Eight students from the College of the Environment — Jono Grindall, Daniel Hernandez, Jessica Hernandez, Griffin Hoins, Marysa Laguë, Loma Pendergraft, Kristen Smith, Tyler Valentine — have been selected as members of the 2017 class of the Husky 100. This new award recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from across the three University of Washington campuses who are making the most of their time as members of the UW community, and making a difference inside and outside of the classroom.
Jono Grindall
- Hometown: Mukilteo, Wash.
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
“I am a senior undergraduate majoring in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences as well as minoring in Quantitative Sciences and Marine Biology. I have been named to the Husky 100 because I took the opportunity to let my experiences while at UW increase my appreciation for people and nature, and to earn skills that will contribute to the further development of life on this planet.”
Daniel Hernandez
- Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
“As the son of immigrant parents, English is my second language. While some would consider this a disadvantage, I have used my native tongue in volunteering with UW’s Student Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. By coupling my fluency in Spanish and English with my scientific training in aquatic systems and viral pathogens, I am helping improve the water quality and overall health of a community in Central America. My unwavering commitment to serving my world is why I was selected as a Husky 100.”
Jessica Hernandez
- Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
“Despite the difficulty of growing up impoverished and with no concrete path toward success, I will become the first Ch’orti’ and second Zapotec to complete and receive a doctorate degree. This accomplishment has motivated me to mentor other students of color, who like myself are breaking barriers for their communities and families. I am the daughter of a child guerrilla soldier and the granddaughter of tribal environmental leaders raised in South Central Los Angeles, defying all odds for me, them and us at UW.
Griffin Hoins
- Hometown: Nordland, Wash.
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
“Being and undergraduate at UW inspired me to live an examined life. I grew up on the Puget Sound intrigued by the marine life all around me. I thrive on exploration and adventure; the UW has allowed me these opportunities — Friday Harbor Labs, cutting-edge undergraduate research, foreign study and a myriad of clubs, organizations and cultural opportunities. I want to enact change and, within my field of study, create a collaborative and global community. I am beyond grateful to be a Husky.
Marysa Laguë
- Hometown: Cranbrook, BC, Canada
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Applied Mathematics
“I am a Ph.D. student studying how changes in the land surface can influence global climate patterns. During my time at UW, I have had the opportunity to interact with many amazing individuals — from faculty to graduate students and undergrads — whose enthusiasm for scientific research, multidisciplinary collaboration and outreach has been an inspiration.
Loma Pendergraft
- Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
“I’m a graduate student studying American crow communication and behavior. Before I was admitted in the UW’s graduate program, I was a science teacher for a public school system in Oklahoma. Perhaps because of that background, I believe that the best scientists are those who are effective educators. To that end, I look for opportunities to speak to K-12 students, undergrads and the general public about crows and what we can learn from them.”
Kristen Smith
- Hometown: Peekskill, N.Y.
- Program on the Environment
“My UW experience has energized my passion for making the world a more inclusive, equitable and environmentally-conscious place. I have gained the confidence to be a strong leader, the empathy to be a successful advocate and the knowledge to find solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Whether inspiring young minds to be the next generation of environmental stewards or working with underserved communities, I’ve made the most of my time as a Husky both inside and outside the classroom.”
Tyler Valentine
- Hometown: Spokane Valley, Wash.
- Department of Earth and Space Sciences (Physics), Astronomy, Department of Physics, Applied Physics
“One day, I plan to run an asteroid mining company. In the meantime, I am researching space science and technology on campus and advocating for STEM education and space exploration across the Pacific Northwest.”
