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The Department of Biology wants to hear from its Alumni and Graduating Seniors!

Alumni: please post an update with your current career, latest accomplishments, and other information.

Graduating Seniors: let us know about your plans for work, school, travel, or other activities.

Then find out what your colleagues are up to by perusing the entries on this page!

Thank you for keeping the extended UW Biology community vibrant and strong!

 

Current Graduating Class | 2000s | 1990s | 1980s | 1970s | Older

Graduating Seniors

  Lisa Akiyama (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: I will be working for 2 years as a Research Assistant at the I-LABS. Afterwards I hope to go to medical school or graduate school in Neuroscience or Clinical Psychology.
  Myra Jon Aquino (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans:

 
Mitra Barahimi (BS in Neurobiology )

Plans: med school at University of Washington in Seattle, WA
  Nicole Barhanovich (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: PT school at Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA

 
Carolyn Bauer (BS in Biology, option in Ecology and Evolution 2009)

Plans: grad school at Tufts University in Medford, MA

Advice: Start undergraduate research as early as you can!

 
Chris Bolander (BS in Biology, option in Physiology )

Plans: osteopathic school at TBD

Advice: In your pursuits - never settle for less
  Marjorie Cariaga (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: Pharmacy School at University of Washington School of Pharmacy in Seattle, WA

Advice: figure out where your heart is and give it all you got.. yes, that means working your butt off (but still finding a good balance with having some fun too!:-P)
  Jessica Chan (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: osteopathic school at Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, WA

Advice: Take advantage of everything that the undergrad school has to offer. Get to know your professors; they can give you great advice!

 
Kendra Cherry ()

Plans: PT school at Washington University in St.Louis, MO

Advice: Curiosity and passion are the keys to a fulfilling life!
  Peter Chong (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: Job in research

Advice: advice: figure out what you like and want to do and don't let anything or anyone tell you you're not good enough
  Mehgan Colkitt (BS in Biology, option in Plant Biology 2009)

Plans: Job in research
  Brittany Cornfield (BS in Biology, option in General Biology )

Plans:

Advice: Always keep things in perspective. Don't let mistakes overshadow your accomplishments. Learn from those mistakes early on and use every experience to grow as a student.
  Micki Davenport (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2010)

Plans: Job in research
  Katie Forsman (BS in Biology, option in Physiology )

Plans: vet school at Washington State University in Pullman, Wa
  Jason Frankel (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: med school at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York

Advice: Enjoy your time at UW and take advantage of the many opportunities available. Specifically, get to know the great faculty in the Biology department! They can be your greatest mentors and advocates.

 
Cynthia Gentry (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: vet school at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA
  Nick Gomez (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: grad school at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC

Advice: Enjoy your time and stay determined.

 
Gabbbie Guncay (BS in Biology, option in Environmental and Conservation Biology 2009)

Plans:

Advice: Never let money or doubt get you down!
  Craig Harris (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: med school at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA
  Farah Hawasli (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: grad school at TBD

Advice: Set goals, find a balance, and DONT LOSE YOURSELF. Remember that strivers will achieve what dreamers believe :]
  Ashley Hirst (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: Pharmacy School at University of Washington in Seattle, WA

 
Tien Ho (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: Pharmacy School at University of Washington in Seattle, WA
  Tien Ho (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: Pharmacy School
  Anisa Ibrahim (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: med school at University of Washington in Seattle, WA

Advice: Life goes on.... so dream big,never let anyone doubt you and never doubt yourself! Work hard, play hard, and remember those who are important to you =)
  Kimberly Jasmer (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: grad school at University of Missouri - Biological Sciences in Columbia, MO

Advice: Take the courses that interest you, but not so many all at once that you struggle learning anything at all. Seize opportunities: internships, lab work, study abroad, clubs... experience all the UW and your undergrad years have to offer.

 
Lauren Johnson (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: PT school at Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA

Advice: Start interning or volunteering in the field that you want to pursue as soon as possible.

 
Shilpa Kasukurthi (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: grad school at University of Washington School of Public Health in Seattle, WA

Advice: Be sure to make a lot of connections with faculty and clubs in the biology department. There are so many amazing ways to get involved and you'll get much more out of your undergrad experience if you do.
  Shelby Kemper (BS in Biology, option in General Biology )

Plans: Pharmacy School at University of Colorado in Denver, CO

 
Jordan Kho (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology )

Plans: Job in research at UW Medicine - Hematology in Seattle, WA
  Margaret Lee (BS in Biology, option in Physiology )

Plans: Pharmacy school at University of Washington School of Pharmacy

 
Ruolan Liu (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: Job

Advice: Get to know your Professors early on! Take time to explore all of Seattle's quirky neighborhoods.
  Susan Loudon (BS in Biology, track II-Ecology, Evolution and Conservation 2009)

Plans: Job at Teach for America, CT
  Talina Marshall (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: PT school at Pacific University in Forest Grove , Oregon
  Medena Mulic (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2005)

Plans: Physicians Assisting School at NA

 
Eric Nguyen (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: Job in research at University of Washington Dept. of Medical Genetics in Seattle, WA

Advice: Do some undergraduate research. Take a class just for fun. Buy and read a copy of Real Change. Join a club or two (like Tribeta). Jump on a bus whose destination you don't know. Plan your class schedule early. Don't panic. Most importantly, make sure you leave time for sleep and having fun!
  Nhu-An Nguyen (BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 2009)

Plans: Continue to work as a paraoptometrist before applying to optometry school

 
Patrick Pham (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans:

Advice: You guys should take Physiology class with professor Kennedy (Biology 350 in fall), and professor Wenderoth. They will rock your academic world. Their classes are fastidious and hard. However, you will fall in love with their teaching methods. Also, volunteer for Tri Beta..

 
Mai-lan Phan (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: dental school at University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA

Advice: Life isn't always about school or work. Make sure to take some time and have fun.
  Vu Phan (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: PT school at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho

Advice: If you're interested in getting into the field of PT I definitely recommend that you volunteer at a clinic early and often. Also make sure to prepare a schedule of classes you need to take beforehand so you don't fall behind! Overall, try your best to be prepared, just looking over the websites of various PT programs will give you an idea of what you need to do.
  Inna Piskorska (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: dental school

 
Inna Piskorska (BA in Botany , BS in Biology, option in General Biology )

Plans: dental school at University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA

Advice: Study hard!!!
  Preethi Raghu (BS in Neurobiology 2009)

Plans: I'm taking a year off before entering medical school.
  Milly Rao (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: grad school at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC

 
Hannah Richards (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: grad school at University of Oxford in Oxford, UK

Advice: Take advantage of study abroad opportunities, and apply for all the scholarships you can!
  Brynn Simek (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology )

Plans: grad school at University of Oregon in Eugene, OR
  Rachel Simon (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)

Plans: grad school

Advice: Yea!!!!!!

 
Elizabeth Smith (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: med school at University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, WA

 
Eileen So (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: Physician Assistant School, CA

Advice: Take advantage of your teacher's office hours and find some good study buddies. Get involved in something you love and don't forget to have fun!

 
Kristine Tan (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: med school at TBD

 
Erica Tartaglione (BS in Biology, option in Physiology )

Plans: Job in research at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Seattle, WA

Advice: Get involved in research EARLY in your undergraduate years (and always get funding for it), become good friends with your P.I. and the grad students, present at the URP, take a Mary Pat Wenderoth course, and the Sociobiology course, go to Friday Harbor for your Biol 180 field trip, just get through physics, and don't skip out on biochemistry!

 
Susan Taylor (BS in Biology, track II-Ecology, Evolution and Conservation 2009)

Plans: Job in research at University of Washington, King Lab in Seattle, WA
  James Tse (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: med school at Western University of Health Sciences or Virginia Commonwealth University

Advice: have fun

 
Nikole Young (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)

Plans: dental school at University of Washington School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA

 
Angela Zhang (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans: med school at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA

Advice: Study hard, but also cherish each moment of your undergraduate years!

 
Kevin Zhang (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2009)

Plans:

Advice: party like a rockstar!

 
Yunlin Zheng (BS in Biology, option in General Biology )

Plans: PT school at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA

Advice: Expand your volunteer experiences to outside of UWMC.
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2000s


 
Kristy Brady (BS in Biology, track II-Ecology, Evolution and Conservation 2002, BS in Botany 2002, MS in Biology 2006)
Development, Outreach, Communications at UW Biology in Seattle, WA
I have been coordinating all development, outreach, and communications for the University of Washington's Department of Biology since early 2007. The best part is meeting fellow alumni and hearing what they've been doing since graduation - I'm constantly impressed! I also love relaying all the exciting research being done in the Department to alumni and friends. Overall, I would have to say I have a great job! When I'm not working, I like to read, garden, spend time with my family, and eat really good food.
  Kimia Busse (BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 2003)
Marketing at Puget Sound Blood Center in Seattle, WA
Working at PSBC in Marketing, and planning on graduating from UW's Evening MBA program (Foster School of Business) in December 2009.
  Ron Cheung (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2004)


 
Stacey DeAmicis (BA in Botany 2006)
Ph.D. student, University of Plymouth, UK
My oh my... did I ever believe that I would be where I am today???

After leaving UW, graduating with my BA in 2006, I was awarded a prestigious graduate scholarship through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This scholarship has not only enabled me to pursue my dream of attending graduate school, but has allowed me to do it in the UK! (Thanks Uncle Jack!) I am now approaching the end of my 2nd year in the New Route PhD programme (a traditional 3 year British PhD with essentially a 1 year taught Masters program tacked on to the front end). However, due to the nature of my research, it will take me 5 years to complete, rather than the 4 as set out in the beginning.

I'm at the University of Plymouth, way out in the southwest part of the country surrounded by lovely coastlines, the moors, and plenty of rain! My PhD focuses on the effects of Sargassum muticum invasion on the native seagrass beds in the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary. I am concentrating on the biochemical and physiological responses in seagrass based on the presence or absence of this invasive alga.

After completing my PhD I hope to become involved in bridging the communication gap between researchers and policy makers so that good, sound policy can be written based on solid scientific findings. Exciting and ideal places of employment would be entities such as UNESCO, the US Foreign Service, high levels of central governments, etc.

Words of advice: Always remember that anything is possible as long as you keep your doors open to whatever opportunities come your way!


 
Kevin Flick (PhD in Biology 2004)
User Researcher
I'm still in Seattle, still loving life with the girls (Mel, Maddie

 
Dan Halos (BS in Zoology 2004)
Financial Consultant
One of the greatest things that the UW Biology department gave me was an introduction to my wife Jennifer. We met while studying at the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island. We loved the place so much that a few years later we returned and were married on the West Side of the Island near Lime Kiln State Park.

After graduating from college and getting married, Jen and I settled into life here in Seattle, just down the street from UW on the Burke-Gilman trail. Several years ago, I changed my career path from medical school to finance. I am a personal financial advisor and couldn't be happier. Right now, I spend most of my time learning (I have two classes remaining before I take my Certified Financial Planner exam -CFP) and growing my business, but someday we hope to slow down, have a family, and live on an Island. Protecting the environment is very important to us so we volunteer for various organizations and do everything we can to make a difference.

 
Tuyet-Anh Hoang (BA Biology 2008)
Veterinary Student at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona, CA
I will be attending veterinary school at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2013!! :)

 
Craig Hofferber (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2009)
1st -Year Student at UW School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA
I've spent the last four months filling in on bass for a Japanese friend's reggae bar house band in Fukuoka Japan. Despite not being able to understand about half of what's being said, it's been a lot of fun. Soon, however, immigration officials will collect me and ship me back to the US in time to gear up for the start of dental school at UW this fall.

Thank you to all the faculty who've helped get me to this point, to Mary Pat for being so effective and engaging day-in and day-out, and a special thanks to Dr. Evan Sugden for an educational opportunity that will be missed by many.


 
Heidi Huber (BS in Biology, option in Ecology and Evolution 2005)
USFS Biological Science Technician: Insects and Disease
I love insects!!! After graduating I decided I needed to travel and see all the critters I love so much in their natural habitats (I had poked at them in the lab enough). My first stop was Arizona and Ecuador where I assisted a UW grad student with her work on dung beetles. Then I spent a few months as an apprentice at Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island studying the evolution of developmental mechanisms in arthropods. Beautiful facility!!! Then I was off to Astoria, Oregon where The Nature Conservancy trained me to climb old growth trees and survey insect communities in the canopy. I am currently living in Corvallis, Oregon working on a biocontrol project for The Forest Service. We are catching beetles that attack invasive weeds and releasing them at sites in Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Who knows what's next :)


 
Korrin Keyser (BS in Biology, option in Ecology and Evolution 2008)


 
Heather Klintworth (BA in Zoology 2002, BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 2002)
PhD student in Toxicology at University of Washington in Seattle, WA
After graduating, I decided to enter the MS program for Toxicology in the Dept of Occupational and Health Sciences at UW. I finished my MS in 2005 and directly continued on in the Toxicology PhD program at UW. My research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Parkinson's disease and test different therapeutic strategies.

I am looking forward to finishing soon and starting a career that integrates both my toxicology education and my passion for ecology and conservation.

  Carolyn Lovano (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2008)

  Kristina Modjeski (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2008)

  Patricia Nguyen (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2008)


 
Barbara Owens (BS in Zoology 2004)
Graduate Student
I am currently back in school, pursuing a master's degree in marine affairs from UW's School of Marine Affairs and it's good to be back around campus again. I am also enrolled in the Environmental Management Certificate Program through the Program on the Environment. I have worked as a TA each quarter so far- for marine biology (got to go on the Tommy Thompson!), oceanography and biology HHMI Fellows. I'm hoping to secure a paid summer internship with People for Puget Sound or the Puget Sound Partnership working on public engagement/outreach/education issues. And then it's one more year (hopefully) to finish my thesis and coursework and then back to the real world!

 
Emilia Sidorska (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2004)


 
Jeff Vanderpham (BS in Biology, track II-Ecology, Evolution and Conservation 2001)
PhD Student
Currently living and studying in Dunedin, New Zealand at the University of Otago. I am working towards a PhD in Ecology, looking at phenotypic plasticity and diel feeding rhythms of the two native freshwater fishes - common and redfinned bullies. Worked in Washington for a couple different consulting companies and DNR since graduating in 2001 and decided it was time to go back to grad school. And why not New Zealand?!?!

 
Celso Wang (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 2004)
Study Monitor at Genentech in San Francisco, CA
I am currently in San Francisco working for Genentech as a Pre-clincal GLP Study Monitor.

I encourage undergrads to apply for my company's internships. Feel free to contact me.

  Mary Wang (BS in Biology, option in Physiology 2007)
High School Science Teacher
After graduating, I jointed Teach For America and became a high school science teacher. I am now in my 2nd year of teaching at my school, an all-boys 7th through 12th grade school in Philadelphia. I teach physical science, anatomy, and chemistry. It has been one of the most challenging, but MOST rewarding experience I've ever had. The obstacles I've had to overcome, both personally and professionally, have made me a stronger and more confident person. The students I work with every day, my boys, are my life. Seeing their progress and growth is an amazing and rewarding experience that I would not trade for anything.
  Traci Weber (BS in Zoology 2003)
Scientific Instructor at University of WA in Seattle, WA

 
Jackie White (BS in Biology, option in Environmental and Conservation Biology 2005)
Environmental Steward for Seattle Art Museum
Jackie lives in Seattle and works for the Seattle Art Museum at the Olympic Sculpture Park coordinating all things "green" for the museum's 3 sites. This includes operational sustainability, site monitoring at the park, environmental partnerships, Park Steward volunteers, and environmental and art education events. Jackie previously worked for the Pacific Science Center, including teaching at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. She also works with the Program on the Environment Alumni Advisory Board, enjoys soccer, biking, and climbing, and hopes to do more freelance writing.
  Sarah Wiese (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 2009)
GRA in Audiology at University of Texas - Austin in Austin, TX
Grad Student - Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.)
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1990s


 
Rich Anaya (BA in Zoology 1997)
Insurance Agent at Atlas Insurance Agency in Seattle, WA
I was looking for more schooling in medicine but changed in 2001. I started doind insurance as a way to be self employed. I miss being part of the Biology/Zoology environment and hope that someone on here might know of a job that is available in this area. Thanks!

 
Mark Coleman (BS in Zoology 1995)
Ecologist
After graduating, completed M.S. in Zoology in 1997 at University of Wisconsin-Madison, worked for three years developing a research animal habitat for the International Space Station, and then completed Ph.D. in Fishery and Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University in 2007. Now, am President/Founder of Coleman Ecological, Inc., an ecological consulting firm in Colorado.
  Michelle Doyle (BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 1999)
Postdoctoral Fellow
After graduating from UW in 1999, I worked as a research tech for two years, first at UW then at the Institute for Systems Biology. Then I moved to Colorado to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. My graduate research focused on development of beta cells in the pancreas. I completed my Ph.D. studies in 2006. I am currently a post-doc at the University of Colorado Boulder where I study muscle stem cells and regeneration of skeletal muscle.
  Barney Gill (BS in Zoology 1997)
Sales Specialist
I worked for several years as a Research Scientist at the UW, and then became a 'Field Applications Scientist' for Perkin Elmer. I have now transitioned into being involved in sales of capital scientific equipment, and the UW is my number one customer! I love being involved in science everyday, and giving back by helping researchers find the tools they are looking for.

 
Brian Herting (BS in Zoology 1993)
Science Teacher at Naches Valley High School in Naches, WA
After graduating from the UW, I attended Central Washington University and earn a BS in biology, and my teachingt certificate. Not knowing if teaching was right for me, I took the GRE, and went to grad school Boise State University. I graduated with my MS in Raptor biology, still not knowing if my doctorate was the right avenue, the decision was made easy for the wife and I,... we found out we were pregnant, and I needed a job,....QUICK! So, I entered the teaching field at a small rural high school in eastern Washington 11 years ago. I currently teach a variety of courses including, biology, honor's biology, anatomy and physiology, physics and forensic science. grad school in the future? Couldn't tell you. Too busy with the family to think about anything right now - but loving life!
  Christopher Schadt (BS in Botany 1996)
Microbiologist
After the University of Washington, I spent several years at the University of Colorado and finished with a PhD. I am currently a Staff Scientist

 
Gretel von Bargen (BS in Zoology 1999)
Biology Teacher
I teach biology at Skyline High School in Issaquah. I absolutely love my job because I laugh every day and get to teach a subject I find fascinating and awe inspiring. I also like having an excuse to stay up to date with current events related to biology!
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1980s

  Timothy Fagnan (BS in Biology, option in General Biology 1983)
Database Administrator
  Scott Freeman (BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 1989)
Scientist
My undergraduate research in the Radiology Dept at UW led to a research tech position studying PET imaging in Neurology/Nuclear Medicine. Learned a great deal in Analytical Chemistry and in 2000 started at Immunex in process development. I'm now at Amgen working in Analytical and Formulation Sciences heading up a chromatography group.

 
Craig Hayslip (BA in Zoology 1982)
Faculty Research Assistant
After graduating from the UW in 1982 I spent most of the next 3 years traveling around the world getting a different kind of education. I spent many years after that alternating between jobs as a fisheries observer and more travel along with a few sidetracks as a ski bum. For the last 4 years I have worked at Oregon State University with the Marine Mammal Institute helping with the satellite tagging of large whales all over the world. It took me a long time to put my education to good use in a job I love, but better late than never!

 
Kim Josund (BS in Zoology 1989)
self-employed
I recently returned to the UW to earn a Certificate in Scientific Illustration and am pursuing work in freelance illustration and wildlife art. Going back through the years, I worked for the WA State Dept. of Fish

 
Stuart Ravnik (BS in Biology, track I-Cell and Molecular 1985)
Assistant Dean
After my UW BS in Bio, I wanted more punishment, so I stayed at UW and got my PhD in BioStructure. I did a Post-Doc in Genetics at Columbia in NYC. I then joined the faculty in Cell Biology
  Eric Stavney (BS in Biology, option in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology 1983)
Instructor, Author at Seattle Area Colleges in Seattle, , WA
I teach biology at community colleges in King and Pierce Counties, mostly cell biology, microbiology, and general non-majors biology. I also am involved in writing biology or microbiology textbooks.

Interest in biology had led me to research in the Alaskan arctic, the forests of northern Wisconsin, and the slopes and drainages of volcanic Mt. St. Helens.

I've also gotten to take students out to watch whales and dolphins in Monterey Bay in California. Talk about awesome!

Currently I'm making jewelry on biological themes, like a sterling silver tRNA, a pair of sister chromatids, and a ribosome.

Studying, breathing, and thinking in biology is really cool!

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1970s


 
Leo Shaw (BA in Zoology 1976)
Retired
Retired in '05 after 28 years as Marine Biology Educator at the Seattle Aquairum.
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Older

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