Congratulations to four College of the Environment students recognized in the 2023 Husky 100!
The Husky 100 actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future. Through their passion, leadership and commitment, these students inspire all of us to shape our own Husky Experience.
Included in this year’s Husky 100 are Katelyn Saechao and Gulsima Young from the Program on the Environment, and Jonathan Kwong and Maxwell Perkins from the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.
KATELYN SAECHAO
Seattle, WA
B.A. Environmental Studies
Through UW, I have been granted valuable experiences where I worked towards achieving equity in my community and strived for growth as an advocate. As a Southeast Asian woman in STEM, I ultimately hope to encourage others from marginalized backgrounds to reach for their dreams despite the trials and tribulations they may encounter along the way. Although my Husky experience was initially filled with many obstacles and redirected paths, I can say with certainty that I am finally where I belong and I will continue to fight for the equity and environmental justice that my south Seattle community deserves.
GULSIMA YOUNG
Pullman, WA
B.A. Environmental Studies; B.S. Informatics
During my time at UW, I discovered my interest in the intersection of environmental justice, public policy and sociology. In the future, I hope to engage in research and policy work to explore how we can cultivate resilient communities, break down accessibility barriers and collectively address policy-reinforced patterns of discrimination. I am immensely grateful for all that I have learned at UW and for the kindness of those around me.
JONATHAN KWONG
Dededo, Guam
B.S. Environmental Science and Resource Management
American Indian Studies, Oceanic and Pacific Islander Studies
As a product of my communities, I am a trans-disciplinary thinker who is guided to decompose systems of oppression by centering queer people of color through storytelling and communal caring. In the conservation field, I am constantly reimagining with others how environmental scientists will work collaboratively with communities of color. Being a steward of safe spaces, I connect with people through my artistic and interstitial practice that involves poetry, creative writing, painting, weaving and carving.
MAXWELL PERKINS
Redmond, WA
B.S. Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management; B.S. Biology
Quantitative Science; History; Interdisciplinary Honors
Ongoing climate injustices motivate me to innovate nature-based solutions from multiple angles. Whether I am exploring interdisciplinary curricula, publishing coastal resiliency research or directing reforestation fundraisers, everything I do is rooted in biophilia and empathy. I will continue to embody these values as a climate adaptation graduate student and community leader.
