University of Washington sophomore Jonathan Kwong was recently named a Udall Scholar, a selective honor awarded to 55 college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to American Indian nations or to the environment. More than 380 candidates from across the country applied for this selective scholarship, with award recipients receiving up to $7,000 each. The Udall Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall, whose careers held significant impact on American Indian self-governance and stewardship of lands and resources.

Kwong is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and resource management in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences with a minor in oceanic and Pacific Islander studies. A dedicated researcher, scholar and storyteller, Kwong is focused on uplifting traditional ecological knowledge within the environmental science fields and cites their upbringing and heritage from Guam as essential to their understanding of land, nature, resources and history. Kwong’s interdisciplinary studies have given them the opportunity and resources to actively create a pathway rooted in community, as they become a scientist who is both equitable and effective.

“I’m really happy and overjoyed. What the Udall Scholarship means to me is I’m able to continue doing my research, and it’s such an honor. I will be able to continue meeting with professors, continue learning more and doing the work without having to worry about finances,” shared Kwong. They cite the additional benefit of this award granting them time to make friends, connections and develop new mentor relationships.