found it challenging to balance school, work, and being far away from home. I struggled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt. To overcome these obstacles, I decided to get more involved on campus, connecting with smaller communities of like-minded individuals who understood what I was going through. Additionally, maintaining a structured morning and night routine played a crucial role in keeping me grounded. It's often the small daily habits, like making your bed every morning, that can truly make a difference in our lives.

Sehrish, Engineering Coach, She/Her

Sehrish, Engineering Coach, She/Her

Junior, Human Centered Design and Engineering

I'm excited about

I love spending my time outdoors through hiking, biking, or swimming. I also enjoy discovering new coffee shops and reading!

Ask me about

As a woman in STEM from a multicultural background, my journey through engineering has been shaped by both challenges and opportunities. Navigating this space has given me a unique perspective on the importance of representation and support in the field. I understand firsthand how daunting it can feel to pursue a path where you might not always see people who look like you or share your experiences. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others in the engineering school—whether through guidance, mentorship, or simply being a source of encouragement. My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to succeed.

Notable academic challenge

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was finding a balance between my core engineering courses, extracurricular commitments, and making time for friends or relaxation. With the demanding nature of STEM coursework, it often felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day to manage it all. There were times when I struggled to keep up with assignments or felt overwhelmed by the pressure to stay involved in clubs and maintain a social life. It took time, but I eventually realized that balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly—sometimes it’s about prioritizing, setting boundaries, and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Learning to manage my time effectively and making space for self-care has been an ongoing process, but it’s one that has made me a more resilient student and person.

Vy, She/Her

Vy, She/Her

Senior, Public-Global Health

I'm excited about

Crafting, painting, reading, thrifting, taking walks, and general city exploring!

Ask me about

Hi ! My name is Vy (Vee) and I am a senior in the Public-Global health major! I am passionate about uplifting student voices and promoting environments that are inclusive, diverse, and engaging. A lot of my time at the UW has been dedicated to roles that help first-year students find their footing at the university. I am more than excited to help all students develop successful academic strategies with Academic Support Programs (ASP) and I hope to grow and learn with all of you as well.

Notable academic challenge

My first quarter at the UW I quickly learned that I needed a better system to organize my assignments, both large and small. Being a part of a school that runs on a quarter system means that things can move very fast, especially near the end of the quarter. I learned this the hard way when I forgot to turn in one weekly assignment for a class which did end up hurting my final grade for the class. I was very upset as I felt like this mistake should not be such a large reflection of how I did in the class. Ultimately, I learned that it is okay to make mistakes because mistakes help you build better habits.

Yonas (Lead), He/Him

Yonas (Lead), He/Him

Senior, Education, Communities, and Organizations (ECO), Law, Societies, & Justice (LSJ), and Sociology

Project areas

792397445

I'm excited about

I enjoy playing competitive soccer and watching the Priemer league. I also enjoy reading historical books as-well watching documentaries on historical figures.

Ask me about

I am a first generation student, born and raised in Eritrea. I am passionate about learning deconstructing historic racism towards minorities, In the future I hope with my work ethic, passion, and wanting to build a better world I can help lead a change.   

Notable academic challenge

Everyone experiences challenges in different forms. My Academic challenge comes in the form of failing Math 124 my first quarter at the UW. However, we must not let failures keep us retained so one thing I learned was to simply retake the class and try your absolute best.

CLUE Tutors: Biology

Shivi (Lead), Biology, she/her

Shivi (Lead), Biology, she/her

Graduate/Professional Student, MS in Genetic Counseling

Ask me about

Cooking, trying new coffee shops, practicing yoga, going to the gym, painting, dancing, and exploring new places

Notable academic challenge

Dealing with balancing two jobs, school, and an undergraduate thesis simultaneously during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It forced me to become more comfortable with asking for help from my mentors as well as approach new academic resources at my previous institution.

Clara, Biology, she/her

Clara, Biology, she/her

Senior, Biology (Molecular, Cellular, Developmental)

I've taken

GENOME 361, BIOL 280

Ask me about

Audiobooks, hiking, cooking, embroidery

Notable academic challenge

When classes went online during winter of my freshman year, I *really* struggled to keep up with material and stay engaged because it felt so isolated. For me, the social aspect of learning is super important and figuring out how to incorporate that into my studying has been a lifesaver.

Katie Rose, Biology, she/her

Katie Rose, Biology, she/her

Sophomore, Intended Neuroscience Major, American Sign Language Minor

I've taken

BIO 180, BIO 200, BIO 220

Ask me about

American Sign Language, piano, abolition, and board/card/NYT games

Notable academic challenge

I misread the time of my final on myUW and showed up 30 minutes late. Luckily my professor was understanding and moved my oral presentation to the end of class...still extremely embarrassing.

Cameron, Biology, he/him

Cameron, Biology, he/him

Graduate Student, Applied Bioengineering

I've taken

Biochemistry & Neurobiology

Ask me about

my childhood obsession with dinosaurs

Notable academic challenge

Organic Chemistry II

CLUE Tutors: Chemistry

Kyle (Lead), Chemistry, he/him

Kyle (Lead), Chemistry, he/him

Senior, Chemical Engineering

Ask me about

I love collecting silly cat pictures, listening to newly released music, and playing video games.

Notable academic challenge

I struggle with burnout and exhaustion, especially as the quarter continues. I find it harder and harder to remain motivated, especially near finals week. I have found that during these times, it is important to be gentle on myself, and remind myself that everything is going to be okay. I usually go out more often, such as getting boba, in order to keep myself fresh. Investing in treats and snacks is important! Resting is just as vital as working, and making sure to celebrate the little things is critical to personal success.

Ryan, Chemistry, he/him

Ryan, Chemistry, he/him

Graduate Student, Medicinal Chemistry

I've taken

Equivalent of CHEM 162, 237, 312, 530, 531, 532

Ask me about

Trail running and playing classical piano!

Notable academic challenge

The weekly problem sets in CHEM 530 (Advanced Physical Organic Chemistry) required both creativity and a deep knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms. By working on them with my peers, however, I gained an appreciation for collaborative problem solving that I hope to share with fellow students while at CLUE.

Ethan, Chemistry, he/him

Ethan, Chemistry, he/him

Junior, Bioengineering

I'm excited about

Reading, running, sailing, bouldering, D&D, video games

I've taken

General chemistry, organic chemistry, 241, 242

Notable academic challenge

Struggling to get help when I need it in larger classes (looking at you Phys 122)

Jeff, Chemistry, he/him

Jeff, Chemistry, he/him

Senior, Biochemistry

I've taken

Chem 237/238/239/241/242

Ask me about

gym, cooking, soccer, getting coffee, and Netflix

Notable academic challenge

In my first quarter as a freshman, I kinda bombed my first Biology exam. That made me realize that there are a lot of study skills and habits that I need to change and improve. Since then, I've been acquiring new skills through trial and error. For example, going to office hours, making my own study guides, and doing practice exams etc. I've noticed a very significant improvement in my grades in time. My advice is to not give up and learn from your mistakes.

An-Doan, Chemistry, she/her

An-Doan, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry

I've taken

Chem 237, 238, 239, 241, 242; Bioc 440, 441, 442, 426

Ask me about

Baking, Painting, Cafe-hopping

Notable academic challenge

During the first week of Spring quarter, I usually find myself burnt-out from Winter quarter. Even though we have Spring break, I've realized that a week-long break is not enough for me to recuperate my energy, so starting Spring quarter is often difficult for me. During that time, I make it a goal to hang out with friends and to take the first week of Spring break easy. I try not to stress too much about assignments and just enjoy myself while easing into the new quarter. I usually like to go to new cafes or new restaurants with friends or just by myself! Even though I it's important to be ambitious and on top of things, something I've learned throughout college is that taking breaks and having a work-life balance is just as important. As a CLUE tutor, I not only hope to help students with assignments and coursework but to also help them maintain this balance in their lives so that they don't get burnt out and exhausted.

Simon, Chemistry, he/him

Simon, Chemistry, he/him

Senior, Biochemistry

I've taken

CHEM 142,152,162 CHEM 237,238,239,241,242 In progress: BIOC 440, GENOM 371

Ask me about

Going to the gym, running as a hobby, and I'd love to hear about more about playing guitar

Notable academic challenge

Adjusting to the way that many STEM college courses worked was something I had to struggle through for some quarters. The difference and professors and stress that stemmed from how much a test score could impact your grade were a constant issue for me. I have since worked through many strategies that I stole from my peers and derived by myself to be able to succeed in the UW STEM classes which include time management (Google Calendar), study strategies (active recall learning), and test taking strategies (calming my anxious mind down when I see too many words on one page).

Hayley, Chemistry, she/her

Hayley, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry Major, Chemistry Minor

I've taken

CHEM 237/237/239/241/242

Ask me about

Books, rock climbing, and basically anything to do with outdoors!

Notable academic challenge

"Notable challenge: I switched my major to Biochemistry at the end of my first year at UW, and had to manage completing all of the major requirements while still being able to graduate on time. It has definitely taught me some good time management skills and efficient study habits! Notable failure: My first General Chemistry exam was a MUCH lower score than I had ever gotten on a test before. Although it was super discouraging at the time and made me feel like a horrible student, it was definitely the wake-up call I needed to form some new study habits!"

Zach, Chemistry, he/him

Zach, Chemistry, he/him

Senior, Microbiology

I've taken

CHEM 238 and 239 (at a junior college)

Ask me about

My experience in playing with high school and college classical music bands; have been playing the Alto Saxophone for about 15 years

Notable academic challenge

This is my eighth and final year being an undergraduate, and I had struggled with progressing through my degree with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need to repeat multiple classes in order to improve my grades and understanding of each subject.

Kayla, Chemistry, she/her

Kayla, Chemistry, she/her

Junior, Public Health-Global Health

I've taken

CHEM 142/152/162/237/238/239/241/242

Notable academic challenge

During my first year, I realized how important it is to maintain a good work-life balance. Focusing on classwork/extracurriculars as well as balancing hobbies and spending time with friends are key to being successful in classes.

Sasha, Chemistry, she/her

Sasha, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry

I've taken

CHEM 452/453

Notable academic challenge

I struggle with procrastination to this day, especially during exam season. Additionally, being an international student comes with its own challenges. So if you can relate and need more help with your classes, feel free to stop by CLUE!

CLUE Tutors: Computer Science

Alicja, CSE, she/her

Alicja, CSE, she/her

Senior, Electrical & Computer Engineering

I've taken

CSE 373/374, EE 241/242/342

Ask me about

Swimming, playing video games, and reading.

Notable academic challenge

In my freshman year, I made the mistake of thinking I didn't have to put time outside of class to learn the material. The first couple round of midterms made me realize I made careless mistakes that I would not have made if I spent extra time to really understand all the concepts. After this rough period, I adapted a new study routine that prepares me for all my exams.

Eric, CSE, he/him

Eric, CSE, he/him

Senior, Computer Science

I've taken

CSE 331 CSE 351 CSE 311

Ask me about

Cooking, reading, writing letters, tennis, lifting weights

Notable academic challenge

Taking 19 credits my first quarter

Enrico, CSE, he/him

Enrico, CSE, he/him

Junior, Informatics major, Data Science minor

I've taken

INFO 201, INFO 340, CSE 163, CSE 441

Ask me about

I play a variety of sports including basketball, usually at the IMA with my friends. I also really enjoy website development, and have been getting into Next.JS lately and trying component UI libraries such as Aceternity UI.

Notable academic challenge

During the Spring of my second year, I struggled with work-life balance because I believed that taking as many credits as possible was the best approach. I enrolled in 18 credits, including three STEM courses, while also being involved in two other RSOs. Although some might be able to handle this workload, I realized that it significantly affected my work-life balance. I had little time to socialize or pursue hobbies and activities I enjoy outside of classwork. As someone who finds it hard to feel satisfied, I thought I would eventually find fulfillment through productivity and a heavy course load. However, I ended up feeling dull and lackluster—quite the opposite of satisfaction.

CLUE Tutors: Math

Andrew (Lead), Math, he/him

Andrew (Lead), Math, he/him

Senior, Math

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 224, 300, 301

Ask me about

Rock Climbing, Weightlifting, origami

Notable academic challenge

Getting a bad grade in 300 and making it up by studying more for 301.

Hemkesh, Math, he/him

Hemkesh, Math, he/him

Junior, Computer Engineering

I've taken

MATH 206, 207, 300

Ask me about

Keyboards, Computers, Reading

Notable academic challenge

I would say it has been the transition into higher level CS courses where I was surprised by the difficulty increase and time commitment I needed, but near the end I was able to settle in a bit more.

Kamiar, Math, he/him

Kamiar, Math, he/him

Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 224

Ask me about

Playing guitar, watching movies, and hiking

Notable academic challenge

The notable academic challenge I faced during packed and busy quarters was time management. I had to plan and dedicate adequate time to excel in my classes, participate in the social groups I was part of, and ensure I had enough time to rest and refresh to avoid exhaustion.

Sarah, Math, she/her

Sarah, Math, she/her

Senior, Math, Data Science and Applied Math Minors

I've taken

MATH 207, MATH 208, MATH 224, MATH 300, MATH 327, MATH 381, MATH 402/403/404, MATH 407/408/409, MATH 424, MATH 461

Ask me about

Hiking, thrifting, and food

Notable academic challenge

I have always struggled with time on exams. Timing myself doing past homeworks and practice exams has helped me learn to pace myself during exams.

Matt, Math, he/him

Matt, Math, he/him

Alumni, Math

I'm excited about

Abstract Algebra, but I enjoy going full nerd on anything from unit conversion to Laplace transforms.

I've taken

MATH 207/8/9,224,300,301,318,327,394/5/6,402/3/4,407,424/5/6,427/8,441/2/3,504

Ask me about

Hiking, Biking, Kayak, Snowboard, Running

Notable academic challenge

I consider my greatest failure as not going to graduate school. I would like to have learned more computer science; that gap in understanding pursues me in my professional career.

Travis, Math, he/ him

Travis, Math, he/ him

Senior, Math

I've taken

MATH 207,208,224,300,318,327,342,394,395,402,441,424 (Currently taking: 425, 442, 491)

Ask me about

Swimming, Hiking and Cooking

Notable academic challenge

Learning Math 441: Topology

Chenab, Math, he/him

Chenab, Math, he/him

Junior, ACMS Data Science

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 394, 407

Ask me about

outdoor stuff : hiking, sailing

Notable academic challenge

Adapting to the new academic system in the United States as an international student.

Anthony, Math, he/him

Anthony, Math, he/him

Junior, Majors: CS and MATH

I've taken

MATH 13X, MATH 33X, MATH 394, MATH 395, MATH 318, MATH 340

Ask me about

world history, piano, strategy games, video games

Notable academic challenge

"In Winter 2024, I had a ton of schoolwork that I never had before. I initially struggled but over time, I was able to better allocate more time to harder courses and complete easier coursework faster. This experience was pretty mentally taxing and it taught me to not be too ambitious with my academics, so I settled on a more modest academic load the next quarter."

Austin, Math, he/him

Austin, Math, he/him

Sophomore, Mathmatics

I've taken

MATH563, MATH336, MATH335, MATH334, MATH340, MATH403, MATH402, MATH342, MATH395, MATH394, MATH224, MATH208, MATH207

Ask me about

Math! Weightlifting, the Ravens, Graph Genera, or volleyball!

Notable academic challenge

I had a hard time in my first linear algebra course. I had to take it as an independent study during a quarter my schedule was full, entirely online, and then my college's servers got ransomware attacked which led to there being no homework, quizzes, etc.. for my course, only lectures and tests, which made it difficult for me to perform well.

Christie, Math, she/her

Christie, Math, she/her

Senior, Math and Amath

I've taken

Math 402, Math 403, Math424, Math 425, Math 407, Math 408, Math 409

Ask me about

I love playing piano and dancing.

Notable academic challenge

I failed on the second exam of Math 403 which I only got 48/100 and made it up during the final exam.

Ai, Math, she/her

Ai, Math, she/her

Senior, Mechanical Engineering

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 224

Ask me about

Thai food

Notable academic challenge

Time management during first quarter at UW

Amelie, Math, she/her

Amelie, Math, she/her

Sophomore, Math

I've taken

Math 207, 208, 224, 300, 394

Ask me about

Violin, tennis, summer camp, British murder mysteries

Notable academic challenge

After my first math test at UW, I realized I never properly learned how to study in high school. So, I spent a lot of time thinking about how best to understand concepts and planning my study sessions. After trial and error, it’s much less stressful studying for and taking exams now that I follow an effective routine.

Parker, Math, he/him

Parker, Math, he/him

Sophomore, Majors: Mathematics/Computer Science

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 224, 300

Ask me about

Literature, music, board games, cooking

Notable academic challenge

I took on a much heavier course load than I should have one quarter. This made it difficult to maintain a healthy school and life balance, which in turn made it difficult to find motivation to focus on my academics. It was the hardest quarter I have been through, but it taught me the importance of having a balanced schedule.

Shu, Math, she/her

Shu, Math, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry & Statistics

I've taken

MATH 207, 208 & 224 MATH 300 & 318

Ask me about

dancing, hiking, kpop

Notable academic challenge

Taking four courses in my major while working in the lab at the same time

Dominick, Math, he/him

Dominick, Math, he/him

Senior, Bioengineering

I've taken

MATH 207, 208, 209, 300, 318, 327, 394, 395, 402-404, 424, 462 (461 is in the works)

Ask me about

Football, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, Chess

Notable academic challenge

In my first quarter at the UW, I struggled to find the right study techniques and time management practices to help me succeed in my courses. By seeking help from peers and tutors, I was able to discover what worked for me and develop an effective study routine. This challenge taught me the value of persistence and grit, as well as the importance of reaching out for help when needed.

CLUE Tutors: Physics

Senna (Lead), Physics, she/her

Senna (Lead), Physics, she/her

Senior, Aeronautics and Astronautics/Experimental Physics

I've taken

PHYS 224, 225, 231, 334, 433 (currently)

Ask me about

Reading, Rowing, Hiking/Backpacking, Music, xkcd

Notable academic challenge

Through my first year and a half of college, I struggled to fit classes and studying alongside a major extracurricular activity (varsity rowing). The mental and physical energy that it took to manage both academics and athletics was incredibly taxing, and as a result I often felt like I was slipping. My performance on my first math tests, for instance, left me disappointed—though I was confident I knew the material, I couldn't seem to find the time to study, and the results showed it. But, as with anything in life, the practice and experience that I gained in managing my time led to better and better academic performance through the year. At the end of the day, we all take some time to adjust to college life, and it's important to show ourselves grace during that process.

Lauren, Physics, she/her

Lauren, Physics, she/her

Senior, Physics, Applied Math minor

I've taken

PHYS 224, 225, 227, 228, 322 

Ask me about

Baking, hiking, pottery, reading

Notable academic challenge

PHYS 123 was the first real college physics class where I was learning brand new material. When I got to the first midterm, I realized that I hadn't learned any of the material very well and had to relearn everything in a few days. After that, I spent time adjusting my note taking and studying habits, and made sure to find out about all the resources available to me.

April, Physics, she/her

April, Physics, she/her

Senior, Comprehensive Physics, Mathematics

I've taken

(Almost) all of the 200 level classes, E&M (321-323), Quantum (324-325), Electronics (334, 335), Phys 329, Phys 431

Ask me about

Drawing, birding, skiing, and video games! (and the cat I’ll hopefully have)

Notable academic challenge

Definitely Covid - my entire freshman year was online, and it was hard to adjust with coming back on campus during my sophomore year.

Henry, Physics, he/him

Henry, Physics, he/him

Graduate Student, Materials Science and Engineering

Notable academic challenge

In my senior year of undergrad I had several challenges outside of school and made it very difficult to work on the senior research project needed to graduate. With the help and understanding of my advisor, however, I was able to turn it around and have my report submitted in time to allow me to continue on into my graduate studies.

Al, Physics, they/them

Al, Physics, they/them

Graduate/Professional Student, Physics

I've taken

Did not attend UW for undergrad, but have TA'd/taken the equivalent of: Phys 11X, 12X, 14X, 22X, 32X.

Ask me about

music, food/cooking, roller coasters, pets

Notable academic challenge

I failed one of my qualifying exams during the first year of my graduate program and was set back nearly a year compared to all of my peers. However, I was able to succeed the following year in the following course in the same topic.

Mikhail, Physics, he/they

Mikhail, Physics, he/they

Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering

Ask me about

Sowing and crocheting

Notable academic challenge

Adjusting to college midterm difficulty

Cameron, Physics, she/they

Cameron, Physics, she/they

Junior, Physics and Astronomy

Ask me about

what book I'm reading or show I'm watching!

Notable academic challenge

In high school, my math teacher asked us to raise our hands if we had studied for a test we took the day before. I had, so I raised my hand. She looked right at me and said, "Really?" with a look of shock on her face. I have never recovered.

Eliana, Physics, she/her

Eliana, Physics, she/her

Sophomore, Chemical Engineering

I've taken

Currently taking PHYS 224 and 227

Ask me about

running, baking, lacrosse, reading, and video games.

Notable academic challenge

My freshman year, I remember walking into one of my physics midterms feeling confident and walking out sure I'd somehow ruined my academic career in one night. Obviously I was being a tad dramatic and after much studying and preparation the rest of quarter went well, but walking out of the exams room and hearing my classmates speak about how well it went for them only made me feel worse. For me, it can become far too easy to get caught up in my failures and missteps and it was a struggle to motivate myself to keep studying when all the effort I put toward my last exam seemed to amount to nothing. However, it is only by persevering through failure that I was able to finish the class strong. In this case, the real failure would have come through giving up.

Dion, Physics, he/him

Dion, Physics, he/him

Senior, Physics: Teacher Prep major / Education, Learning and Societies minor / Music minor

I've taken

PHYS 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 321, 322, 323, 324, and 401

Ask me about

Marching band/concert bands, Osu!, webnovels

Notable academic challenge

Fall quarter of my junior year I overloaded my schedule with 2 advanced physics classes, 3 bands and teaching a FIG. Every day was long, and I would frequently go to Ode straight from band rehearsals to work on homework or prep for my FIG class. Thankfully I had friends and classmates who I was able to collaborate with, allowing me to get through my mountain of work every week and to finish the quarter off strong.

Forest, Physics, they/them

Forest, Physics, they/them

Senior,

I've taken

All of the 200 level physics classes, Electromagnetism (321-323), Electronics (334, 335), and Classical Mechanics (329).

Ask me about

Making music and horror movies/books

Notable academic challenge

I’ve always struggled with procrastination and time management. These bad habits finally caught up with me when I took Thermal Physics (224). I received a pretty bad grade in the class and it made me realize that I needed to change the way I approached school. I started spending dedicated study time in the library and found some study buddies who didn’t mind me leeching off of their motivational energy (I highly recommend the latter method to anyone struggling like I was). I’m happy to report that I now have much healthier and more effective study habits!

CLUE Tutors: Exam Review

Sagnik (Lead), Physics, he/him

Sagnik (Lead), Physics, he/him

Junior, Bioengineering

I've taken

Math 207, Math 208

Ask me about

Soccer, Clarinet, Anime, Sleeping

Notable academic challenge

Taking Phys 141 in my first quarter at UW was probably my toughest academic challenge. I took algebra-based physics in high school, and calculus-based physics at UW was an entirely different beast. I totally bombed my first midterm, but I was able to change my study habits and salvage my grade in the end. I cruised through Phys 142 and 143 afterwards because of what I learned in Phys 141.

Devin, Physics, he/him

Devin, Physics, he/him

Junior, Physics

Ask me about

Classical & Jazz, Piano, Video Games, Beekeeping

Notable academic challenge

I struggled with not knowing how to prepare for physics exams. I would do practice problems and review my notes, but when I would take the exams, I felt underprepared and confused. After getting help from my professor, I learned different ways to get more value out of the same practice problem and how to apply that to tests.

Sahiti, Biology, she/her

Sahiti, Biology, she/her

Senior, Biology (Molecular, Cellular & Development), AMATH minor

I've taken

BIOL 355, GENOME 371, BIOC 440

Ask me about

I love exploring new places in Seattle! Additionally, I like to cook and play the violin

Notable academic challenge

I struggled with studying for exams for the intro bio series, as the practice exams would often not be representative of the material and the lectures would not provide the depth required for the exams. I found that study groups, online resources, and CLUE were all helpful!

Trevor, Biology, he/him

Trevor, Biology, he/him

Senior, Biology (General) / Business

I'm excited about

Hiking, skiing, or playing spikeball with friends. Reading fantasy books. Going to concerts, and exploring new places in Seattle.

I've taken

BIOL 350, BIOL 446, BIOL 469

Notable academic challenge

I struggled a lot with the transition into college during my first year and developing study strategies that worked for me. I did really well with the rigidly structured schedule of high school assignments, and having more flexibility without as many assignments made it difficult for me to study effectively. I've since learned many strategies to be academically successful in a college environment, and would love to share them through tutoring.

Ian, Chemistry, he/him

Ian, Chemistry, he/him

PhD Student, Bioengineering (Undergrad: Biochemistry major, Math minor)

I've taken

Courses in Biochemistry, Biology, and Chemistry

Ask me about

Photography, Cooking, Biking, Reading

Notable academic challenge

Starting graduate school in a new city at the peak of the pandemic, I struggled initially navigating through that period of isolation after I was abruptly displaced from the community of mentors and peers that I built over years in undergrad. Even the small setbacks felt difficult to overcome, since I couldn't turn to anyone for support easily. As I met more people and invested more time in activities outside of my program, I gradually found a stronger sense of belonging and a resiliency to tackle failures that often occur during research.

Jennifer, Chemistry, she/her

Jennifer, Chemistry, she/her

Senior, Biochemistry

I've taken

Chem 237, 238, 239

Ask me about

Cats! Knitting! Coffee!

Notable academic challenge

One notable academic challenge I faced occured during my Organic Chemistry course, specifically with NMR spectroscopy. While I understood the theoretical aspects, applying NMR to solve structure determination problems proved much more difficult. After this experience, I actively sought help, attending office hours and making full use of on-campus resources at the University of Washington. By seeking guidance from my professor and engaging with tutors at CLUE, I was able to approach NMR problems more systematically and confidently. This experience reinforced the importance of seeking for support and fully utilizing the resources available. It’s easy to feel isolated when struggling with difficult material, but taking advantage of the help offered by the University of Washington was key to my success.

Zareef, Math, he/him

Zareef, Math, he/him

Senior, Computer Science/Math/Data Science

I've taken

Math 318, Math 300, CSE 312 (Probability), Math 224, AMATH 301

Ask me about

Running, Gym, Playing Smash

Notable academic challenge

Struggling to stay motivated after midterm 1 in Math 125

Shivani, Math, she/her

Shivani, Math, she/her

Junior, Bioengineering

I've taken

Math 207, 208

Ask me about

Baking, playing piano and violin, reading, boba

Notable academic challenge

I struggled with balancing my classes with research, clubs, and work. I learned to manage my time effectively by planning out my day using Google calendar, and making sure to set aside time each day for homework. I also learned to always leave myself time to relax every day, so that I wouldn't get overwhelmed and burnout.

CLUE Tutors: Writing Center

Julie (Lead), Writing, she/her

Julie (Lead), Writing, she/her

Senior, Informatics

I've taken

ENGL 131, ENGL 281, PSYCH 209

Ask me about

I love traveling the world, shopping for clothes and random items, trying new things, making friends, reading, watching tv and helping others. I also love discovering new music and going to concerts.

Notable academic challenge

Throughout high school, I was convinced that I wanted to be a business major at the University of Washington. I took summer courses, participated in programs related to business and pursued positions in organizations that pertained to my goals. When decisions came out, I was accepted into UW, but not direct-admit into the Foster School of Business. Originally, I was devastated, viewing this as a failure and created a plan to apply again later. However, I took a few classes related to other majors, out of curiosity. Over the course of the next two quarters, I realized that business wasn't my true passion, and that informatics related much more to my interests. In Spring quarter, I applied and got in, and now I am confident in my educational journey. This academic challenge showed me that college is a time of exploration, and that you will find your path if you keep persevering.

Hayley, Writing, she/her

Hayley, Writing, she/her

Senior, Linguistics, Data Science, Music

I've taken

ENGL 289, ENGL 298, LING 461, LING 462, LING 203, COM 200, SOC 225, SOC 360

Ask me about

I love listening to music, making Spotify playlists, memorizing lyrics, and obsessing over film scores and soundtracks! I also enjoy spending time outdoors, building legos, singing, doing puzzles, going to concerts, being around kids, taking pictures, analyzing movies, and hanging out with friends. I'm looking forward to meeting new people this year!

Notable academic challenge

In high school and coming into college, I struggled with narrowing down my chosen career path, being interested in and involved with both humanities/social science and STEM related fields, courses, extracurriculars, etc. It was difficult to confine myself to one area of study and commit to a binary that could not encapsulate everything I wanted to do. This made it harder to focus on one specific aspect to pursue. However, college is the best time to expand and explore, as well as take advantage of all of the outlets and opportunities we have available, and so with the help of campus resources, I have been able to embrace the dichotomy and manage taking all the classes I want to. The versatility of my various programs allows me to feel like I am tackling more subjects pertinent to me without spreading myself too thin to still maintain a good balance with the rest of college life!

Yoojin, Writing, she/her

Yoojin, Writing, she/her

Graduate Student, Linguistics

I'm excited about

I like to explore coffee shops, play piano, watch movies, and spend time with family and friends!

Notable academic challenge

Writing was my worst enemy for a long time--I was a second language speaker of English and essay writing was almost fearful for me. But in high school, I took AP Language and Composition and AP Literature to strengthen my weaknesses. Doing so forever changed my attitude towards writing. With the right organizational skills and motivated mindset, writing became so much approachable and somewhat enjoyable! Eventually it became one of my strong suits and here I am in a Ph.D. program, writing all the time!

Harini, Writing, she/her

Harini, Writing, she/her

Junior, Microbiology, CHID

I've taken

JSIS 317, CHID 250,  ENGL 316, CHID 485

Ask me about

I love reading, listening to podcasts, learning new instruments, sudoku, crocheting, and rewatching classic sitcoms!

Notable academic challenge

Recently, I've had a difficult time figuring out the right career for myself. I have a lot of interests, and it's been super difficult trying to narrow down only one or two to dedicate my life to, especially since I don't know whether I'll be happy in the future with the paths I choose. Figuring out what to minor or potentially even double-major in has been a very tricky process, but one great piece of advice I've received from my friends and family is to just allow life to happen! College is a time for exploration and discovery, whether it be learning more about who you are as a person or trying out new passions, hobbies, or career fields. Though it's still stressful for me to accept that I can't know exactly where I'll end up in the future, allowing myself to focus on my interests in the present has been a lot more gratifying than falling into a spiral of anxiety. I hope that by giving myself the space to make mistakes and explore this year, I'll have a better idea of where I want to go in the future!

Maya, Writing, she/her

Maya, Writing, she/her

Junior, Music and Law Societies & Justice (LSJ)

I'm excited about

I love listening to music and discovering new songs and artists! If you have any recommendations, please let me know! I also love traveling, shopping, and meeting people.

I've taken

LSJ 200, LSJ 322, POL S 201, POL S 368, LSJ 377, LSJ 375

Notable academic challenge

After high school, I was convinced I was going to work in the medical field. However, after taking an introductory chemistry class, I realized I didn't want to continue on the pre-med track. I then decided to register for LSJ 200, and that served as a catalyst for my interest in law, criminal justice, and human rights. I took POL S 368 and LSJ 377, and both of those classes only solidified my interest in the law, societies, and justice departments. I am now double majoring in music and LSJ, and I'm excited to see where this takes me!

Carilyn, Writing, she/her

Carilyn, Writing, she/her

Sophomore, English

I've taken

ENGL 202, ENGL 302, ENGL 284, Humanities first series (101-103)

Ask me about

Backpacking and hiking, gardening, and reading!

Notable academic challenge

Having to regularly share my writing aloud as part of a creative writing class. I have a lot of difficulty with public speaking, especially when it comes to sharing personal things like poetry, but strategies like getting support from friends in the class and practicing at home really helped me.

Ann, Writing, she/her

Ann, Writing, she/her

Senior, Psychology Major/ Business Minor + Law, Societies, and Justice Minor

I've taken

ENGL 198, ESS 101, POL S 201, COM 200, LSJ 363

Ask me about

I love rewatching movies that would get 2.5 stars on Letterboxd now but were cult classics in the 2000s/2010s, going to concerts, hiking, finding new bakeries, and getting book recommendations!

Notable academic challenge

I had the idea of the perfect schedule and 4-year-plan when I started at the UW, and I quickly learned that it was silly to believe that plans wouldn't change as I went. Being a student at the UW means that opportunities for different classes, clubs, and events comes generously. Prioritizing your goals and managing your time is probably one of the most important things to do, but so is not getting caught up in the details of a perfectly pinned MyPlan schedule. Be eager to learn, explore, and try new things, and you'll end up at the perfect schedule, even if it isn't always what you'd expect.

Kabir, Writing, he/him

Kabir, Writing, he/him

Junior, Informatics & Economics

Ask me about

I love horse riding, learning new languages, thrifting around Seattle, and playing the guitar. I also like staying updated on current affairs!

Notable academic challenge

As an incoming freshman, I was unaware of how challenging UW's major application process is. At times it feels as if one's entire academic and professional future is contingent on performing well in one pre-requisite. For me that was undoubtedly the calculus series that I took before being admitted into the Economics major. Although I gave it my all, I failed to achieve the grade I was hoping for and felt demoralized. As I haphazardly searched for alternative majors because I'd convinced myself of the result before even applying, a friend who'd been in the same situation conveyed the holistic nature of the process. My academic struggles in my first year did nothing but teach me a valuable lesson that failure is one piece of the puzzle and always opens a new door. Now, as a declared Informatics and Economics student, I'm grateful I went through a tumultuous few quarters because of the resilience they instilled.

Devyn, Writing, he/him

Devyn, Writing, he/him

Junior, Psychology, intended Political Science double major

I've taken

GEN ST 161, LSJ 367, ENGL 131, SOC 300, PSYCH 209, POL S 202, POL S 204

Ask me about

In my free time I like making and designing clothes and fashion collections, learning about foraging local wild plants, hanging out with my dog, and baking.

Notable academic challenge

All throughout my academic career, I have struggled with time management, and still do. There were many quarters where I performed so badly in my classes I had to drop them. I especially struggled with STEM classes with their heavy workload. I get easily distracted especially since I have many creative pursuits that I like to get caught up in, so it can be hard to buckle down and get work done. This year, I started making sure to study for tests over at least 4-6 days rather than all at once. This is what got me through biopsych as well as my first 300 level psych classes. One thing I found helpful was using an app that lets you grow virtual trees for every set time period that you focus for, and gives you coins you can use to unlock more kinds of trees with every session. It also blocks off apps on your phone so they don’t distract you. This app is called forest (this is not sponsored, I just really like this app). It’s also helped me to get consistent sleep, check in with my support network, and reward myself with treats such as strawberry matcha lattes.