Karina Amaya
Hello my name is Karina Amaya and I am a freshman this year at the UW. I am undecided in what I would like to major in but I definitely want to study something in STEM. I was born in Houston, Texas and at the age of two I moved to Wenatchee, Washington. In my free time I like to watch shows and movies especially with my roommates. I also enjoy listening to music and playing video games.
Carter Archuleta
Hello! My name is Carter Archuleta, and I am a first-year student at the University of Washington. I grew up all over the west coast, but most of my childhood was in Bend, Oregon, where I developed my fascination with astronomy. I plan on majoring in astronomy and physics at UW. I previously attended Tacoma Community College as a Running Start student and received my associate’s degree in physics. I play trumpet and piano, and I am currently finishing up my private pilot license.
Nathaniel Brown
Hi! My name is Nathaniel and I’m a freshman at UW. I’m from West Seattle and was very excited to go to UW because both of my parents went here. I’m excited to study astronomy because I’ve always been interested in space since childhood. Outside of school, I enjoy playing guitar, wrestling, judo, and cooking.
Daniel Cai
Sup everyone, I’m Daniel and I’m a huge nerd naturaly I’m interested in exterestrial life and exo planets. I’m interested in formation and the different life cycles through the universe, maybe multiverse. Nice to meetchu
Yasin Chowdhury
Hi, my name is Yasin! I am currently a sophomore at the University of Washington. I am from Seattle, WA but grew up in Dhaka, Bangladesh. I plan to major in Astronomy and Physics. I love to learn Astronomy and do stargazing at night. The fun thing about me, I love to look at the night sky and play my guitar overnight when nobody is around. I look forward to start astronomical research throughout the class.
Caleb De Los Angeles
Hi! My name is Caleb, I’m currently a junior at the University of Washington, and I have lived in Washington my whole life. Going into university, I wasn’t quite sure about what I wanted to major in, but I knew for certain that I was passionate about STEM. By the end of my freshman year, I figured out Astronomy and Physics were what got me most excited. I’m looking forward to what PreMAP has in preparing me for the long road ahead. Outside of school, I like to play video games, read, and delve into the ever-growing lore of Star Wars.
Pine Dysart-Bricken
Salutations, my name is Pine Dysart-Bricken, my pronouns are they/them, and I am a freshman at UW. I am planning on double majoring in Astronomy and either Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, or Art. I have been passionate about learning, and science in particular, since I was a little kid; I am inspired to spend my life contributing to innovation and the furtherance of our understanding of life, the Universe, and beyond. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, archery, practicing martial arts, climbing trees, going on walks and hikes in the rain, and drawing. I am fervently pleased to be in Pre-map, and I am eager to continue pursuing my scientific interests and begin learning how to do research for Astronomy.
Owen Fairbairn
Hello! I’m Owen, a first year student at UW. I was born in NYC, moved around a bit (grew up in Germany) but spent the last 9 years in New York. Right now I’m pre sciences but I’ve always been interested in astronomy and want to know what you do in this field.
Frida Gallegos-Maravilla
Hello! My name is Frida Natalia Gallegos Maravilla. I’m from Wenatchee, WA, and I am a first-year student at the UW. I adore science in general, but have always been fascinated by our universe and the stars. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, and laughing. I also love pretty views and plants. I am excited to learn more about astronomy and research this quarter. My intended major is Biology but I have yet to decide for certain!
Benjamin Herrera
Howdy! My name is Benjamin Herrera. I am a first-year student at the UW from Jacksonville, Florida, and astronomy has taken my interest because of a constant exposure to the infinities of information I was exposed to thanks to the wonders of online creators like Vsauce and figures like my father, who had me looking in the sky with a telescope very early on. For me, now is the time to finally answer the questions no one else has and find out how I will approach the unknown with the most perspective I can acquire with the help of my peers.
Chloe Lau
I’m Chloe, a freshman Pre-Sciences Major with an interest in Astronomy and Psychology. I’m from Everett, Washington, and have a strong passion for Ratatouille (2007).
Sam Puentes
Hi! My name is Sam. I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and moved to the U.S. about 5 years ago. This is my first year at the UW; I will major in Physics. I have always enjoyed math and science. Astronomy is a subject that I love and would like to learn more about, and might even be interested in double majoring in. When I’m not in class or studying, I’m making music. I play the drumset and am a beginner in piano.
Daniel Schweizer
Hi my name is Daniel Schweizer. I was born in Newport, Oregon but I was raised and went to high school in Arlington, Washington. I want to double major in Astronomy and Physics and pursue a career doing research. I enjoy weightlifting, playing sports, cooking, and exploring new places. I love skiing, and have always wished I could fly. I am fascinated with what is happening in space and plan to move to Mars in the near future.
Jerusalem Sintayehu
Hi everyone, my name is Jerusalem Sintayehu and I am currently a freshman at UW. I grew up in Blaine WA, which is nearly on the border of Canada and completed high school there. I’m hoping to major in Astronomy which is why I’m taking this course. Like most who look to major in this field, I’ve just always been interested in Astronomy and I can’t wait to grow my knowledge and understanding of this field throughout college. Through this class, I’m really looking forward to gaining a better understanding of research as it relates to astronomy and I’m excited to learn from the mentors!
Nicholas Swafford
Hey there, my name is Nick Swafford, I’m a freshman here at UW. I was born in San Diego, CA, and lived there for most of my childhood. However, I moved to Raleigh, NC for four years before moving to Washington. I’ve been latched onto space and space technology since I was a little peewee in elementary school and had the goal of majoring in astronomy since freshman year of high school. Once I found out about the PreMAP course I knew it would be a great opportunity for me as I continue pursuing that goal. In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors, meeting new people, and having a good time with friends. Oh, and the occasional video game sessions of course.
Ezra Thomason
Hi! My name is Ezra, and I am currently a sophomore at UW. Washington has been my home, except for a short stint when I lived in Liberia. I hope to major in Astronomy; I have always been fascinated by the night sky and stars, especially since I enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and the outdoors. Exploring the world and the Universe is something I could never get tired of.
Josiah Vellegas
Hi! My name is Josiah Vellegas, and I am a freshman at UW and am majoring in Physics. Science and math have always been my two favorite subjects in school, and my first physics class had me hooked. For my junior and senior years of high school, I participated in the Running Start program at Skagit Valley College, earning my Associate of Science degree. My curiosity and desire to understand the unknown is what keeps me interested in physics, and is what I am hoping will help me succeed here at UW. I grew up in Skagit County, Washington, and love to play both soccer and tennis. I also enjoy playing video games and spending time with friends and family. I’m extremely excited to participate in some real-world research, and can’t wait to experience all this course has to offer!